Health

How to Make Your Counseling Sessions Work for You

Counseling is a process during which you- the client can learn to make changes to improve yourself and your life. Counseling can be reflective and educational. The goal of counseling is to allow you to get to a healthier stage in your life. Many clients go in to counseling with the misunderstanding that they will be all better after their first or second session. Healing is a process and counseling is not a pain pill you take. It is a journey you undertake to help yourself with the assistance of a trained professional.

1. In order for the counseling session to be effective to you, you will need to address your resistance to the counselor’s suggestions/feedback. The counselor is not someone who will make you feel better. You will have to do that yourself. The counselor will show you ways to improve yourself but ultimately you will be the one doing the work.

2. No matter what your issue is, try to be honest and open to the counselor’s feedback during your sessions. If you need more directives versus reflection, ask your counselor for homework. Some examples of homework are journaling, bilbiotherapy, or completion of work book assignments. Be receptive to the feedback you receive. If there is something you are not clear on, ask. The counselor can not read your mind.

3. Try not to blame the counselor or others for your lack of progress. Emotional healing is something you have to be seeking and willing to achieve.

Some counseling options are: individual therapy, family, marriage/couple’s counseling and group therapy.

Acupuncture: An Effective Form of Alternative Medicine

At a point in my life when I seemed to be changing prescriptions daily, I turned to alternative medicine. I was desperate to relieve the daily headaches and stomach pain.

At my husband’s insistence I made an appointment with an acupuncturist. My acupuncturist was very calm and soothing.

I was still very tense. I was afraid of the needles. I was afraid of the size I thought he would use. I was extremely scared of the number of needles he would need to use.

Before we began the first session he explained that I was in control of the number of needles and how deep the needles were inserted. He showed me the tiny size of the needles. I began to breathe easier.

He gave me five minutes to lie down and listen to relaxing music before out session began. I discovered I was very receptive to acupuncture. Do to this discovery he reduced the number of needles we used the first day.

When the session was over I felt relaxed. The pain and anxiety I had been suffering had lessened. For several months the alternative medicine, of acupuncture kept my pain under control.

Finally, I was forced to see a specialist. After spending a week in the hospital they removed my gall bladder.

When I was released from the hospital I went back to my acupuncturist for pain control. I react poorly to pain medication. Acupuncture was able to control my pain and aid in the healing from my surgery.

I would recommend attending an acupuncturist pre and post op. In my experience it helps control the pain, while shortening healing time.

In searching for an acupuncturist ask for referrals among your friends including your doctor. Find out if the acupuncturist will bill your insurance and determine if your insurance covers acupuncture.

Determine the length and type of training. What type of needles does the acupuncturist use? What is the cost? Is there a higher fee for the first visit? Will the acupuncturist be able to provide you with an estimated timeline for visits?

Do not be afraid to try this ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine.

What is the Cause of Endometriosis?

The cause of endometriosis is still unknown. One theory is that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, where it implants and grows. Another theory suggests that endometriosis may be a genetic process or that certain families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis. In the latter view, endometriosis is seen as the tissue development process gone awry.

According to the theory of traditional chinese medicine, endometriosis is a disease which is caused by the stagnation of blood. Blood stagnation may occur due to one or more abortions or lower abdominal or pelvic surgeries. Additionally, engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation may very likely over time cause blood stagnation. Emotional trauma, severe stress, physical or emotional abuse can all lead to the stagnation of blood. Additionally, diet may be a precipitating factor. The constant, long term ingestion of cold foods can congeal blood and thus contribute to the stagnation thereof. Cold foods include raw vegetable, ices, ice cream, ice in drinks, frozen yogurt, etc. Remember, cold congeals. Think about what happens to a normal glass of water when put in the freezer. It turns to ice. The blood is affected similarly. That is to say, it congeals, doesn’t flow smoothly and can form endometrial adhesions, chocolate cysts, uterine fibroids. Whatever the cause of endometriosis, its progression is influenced by various stimulating factors such as hormones or growth factors. In this regard, investigators are studying the role of the immune system in activating cells that may secrete factors which, in turn, stimulate endometriosis.

Source: Acupuncture Arlington Heights IL