| |
Basic InformationMore InformationA first-impression review of the new HBO series 'In Treatment'An Interview with Bruce Ecker, M.A., L.M.F.T., on Coherence TherapyAn Interview with Jon Frederickson, MSW, on Experiential Psychodynamic PsychotherapyB.F. SkinnerBehaviorismChoosing the Right Mental Health TherapistCognitive TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Empathy and Therapeutic RapportEye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)Falling In Love with the Therapist: Erotic Transference and PsychotherapyGestalt TherapyHelping People to Mature: Robert Kegan and Psychotherapy (Commentary on 'In Over Our Heads')Humanistic PsychologyList of PsychotherapiesMany Voices; One SelfMental Health and the Legacy of Sigmund FreudObject Relations Theory 101: All the World's a StagePerson Centered PsychotherapyPsychiatric Restraints: Physical and FigurativePsychoanalysisPsychodynamic Group PsychotherapyPsychodynamic PsychotherapyRational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)Research on Self-Help/Mutual Aid GroupsShameSigmund FreudSwiss Psychiatrist Fights Fear with LSDTimeline of PsychotherapyWise Counsel Interview Podcast: Myrna Weissman, Ph.D. on Interpersonal PsychotherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Alan Rappoport, Ph.D. on Control-Mastery TheoryWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Annie Fahy, MSW on Motivational Interviewing Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Becky LaFountain, Ph.D. on Adlerian Psychology and PsychotherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Dr. Jürgen Kriz on Self-Actualization and Person Centered PsychotherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Fern Cohen, Ph.D. on whether Psychoanalysis is DeadWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) TherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Jeffrey Young Ph.D. on Schema TherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with John Clarkin, Ph.D. on Transference-Focused TherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Jonathan Engel, Ph.D. on the History of American Psychotherapy - Part 1Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Jonathan Engel, Ph.D. on the History of American Psychotherapy - Part 2Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Laris Macpherson on the Therapy Client's ExperienceWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. on Dialectical Behavior TherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Natalie Rogers, Ph.D. on Expressive Arts TherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Otto Kernberg, MD on Transference Focused Therapy Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Raul Moncayo, Ph.D. on Lacanian PsychoanalysisWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Richard Shulman, Ph.D. on Volunteers in PsychotherapyWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Shinzen Young on Mindfulness MeditationWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Steven Hayes, PhD on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Latest NewsQuestions and AnswersBlog EntriesImproving Therapy: What Can be Done?Depression and the Elusiveness of Pleasure Obsessive Compulsive DisorderPsychodynamic Group PsychotherapyAn Interview with Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. on Mindfulness at WorkAn Interview with Jon Frederickson, MSW, on Experiential Psychodynamic PsychotherapySTEPPS for Borderline Personality DisorderObject Relations Theory 101: All the World's a StageDoes Marriage Counseling Work?Empathy and Therapeutic RapportNational Depression Screening Day, Thursday October 8, 2009Psychiatric Restraints: Physical and FigurativeAn Interview with Bruce Ecker, M.A., L.M.F.T., on Coherence TherapyBrain Neuroplasticity and Treatment Resistant DepressionWhat about the "milder" depression: Dysthymic disorder?Swiss Psychiatrist Fights Fear with LSDADHD and Stimulant Medications, A Matter of JudgementAn Interview with David Wallin, Ph.D. on the Implications of Attachment Theory for PsychotherapyWhen Your Therapist Goes On VacationDiagnoses, Some Thoughts to ConsiderPsychotherapy - How It Works3 Reasons You May Want Group TherapyDoes Psychotherapy Help Everyone?Of Parking Lots, Stress, Life and PsychotherapyThe Problem of Treating AddictionWhat is the difference between Transference Focused Psychotherapy and standard psychotherapy?Psychotherapy for BPD - what works for whom?An Interview with Becky LaFountain, Ph.D. on Adlerian Psychology and PsychotherapyFaith versus Reason, Religion and PsychologyAn Interview with Steven Phillipson, Ph.D. on the Nature and Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Specialized Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: What is Transference Focused Psychotherapy?Specialized Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: What is Mentalization Based Therapy? Psychotherapy Part DeuxHow to Start Psychotherapy: A Nervous Time for MostSpecialized Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder: What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?Cognitive Distortions, also known as Finding specialized psychotherapy resources for Borderline Personality DisorderFamily Therapy: A Different Approach to PsychotherapyFalling In Love with the Therapist: Erotic Transference and Psychotherapy5 Ways to Achieve MiserySuicide, Self Injury and Hospitalization: Can your therapist have you hospitalized?An Interview with Jonathan Engel, Ph.D. on the History of American PsychotherapyAn Interview with Jürgen Kriz on the topic of Self-Actualization and Rogerian Person Centered PsychotherapyAn Interview with Raul Moncayo, Ph.D. on Lacanian PsychoanalysisAn Interview with Annie Fahy, MSW on Motivational InterviewingAn Interview with Patt Denning, Ph.D. on Harm Reduction Psychotherapy for Substance Abuse and AddictionsAn Interview with Alan Rappoport, Ph.D. on Control-Mastery TheoryWhat Makes Therapy Work?Social Phobia and Self Concept and the BrainAn Interview with Otto Kernberg, MD on Transference Focused TherapyLong Term and Other Types of PsychotherapyNew Study Supports The Effectiveness of Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy ADHD Psychological Coaching: Learning to Cope without MedicationAre artificial intelligence and robots the future of mental health? An Interview with Fern Cohen, Ph.D. on whether Psychoanalysis is DeadShy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis): Getting HelpToday's Psychiatrists Less Likely to Provide Psychotherapy Than Ever BeforeAn Interview with Judith Beck, Ph.D. on Cognitive Therapy and Weight LossAn Interview with Stefanie Goldstein, Ph.D. on Mindfulness-Based Treatment of AddictionAbused as a Child: Permanently Damaged?An Interview with Natalie Rogers, Ph.D. on Expressive Arts TherapyOn the Issue of Sexual and Other Feelings Towards the TherapistDo You Have a Shy Bladder?ShameAn Interview with Shinzen Young on Mindfulness MeditationAn Interview with Richard Shulman, Ph.D. about Volunteers In Psychotherapy (VIP)An Interview with Irvin Yalom, MD on Death AnxietyOur Geriatric Population and Their Need for PsychotherapyIn Treatment: Understanding how patients 'lie' to themselves and others is at the heart of dynamic psychotherapyExorcism: When is it appropriate?A first-impression review of the new HBO series 'In Treatment'The Dangers of a Little KnowledgePsychotherapy: A More than Oncer Per Week CommitmentTransference, Countertransference and Finding a Good TherapistAn Interview with Tony Madrid Ph.D. on the Relationship between Broken Maternal-Infant Bonds and AsthmaTransference: The Patient's Love for the Therapist and an Answer to a Graduate Student's QuestionAn Interview with Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)National Stress Øut WeekAn Interview with Laris MacPherson on the Psychotherapy Client's ExperienceAn Interview with Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. on Dialectical Behavior TherapyDogs, Depression and Other Health Issues: Is there something to be gained from Illness?An Interview with John Clarkin, Ph.D. on Transference-Focused Therapy For Borderline Personality DisorderNew article on Choosing a Psychotherapist"Home Again," What makes for good psychotherapy?Helping People to Mature: Robert Kegan and Psychotherapy (Commentary on 'In Over Our Heads')An Interview with Myrna Weissman Ph.D. on Interpersonal PsychotherapyMemory, Brain and PsychotherapyInterpersonal Therapy May Prevent Future Depressive EpisodesAnti Depressant Medications and Suicide Risk WarningsCollege and Mental Health Problems, They Go TogetherPost-Cognitive PsychotherapyAn Interview with Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. on Acceptance and Committment TherapyAn Interview with Jeffrey Young, Ph.D. on Schema TherapyGaining Control So as Not to Gain WeightDialectical Behavior Therapy: What Is A Dialectic?Binge Eating DisorderUnderstanding Anorexia NervosaRecognizing emotion gets harder or easier depending on your moodMany Voices; One SelfStuffing It: The Culture of Not SpeakingThe Story of A Psychiatric Service Dog TeamWhat Clients Find Helpful in PsychotherapyHumanistic PsychotherapyBoundaries and Dysfunctional Family SystemsThe Persistent Stigma of Mental IllnessThat Psychotherapeutic Question: WHY?Mental Health and the Legacy of Sigmund FreudTo Sleep, Perchance to DreamCognitive RestructuringHow Our Thinking Affects Our FeelingsStructure vs. Spontaneity in PsychotherapyLearning TheoryBrain Scan Predicts Who Will Benefit From Cognitive TherapySteve Jobs Channels Carl RogersSteven Hayes (and ACT) for President!A Doggone Good TherapistInterpretation of Repression on the Sopranos premierRepressionTransferencePhilosophers, Engineers, Ecologists and Gnostics: Four Approaches to PsychotherapyThe Nonjudgemental WitnessStanding Up For YourselfTherapeutic WindowsThe Psychotherapy of The Future: Available Now VideosLinksBook Reviews101 Healing StoriesA Primer for Beginning PsychotherapyA Therapist's Guide to Understanding Common Medical ProblemsAssessment and Treatment of Childhood Problems, Second EditionBad TherapyBefore ForgivingBeing a Brain-Wise TherapistBiofeedback for the BrainBoundaries and Boundary Violations in PsychoanalysisBreaking ApartBuffy the Vampire Slayer and PhilosophyBuilding on BionCare of the PsycheChoosing an Online TherapistClinical Handbook of Psychological DisordersConfessions of a Former ChildConfidential RelationshipsConfidentiality and Mental HealthConfidingCounseling with Choice TheoryCritical Issues in PsychotherapyCrucial Choices, Crucial ChangesDecoding the Ethics CodeDepression in ContextDo-It-Yourself Eye Movement Techniques for Emotional HealingDoing ItE-TherapyEncountering the Sacred in PsychotherapyEnergy Psychology InteractiveEssays on Philosophical CounselingEthics in Psychotherapy and CounselingEveryday Mind ReadingExpressing EmotionFacing Human SufferingFamily TherapyFavorite Counseling and Therapy Homework AssignmentsFlourishingFlying ColorsHandbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual ClientsHealing the Soul in the Age of the BrainHeinz KohutHow to Give Her Absolute PleasureHow to Go to TherapyIf Only I Had KnownIn SessionIn Therapy We TrustIn Treatment: Season 1Incorporating Spirituality in Counseling and PsychotherapyIs Long-Term Therapy Unethical?Issues in Philosophical CounselingIt’s Your HourLearning from Our MistakesLetters to a Young TherapistLove's ExecutionerMan's Search for MeaningMetaphoria: Metaphor and Guided Metaphor for Psychotherapy and HealingMindfulness and AcceptanceMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for DepressionMindworks: An Introduction to NLPMockingbird YearsMomma and the Meaning of LifeMotivational Interviewing: Preparing People For ChangeMulticulturalism and the Therapeutic ProcessOf Mice and MetaphorsOf Two MindsOn the CouchOne Nation Under TherapyOur Inner WorldOvercoming Destructive Beliefs, Feelings, and BehaviorsPhilosophical CounselingPhilosophical MidwiferyPhilosophical PracticePhilosophy and PsychotherapyPhilosophy for Counselling and PsychotherapyPhilosophy PracticePlato, Not Prozac!Psychologists Defying the CrowdPsychology, Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, and the Politics of Human RelationshipsPsychotherapyPsychotherapy As PraxisPsychotherapy for Children and AdolescentsPsychotherapy for Personality DisordersRational Emotive Behavior TherapyRecovery OptionsRent Two Films and Let's Talk in the MorningSaving the Modern SoulSecond-order Change in PsychotherapySelf MattersSelf-Determination Theory in the ClinicSexual Orientation and Psychodynamic PsychotherapyStrangers to OurselvesTaking America Off DrugsTales of PsychotherapyThe Case Formulation Approach to Cognitive-Behavior TherapyThe Crucible of ExperienceThe Education of Mrs. BemisThe Fall Of An IconThe Gift of TherapyThe Love CureThe Making of a TherapistThe Mummy at the Dining Room TableThe Neuroscience of PsychotherapyThe New PsychoanalysisThe Philosopher's Autobiography The Portable CoachThe Portable Ethicist for Mental Health Professionals The Present Moment in Psychotherapy and Everyday LifeThe Psychodynamics of Gender and Gender RoleThe Psychotherapy Documentation PrimerThe Real World Guide to Psychotherapy PracticeThe Schopenhauer CureThe Talking CureThe UnsayableThe Wing of MadnessTheory and Practice of Brief TherapyTherapyTheraScribe 4.0Toward a Psychology of AwakeningTracking Mental Health OutcomesTreating Attachment DisordersWhat the Buddha FeltWhat Works for Whom? Second EditionWhy Psychoanalysis? |
| | | |
by Andrew Kolbasovsky W.W. Norton, 2008 Review by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD NCC LMHC on Nov 18th 2008 
The book covers 11 of the most common medical conditions clinicians will see in a patient population: Diabetes, myocardial infarction (heart attack), congestive heart failure, stroke, asthma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS. The book is written for non-medically trained mental health clinicians, and the purpose is to help mental health clinicians provide the best quality of care to patients with chronic medical conditions, both through improved patient sessions and improved communication with members of the patient's medical team. The author writes that it is not enough to just know facts about a medical condition – the clinician must learn how to treat mental health issues in the context of medical issues. For each medical condition, Kolbasovsky provides the following: an overview; a definition of terms; medical consequences of the illness; medical and behavioral treatments; "good news" about the treatment of the condition; how mental health is affected, including detailed sections on common comorbid disorders of each condition and their medical consequences; vignettes of people with the medical condition, including those with comorbid mental health issues; and additional clinic issues, including incorporating behavioral treatment into medical treatment. In Chapter 5, "Asthma", Kolbasovsky describes asthma in a way that is easy to understand, yet still retains medical accuracy. He also describes asthma's four levels of severity. The "important terms" section defined such essential asthma terms as "peak flow meter", "bronchospasm", and "bronchodilators" (p. 117). The author also makes the important point that asthma symptoms can prevent people from socializing. On page 124, the author lists questions that clinicians should take into account when treating a client with asthma and comorbid panic attacks. This list was thorough, and covered fears related to medication side effects and feelings of loss of control. When the author listed the types of medications available, it would have been helpful if he listed the brand names of these medications. It also would have been helpful if the author had included statistics on the increased amount of asthma deaths among the uninsured, as this is a very pertinent issue today, especially with clients. In Chapter 6, "Breast Cancer", the author has a thorough list of terms and definitions, including the various cancers of the breast. The chapter also has a helpful description of the stages of breast cancer, from nonexistent to severe. A list of side effects to surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, and biological therapy are given, including an often-overlooked side effect of surgery – difficulty with balance. In regards to breast cancer and comorbid depression, the author recommends "booster sessions" of therapy after treatment has ended. In booster sessions, the patient can be reevaluated to determine recurrent depression. The chapter also has an interesting section on breast cancer and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder. In Chapter 8, "Thyroid Disease", the author again describes the condition in a way that is easily understood, and written at an appropriate level for mental health clinicians. The author details both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The author presents data regarding the prevalence of comorbid depression and common demographics of that population. The author emphasizes the importance of asking patients about a personal and family history of medical conditions. The author makes an important point that anxiety is occurs not only in hyperthyroidism, but hypothyroidism as well. At the beginning of the book, there is a "Quick-Reference Table" which lists the medical conditions, comorbid health conditions for each, and the location of that information. It is a great way of getting directly to the information you need. The book contains 78 pages of up-to-date references. The vignettes in each chapter were very helpful, and included a diverse cross-section of people. They were of an appropriate length, and gave enough information without becoming verbose. This book is recommended for all mental health clinicians, as they will most likely encounter patients with chronic medical issues in their practice.
© 2008 Stephanie Sarkis
Stephanie Sarkis, PhD NCC LMHC is the author of two books – 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD: How to Overcome Chronic Distraction & Accomplish Your Goals (2006) and Making the Grade with ADD: A Student's Guide to Succeeding in College with Attention Deficit Disorder (2008), both published by New Harbinger. Dr. Sarkis maintains a private practice in Boca Raton, Florida and is is an adjunct assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University and Saint Leo University. She is a National Certified Counselor and also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. Dr. Sarkis received a 2001 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychiatric Association for her research on comorbid ADHD and brain function. She lectures and presents her research internationally. She can be contacted at www.stephaniesarkis.com or stephanie@stephaniesarkis.com. |
