Monday, November 13, 2006

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Definition
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after a traumatic event that has caused physical danger. PTSD has also been called shell shock or battle fatigue.

Emotional Well Being
After a loss, it is normal to go through a natural grieving process. Sometimes, however, after a tragedy, feelings of loss surface several weeks or months after the tragedy occurred. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing these symptoms in yourself or others is the first step toward recovery and finding appropriate treatment.

Causes
The exact cause of PTSD is unknown. PTSD is triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. Situations in which a person feels intense fear, helplessness or horror are considered traumatic. PTSD has been reported in people who experienced:
* War
* Rape
* Physical assault
* Earthquakes
* Fire
* Sexual abuse
* Motor vehicle accidents

People with PTSD experience Emotional Symptoms of anxiety.
o Flashbacks
o Dreams/nightmares
o Anxious reactions to reminders of the event
o Hallucinations
o Difficulty falling or staying asleep
o Anger and irritability
o Difficulty concentrating
o Being easily startled

Physical Symptoms may also occur.
* Stomach and digestive problems
* Chest pain
* Headaches
* Dizziness

Treatment
There is no definitive treatment and no cure for PTSD. A variety of therapies can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for PTSD starts after you are completely removed from the traumatic event. You will first receive treatment for any problems with severe depression, suicidal tendencies, drugs or alcohol abuse.

This involves changing your thinking patterns.

Allow me to introduce you to Intra Persona Therapy, which I have developed and which has been proven to be successful. I believe that if I can help people to accept and love themselves just a little bit more, then they will be able to discover the resources within themselves -- their internal physicians.

Intra Persona Therapy: The Whole Person Approach

Through Intra Persona Therapy, you will come to understand the five kinds of wellness that make up the Whole Person Approach. Through this understanding, you will learn to take control of your inner self, and destroy the barriers that causes emotional pain, physical pain and inhibit your personal growth. With this discovery you can continue to grow independently, in health and well-being, for all your days.

Intra Persona Therapy is simply your personal application of a variety of proven and accepted approaches, "prescriptions," and remedies to the experiences, situations, relationships, and personality characteristics that may be preventing you from attaining ultimate personal fulfillment. My experience in my own life as well as in my helping profession has shown me that just about any person is capable of reaching his or her highest level of achievement. I strongly believe that if you really want to achieve a superior state of living each and every day, a high level of mental and physical health is available fo everyone who wishes to go after it.

You can go after what you want for yourself by deciding to work, one day at a time, on adopting a philosophy of life that is going to bring you the greatest amount of happiness, regardless of the circumstances that you have encountered until today. Often without realizing it, many people have successfully applied particular elements of Intra Persona Therapy (the whole person approach, one that does not view individuals as a collection of parts) to achieve new levels of awareness, serenity, peace of mind, and continuing happiness.

Wellness is the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. In order to achieve greater mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, one must begin with a personal commitment to wellness, a commitment that is possible regardless of circumstances, resources, and/or personal history. We can achieve this state of being at any point in our lives by making choices which enhance our individual functioning and development. Thus, through these conscious, deliberate, voluntary, and positive lifestyle choices, we can discover greater overall health.

e-mail - doc@drselfhelp.com
Website - http://ipt-drbekoff.org

Copyright © 1988 Dr.Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D., Behavioral Medicine

Sunday, November 12, 2006

EDUCATION

IN MY OPINION

Education is the instruction, schooling or training given in preparation for the work of life.

To be a teacher one must not only be qualified but also be capable “FOR”
“TO TEACH IS TO “TOUCH A LIFE FOREVER”
The number of students in a classroom is irrelevant.
The capabilities of the instructor and the governing body (school board-politicians) are of prime importance. Without knowledgeable managers you start with liabilities.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

EDUCATION SHOULD PROMOTE "SELF DISCOVERY" ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT

OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS MERELY THE GATHERING OF KNOWLEDGE AND REMEMBERING. THE SYSTEM OPERATES ON THE PREMISE--LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN REMEMBER AND GIVE IT BACK IN QUIZ'S AND EXAMINATIONS.

THE STUDENT IS VIEWED AS A COMPUTER. PROGRAM IT AND LET THE INFORMATION FLOW OUT AS NEEDED.

THE MAJOR FUNCTION OF THE BRAIN IS THINKING. THINKING OR THOUGHTS ARE THE BLUE PRINTS OF OUR STRUCTURE.

SCHOOLS MUST ALLOW STUDENTS TO HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CULTIVATE CREATIVE THINKING, FREE DISCUSSION AND NOT EMPHASIZE THE PRINCIPLE OF CERTAINTY. THE PRINCIPLE OF CERTAINTY STRESSES THE POINT OF A RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER. THE QUEST FOR UNDERSTANDING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY

IN FREE DISCUSSION CREATIVE THINKING LEADS DIRECTLY TO MOTIVATION, INVOLVEMENT AND RELEVANCE, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE STUDENT.

MEMORY IS NOT EDUCATION, ANSWERS ARE NOT KNOWLEDGE. CERTAINTY AND MEMORY ARE THE ENEMIES OF THINKING, THE DESTOYER OF CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY.

THE PROCESS OF STATING A PROBLEM, FINDING REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES, AND IMPLEMENTING WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE BEST ALTERNATIVE IS EDUCATION.

Dr. OSCAR BEKOFF, Ph.D., Behavioral Medicine.

Website www.drselfhelp.com
E-mail doc@drselfhelp.com

Thursday, October 26, 2006

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

POST TRAUMATIC STRESSS DISORDER

I have often wondered why statistics dealing only with injuries and deaths of our valiant soldiers are constantly in the News Papers and TV programs.

This nation has a major problem which is either ignored or not understood.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major problem for our nation. One cannot underestimate the devastating effect it has had and will have on our valiant soldiers.

We have returning soldiers who are suffering from this devastating disorder and which will deprive these valiant individuals from conducting or enjoying a normal lifespan

Returning physically injured veterans are being treated properly for their physical injuries but are the returning veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (wars toll on the mind) being properly treated?

We have combat stress teams, military chaplains and others who can help the professional in dealing with PTSD.

In this Nation we have professionals who are trained and who have earned the highest degree that a University of Higher learning can bestow upon an individual. "Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology" Ph.D.

I will be celebrating my Ninetieth (90) Birthday in 2007 and am still actively engaged in my profession.

I am offering to volunteer my time in enhancing the lifestyle of our returning fighting heros.

I invite you to visit my Web sites.-- http://www.drselfhelp.com and http://ipt-drbekoff.org.

Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D., Behavioral Medicine

Saturday, August 05, 2006

IN MY OPINION

Education is the instruction, schooling or training given in preparation for the work of life.

To be a teacher one must not only be qualified but also be capable “FOR”
“TO TEACH IS TO “TOUCH A LIFE FOREVER”
The number of students in a classroom is irrelevant.
The capabilities of the instructor and the governing body (school board-politicians) are of prime importance. Without knowledgeable managers you start with liabilities.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

EDUCATION SHOULD PROMOTE "SELF DISCOVERY" ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT

OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS MERELY THE GATHERING OF KNOWLEDGE AND REMEMBERING. THE SYSTEM OPERATES ON THE PREMISE--LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN REMEMBER AND GIVE IT BACK IN QUIZ'S AND EXAMINATIONS.

THE STUDENT IS VIEWED AS A COMPUTER. PROGRAM IT AND LET THE INFORMATION FLOW OUT AS NEEDED.

THE MAJOR FUNCTION OF THE BRAIN IS THINKING. THINKING OR THOUGHTS ARE THE BLUE PRINTS OF OUR STRUCTURE.

SCHOOLS MUST ALLOW STUDENTS TO HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CULTIVATE CREATIVE THINKING, FREE DISCUSSION AND NOT EMPHASIZE THE PRINCIPLE OF CERTAINTY. THE PRINCIPLE OF CERTAINTY STRESSES THE POINT OF A RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER. THE QUEST FOR UNDERSTANDING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY

IN FREE DISCUSSION CREATIVE THINKING LEADS DIRECTLY TO MOTIVATION, INVOLVEMENT AND RELEVANCE, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE STUDENT.

MEMORY IS NOT EDUCATION, ANSWERS ARE NOT KNOWLEDGE. CERTAINTY AND MEMORY ARE THE ENEMIES OF THINKING, THE DESTOYER OF CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY.

THE PROCESS OF STATING A PROBLEM, FINDING REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES, AND IMPLEMENTING WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE BEST ALTERNATIVE IS EDUCATION.

Dr. OSCAR BEKOFF, Ph.D., Behavioral Medicine.

Website www.drselfhelp.com
E-mail doc@drselfhelp.com

Saturday, April 29, 2006

INTRA PERSONA THERAPY

EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS
DEMYSTIFYING PSYCHOANALYSIS

By Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D.
E-Mail—doc@drselfhelp..com
Web site-drselfhelp.com

Allow me to introduce you to “Intra Persona Therapy, which I have developed and has been proven to be successful

Intra Persona Therapy is simply your personal application of a variety of proven and accepted approaches, “prescriptions” and remedies to experiences, situations, relationships and personality characteristics that may be causing or preventing you from attaining ultimate personal fulfillment.

My experience in my own life as well as my "helping" profession, has shown me that just about any person is capable of reaching, his or her "highest level" of achievement. I strongly believe that if you really want to achieve a superior state of living each and every day, a high level of mental and physical health is available for most anyone who is willing to go after it. You can go after what you want for yourself by deciding to work, one day at a time, on adopting a philosophy of life that is going to bring you the greatest amount of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of your circumstances or the situations that you have encountered until today.

I believe that if I can help people to accept and love themselves just a little bit more, then they will be able to discover the resources within themselves, their internal physicians. It is - if you will - an introduction to my therapeutic method called Intra Persona Therapy.
Intra-persona Therapy is simply your personal application of a variety of proven and accepted approaches, "prescriptions" and remedies to experiences, situations, relationships and personality characteristics that may be causing difficulties in your life or preventing you from attaining ultimate personal fulfillment.
Often without realizing it, many people have successfully applied particular elements of Intra Persona Therapy (the whole person approach, not a human being with a series of body parts) to achieve new levels of personal awareness, serenity, peace of mind, and continuing happiness. Through Intra Persona Therapy you will come to understand these elements: and through this understanding, you will learn to take control of your inner self, and in so doing destroy the barriers that cause emotional pain and inhibit your personal growth. With this discovery you can continue to grow independently, in health and well being, for all your days.
Wellness is the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. In order to achieve greater mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, one must begin with a personal commitment to wellness, a commitment that is possible regardless of circumstances, resources, and/or personal history. We can achieve this state of being at any point in our lives by making choices, which enhance our individual functioning and development. Thus, through these conscious, deliberate, voluntary, and positive lifestyle choices, one can discover greater overall health.

Wellness encompasses many components including the following:

1.) Emotional Wellness: awareness and acceptance of one's feelings; feelings of enthusiasm about life; ability to control and manage one's feelings and behavior; ability to express emotions appropriately; ability to maintain satisfying relationships; ability to cope with stress.

2.) Intellectual Wellness: involvement in creative, stimulating, mental activities; seeking and using available resources to expand knowledge; improving skills and sharing with others.

3.) Social Wellness: recognition of the interdependence of individuals with others, society, and nature; concern for harmonious family relationships; concern for the common welfare.

4.) Physical Wellness: commitment to healthy, nutritional choices; physical exercise, which optimizes cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, and strength; medical self-management, which results in prevention and/or early detection of illness; use of appropriate (physical and mental) medical treatment.

5.) Spiritual Wellness: continuing search for meaning and purpose of life; appreciation for the depth of life, the universe, and natural forces; a personal belief system.

Clearly, wellness has many dimensions

Through the modality of Intra Persona Therapy you will develop a state of Focus Consciousness, which is:

Focused Consciousness is the waking up and living in harmony with oneself and the world.

It has to do with examining who we are. Most of all it has to do with being in touch. By investigating inwardly the nature of our minds through careful and systematic self-observation we may be able to live our lives with greater satisfaction, harmony and wisdom.

Focused Consciousness is a way to take charge of the direction and quality of our own lives, including our relationship with our self as a person.

When we commit ourselves to paying attention in an open way without falling prey to our likes and dislikes, opinions, prejudices and expectations, new possibilities open up.

Focused Consciousness is a simple concept. Its power lies in its practice and its application.

Focused Consciousness is a practical way to be more in touch with the fullness of our being through systematic process of self-observation, self-inquiry and conscious action.

This is the objective of the therapeutic modality of Intra Persona Therapy.

Ten Two Letter Words To Live By

IF IT IS TO BE---IT IS UP TO ME.

Friday, April 28, 2006

intra persona therapy

INTRA PERSONA THERAPY
EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS
DEMYSTIFYING PSYCHOANALYSIS

By Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D.
E-Mail—doc@drselfhelp..com
Web site-drselfhelp.com

Allow me to introduce you to “Intra Persona Therapy, which I have developed and has been proven to be successful

Intra Persona Therapy is simply your personal application of a variety of proven and accepted approaches, “prescriptions” and remedies to experiences, situations, relationships and personality characteristics that may be causing or preventing you from attaining ultimate personal fulfillment.

My experience in my own life as well as my "helping" profession, has shown me that just about any person is capable of reaching, his or her "highest level" of achievement. I strongly believe that if you really want to achieve a superior state of living each and every day, a high level of mental and physical health is available for most anyone who is willing to go after it. You can go after what you want for yourself by deciding to work, one day at a time, on adopting a philosophy of life that is going to bring you the greatest amount of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of your circumstances or the situations that you have encountered until today.

I believe that if I can help people to accept and love themselves just a little bit more, then they will be able to discover the resources within themselves, their internal physicians. It is - if you will - an introduction to my therapeutic method called Intra Persona Therapy.
Intra-persona Therapy is simply your personal application of a variety of proven and accepted approaches, "prescriptions" and remedies to experiences, situations, relationships and personality characteristics that may be causing difficulties in your life or preventing you from attaining ultimate personal fulfillment.
Often without realizing it, many people have successfully applied particular elements of Intra Persona Therapy (the whole person approach, not a human being with a series of body parts) to achieve new levels of personal awareness, serenity, peace of mind, and continuing happiness. Through Intra Persona Therapy you will come to understand these elements: and through this understanding, you will learn to take control of your inner self, and in so doing destroy the barriers that cause emotional pain and inhibit your personal growth. With this discovery you can continue to grow independently, in health and well being, for all your days.
Wellness is the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. In order to achieve greater mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, one must begin with a personal commitment to wellness, a commitment that is possible regardless of circumstances, resources, and/or personal history. We can achieve this state of being at any point in our lives by making choices, which enhance our individual functioning and development. Thus, through these conscious, deliberate, voluntary, and positive lifestyle choices, one can discover greater overall health.

Wellness encompasses many components including the following:

1.) Emotional Wellness: awareness and acceptance of one's feelings; feelings of enthusiasm about life; ability to control and manage one's feelings and behavior; ability to express emotions appropriately; ability to maintain satisfying relationships; ability to cope with stress.

2.) Intellectual Wellness: involvement in creative, stimulating, mental activities; seeking and using available resources to expand knowledge; improving skills and sharing with others.

3.) Social Wellness: recognition of the interdependence of individuals with others, society, and nature; concern for harmonious family relationships; concern for the common welfare.

4.) Physical Wellness: commitment to healthy, nutritional choices; physical exercise, which optimizes cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, and strength; medical self-management, which results in prevention and/or early detection of illness; use of appropriate (physical and mental) medical treatment.

5.) Spiritual Wellness: continuing search for meaning and purpose of life; appreciation for the depth of life, the universe, and natural forces; a personal belief system.

Clearly, wellness has many dimensions

Through the modality of Intra Persona Therapy you will develop a state of Focus Consciousness, which is:

Focused Consciousness is the waking up and living in harmony with oneself and the world.

It has to do with examining who we are. Most of all it has to do with being in touch. By investigating inwardly the nature of our minds through careful and systematic self-observation we may be able to live our lives with greater satisfaction, harmony and wisdom.

Focused Consciousness is a way to take charge of the direction and quality of our own lives, including our relationship with our self as a person.

When we commit ourselves to paying attention in an open way without falling prey to our likes and dislikes, opinions, prejudices and expectations, new possibilities open up.

Focused Consciousness is a simple concept. Its power lies in its practice and its application.

Focused Consciousness is a practical way to be more in touch with the fullness of our being through systematic process of self-observation, self-inquiry and conscious action.

This is the objective of the therapeutic modality of Intra Persona Therapy.

Ten Two Letter Words To Live By

IF IT IS TO BE---IT IS UP TO ME.

Monday, January 30, 2006

Choices

A simple principle that I apply every day is the following: "I am the sum total of all the choices that I have made during my lifetime." Others are not responsible for who I am. It may be true that many people try to manipulate, control, and victimize you in any way they can. However, there would be fewer victims if people would stop playing role of the victim in their relationships with other people. I believe that you get treated the way you teach people to treat you. If you are treated badly by other people, ask yourself, "What is there about me that I allow others to treat me in this manner?" You can then look into yourself for the answers.

My teaching and lectures are a reflection of who and what I am. I am not interested in just handling my life; coping; getting along. I believe that one should try to master one's life. Have a mission--a purpose--and be a model for other people. Act it, be it, for actions speak louder than words.

Rather than talking about neurosis, depression, and all of the negative things that afflict people, choose to focus on the positive things. Choose to focus on what you have, rather than what you are lacking. Choose a path that allows you to be at peace with yourself. Live in the here and now, so you can appreciate each moment of your life as you live it.