March 18, 2013
Kathleen Exelby: How Can Pets Help With Depression?
Many times, a person’s depression is connected to their relationships, or the lack thereof. Whether dealing with tumultuous relationships or merely loneliness, one’s relationship with a pet can provide a healthy contrast. Pets give unconditional love and relationships with them are uncomplicated. While it isn’t quite the same as human touch, touch from any active being can be therapeutic. In addition, while a depressed person might not want or feel they can handle the responsibility of a pet, the activity it forces on him or her can actually be very helpful. Walking a dog, for instance, is a type of light exercise, itself an excellent treatment for depression, and it can also lead to social interactions.
There are cases, however, where a pet might not be ideal. If depression is too severe, caring for a pet might actually be impossible. Pets can be expensive, and they work best for those who grew up with pets and are used to their type of affection.
Kathleen Exelby is an experienced therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona, and encourages her patients to bring their pets to the office.
February 5, 2013
A Biography of John Gray, PhD, by Kathleen Exelby
Bestselling author John Gray, PhD, is known best for writing Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Released in 1992, the book became an international sensation and highly influential, selling more than 40 million copies over the past two decades.
Prior to the publication of the book, John Gray spent more than 15 years as a certified family therapist. A graduate of Columbia Pacific University, Dr. Gray earned a Doctorate in Psychology and Human Sexuality from the now-defunct institution. His education provided him with insights into communications and relationships that allowed him to create his masterwork, as well as his nearly 20 other bestselling books including Mars and Venus Together Forever; Children Are From Heaven; and most recently, Why Mars and Venus Collide.
In addition to his literary career, John Gray has functioned as a public speaker for over 30 years. Along with appearing on the lecture circuit, he is often featured on national television shows. Moreover, he writes a weekly column that is syndicated to 30 million readers across the world.
About the Author:
Kathleen Exelby has been a mental health counselor for more than three decades. Currently based out of Behavioral Therapies Ltd. in Scottsdale, Arizona, Exelby trained under John Gray, PhD.
January 9, 2013
The Relationship Between Mind and Body By Kathleen Exelby
Today, the average American understands the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet. At the same time, however, there is evidence that the majority of modern diseases result from unhealthy lifestyles. According to Joan Borysenko, author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, almost all cases of type-2 diabetes, more than 70% of cancers, and an even higher percentage of heart disease trace back to lifestyle choices and the failure to take care of one’s body. What causes this disconnect? Borysenko suggests one possible answer: mental illness and the toll that overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression have on our mental state and, in turn, our physical health. These feelings often lead individuals to believe that they are helpless; consequently, they fail to take control of their health. Many Americans tend to focus on the worst possible outcome. This causes them to become paralyzed by anxiety and rob themselves of the ability to take proper action, believing that nothing they can do would make a difference. The average individual reacts to stress in the wrong way: turning to anger and depression, feelings that render them impotent.
In order to keep our bodies in optimal health, we must achieve mental well-being. We should view stress as a challenge and a teacher, not as a threat to our happiness. We can learn how to manage stress through meditation and other relaxation exercises, including breathing and stretching. In order to attain mental health, we must understand the importance of living in the present and letting going of the past events that keep us living in a state of fear. While we must process and grow from our experiences, dwelling on the past or holding grudges warps our view of reality and the present moment, causing us to miss out on opportunities and feel helpless in the face of things that lie easily within our control. When we have learned how to cope with our stressors, to see them as teachers and to forgive, we can embrace the future with a positive outlook and a newfound feeling of empowerment.
The ties between mind and body are much stronger than many of us realize. For more information on this subject, I recommend reading Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, by Joan Borysenko.
About the Author
A graduate of The State University of New York and The George Washington University, Kathleen Exelby has treated patients through her practice, Behavioral Therapies Ltd., since 1984. She maintains memberships with the American Psychotherapy Association, the Arizona Counselors Association, and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. While treating her patients, Kathleen Exelby often recommends influential and potentially life-changing books for them to read as they struggle with their personal issues.
July 25, 2011
Kathleen Exelby on Mood Disorders
Mood disorders affect more than 20% of Americans to various degrees. In general terms, a mood or affective disorder fundamentally alters an individual’s temperament. Depression, the most common mood disorder, involves a disinterest in previously enjoyable activities; symptoms include irritability, feelings of despair, and diminished levels of energy. Dysthymia is a milder form of depression that persists for at least a year. Another type of mood disorder is bipolar disorder, which is characterized by periods of severe depression followed by episodes of mania, or elevated moods. Mental health professionals still do not fully understand what causes mood disorders. Depression likely results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, which makes it difficult for neurotransmitters to regulate endorphins, the chemicals that produce positive moods. Major life changes, illnesses, and substance abuse, all of which often cause feelings of helplessness, may also play a role in the development of a mood disorder. In fact, some drugs are known to disrupt the delicate chemical balance in the brain. Some professionals believe that individuals may inherit mood disorders, and evidence points to “multifactorial inheritance,” meaning that genetics and environment both play a role.
Different people show different symptoms of mood disorders. Understanding the basic symptoms may help in identifying the presence of a mood disorder, although professional intervention is often required. Symptoms to watch for include sadness, hopelessness, guilt, sleep disturbance, and lack of energy. Individuals may demonstrate an inability to make decisions, and they may have thoughts of suicide. Hostility and aggression may also point to a mood disorder. Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals diagnose mood disorders after comprehensive psychiatric evaluations. Treatment depends on the type of disorder, the severity, the patient’s age, and the prognosis. Contrary to popular belief, individuals can often effectively manage mood disorders. Psychotherapy and family therapy generally have a positive impact, and antidepressants have proven extremely helpful in a number of cases.
About the Author
Kathleen Exelby, a Licensed Professional Counselor, founded her own practice in 1984. Through Behavioral Therapies Ltd., she works with children, teenagers, and adults to address a variety of issues, including mood and attention disorders. Dedicated to providing the highest level of service, Dr. Exelby continuously refines her understanding of the mental health field through memberships in the American Psychotherapy Association, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, and the Arizona Counselors Association.
Kathleen Exelby's WordPress Blog 