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Communication Skill Development

Communication skills will help you in all aspects of your life – at home, in the workplace or in social situations.  The best way to develop your communication skills is to practice.  Pay attention to your voice – is it a monotone, or is it animated?  Enunciate your words and speak slowly using appropriate volume in your tone.  Here are some skills that you can develop with practice:

  • Eye contact – make sure you maintain good eye contact
  • Make sure your body language, expressions and tone match your message
  • Use appropriate humor
  • Do not judge or interrupt
  • Develop your listening skills – focus on the message, not on what you are going to say

Effective two way communication involves talking and listening, along with non-verbal communication.  Practice your skills and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results!  Dr. Pamela Rebeck may be able to help you become more comfortable with your ability to optimally communicate.

Autism – You Are Not Alone

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The CDC has released information about how to “Learn the Signs and Act Early” for early detection of autism along with tools to track child development.   According to the CDC, Intervention is likely to be more effective and less costly when it is provided earlier in life rather than later.

 

http://www.cdc.gov/features/act-early/index.html

 

There are multiple resources and activities available for people on the autism spectrum, as well as their  parents and  family members, including support, education, strategies and resources, such as the Step Up and Shine for Autism Walk that is scheduled in Naperville on October 24, 2015, to benefit the Little Friends Center for Autism.  The Little Friends Center is a private, non-profit organization that serves more than 800 people annually.  Follow the link below to register to walk:

 

http://stepupforautism2015.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1140494

 

There is help for those with a recent diagnosis as well as for those meeting ongoing life adventures of life on the spectrum. Dr. Rebeck has expertise and experience in working with people on the autism spectrum.

What Experts are saying about Anorexia Nervosa

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Anorexia nervosa, sometimes just called anorexia, is an eating disorder that can be deadly.  Anorexia is prevalent in teen girls, although some boys may suffer from this disorder.  Some of the signs and symptoms of anorexia are:

  • Intense fear of gaining weight
  • Skipping meals/making excuses for not eating
  • Complaints about being fat
  • May vomit, misuse laxatives, diuretics or enemas to lose weight, although purging like this is “bulimia”
  • Excessive exercise

People with anorexia and/or bulimia need treatment, oftentimes as an inpatient and follow up outpatient.  Professional help is needed to deal with the health issues and the underlying emotional issues that cause this disease and as well as behavioral steps and support in recovery.  This link describes the story of one young woman who tragically weighs just 44 pounds after struggling with this disease for many years.  This story may be extreme but it is important to know that Anorexia Nervosa can sometimes start with simply dieting and exercise abuse and grow into something much more serious.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/44-pound-anorexic-woman-desperate-plea-article-1.2232230

Dr. Rebeck has worked with many families with issues such as eating disorders.  Make an appointment to discuss your next steps.

 

Reasons you should be talking about Senior Issues

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People in the United States are living longer than ever before.  At the same time, the post-WWII “baby boomers” are now approaching retirement age.  By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be older than 65 years of age.

If you or your parents are approaching retirement, it is important to be aware of some of the issues that seniors face and learn how to deal with these issues.  Some of the common issues that seniors face are:

  • Health Concerns
  • Financial issues
  • Depression
  • Loneliness

Fortunately, Naperville has a wonderful group called the Naperville Senior Task Force.  Along with the Naperville-Lisle Triad, they are presenting the 2015 Conference September 18, 2015 called “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.” This conference will have over 35 organizations representing healthcare, safety and legal services for seniors.  The admission is free, lunch is free and prizes will be given away.  What a great opportunity to learn more about issues seniors face and how to deal with them, as well as to have fun.

Below is the link to a flyer with more information:

http://www.naperville-lisle-triad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/HWW-2015-8-by-10-flyer-FINAL-1.jpg

Of course, Dr. Rebeck is available to speak with seniors and their families on some of the issues you may be having.

Hypnotherapy Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs following a traumatic event.  People that have been in military combat, experienced natural disasters, terrorist attacks or any type of trauma, or even witnessed trauma, may have been effected by PTSD.

Psychological damage from the PTSD can trigger symptoms such as:

  • Problems sleeping
  • Problems concentrating
  • Feelings of depression/isolation
  • Panic attacks
  • Irritability/aggressive behavior

Often people that experience PTSD either re-experience the trauma by reliving it or use avoidance measures to avoid the traumatic memories.  Health issues may also be present with headaches, nausea, and chest pain among other symptoms.

Depending on the circumstances of the PTSD and the emotions involved, treatment by cognitive therapy and medication, such as antidepressants, may be warranted.  Hypnotherapy has a good success rate for treating PTSD since hypnosis brings the subconscious to the forefront so changes can be made by suggestion.  Hypnotherapy helps in changing perceptions and beliefs that are associated with the trauma.

Why Chronic Disease will Change Your Life

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A chronic disease is defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a long-lasting condition that is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.  7 of 10 deaths per year are due to chronic disease and accounts for 86% of our nation’s health care costs.  Chronic disease cannot be prevented by vaccines, cured by medications and do not disappear over time.

Examples of chronic diseases are:  allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.  It is important to learn as much as you can about your disease and to be on top of any changes in your condition.

Lupus is an example of a chronic disease that sometimes mimics other diseases, as the symptoms can be very similar in rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.  You may see a number of specialists with this disease, depending on your specific issues.  It is important to have a primary care physician that can coordinate care with the specialists and you also need to be vigilant about your care and any changes in your symptoms.  With lupus, the goal is to treat flare ups and to minimize any complications or organ damage that can occur.  Lupus can become very debilitating quickly.

Naperville is hosting the Illinois Lupus Walk for the Western Suburbs 8/8/15.  This is a fundraiser that is held to provide programs and services to people with lupus at no charge.  http://www.lupusil.org/illinois-lupus-walk-2015.html   This is a good opportunity to have some fun and provide support for those who suffer with chronic disease.

What everyone is saying about Work Place Issues

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Work place issues are a popular topic on social media – articles on Linked In by Dr. Travis Bradberry, President at Talentsmart, discusses the “9 Worst Mistakes you can ever make at work.”  http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150416-the-worst-office-behaviours

Dr. Bradberry mentions backstabbing, gossiping, negativity, telling lies and even eating smelly food can create a negative impact on the morale of your entire workplace.

Clinton Buelter, a recruiter and founder of Hardtofill.com discusses “12 things I learned the Hard Way.”  His advice focuses on self-improvement, ways to be yourself and develop a mentality to serve others.

If you have issues in the workplace, get assistance from a professional to assess your strengths and weaknesses.  After an impartial assessment, cognitive behavior as well as hypnotherapy are excellent ways to build on your strengths and direct your focus on areas that need improvement.  For example, many people suffer from public speaking anxiety, which can usually be helped with a few sessions of hypnotherapy.

Learning to improve your work place performance will help to maximize your professional opportunities, advance your leadership potential and improve relationships both personally and professionally.

Baseball Season and Gambling Addictions

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Major League Baseball, the national pastime, is one of the sports that least involves wagering. Pete Rose, manager of the Cincinnati Reds and the holder of the baseball’s career hit record, bet on 52 Cincinnati Reds games during the 1987 season.  Pete later admitted that he bet on baseball for years and in 1989 Pete accepted a permanent ban from baseball.

Risking your career to gamble is not unusual for someone with a gambling addiction.  Gambling addictions, while not limited to baseball, usually involve one or more of the following signs:

  1. Gambling becomes addictive with the thrill of taking risks; this often leads to bigger risks.
  2. Guilt and remorse after gambling.
  3. Concealing or lying about gambling.
  4. Borrowing money or stealing to gamble.
  5. Taking money from work or family to gamble.

Fortunately, there is help for gambling addictions.  Behavior modification, counseling, and/or hypnotherapy are treatments that can be used to change addictive behavior.  If gambling is an issue for you or your family member, seek help from a professional.

The Emotional Stress of Moving

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Moving means change.  Whether the change is positive or negative, “home” is our sanctuary and for a while you will be leaving what you know and will be out of your comfort zone.  The stress comes from so many different aspects of moving – paperwork and mortgages, closings and home inspections, movers, utilities and packing your possessions.  In some cases it may mean travel and a new job, the end of relationships, downsizing to smaller place or an assisted living facility.

There are things you can do to mitigate the stress:

  1. Plan ahead – declutter, organize, pack and label items that are not being used.
  2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – family and friends can help with tasks, packing, unpacking, etc.
  3. Hire movers if you can afford to do so – they can take care of the large items or move everything.
  4. Take care of yourself, eat right and get enough sleep.

Take time to say goodbye to your old home and the memories there.  Allow yourself to feel the emotions including any feelings of sadness that you are moving on.

Research your new area and find things that interest you.  Once you make the move, take a break from unpacking to have a look around the area.  Keep a positive attitude and soon you will be settling into your new place of comfort.  Dr Rebeck can help you with this important life transition.

 

Naperville Festival Season – Fear of Crowds

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Summertime is right around the corner and with that are the Naperville Festivals and activities – Parades, Farmer’s Markets, Fine Art Fairs and Summer Concert Series – to name a few.  A great way to spend the summer, unless you suffer from fear of crowds, also known as demophobia or agoraphobia.

Fear of crowds is an anxiety disorder that is more common in women than men.  People who experience fear of crowds will go to great lengths to avoid attending public events and at times go on to eventually be unable to leave home due to experiencing anxiety attacks.  Symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

  • dry mouth
  • shortness of breath
  • feeling of nausea
  • shaking and sweating
  • heart pounding

Fortunately, fear of crowds can be overcome with behavior therapy or hypnotherapy.  With therapy and starting slowly, socializing with smaller groups of people and bringing someone with you that will help to put you at ease, you will find yourself getting out and enjoying the summer activities without fear.  Dr Rebeck can help you overcome this fear and other phobias.