Leland Clipperton

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

We’re all victims… Aren’t we?

This could be the most difficult article to read you’ve ever read!

Pretty much everyone I speak with has, at one time or another, felt victimized by another. Some have unknowingly created a mindset or perspective of victimization.  

We’re all smart people, right? So how does this happen?

It typically occurs predominately in close relationships; relationships where we think it shouldn’t happen… but does. Why? Most immediately respond by blaming and finding fault with the perpetrator of the behaviour that leads to the feeling of being victimized.

I’m not suggesting for a minute that real victimization does not occur, nor is it my intent to minimize, excuse or defend the harm that can be created by others… whether intended or not. This is to rather help better understand the why this victimization occurs in the first place.

Often when I’m working with a client in this situation I’ll at some point during their therapy question them about the role they may play in the victimization. Their immediate response is often to explain further what the other person did to them and to justify and defend why they should feel victimized… at the same time potentially feeling victimized by me in my bringing questioning them in the first place… being angry, feeling hurt, misunderstood… I often feel a need to remind the client that I’m not condoning the others behaviour, only to have them stretch their insight and awareness to identify their part.

I’m often asked by clients, “What do I need to do to help myself not get into a similar situation again? … How do I not repeat the same mistake?”

There are likely viable reasons and answers to why… and it takes courage to explore the possibilities
by going outside of what you think is the explanation. It also requires a highly skilled therapist to help with this process. I have found that a “tread softly” caring and empathetic approach is required. A trusting therapeutic connection must be initially established in order to provide the comfort level required to engage with this process.


First step is to identify and acknowledge how we may contribute to situations occurring.

It’s not that we consciously set out to have these things happen in their lives… in fact, quite the opposite. We are more often consciously trying to avoid creating or participating in conflict. As a result, we may find ourselves feeling like we’re giving in, giving up, being told what to do, how to feel, what not to do, and generally not having our needs met. These feelings and resultant acquiescing behaviour are justified by the need to avoid perceived or real conflict. And by the way, not an abnormal occurrence!

It is a very normal defensive response to redirect or deflect fault and blame. As human beings, we’re not comfortable with the concept that we get up in the morning, rub our hands together like Snidely Whiplash thinking, what are we going to do today to f**k up our lives!!!! Why would we do that???? That’s self-harming, self-sabotaging and… well insane!!!! Isn’t it?

The second step in the process is to better understand that we can not change or alter another’s behaviour…

So, if we want a situation to be different, the only remaining choice is to change something within ourselves, which leads back to step one… identifying and acknowledging the role that we may play that contributes to the situation. If you want to be more able to recognize your sensitivities and tendencies to be in problematic relationships, engaging in this therapeutic help is likely necessary.


History does not have to repeat itself, unless we continue to allow it to! I’m not convinced that we can eliminate the underlying human condition to be self-sabotaging, however I do know that with appropriate work, awareness and time, we can learn to become more self-aware which will help in minimizing the occurrence of feeling victimized. 

Leland Clipperton
CounsellingandMediation.com
leland@rogers.com
mobile - 905 510-9117
office - 705 999-2107
skype - CounsellingandMediation

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Addiction... New Treatment

Addiction - Why traditional methods may not work...

I have to premise this writing with a concern that some may have over it's content. I do not intend to say absolutely that current treatment doesn't work, only to help explain why it seems so difficult to overcome addiction and to suggest alternatives. 

It has been contended for years that addiction is not a disease. It shares some of the hallmark signs of disease, but it is not. It is a the result of a serious chronic health imbalance. The underlying psychological, physiological  and biological issues are the primary concern. It is more complex than some have been led to believe.

I ask myself, why is it that people of sound mind and body, would consciously behave in a manner that will knowingly cause harm to themselves or others? That is hard to believe.

Very few clients I have met in my 30 years of working the field have been psychopathic, sociopathic or schizophrenic... or simply unable to distinguish between reality and non-reality. 

Certainly some become so physically addicted to their substance of choice that the harmful use needs to be attended to... in fact, on most cases abstinence is the preferred initial treatment.

We firstly must understand our own brain function... like it not all of us have essentially the same brains in terms of function, with minor variations. 

Our brains are pattern-making machines... those patterns are developed over time and when reinforced through behaviour and cognitive patterned reasoning, seem very difficult to alter. Which explains why it is so difficult to change a habit, the patterns need to be changed. And this takes time... in some cases, lots of it. 

Repeated use of drugs and/alcohol (or any mind altering chemical intrusion) actually weakens the brains ability to reason and greatly decreases impulse control. It is often not that someone doesn't want to quit using, it is lacking the ability to say no... sometimes against the person's own better judgement. It is a brain looking for dopamine input.

Attempts at emotional battering and diminishment also do no work... the same way that yelling at a young hockey player does not create an improved hockey player. More often than not, it reduces motivation and self-esteem. So tough love, shaming, blaming or humiliating someone who already feels badly, isn't productive or helpful. Trust me, people in an addictive lifestyle already have enough evidence to hold themselves faulty, they do not need more. 

Because of the patterns, relapse is not only normal, it should be expected! Not that that's the preference, but it is the predominant pattern of recovering addicts. It can take years to create the paradigm shift required in brain function that assists better life choices.

Another myth is that people need to hit "rock bottom" before they'll reach out for help... This is not only untrue, it is potentially dangerous. Rock bottom can easily be death for some... It's like waiting for someone to commit suicide before saying that they should've reached out for help! 

Early identification is critical... it can be identified as increasing patterns of use, mood swings, secrecy, denial, change of relationships, etc. Harmful behaviour does not typically show up in it's extreme at the beginning. 

People often choose to use drugs/alcohol because they feel it fills a void, an internal emptiness... and, coupled with an increased lack of impulse control, then increase their use. Over time it becomes a vicious cycle, a merry-go-round that seems impossible to get off of. 

Many addicts show symptoms of depression, which contributes to their use. There can be a genetic predisposition to depression or other dysfunction or imbalance, not to alcohol use. A family history can be helpful to identify whether this may exist. Depression is primarily a chemical imbalance which can be improved with medication and proper counselling. 

And speaking of medication... I am aware that no one likes the idea of taking medication and I am not a pill pusher. However, I have come to realize over years of providing effective treatment to people that our bodies sometimes require assistance in correcting imbalances. Medication along with counselling is far more likely to produce positive results. 

There have been vast improvements in the pharmaceutical field and there are new medications available that will support abstinence and block the brain receptors that contribute to cravings. It is not "the answer" but one which certainly will help to positively altering negative brain function. 

There are three medication which have been approved for alcohol use in Canada and the U.S.:

Naltrexone (Revia - oral) and (Vivitrol by injection , only in the States right now) - which blocks opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasure associated with drinking and can reduce cravings;
Acamprostate (Campral) which eases the side effects when initially stopping drinking (not to take anything can potentially cause serious brain seizures);
Disulfiram (commonly know as Antabuse) which increase the level of acetaldehyde which is a toxic by-product when alcohol is metabolized in our bodies (which cause alcohol poisoning), so people who drink while taking this become very ill.

Medication that can help reduce cravings:
Topirmate (anticonvulsant)
Baclofen (anti-anxiety)
Gabapentin (anticonvulsant under study for treating AUD - Alcohol Use Disorder)

As with all medications, it is important to speak with a trained medical professional who has knowledge of the proper use of these medications. 

The "addicts" brain often will need help to re-organize and it is good news that people do not need to unnecessarily suffer for years and potentially never regain a positive productive lifestyle. 

Alcohol and drug abuse cause billions of dollars to our society... productivity, treatment, relationship loss, policing costs... and eventually... death. This could be fixable if approached differently.

Effective treatment means that people get the help that is appropriate for their individual situation. It takes time and costs money. Families often will need help and support as well. 

Be hopeful... There is help available.

There are many recent studies which support new change which I will post on my website. I encourage other professionals to do the research and to contact me for referral assistance. 

Individuals are invited to contact me as well through my website below.

Change can happen...

Leland Clipperton
CounsellingandMediation.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Effects of Separation and Divorce in Children


 

Most divorcing parents are very concerned about their children’s reactions to their separation and divorce. They want to know, “Will my child grow up to be healthy and happy?”

Sociologists and psychologists are just beginning to provide reliable information about the effects of divorce on children. There are a number of important factors. Research shows that the effects depend on the age of the child at the time of divorce. It can also depend on the child’s gender and personality, the amount of conflict between parents and the support provided by friends and family.

 

One factor is clear though... the better you deal with your separation, the better your children will be!

 

 Children 's Age

 We know little about the effects of divorce on children younger than two or three years of age. Young children do not always suffer if a divorce occurs. However, problems may occur if a close relationship or bond between a parent and child is broken. Parents should agree on parenting and childcare arrangements so the child does not grow up experiencing conflict between his or her parents.

 

Infants

Infants may not understand conflict, but may react to changes in parent’s energy level and mood. Infants may lose their appetite or have an upset stomach and spit up more.

 

Preschool children

Children from three to five years of age frequently believe they have caused their parents’ divorce. For example, they might think that if they had eaten their dinner or done their chores when told to do so, Daddy wouldn’t have gone away. Preschoolers may fear being left alone or abandoned altogether. They may show baby-like behavior, such as wanting their security blanket or old toys, or they begin wetting the bed. They may deny that anything has changed, or they may become uncooperative, depressed, or angry. Although they want the security of being near an adult, they may act disobedient and aggressive.

 

School-aged children

Some psychologists believe the adjustment to parental divorce is more difficult for elementary school children than for younger or older children. School-age children are old enough to understand that they are in pain because of their parents’ separation. They are too young, however, to understand or to control their reactions to this pain.

They may experience grief, embarrassment, resentment, divided loyalty and intense anger. Their ability to become actively involved in play and activities with other children may help them cope with their family life situation.

Children this age may hope parents will get back together. Elementary aged children may feel rejected by the parent who left. They may complain of headaches or stomach aches.

 

Adolescents

Teens also experience anger, fear, loneliness, depression and guilt. Some feel pushed into adulthood if they must take responsibility for many new chores or care of siblings. Teens may respond to parents’ low energy level and high stress level by trying to take control over the family. Others feel a loss of parental support in handling emerging sexual feelings. Teens also may doubt their own ability to get married or to stay married.
Teens may understand the causes leading to their parents’ separation. Their ability to remember the conflict and stress of the divorce may interfere with their ability to cope with the changes in their family. They may also feel pressure to “choose” one of their parents over the other, or to fault one parent over the other for the “cause” of the divorce.

 

Gender effects

Researchers are now finding that boys raised by fathers and girls raised by mothers may do better than children raised by the parent of the opposite sex. School age boys living with their fathers or in joint living arrangements seem to be less aggressive. They also have fewer emotional problems than those boys who live with their mothers and have little or no contact with their fathers. Girls raised with mothers tend to be more responsible and mature than girls raised by their fathers.

However, the children’s adjustment following a divorce has more to do with the quality of the parent-child relationship than with the gender and age of the child.

 

Helping children adjust to divorce

Although painful, discussing the separation and divorce with your children will strengthen your relationship with them. It will also maintain their trust in you. Sharing general information is appropriate when talking with younger children. Adolescents will want more details. Be sure to let them know what the future holds for them. They will want to know what their relationship will be with both parents.

The most important factor for children’s well being seems to be limiting the amount and intensity of conflict between parents. Minimizing the conflict and hostility between parents following the divorce can contribute to the child’s growth. Agreement between the parents on discipline and child rearing, as well as love and approval from both parents, contributes to the child’s sense of well being and self-worth.

Although joint living arrangements have many benefits, recent research suggests there may be times when there are drawbacks to this arrangement. Preschool children may think they are being punished when they are moved from one household to another. They feel that they are sent away because they are naughty.

Older children may dislike this type of arrangement if it intrudes on their daily lives. Some parents in joint arrangements fight with each other because they are in constant contact. Their children suffer as a result. Successful joint parenting requires regular communication and cooperation that may be difficult for parents who don’t get along. If there is a very high level of conflict or violence between the parents, then a joint living arrangement may not be in the best interest of children.

Day-to-day involvement of both parents in their children’s lives is the clearest way of letting children know they are loved and valued. A parent who lives in a different town or state can still keep in close touch with his or her children. Letters, e-mails, phone calls, tape-recorded messages and sharing paperwork and artwork done in school are ways parents and children can keep in contact.

Children of all ages fantasize that their parents will get together again. This may be particularly true when parents are successfully co-parenting. Be clear with the children about the finality of the divorce, and discourage their attempts to get you back together.

If possible, limit the number of disruptions children must handle during separation and divorce. For example, try to keep the child in the same school, childcare facility, home or neighborhood.

Talk to children about your concerns related to the divorce. This will help them understand what is happening.

Develop positive ways to handle your stress. For example, exercise, eat nutritious food, spend time with friends or take up a hobby. If you feel you are under too much stress and may hurt your children, ask for help immediately. Call a crisis hotline, or your former spouse, a friend or relative and ask for help. Call an experienced therapist to help you go through your changes.

Turn to relatives and friends for support. Don’t rely on your children to meet your needs for companionship and affection. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children.

Be sure to let your children see the positive ways you use to cope with stress. This helps them understand that they must also find positive methods to handle their feelings. Suggest activities they might do to feel better. Playing with friends, joining a club, taking up a hobby, or reading can be helpful in reducing stress. Perhaps there are some activities, such as going for walks, that you and your child can do together.

Practice a kind, but firm, style of discipline. Accept children’s feelings of anger. Help them find acceptable ways of expressing this anger without hurting themselves, other people, animals, or property. Provide the nurturing and love that your children need, while setting firm limits on aggressiveness and other inappropriate behavior.

Adult friends and family members can provide emotional warmth, reassurance and comfort to your children. They can teach them new skills and activities and act as role models. They can also let children know that they are important and valued.

Counseling with social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or psychiatrists can help some children. Many schools and religious organizations also provide support group sessions. In these situations children can explore their feelings and learn how other children from divorced families cope.

It often takes two or more years for children to adjust to their parents’ divorce. Through love, understanding and keeping in close contact with your children, you will help them grow into well-adjusted and productive adults.

 

Sources:

 

DeBord, K. (1997). Focus on kids: The effects of divorce on children. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Hughes, R., & Scherer, J. Parenting on you own. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Cooperative Extension.

 

Original fact sheet developed by Mary W. Temke, Extension Human Development Specialist,

with help from UNH graduate student Rebecca Carman

Updated 5/06 by Emily Douglas, Extension Family Education & Policy Specialist

 

UNH Cooperative Extension County Office Telephone Numbers

 

Belknap Carroll Cheshire Coos Grafton

Laconia Center Ossipee Keene LancasterNorth Haverhill

 

Hillsborough Merrimack Rockingham Strafford Sullivan

Goffstown Boscawen Brentwood Dover Newport

 

UNH Cooperative Extension programs and policies are consistent with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on

non-discrimination regarding age, color, handicap, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veterans status.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Blame Game

yabutyou!!!!!


How many times do we hear ourselves or others saying (or thinking) this? We seem to want to displace our personal responsibilities onto others, as if to say I am not responsible.... or you made me do that!

We see it in extreme cases where people may be prone to interpreting what others have said as an implied (or direct) criticism or threat to our existence. For example, a person who hits their child (or wife) and while doing so will say, "look what you made me do!"
I know it seems insane to believe that we are all capable of doing this in some fashion... and I'm not saying everyone hits their child (or wife)...
but don't we all like to blame others or circumstances for explaining why we are in an uncomfortable predicament that we're in? Isn't far more convenient to blame... relieving us of the responsibility to be accountable?
Another example... 2
Children arguing in the school yard. You ask them "who started it" and they will invariably point at each other... "he/she did!"... Then ask them how they might stop and they will typically respond with, "I'll stop when he stops!"
Why does it seem like our inherent right to blame others or circumstances????
If we gave up that "right" we would have to be fully self-accountable and self-responsible! What a burden that could be... We are reluctant to accept our part in our own struggle and want to place fault somewhere else. This is, in a large part, why it's difficult to introduce positive change into our lives.
We are not puppets, we don't have strings attached to us, being controlled by another person or situation. We, in the end, are responsible for the circumstances and relationships we find ourselves in... At the very least it is our individual responsibility to become more aware of our circumstances and to learn and grow from the experience.
If you don't like the result of what you're doing, change what you're doing. At the very least you will get different information than what you have typically received.
Try not blaming (or at least become more aware of that tendency).
The key to finding out if you may be blaming is to note your emotional responses to others. Your sensitivities will be shown through your emotions and you may, in those circumstances, feel a need to blame. Really what you are doing is projection and allowing that person to control your state of mind, your well-being and you have become their puppet. You then get to blame them and often the struggle in relationships becomes about that, not about what the actual issue may be. No wonder we tend to repeat the same arguments and say things that start with "you always" or "you never"!
When you feel the emotional disturbance, ask yourself what else it may be indicating to you.
Nothing ever really changes as long as we are pointing at what we see as the "cause". After all. if we're not responsible... who is?

Until later,
Leland Clipperton
http://www.counsellingandmediation.com/
leland@CounsellingandMediation.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

NewYear's Resolutions? How to be Successful!

New Year Resolutions? No Excuses!
Most of us have made,,, and failed at our New Years Resolutions...
In fact, most don't even bother any more... tired of feeling disappointed and upset at our own personal failures.

There is a reason for everything! We need to better explore and understand why this occurs year after year... why we tend to make the same old mistakes and follow a similar path to a seemingly forgone conclusion.

There is only one truth which is irrefutable: when what you're thinking or doing isn't creating the result you want... you need to change something! Repeating the same behaviour and expecting different results is Einstein's definition of insanity!
 
Be successful this year!!!!!!
 To start with:

1. Ask yourself why you think you want what you want? Write it down... all of it.

2. Ask yourself what you will be like when you achieve your resolution?

3. Then... the tough one... ask yourself what has interfered with you achieving your goals previously?

4. Recognise that additional support is required and beneficial in your reaching your goals.

5. There are certain prescribed ways of working on your success and by joining my program you will have a fuller understanding of the process of change and increase your ability to get what you want!
Here's a few steps to start with:

Be realistic
Choose specific attainable goals. Select one small thing at a time.

Planning helps
Specific timeline plans are necessary. How long will it realistically require for you to accomplish each step.

Develop a support network
Friends, family and colleagues can all help you - but hiring professional support will provide you with additional support. We are always more committed to something when we are paying for it!

Success is tangible and measurable
Stay motivated by seeing your success. Small changes make a big difference.

Reward yourself
We alter our brain function when feeling joyful... This can be encouraged by doing something immediately after your small successes that help you feel joyful.

Don't give up... ever
There is no failure in your success... only if you give up! Expect challenges and the occasional small setback... plan on what to do if and when that occurs.
If you slip and break your diet, forget to exercise or have a secret cigarette, don’t despair! Learn from the setback: what situations made you slip? Can you avoid them next time? Don't obsess over small setbacks - it won't help you achieve your goal. Start fresh the next day. Don't give up!

It Takes Time
Real change in behaviour takes time to develop... Keep at it.
We need to practice until we don't need to practice anymore.

Call, text or email today to join our RESOLUTION program.
Make it work this year!
 
Leland@CounsellingandMediation.com
text or call 905 510 9117