Don't Lose “It”

At times we all lose it. What is the it? The it is: Our executive functions and ability to see the big picture, communication filter, insight, foresight, and hindsight. Research reveals that brain activity diminishes in the prefrontal lobe (executive function area) in situations such as substance abuse, depression, or triggered PTSD. A person who feels hurt, betrayed, or degraded by difficult people has likely experienced losing “it”. The same happens in therapy. Avoiding explosions, clamming-up, buttons, and tangents leaves more time for productivity and understanding with clients.

This seminar is about dealing with difficult people, predominately cross-referenced to the major mental health issues. Anger management techniques are blended with each issue discussed to diffuse, redirect, or lead to catharsis, depending on the appropriate context. A good understanding of the conflicts/triggers will result in a smoother transition in communication for the client, family, significant other, and therapist.

Course Content

DIFFICULT CHARACTERISTICS SPECIFIC TO EACH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE

5. Depending the Mental Health issue, a client may appear:
   • Rude
   • Judgmental
   • Intimidating
   • Procrastinating
   • Sarcastic
   • Insinuating
   • Loud
   • Un-empathetic/lack of understanding
   • Shaming
5. Clients can frustrate with:
   • Generalizations
   • Double-binds
   • Gossip
   • Ignoring
   • Button pushing
   • Vengefulness

THERAPEUTIC RESPONSES AND ANGER MANAGEMENT

• Spot the difference between a mental health issue and nastiness

• Manic vs. disrespectful
• Inability to use tact vs. rude
• Inability to understand vs. "doesn't listen"
• Lack of executive functions vs. rigidity
• Inability to see themselves vs. embarrassing

• Trauma trigger vs. objective awareness

•          Losing "it"

• Taking it personally
• Setting aside your own buttons/triggers

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS (EF)

• Insight
• Foresight
• Hindsight
• Ability to see the big picture (context)
• Empathy
• Ability to see yourself (vision)
• Ability to envision consequences
• Case Video

RECOGNIZING DIAGNOSES AND TRIGGERS

• Bipolar Disorder
• ADHD
• Anxiety & Depression
• Substance Abuse
• PTSD

EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES

• Psychosocial Treatments
• Behavioral Approaches
• Family-focused treatment
• Interpersonal social rhythm therapy
• DBT
• Helpful Natural Supplements

TOOLS AND TAKEAWAYS

• Mental health issues specific to communication and therapy
• Anger Management specific to these issues
• Techniques to avoid “losing it”
• In depth understanding of specific dynamics
• Developing an “intuition” for EF (or lack of)