Social Intelligence

Social intelligence is a term that speaks to our ability to navigate complex social relationships and read and understand the emotions of others. While we find more of our interactions replaced by apps, phone calls, emails, and Facebook posts, we have fewer opportunities to practice and develop our social intelligence. Face to face interactions provide greater understanding, and stronger connection.

Here's a test on Harvard's site for Social Intelligence. (It is part of a research experiment.)

Veteran's Day

Of course, thanks to all service members today for your work, efforts, and sacrifices. The protection and safety you provide does not go unnoticed. I hope that you feel protected and safe in life, too.

Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week

This week's been dubbed Hoarding Disorder Awareness week in Washington State. The new APA diagnostic manual has thoughtfully made this a seperete disoder. More research shows that hoarding is more related to grief and loss than anxiety where it previously got associated with Obsessive Compulsive behaviors. Link to The Hoarding Project

The Affordable Care Act

It’s still uncertain what the Affordable Healthcare Act will bring once in place. Washington State finished its vetting process for insurances companies on the state exchange. And many will have subsidies available to cover the cost of healthcare for themselves and their family.

King County has provided this website full of information regarding the act and exchange:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/coverage.aspx

In addition this calculator is helpful in providing information regarding your own eligibility for subsidies and the likely cost of healthcare plans:

http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

Moving Anger - 6 Week Workshop

Starting October 1st, Michael Sibrava will present Moving Anger, a six week workshop to address overwhelming and problematic anger. Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm visit www.envisiontherapies.net for more info or to enroll.

Insurance Coverage Updage

Envision Therapies is now paneled with:

 

Aetna

First Choice Health PPO

MHN

MHNet

Multiplan

Tricare

United Behavioral Health/Optum

Washington's Crime Victim Compensation Program

Other plans may still provide coverage through out-of-network terms.

Yes. Marijuana is addictive.

Just to clarify, the DSM-V is adding Cannabis Withdrawal. The last iteration of the Diagnostic & Statistics Manual still included Cannabis Dependency. (i.e. addiction)

DSM-5 adds marijuana withdrawal: I thought pot was non-addictive

By Christine Stapleton

Congrats, Grads!

A First Job Is Like A First Date, And Other Advice For Graduation Day

A recent article from NPR that lists economists' advice about getting your first job.
New grads often feel like that first job will define the rest of their careers. First jobs are simply the first position you hold. If anything a job that's disliked is always a learning experience. It can be helpful to know what you do not want to do, what your limits are, and learn when you actually have a choice.
Good luck and great job new grads!

Mental Illness As A Family Matter

This is a sad account of our severely underfunded, understaffed mental health system. People and families suffer greatly while mental illness goes unchecked. Often families do not realize what a thin safety net there is for loved ones with mental illness until it's too late. It's another reason I'm a huge fan of NAMI (National Alliance on Mentally Illness) which walks the fence well in advocating for consumers' civil rights while pushing for stronger, healthier mental health policies and laws.
For mentally ill, a search for help is often in vain

Stressed Americans without Services

Let's hear all the tips out there for stress management. I'll start -- get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. (9 is the optimal median.)
Stressed Out Americans Want Help, But Many Don't Get It from NPR

The Reflective Birthday

A very happy birthday to Carl Rogers the innovator of Client-centered Therapy!

http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers/p/bio_rogers.htm