The Chemical Balance Myth

I recently read the August 7, 2017 Time cover story "The Anti Antidepressant." It talks of possible "new" innovations in psychopharmacology. It's hardly new Ketamine, MDMA, and other medications have been researched in the past. Often street (ab)use, led to discontinuing the research in medications like this.
This latest article does a fine job of describing the (Western) understanding of depression. It also does a poor job of updating the understanding that's come in the last 40 years. The brain in "chemical imbalance" model of understanding and treating depression was outdated by the time it was used to help portray to clients the usefulness of SSRI in treatment. It's not that it's totally incorrect -- it's incomplete. The latest Time article does at least note that the latest understanding acknowledges the likelihood that depression is perhaps a dozen plus conditions. It still, however, perpetuates the perspective that depression lives solely in the brain.

Depression may be demonstrated through low serotonin, dopamine, or other neurotransmitters. Recent researchers, though, see a multidimensional, physiological syndromes that explain the depressive experience. There is a shift in how the anatomical areas of the brain metabolize and send impulses (a neurological and circuit based disease.) Not only do certain genes show links to depression, but whether those genes have been turned on or off in a person's lifetime (a genetic and epigenetic disease.) The genes con
trol how hormones are replicated and how sensitive our body is to these hormones (an endocrine disease.) These hormonal interactions inflame our tissues - a disease of inflammation. These are all parts of depression - it is not only seen in the brain, not only felt in the brain.
Depression impacts our sleep, appetite and metabolism, our sense of energy, our ability to concentrate. It impacts relationships in the family and in the community - a person's participation in the call and response of human connection.
I hope that clinicians find one more effective treatment of depression. I regularly tell my clients and colleagues (with a touch of facetiousness) "No business is good business." My sense of this comes with the belief that counseling is only one vehicle to address depression. Often, it's the job of therapist to connect people to more meaningful interventions, more resolute solutions to managing mood: Healthy relationships, healthy lifestyles, communities, friends, exercise, greater sense of connection to the world and to people, a sense of meaning, a remembrance of one's fortitude and internal resources. Because depression does not simply live in the brain. Treatment can start in the brain, in relationships, and in physiology. It does not end there.

Group Health PPO

Very excited to announce that Michael Sibrava will be accepting Group Health PPO starting September 1st.

And as always, still in network for:

• AllOne Health EAP

• Aetna

• First Choice PPO

• Lifesynch/Humana

• MHN

• MHNet

• Tricare

• Regence Blue Shield

• United Behavioral Health/Optum

• United Healthcare

• Value Options PPO
• Washington Crime Victim Compensation

New Trauma Credential -- CCTP

Officially a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional... with even greater knowledge in promoting growth after trauma.

Promising Changes in Washington State

Recent judicial law has put an end to boarding involuntary patients in ER - detained, but not receiving treatment. Now, there's more accountability when people are not detained.

House supports judicial review of mental-health decisions | Local News | The Seattle Times

Things seem to be getting better for crisis mental health services in Washington. I hope we can come up with the money to support these initiatives. More so, I hope we can (re)develop services to reduce mental health crisis altogether.

Recommended Podcast Episode

I wanted to listen to the whole show before sharing. It's fair warning that it might be triggering for someone in early recovery.
The conversation between Ira and his father was heart touching, and I thought did a fair job of presenting the subtle impacts of marijuana addiction. Pains from addiction can be deep and profound, even when there's no overt, violent, or obvious abuses or neglects.

This American Life - "I Was So High"

Continuing Educaction

The Matt Adler Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management Act of 2012 has gone into effect this year. Looking forward to seeing what this initiative brings for Washington clinicians and more important Washington consumers and communities. I'm enrolled for my continuing education class.

Working with Suicidal Clients 2014 Workshops

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.

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.

Veteran's Day

Thank you to all our servicemen and servicewomen. You've made great sacrifices for us. We wish you safety and contentment.

Healthy Eating = Healthy Feelings

The mind and body share a strong link - our mind comes out of our body's many movements, impulses, and chemical reactions. Literal movement from our muscles, to the hormones that surge through our body all play a part. Of course, how we eat impacts our thought and emotion! I always love simpler tips to healthy eating.
The Environmental Working Group has put forward its recent Good Food on a Tight Budget guide. EWG's webpage gives a number of helpful guides for healthy living all worth consideration.

California bans gay-to-straight therapy - The Seattle Times

It's always aggravating when a handful of people besmudge the reputation of a profession. There's an unfortunate and necessary reality that professionals rely on regulating and credentialing organizations as well as state and national legislation. I encourage anyone looking into psychotherapy to look into their rights as a client and check the credentials of their therapist.
It's horrible to know that vulnerable young people who find themselves in already unsupporting environments, will find themselves faced with even more painful adversity by way of alleged "helpers."
California bans gay-to-straight therapy