Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Balanced Mind Foundation- Evidence-Based Family Therapy

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The Balanced Mind Foundation

The Balanced Mind Foundation

Family Therapy

 

Evidence-Based Family Therapy

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Mary Fristad, Ph.D.

mik enews
David Miklowitz, Ph.D

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Mani Pavuluri, M.D., Ph.D.
I am pleased to present to you three leading models for family therapy. These three models, developed by Mary Fristad, Ph.D., David Miklowitz, Ph.D., and Mani Pavuluri, M.D., PhD are among the very few Evidence Based Treatments for families raising children with bipolar disorder.

What is Evidence Based Treatment and why is it important? Evidence Based Treatment encourages clinicians to consider empirical evidence (research) and clinical expertise when implementing treatment. It's important because it has a greater chance of success. Early and effective treatment reduces the likelihood that your child will need repeated therapeutic interventions. (Think of the old adage, "Do it right the first time"). While you may not have access to one of these researchers and their treatment programs, you can print the following article and discuss it with your family therapist.

Family therapy is an important component of your child's treatment regime. Family therapy does NOT mean that you are a bad parent or a dysfunctional family. On the contrary, it means that you are a good parent who is trying to address a very difficult illness. Mood disorders have a profound effect on the entire family. Gone are the days when we whispered about seeking therapy. Family therapy is as important to a child with a mood disorder as consultations from a dietician are to the parents of a diabetic child.

It takes a long time for Evidence Based Treatments to move from receiving accolades in top science journals to being put into practice by your local clinician. The Balanced Mind Foundation hopes to help improve the dissemination of knowledge. Read on, and discuss this information with your child's treatment team. An educated and informed parent--YOU-- is the best advocate for your child's wellness!

We are grateful to Drs. Fristad, Miklowitz and Pavuluri for sharing their wisdom with us and to Northwestern student, Sara Fletcher for compiling this vital information.

Learn How to Find and Rate Resources in Your Area


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Susan Resko, M.M.
Executive Director
Whether you are looking for a doctor, school, camp, advocate, support group, or other resource, suggestions are just a few clicks away.

Have you used the services of any of the resources listed in our directory? Please share your experience by clicking the "discuss and rate" link on the resource listing (you must be logged in to post).

Is your favorite resource not listed on The Balanced Mind Foundation website? Email info@thebalancedmind.org, and we will invite the professional or organization to be listed in our online directory.

Click here for tips on getting started with your search.

What is Peace of Mind Worth to You?

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Paula Giovacchini, M.A.
Development Director
What is peace of mind worth to you? How much time have you spent researching resources for your child? More importantly, how fragile is your child, and how important is to find the right doctor, therapist, school or summer camp? Recall that feeling of relief when you received a resource from another mom who has walked in your shoes.

"Carrie" (name changed), was new to The Balanced Mind Foundation. She approached us last week looking for a summer camp for her twelve year old son. He desperately needs a safe environment to build his self confidence and help him learn social skills. His moods whipsaw and he has trouble keeping friends.  School is very stressful for him. His siblings and parents desperately need a few weeks of respite from the effects of his illness. Carrie had received a recommendation about one camp, but she wanted to speak to another mom who had "walked in her shoes." Carrie needed help!

We referred Carrie to a veteran Help Line volunteer who lived a mile away from her and whose child had attended the summer camp she had in mind. We also sent her several resource links compiled by Amy D., one of our dedicated volunteers, including The Balanced Mind Foundation’s online professional resource directory. Carrie is now loaded with information, resources and recommendations from experienced moms also raising children with mood disorders.

Carrie is one of thousands of parents The Balanced Mind Foundation helps, quietly and efficiently, every year. If you are reading this, you have most likely been helped by The Balanced Mind Foundation.

We offer our services free of charge because we know what its like to be in Carrie's shoes. But we also know that there is hope and life does get better. We are a community of over 40,000 families, and over half of our financial support comes from grateful parents like you. Have you been helped? Will you give $50 today to enable us to continue this vital work?  How much is your piece of mind and a positive experience for your child worth to you?

The Support You Need, When You Need It: Chat, Groups, and Forums

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Nanci Schiman, MSW, CAPSW
Program Manager
Have you visited our support programs lately? If not, you might be surprised by the many different ways we bring parents the support they need, when they need it and how they need it.

CHAT
Sunday evening chat is back by popular demand, we’ve added a Monday morning chat and we’ve made some other schedule changes to better meet your needs. Click here to see the complete parent chat schedule. Then drop by to connect with other parents for support and friendship.

FORUMS
Whether your child is Newly Diagnosed or you have been dealing with mood disorders for a long time and need Stories of Hope, our forums can help!

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS
We have several new and not so new specialty groups: Psychotic Symptoms offers support for parents raising a child who is experiencing hallucinations as a part of their illness.  The Homeschoolers group is for anyone considering or currently homeschooling their child.  We have two regional groups: Los Angeles and New York that offer the opportunity for both online and in person connections.  To join an online group or to see a complete list of our groups, click here.

The Balanced Mind Foundation support programs. We’re here for you. Bringing Hope Home.     

Flipswitch Podcast: How to Talk to a Young Person With Depression

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Jessica Gimeno, BS
Online Communications Associate
Ever feel like you're walking on eggshells when you're talking to your child or depressed teen? I asked listeners to tell me the worst and best things people said to them when they were depressed. Listen to this short podcast, 5 Things NOT to say to a Depressed Person and 5 Things TO say to a Depressed Person Please share your thoughts in the comments section. We want to hear from you!          

Top Resources At Your Fingertips

paula g
Paula Giovacchini, M.A.
Development Director
What is piece of mind worth to you? How much time have you spent researching resources for your child? More importantly, how fragile is your child, and how important is to find the right doctor, therapist, school or summer camp? Recall that feeling of relief when you received a resource from another mom who has walked in your shoes.

"Carrie" (name changed), was new to The Balanced Mind Foundation. She approached us last week looking for a summer camp for her twelve year old son. He desperately needs a safe environment to build his self confidence and help him learn social skills. His moods whipsaw and he has trouble keeping friends.  School is very stressful for him. His siblings and parents desperately need a few weeks of respite from the effects of his illness. Carrie had received a recommendation about one camp, but she wanted to speak to another mom who had "walked in her shoes." Carrie needed help!

We referred Carrie to a veteran Help Line volunteer who lived a mile away from her and whose child had attended the summer camp she had in mind. We also sent her several resource links compiled by Amy D., one of our dedicated volunteers, including The Balanced Mind Foundation’s online professional resource directory. Carrie is now loaded with information, resources and recommendations from experienced moms also raising children with mood disorders.

Carrie is one of thousands of parents The Balanced Mind Foundation helps, quietly and efficiently, every year. If you are reading this, you have most likely been helped by The Balanced Mind Foundation.

We offer our services free of charge because we know what its like to be in Carrie's shoes. But we also know that there is hope and life does get better. We are a community of over 40,000 families, and over half of our financial support comes from grateful parents like you. Have you been helped? Will you give $50 today to enable us to continue this vital work?  How much is your piece of mind and a positive experience for your child worth to you?

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