lunamist1024 The medical model is the dominant paradigm of psychiatry. Over the past forty years it has become the target of a rising tide of criticism. What is the medical model? Why is it the object of criticism? The medical model is not a scientific concept or theory. It cannot be confirmed or falsified by facts.…
This short video conveys the importance of medical professionals, social workers, mental health clinicians, and the community to have compassion and empathy to those who can not cope with the experience of hearing voices. With the introduction of the Hearing Voices groups in an allopathic hospital, voice hearers and pained persons learn the necessary healthy […]Read Post ›
I would like to acknowledge the role of several key individuals who were instrumental for the creation of this Multimedia Project and essential in educating me to become a practitioner-scholar. I would like to express my very great appreciation to Dr. Michael LaSala, Ph.D., Rutgers Doctorate in Social Work Program Director, for taking the time to explore, guide, […]Read Post ›
It is known that the bio-medical model is widely used to understand, treat, and find a cure for what affects the human kind. To find the cure, the bio-medical discourse looks for and targets non-ordinary states of mind (psychopathology) and nonconformist behaviors (personality disorders) that sets some individuals apart from the mainstream […]Read Post ›
Throughout the posts I included some pictures and resources. This section is dedicated to just pictures to reflect upon and informational links. Presence The empathy wheel Empathy unites us all! Intuition The Intuitive Mind Practice Intuition Be still-be present-listen within Empathy and understanding The empathic connection Mindfulness Mindfulness exercise Mindful people’s wisdom Meditation Be […]Read Post ›
Welcome to a space where inquiry, exploration, and discussion are encouraged and accepted from individuals from all walks of life. My intention with this site and future publications is to create an inclusive, compassionate community where all individuals from both sides of the mental health system are embraced as equals with inherent wisdom to teach and learn from […]Read Post ›
The Dark Side of the Shadow The inherent and overt manifestation of a spiritual emergency and psychotic break are almost synonymous with each other. Both need immediate treatment to keep themselves and others safe (Grof, et. al., 1989; Lucas, 2011; Perry, 1974). Yet, the choice of treatment provided is based on the perceiver’s […]Read Post ›
The Color Technique “People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.” ~ Harper Lee This psychotherapy group proved to be quite challenging, it was the last one on a Wednesday afternoon and the patients seemed particularly lethargic and speechless. Sensing the group’s mindset, I decided to use the color meditation technique […]Read Post ›
Establishing a Hearing Voices group in an allopathic hospital requires a clinician to have an open mind and be able to think outside the medical model.
The medical model temporarily assists the pained other in a spiritual crisis. However, what assists the pained other is for the clinician to be present. In order to be present and practice ethical social work the clinician must be in contact and integrate the shadow self.
The Art of Presence in Mental Health 