Hey All!
I am excited to announce that on October 23rd, I will be releasing my first book (well 2nd, if you count the one I wrote back in 2004 for the Health Department). This work is a compilation of approaches and experience that has evolved in my time as a helping professional, first as a Health Educator, then as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Many of the tools and approaches have been used in clinical sessions and even in my own family setting in dealing with a chronic illness.
These are the frameworks, concepts, rules, and tools that have had the best results and feedback from all that have put several of these concepts into practice. The book focuses on both the person dealing with the chronic illness as well as those in a supportive role, from a partner to a relative, a friend to a clinician. It describes how best to engage, what you can expect, and what to say and do along with what not to say or do.
Along with this, I am in the process of building on online web-site: www.BeTeamPositive.us which will act as a resource center as well as a community for further ongoing support. It will also have bonus material (the other examples that did not make it into the book), worksheets, and videos intended to provide further aid to the team’s efforts.
The initial reason I began to write this book was that I wanted to be able to hand a book like this to those I work within a clinical setting. I also wanted to work with my family, specifically my father, but I made sure to include anyone who had anything to say about the process, in creating this book. My father and I have been toying around with this idea ever since he wrote his memoir, Living Life 90 Days at a Time: A Sarcoma Survivors Journey, back in 2016 and we finally decided to sit down late last year and make it happen. Now we have!!
Finally – one of the issues I have often find myself grappling with is in meeting so many people out there dealing with a chronic issue, but not having the time to be able to work individually with each one of them. I wish it was possible, but it is not. A book offers me a way of getting this message out to more than the 22-28 people I can squeeze into appointments each week. I think this is the next best thing and with the support website online, I think the whole effort will be more meaningful, effective, a reach a much larger audience in a time of need.
Here is a quick overview of the book and what is inside:
The Team Positive approach addresses how to cope with a health condition and how those who love you can provide compassionate support during your quest. Whether you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, Crohn’s, diabetes, or any overwhelming health or mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, this team approach helps everyone—
- Discover the healing power of the team
- Find a place on the pyramid of support
- Know the four main life engagement areas to ensure a balanced approach
- Identify and overcome personal barriers in challenging situations
- Learn coping skills that address distress and energy management
You can get a copy and learn more about this by going to: www.BeTeamPositive.Us