CAN THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM BE REFORMED?

The mental health system today cannot truly be reformed. There are some working within it that seek to be ethical and compassionate, but the reality is that the current system will remain oppressive. We must establish a radical alternative for distressed persons where their voice is truly heard, that is non-hierarchical, based on free agreements, and takes into consideration the oppression that they have encountered. This is what I am seeking to accomplish presently, to offer this place of true sanctuary.


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Tunkhannock, PA, USA


www.humanepsychiatry.com

International Center for Humane Psychiatry

SYSTEM OF 'MADNESS'

Looking back at the time when I was in secondary school, I do not recall the level of distressed young people as exists now. I do not recall the existence of 'emotional support' classrooms. I do not remember any peers who were on multiple psychiatric drugs, except for one, and this was in 1992. I see a greater disillusionment and complacency in the present generation. I am theorizing that whereas there was dreadful things prior, that something dramatic occurred which has caused for this new generation of complacency and despair. I do recall the 90's being labeled the "Decade of the Brain", it was also during this decade we saw the expansion of special education to include various 'emotional disorders', and we saw the grip (and now chokehold) that Big Pharma began to exert with the rise of children being placed on psychiatric drugs. Within a shirt period in the nineties, the diagnosis of ADHD went from rare to over 6 million children in the US being given this diagnosis. We saw the beginning of school shootings in the 1990's. I can only surmise that in the 90's began a campaign to spread the lie of 'chemical imbalances', an era of falsehood, propaganda, and greed, which is now putting us into a desparate situation. I believe the economic collapse we have recently experienced and many of the social dilemmas take its roots during this period. We need to explore this further. Is it possible that we have created the tools to drive our children and others 'mad'?

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

International Center for Humane Psychiatry
Critical Psychology Coalition

AUTISM: 'HAVING' VERSUS 'BEING'

I believe it is necessary to distinguish between the terms 'having' autism and 'being' autistic. The former implies that the person has an entity that thus must be eradicated or altered or 'cured'. The later implies the way the person interacts with their world, who they are. If we see persons as 'having', then we can use force or coercion to get rid of that entity and make them something other than what they are. If we see the person as 'being', then our efforts are not to alter the person, but to support the person.


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

www.humanepsychiatry.com

International Center for Humane Psychiatry

Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania


Dr. Edmunds can be reached for consultation by e-mailing:
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

RELIGION'S ALLIANCE WITH BIO-PSYCHIATRY

It is unfortunate that we see religion developing alliances with bio-psychiatry. In the past children in Catholic schools were often tormented by the 'nun with the ruler'. Today, we find that the Catholic Church often operates youth 'treatment' facilities where the nun with the ruler is now replaced by the power of the psychiatrist with his drugs. These programs are not about helping young people find meaning, the objective is to be for the profit of the psychiatrists and the religious institution itself. I am personally aware of many abuses that occur in such facilities however the Church will often gloat about what a wonderful contribution they are making to helping the 'poor, troubled' children.


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

ALTERNATIVE MAINSTREAM RADIO PROGRAM DETAILING DRUG FREE APPROACHES TO EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, PSYCHIATRIC FRAUD/ABUSE, AND THE WORK OF ICHP

The Alternative Mainstream radio program featuring Professor Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D., psychotherapist, child developmental specialist, social activist, and Founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry is now archived at http://hthradio.net
This program discusssed psychiatric abuse, drug free alternatives for persons labeled as ADHD, Bipolar, etc. and details some of the work of Dr. Dan L. Edmunds in returning compassion and dignity to the field of mental health.





International Center for Humane Psychiatry
www.humanepsychiatry.com

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.- Drug Free Relational Approaches/ Psychotherapy- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania USA 18657
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

http://www.DrDanEdmunds.com

DRUG FREE RELATIONAL APPROACHES FOR
EXTREME STATES OF MIND (SCHIZOPHRENIA/SCHIZOAFFECTIVE/BIPOLAR)
ATTENTIONAL CHALLENGES
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS
AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY
FORENSIC CONSULTATION
BEHAVIORAL CONSULTATION
WORKSHOPS/ LECTURES

To arrange a consultation or for media interview requests, contact:
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com



Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. is a noted existential-humanist psychotherapist, child developmental specialist, social activist, and author. He is the founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry which is an emancipatory movement for human rights and dignity in the mental health system. Dr. Edmunds' therapeutic work has focused on drug free, relationship based approaches for autism and developmental differences as well as extreme states of mind (what is labeled as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar). He has been a leading critic of the mental health establishment challenging its ties to the pharmaceutical industry as well as many of its practices which invalidate experience and are oppressive.

Dr. Edmunds at the age of 14 began taking interest in culture and belief and undertook study of various ethnic and religious groups. At the age of 15, he became active in various political campaigns, holding his first press conference. At 16, he became the youngest legislative aide in the State of Colorado serving with then State Senator Robert W. Schaffer. He later served as the youngest registered professional lobbyist in the State of Colorado. In 1992, he served as a county campaign coordinator for a congressional campaign in Florida and had the opportunity to transport Martin Luther King III to an event at Bethune Cookman College and attend the Congressional Black Caucus Swearing-in Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
He graduated from Fort Collins High School in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1993. He attended the University of Florida and received his Bachelor of Arts with a major in Comparative Religion and a minor in Sociology. He completed his Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton, a Jesuit institution in 1999. He completed post graduate coursework in Dispute Resolution in 2000 via Nova Southeastern University and earned his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling in 2006 from Argosy University of Sarasota. Dr. Edmunds' dissertation was an exploration of a drug free program for children diagnosed as ADHD participating in wraparound programs.
In 1999, he collaborated with Bobbi Gagne of the Sexual Abuse Crisis Team of Vermont. He began work as a therapist for a private agency in 2000, and in 2001 he was host of a local radio program addressing children's mental health issues and drug free approaches. In 2001, he developed a radio program in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area focused on drug free approaches and children's mental health. In 2002, he completed various trainings in relationship based approaches to autism. In 2003, he received Board Certification in Sexual Abuse Issues from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
In 2004, Edmunds undertook a lecture tour in Florida discussing psychiatric abuse, and the diagnosis of ADHD and drug free ways to aid children receiving this label.
Edmunds began publishing a number of critical psychology articles at this time. In 2005, Edmunds delivered a presentation "Thinking Outside the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm" at the 8the 8th annual conference of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology held at the Sheraton LaGuardia in Flushing, New York. Also in 2005, he serves as clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program.
In 2006, Edmunds attends the Fight for Kids Gala in New York City sponsored by Tia Ciabani of Ports 1961 which included Kelly Preston, John Travolta, Greta Van Sustern, and Arianna Huffington among the guests.
Also in 2006, after receiving his Doctorate, Edmunds begins private consultation and publishes his first book "Children Our Treasure" and delivers a talk at an exhibit on psychiatric abuse held in Niagara Falls, New York.
in 2007, he lectures at an event in Buffalo, New York and is interviewed on various local radio programs (Melbourne, Florida; Hartford,CT; Clearwater, FL) He publishes his second book "Experience: The Soul of Therapy."
In 2008, Dr. Edmunds publishes "Navigating Through the Mainstream", a text on autism acceptance and helping developmentally different persons. He travels to Miami, Florida for meetings on foster care reform and lectures at the opening of exhibit on psychiatric abuse in Philadelphia, PA.
in 2009, Dr. Edmunds joins the Board of Advisors of the R.D. Laing Society. He is interviewed on a number of radio programs including Highway to Health. He serves as a consultant in the case of Kurt Danysh, a person without any prior history of violence who committed a violent act after being prescribed the drug Prozac.

ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY

One of my clients, a thirteen year old boy, related to me about his prior time at a residential treatment center. He said that many of the staff would call him and the other children by obscene names, that he often felt bullied, degraded, and ‘like I never was a human being.” The father of this young man told me that “you have done more for him in a few weeks than many did in years.” This was a kind compliment and I was pleased that I was able to make a contribution to this boy’s life but beyond that I began to think- what exactly is different in my approach with this young man that has allowed a connection to blossom forth and has helped him to progress in a short period whereas he had rece3ived years of prior ‘treatments’. I found the answer to this in what I sought to create, and I believe this is the key to any genuine emotional healing- relationship. Beyond that, I radically tore down the barriers that would separate us. I tore down the hierarchy. I did not bully him or seek to use my position to force or coerce. From the beginning, I informed him that he was in a safe place to be his actual self, a place where he could feel comfortable to express whatever he chose without judgment or hostility. It came to be that whenever crises arose he would often seek me out. Many treatment programs today are based on staff being in positions of power over the person and seeking to modify nthe way the person thinks and feels by a system of manipulations. Those who conform to this are said to be ‘improved’ and are discharged. But I have never seen any real progress come from such ‘treatment’. This is because it was never based on genuineness, it was never authentic. We know that residential treatment facilities are costly and we know that the ‘success’ rates for such programs are very low. Why are we afraid to empower young people? Why are we afraid to use shared energy and power? Why is it that we adults who have created a warped society filled with wars, greed, corruption, poverty, and injustice feel that we have more wisdom and the ability to control our young people. I find that much of what is termed conduct problems among our young people are the result of what they have received from adult society or is a futile and unfortunately self destructive attempt to remove the shackles placed upon them by this corrupt society.
Residential treatment centers are like concentration camps. This indeed many be a strong statement. But we have taken a group of youth who have often been the scapegoats in their families and we have incarcerate them in facilities against their will, dehumanized them, and used power, control, and force to seek to make them be as ‘us.’ Imagine if we took the funds channeled to these residential treatment centers (which are often for-profit) and we invested it towards alleviating poverty, for educational programs, for assistance to mothers, for parental skill transfer, etc. We do not want to invest in these things because it would actually make a difference, it would elevate and empower people and this would be a huge threat to the status quo and the oligarchic system under which we operate. Often young people come to me and will complain about the injustices of the world and the unfairness of their lives. Sadly, the countless examples of corruptiojn and greed seen in adult society makes them feel powerless. I think of the judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania who profited from sending juveniles to detention facilities for lengthy periods for minor offenses. When young people see and endure this, it is no wonder that they become complacent. But their complacency is what I find most disturbing. In the past, youth often would stand up vigilantly to defend their rights and the rights of others. Now there is just apathy. People sit back and take the abuse from the system. They have become disenfranchised and disillusioned. But the message I send to young people is that yes, life can be unfair, it can be absurd, there are many unanswered questions, but through our experiences we maintain the choice to be complacent or to press on. We can take our painful experiences and transform ourselves and our world and those around us. I was inspired to enter the counseling field after encountering a woman who endured years of abuse but who made the choice to empower herself and others by creating a place of sanctuary for those who experienced such brutality. She pulled many out of the darkness of despair because she could journey with them, she had been through their darkness, she knew where they were.
This is a powerful theme- the journey with another person. To simply be with another person, particularly when they feel alone in the world. This has a dramatic impact on a person’s well being. But that is not how most ‘treatment’ works. Rather, ‘treatment’ seeks to ‘do’ things to you instead of being with the person. Be it psychiatric drugs, electroshocks, or restraints, all of this is something we ‘do’ to alter the person’s experience and to bring them to our sense of ‘normality.’ But is it good to be ‘normal’? Is there something better about this? Laing had commented that normal people had killed million of other normal people in this past century.
I find the Myth of Sisyphus as related by Albert Camus to be a powerful and inspiring story. Sisyphus is condemned by the gods to roll a rock up a hill for eternity, when he reaches the top, it falls again, only for him to have to do it all over again. This is often a metaphor for our lives, how we feel trapped, that we must go through the same mundane things over and over, however Sisyphus presses on because he maintains a spirit of defiance. I believe this spirit of defiance is what helps us to continue onward and develop new meanings. We are constantly revising our meanings, we are constantly reviewing and revising our lives. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a popular diagnosis for young people who would dare to be angry ore challenge what adults tell them. Granted, this defiant attitude can be productive or destructive, the spirit of defiance I refer to is one that causes us to think critically and to take action, not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of others. The example of Martin Luther King Jr. is one of this spirit of defiance leading to radical and needed change. His was a non-violent spirit of defiance and that is what is needed to evoke any lasting change. If it is not non-violent then we just contribute to the cycle of misery and despair that individuals so often become entangled within.
I have known that for some of my clients they have felt as though they are trapped in a prison. A prisoner of their own minds, haunted by visions of the past. I do not find it helpful at times to rehash the past history of traumas. We can know what the traumas are but a regurgitation of all the details does not bring healing or move the person forward. It is often necessary to simply journey with the person and for them to come to a point of patient acceptance. This means accepting things were what they were but letting go, not inflicting more wounds upon ourselves or having a constant dialogue with ourselves of what if or why me? This patient acceptance allows us to come to a sense of peace within ourselves and with that around us. But when I say patient acceptance I am not stating that we must accept being abused or oppressed in the present. Instead, we must be active agent of our liberation and the liberation of others. This can only come about by turning away from a victim stance and becoming empowered to transform ourselves and by our transformation, in our small but significant way seek to bring peace and solace to others.
I believe that one role of the therapist that is basically forgotten today is to be an activist. If we truly want to see people happy and free from mental anguish, then we must take a role in championing the basic rights and dignity of all human beings. This activist role has been lost because the current medical-pharmaceutical model in the mental health system would tell us that everything is a chemical problem in the brain of the person. If this is the case, then there is no immediate need to change our environment or the way our society operates because it has not had no impact on the distress of the person, it is all in the wiring of their brain. This medical model has led to stigmatization, greed, has stifled any understanding of individual experience or the powerful social, familial, and political processes that leads to distress.
In addition to the fraud of the medical model, religious propaganda also causes us to lose sight of the need for us to take action in our world now. If persons are led to believe in some future better existence and that life is merely a test or preparation for the next better world, then what motivation do we have to change anything in our world now? If we are led to believe that the earth will all be destroyed at some point in time anyway, why take any action? I recall a client about nine years old whose grandfather had died of cancer. She was terrified, anxious, having nightmares and intrusive thoughts that her grandfather was burning in Hell. Why do we do this to our children? We often grasp onto beliefs because it is what we are told, or what our families did, or because others around us believe it. We have lost our ability to think critically. We have relinquished our lives to the control of some outside power that is really only the man behind the curtain pulling the strings. Ignore the man behind the curtain we are told and indeed we do!


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,.B.C.S.A.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

INTERVOICE LETTER TO THE OPRAH WINFREY PROGRAM

Dear Oprah

We are writing in response to your programme about “The 7-Year-Old Schizophrenic”, which concerned Jani, a child who hears voices, which was broadcast on the 6th October 2009. We hope to correct the pessimistic picture offered by the mental health professionals featured in your programme, and in the accompanying article on your website. What upset us most and moved us to write to you, is that parents will have been left with the impression that they are powerless to help their children if they hear voices. We are also concerned that the programme gave the impression that children with voices must be treated with medication. We note that the medications mentioned in your programme all have very serious side effects. (For example, antipsychotics such as Haldol cause neuronal loss, block the dopamine pathways in the brain required to processes rewarding stimuli, and carry a high risk of neurological and metabolic side effects such as Parkinsonianism and diabetes. Their effects on the developing brain are largely unknown and, in our view, they should only be given to children as a treatment as absolutely last resort.)

We have been researching and working with adults and children like Jani for the last twenty years, and our work has led us to very different conclusions from those reached by the mental health professionals on your programme. One of our founding members, Dr. Sandra Escher from the Netherlands, has spent the last fifteen years talking to children who hear voices, and to their parents and carers. This work is the most detailed and thorough investigation of children who hear voices carried out to date [1, 2]. The most important findings from recent research on hearing voices are as follows:

Prevalence of voice hearing in adults and children
Recent large-scale population (epidemiological) studies have shown that about 4-10 % of the adult population hear voices at some time in their lives [3-5]. Only about a third seek assistance from mental health services. Amongst children, the proportion hearing voices may be even higher [6] and, again, only a minority are referred for treatment. Hence, it is wrong to assume that voice hearing is always a pathological condition requiring treatment.

Psychological mechanisms
Everyone has an inner voice. Psychologists call this phenomenon ‘inner speech’ and it is an important mechanism that we use to regulate our own behaviour (plan what we want to do, direct our own actions). Child psychologists have long understood that this ability begins to develop at about 2-years of age [7, 8]. Hearing voices seems to reflect some kind of differentiation in the mind’s ability to tell the difference between inner speech and the heard speech of other people [9, 10].

Link to trauma
A common theme in research with both adults and children is the relationship between hearing voices and traumatic experiences. In adults, around 75% begin to hear voices in relationship to a trauma or situations that make them feel powerless [11-13], for example the death of a loved one, divorce, losing a job, failing an exam, or longer lasting traumas such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The role of trauma was identified in 85% of the children we have studied, for example being bullied by peers or teachers, or being unable to perform to the required level at school, or being admitted to a hospital because of a physical illness. In short, our research has shown that hearing voices is usually a reaction to a situation or a problem that the child is struggling to cope with.

Voices have a meaning A related and equally striking finding is that the voices often refer to the problem that troubles the child, but in an elliptical manner. To take just one example from the children studied by Sandra Escher:

The voices told an 8-year-old boy to blind himself. This frightened his mother. But when we discussed whether there was something in the life of the boy he could not face, she understood the voices’ message. The boy could not cope with his parents’ problematic marriage. He did not want to see it.

We wonder whether anyone has attempted to establish why, in Jani’s case, the rat is called "Wednesday", why the girl is called "24 Hours", and why is the cat called "400"? What do these mean for her? Why does Jani want people to call her "Blue-Eyed Tree Frog" and "Jani Firefly"?

Good outcomes without treatment
Recently, Sandra Escher conducted a three-year follow up study of eighty children who heard voices, aged between 8 and 19 [1]. Half received mental health care but the other half were not given any specialist care at all. The children were interviewed four times, at yearly intervals. By the end of the research period 60% of the children reported that their voices had disappeared. Very often, this was because the triggering problems were dealt with or because the child’s situation changed - for example, following a change of schools.

Helping children who hear voices: Advise to parents
It is important to appreciate that the desire to make voices disappear, although usually the goal of the mental health care services, is not necessarily in the best interests of children. Some children do not want to lose their voices. If children can find within themselves the resources to cope with their voices, they can begin to lead happier and more balanced lives.

The most important element in this process is support from the family. Unfortunately, we have found that mental health services often fail to have a positive effect on children’s voices, because they foster fear rather than coping. However, we have found that referral to a psychotherapist who is prepared to discuss the meaning of voices is often helpful.

It is important that parents do not assume that hearing voices is a terrible disaster but instead regard it as a signal that something is troubling their child. If parents assume that voices are a symptom of an illness, and are afraid of them, the child will naturally pick up on this feeling. This can lead to a self-defeating cycle in which the child becomes fearful and obsessed by the voices.

We would like to offer this 10-point guide for parents, indicating what they can do if a child tells them that he or she hears voices:

1. Try not to over react. Although it is understandable that you will be worried, work hard not to communicate your anxiety to your child.

2. Accept the reality of the voice experience for your child; ask about the voices, how long the child has been hearing them, who or what they are, whether they have names, what they say, etc.

3. Let your child know that many other children hear voices and that usually they go away after a while.

4. Even if the voices do not disappear your child may learn to live in harmony with them.

5. It is important to break down your child's sense of isolation and difference from other children. Your child is special - unusual perhaps, but really not abnormal.

6. Find out if your child has any difficulties or problems that he or she finds very hard to cope with, and work on fixing those problems. Think back to when the voices first started. What was happening to your child at the time? Was there anything unusual or stressful occurring?

7. If you think you need outside help, find a therapist who is prepared to accept your child's experiences and work systematically with him or her to understand and cope better with the voices.

8. Be ready to listen to your child if he or she wants to talk about the voices. Use drawing, painting, acting and other creative ways to help the child to describe what is happening in his or her life.

9. Get on with your lives and try not to let the experience of hearing voices become the centre of your child's life or your own.

10. Most children who live well with their voices have supportive families who accept the experience as part of who their child is. You can do this too!

Conclusion
In conclusion we would like to stress that, in our view, labelling a seven-year-old child as schizophrenic and subjecting her to powerful psychotropic medication and periodic hospitalisation is unlikely to help resolve her problems. Indeed, the opposite is most probable: children treated in this way will simply become more powerless. Because your well respected, award winning show reaches out to so many people, we are concerned that there will be many viewers who will be left with the impression that the treatment Jani receives is the only method available. We fear that this may cause some children to be subjected to an unnecessary lifetime in psychiatric care. It is very important to recognise that hearing voices, in itself, is not a sign of psychopathology.

We hope you will give consideration to the possibility of making a future programme showing the other side of the story, one of hope, optimism and with a focus on recovery. Perhaps you could make a programme about a child with similar voice experiences to Jani, who has been helped to come to terms with her or his experiences and to discuss with the child, parents and therapists how this was acheived? If there is anyway we could help make this happen, please contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you on the issues raised in our letter.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Baker
INTERVOICE coordinator
(Letter reedited with the kind assistance of Professor Richard Bentall)

Selected bibliography
1. Escher, S., et al., Independent course of childhood auditory hallucinations: A sequential 3-year follow-up study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2002. 181 Suppl 43: p. 10-18.
2. Escher, S., et al., Formation of delusional ideation in adolescents hearing voices: A prospective study. American Journal of Medical Genetics (Neuropsychiatric Genetics), in press.
3. Tien, A.Y., Distribution of hallucinations in the population. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1991. 26: p. 287-292.
4. van Os, J., et al., Strauss (1969) revisited: A psychosis continuum in the normal population? Schizophrenia Research, 2000. 45: p. 11-20.
5. van Os, J., et al., Prevalence of psychotic disorder and community level of psychotic symptoms: An urban-rural comparison. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2001. 58: p. 663-668.
6. Poulton, R., et al., Children's self-reported psychotic symptoms and adult schizophreniform disorder: A 15-year longitudinal study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2000. 57: p. 1053-1058.
7. Berk, L.E., Why children talk to themselves. Scientific American, 1994: p. 61-65.
8. Vygotsky, L.S.V., Thought and language. 1962, Cambidge, Mass: MIT Press.
9. Alleman, A. and F. Laroi, Hallucinations: The science of idiosyncratic perceptions. 2008, Washington: American Psychological Association.
10. Bentall, R.P., Madness explained: Psychosis and human nature. 2003, London: Penguin.
11. Read, J., et al., Sexual and physical abuse during childhood and adulthood as predictors of hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 2003. 76: p. 1-22.
12. Hammersley, P., et al., Childhood trauma and hallucinations in bipolar affective disorder: A preliminary investigation. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2003. 182: p. 543-547.
13. Shevlin, M., M. Dorahy, and G. Adamson, Childhood traumas and hallucinations: An analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2007. 41: p. 222-228.



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Signed by 155 people from 20 countries, listed in order of the time they were received.

Dr. Sandra Escher, - Board member of INTERVOICE, The Netherlands
Professor Marius Romme, psychiatrist, MD, PhD, President of INTERVOICE, The Netherlands
Dirk Corstens, Social psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Chair of INTERVOICE, The Netherlands
Paul Baker, coordinator of INTERVOICE, Spain
Jacqui Dillon, consultant trainer and voice hearer, chair of Hearing Voices Network England, board member of INTERVOICE, UK
Ron Coleman, consultant trainer and voice hearer, board member of INTERVOICE, UK
Hywel Davies, chair of Hearing Voices Network Cymru (Wales), honorary board member of INTERVOICE; UK
Amanda R. E. Aller Lowe, MS, LPC, LCPC, QMRP - Agency Partner, Communities In Schools & Area Representative, The Center for Cultural Interchange, Aurora, Illinois, INTERVOICE supporter, USA
Adrienne Giacon, Secretary and Hearing Voices Network Support group facilitator Hearing Voices Network Aotearoa, INTERVOICE member, New Zealand
Dr John Read, Associate Professor, Psychology Department, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Ann-Louise S. Silver, MD, founder and past president, International Society for the Psychological Treatments of Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses (www.isps-us.org), ISPS-US, USA
Matthew Morrissey, MA, MFT, Board Member, MindFreedom International, Northern California Coordiator, ISPS-US, San Franciso, USA
Irene van de Giessen, former voice hearer and foster-daughter of Willem van Staalen and Willem van Staalen, voice integrating foster-father of Irene, The Netherlands
Olga Runciman, consultant trainer and voice hearer (BSc psychiatric nurse and graduate student in psychology), INTERVOICE member, Denmark
Professor Wilma Boevink, Chair of Stichting Weerklank (Netherlands Hearing Voices Network), Professor of Recovery, Hanze University; Trimbos-Institute (the Dutch Institute of Mental Health and Addiction), Netherlands
Marian B. Goldstein, voicehearer, (fully recovered thanks to trauma-focussed therapy, the opportunity to make sense of the voices) INTERVOICE supporter, Denmark
Professor Dr J. van Os, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, INTERVOICE supporter, Netherlands
Virginia Pulker, Mental health Occupational Therapist with young people with psychosis, recovery promoter, HVN Australia, Northern Ireland and England. INTERVOICE supporter, UK/Australia
Professor Richard Bentall, PhD, Chair Clinical Psychology, University of Bangor, INTERVOICE supporter, Wales, UK
Alessandra Santoni, professional working in a Mental Health Service of Milan, voice hearer and facilitator of a hearing voices group, INTERVOICE supporter,Italy
Geraldo Peixoto and Dulce Edie Pedro dos Santos, São Vicente - Est. São Paulo - INTERVOICE supporter, Brasil
Joanna & Andrzej Skulski, INTERVOICE supporters, Polska
Darby Penney, INTERVOICE supporter and President, The Community Consortium, Inc., Albany, NY, USA
Jacqueline Hayes, researcher at Manchester University about hearing voices in 'non-patients' and therapist, UK
Phil Virden, MA, MA, Executive Editor, Asylum Magazine, UK
Matthew Morris, Mental Health Locality Manager, East Suffolk Outreach Team, Suffolk Mental Health Partnerships NHS Trust, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Ros Thomas, Young Peoples Worker, Gateway Community Heath, Wodonga Victoria, INTERVOICE supporter, Australia
Dr. Rufus May Dclin/ Consultant Clinical Psychologist, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Dr. Simon Jones, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Dr. Louis Tinnin, Psychiatrist, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Linda Gantt, PhD, Intensive Trauma Therapy, Inc., USA
Burton Norman Seitler, Ph.D., New Jersey Institute for training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescence Psychotherapy Studies
Ron Bassman, PhD., Founding member of International Network Towards Alternatives for Recovery (INTAR), Past president of The National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy, USA
Michael O'Loughlin, Adelphi University, NY, USA
Dorothy Scotten, Ph.D., LCSW, USA
Marilyn Charles, Ph.D., The Austen Riggs Center, USA
Bex Shaw, Psychotherapist, London, UK
Ira Steinman, MD, author of “TREATING the 'UNTREATABLE' : Healing in the Realms of Madness”, USA
Mike Lawson, Ex Vice Chair National MIND UK 1988-1992, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D., B.C.S.A., International Center for Humane Psychiatry, USA
Ron Unger LCSW, Therapist, USA
Daniel B Fisher (Boston, MA): Person who recovered from what is called schizophrenia, Executive Director National Empowerment Center; National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/survivor Org., member of Interrelate an international coalition of national consumer/user groups, community psychiatrist, Cambridge, Mass., USA
Mary Madrigal, USA
Paul Hammersley, University of Manchester, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Phil Benjamin, mental health nurse and voices consultant, Australia
Eleanor Longden, Bradford Early Intervention in Psychosis Sevice, England, UK
Karen Taylor RMN, director Working to Recovery, Scotland, UK
Bill George, MA, PGCE, Member of the Anoiksis Think Tank, Netherlands
Dr Andrew Moskowitz, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
John Exell, BA(Hons), Dip Arch, voice-hearer, sculptor, artist, writer, poet, UK.
Tineke Nabben, a voice hearer who has learned to cope with her voices and student, learning to help other children and parents to cope with their voices. Germany
Marcello Macario, psychiatrist, Community Mental Health Centre of Carcare, Italy, INTERVOICE supporter, Italy
Ian Parker, Professor of Psychology, co-director of the Discourse Unit, Manchester Metropolitan University, England, UK
David Harper, PhD, Reader in Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, University of East London, England, UK
Wakio Sato, representative of the Hearing Voices Network - Japan. President of the Japanese Association of Clinical Psychology. The representative of an NPO named "Linden" for community mental health in Konko town, Okayama prefecture, Japan
Suzette van IJssel, Ph.D., spiritual counsel and voice hearer, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Jeannette Woolthuis, psycho-social therapist working with children hearing voices, The Netherlands
Dr. Louise Trygstad, Professor Emerita, University of San Francisco School of Nursing, USA
Erik Olsen, Board member ENUSP European Network of Users (x)-users and Survivors of Psychiatry and Executive Committee in European Dsability Forum (EDF)
Astrid Zoetbrood, recovered from psychosis and voices, the Netherlands
Christine Brown, RMN, Hearing Voices Network Scotland, INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Rachel Waddingham,Manager of the London Hearing Voices Project (inc. Voice Collective: Young People's Hearing Voices Project), trainer and voice-hearer, UK
Joel Waddingham, Husband and supporter of someone who hears voices, sees visions and has other unusual experiences, UK
Professor Robin Buccheri, RN, MHNP, DNSc, University of San Francisco, CA, USA
Jørn Eriksen, Board member of INTERVOICE, the Danish Hearing Voices Network and The International Mental Health Collaboration Network, Denmark
Douglas Holmes, voice hearer working in a Mental Health Service in Darlinghurst, Sydney, and facilitator of a hearing voices group, INTERVOICE supporter, Australia
Matthew Winter, Student Mental Health Nurse and INTERVOICE supporter
Anneli Westling, Relative of a voice hearer from Stockholm, Sweden
Lia Govers, recovered voice hearer, Italy
Molly Martyn, MA in Clinical Mental Health, Hearing Voices Network of Denver, USA
Tsuyoshi Matsuo, MD, INTERVOICE supporter, Japan
Janet M. Patterson RN, BSN, USA
Odette Nightsky, Sensitive Services International, Australia
Barbara Belton, M.S., M.S. trauma survivor who has recovered and former behavioral health professional, USA
Luigi Colaianni, PhD sociologist, researcher, Community Mental Health Centre, Milano, Italy
Teresa Keedwell, Voice Hearer Support Group, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Maria Haarmans, MA, Canadian Representative INTERVOICE, Canada
Ami Rohnitz, Voice hearer, Sweden
Sharon Jones, University of York, INTERVOICE Supporter, England, UK
Gail A. Hornstein, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Mount Holyoke College, USA
Siri Blesvik, INTERVOICE supporter, Norway
Lynn Seaton, mental health nurse, Scottish Hearing Voices Network and INTERVOICE supporter, UK
Rozi Pattison, Clinical Psychologist, CAMHS, Kapiti Health Centre, PARAPARAUMU, New Zealand
Suzanne Engelen, Experience Focussed Counselling Institute (efc) and member of INTERVOICE. She is an expert by experience and also works for Weerklank (Dutch Hearing Voices Network) and the TREE project, The Netherlands
Susie Crooks, Voice hearer, Mad & Proud, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Lloyd Ross, Ph.D., FACAPP., P.A., New Jersey, USA
Catherine Penney, RN, USA
Nancy Burke, PhD, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, USA
Nels Kurt Langsten, M.D., USA
Michael S. Garfinkle, PhD, New York, USA
Andy Phee RMN, community mental health nurse,Kings Cross,London,facilitated a hearing voices group for 10 years, member of the London HearingVoices Project advisory group. England, UK
Helen Sheppard, AMHP, West Yorkshire, Engalnd, UK.
Dr Gillian Proctor, Clincial Psychologist. Bradford, UK
Jane Forrest, sister of voice hearer, Sweden
Tami Williams, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatric Survivor, USA
Lone Jeppesen, Works as a social teacher in an institution with a lot of voice hearers and the diagnosis of schizophrenia, INTERVOICE supporter, Denmark
Judith Haire, author and voice hearer, Ramsgate, Kent, England, UK
Peter Lehmann, Peter Lehmann Publishing, Berlin, Germany / Eugene, OR / Shrewsbury, UK
Sigari Luckwell, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Bunbury Clinic, INTERVOICE supporter, Western Australia
Will Hall, voice hearer with schizophrenia diagnosis, founder of Portland hearing voices, host of madnessradio.net, USA
Richard Gray, specialist mental health support worker, random hearer/ seer of voices, visions and past lives. HVN NZ treasurer. New Zealand
Jacqueline Roy, Department of English, Manchester Metropolitan University, England, UK
Dr Mike Jackson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board, North Wales
Frank Blankenship, Chair of Affiliate Support Committee, MindFreedom International, MindFreedom Florida Gainesville, Florida USA
Dorothy Dundas, psychatric survivor, MA, USA
Sigrun Tømmerås, mental health acitvist/ childhood abuse survivor, Norway
Karyn Baker BSW, MSW, RSW, Executive Director, Family Outreach and Response Program, Toronto, Canada
Monika Hoffmann psychologist and co-founders of the "NeSt", the German Hearing Voices Network, Germany
Paul Beelen connected to the INTERVOICE network and voice hearer, The Netherlands
Rossa Forbes Holistic Schizophrenia, North America
Teresa Keedwell Voice Hearer Support Group, Palmerston North New Zealand
Yutaka Fujimoto Psychologist, Tokyo Metropolitan Govemment Mental Health and Welfare Cente, vice president of the Japanese Association of Clinical Psychology, member of the Hearing Voices Network Japan. Tokyo, Japan
Cheontell Barnes High support mental health worker and voices group co-facilitator Brighton UK
Yutaka Fujimoto Psychologist, Tokyo Metropolitan Govemment Mental Health and Welfare Cente, vice president of the Japanese Association of Clinical Psychology, member of the Hearing Voices Network Japan. Tokyo, Japan
Pino Pini, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Europe, INTERVOICE supporter, Italy
Ivona Amleh Psychiatrist, Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital, Palestine
John Robinson, Integrative Therapist (and voice hearer) for the Hearing Voices Project, SE London
Yann Derobert Psychotherapist, France
Indigo Daya , Voices Vic Project Manager, Melbourne, Australia
Stephen McGowan , Early Intervention in Psychosis Lead. Yorkshire and the Humber Improvement Programme, UK
Adam James Editor and award winning journalist, psychminded.co.uk, UK
Tori Reeve, counsellor, member of HVN, Intervoice supporter, UK.
A. C. Sterk MA Ppsychologist and psychotherapist, director of the Ann Lee Centre community mental health project, and person with previous experience of psychosis. Manchester, UK.
Geoff Brennan Nurse Consultant Psychosocial Interventions for Acute Inpatient Care, Berkshire healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Co-editor Serious Mental Illness a manual for clinical practice”, UK
Lyn Mahboub voice hearer, trainer, consultant, mother, daughter, student, teacher and, also, one who has navigated the psychiatric service system, Australia
Kristin Hedden, Ph.D. VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Tacoma, Washington, USA 126
Agna Bartels MSc , psychologist and researcher in the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
Rita Brooks, BS in Human Services Recovery Consultant, writer and producer of DVD called: The Reality of Recovery, Covington, Kentucky, USA
Angel Moore David Romprey Oregon Warmline, Oregon, USA

Chuck Hughes Corresponding Secretary Los Angeles County Clients Coalition, USA
Amy Sanderson, Bradford Early Intervention in Psychosis Team, UK
Pam Pinder parent of voice hearer, Plymouth, Devon, UK
Gerard van de Willige MSC psychologist and researcher, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
Mette Askov voice hearer with the diagnosis of schizoprenia and on the road to recovery, INTERVOICE supporter, Denmark
Claire Attwood , Voice hearer and mental health support worker, Isle of Wight. UK,
Alberto Diaz MSc Argentinian psychologist, PhD student in collective health at Universidade Estadual de Campinas, researching mental health, special interest schizophrenia, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
Barney Holmes, running a Level 1 Affiliate - MindFreedom, Lancaster, UK
Cindy Highsmith Myron psychiatric survivor, completely recovered from voice hearing and severe mental illness, mental health professional and life coach for persons with mental illness in a self-directed care program, INTERVOICE supporter, Florida, USA
Mad Hatters of Bath We are a group of people who have experienced mental extremes, including hearing voices and seeing visions. Bath, England, UK
Karin Daniels mother of a voice hearing daughter who suffered a lot, but who has now recovered. Maastricht, The Netherlands
Jim Probert, PhD Psychologist, Student Health Care Center, University of Florida, USA
Dr David Lee Clinical Psychologist, Dept of Psychological Therapies, Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, Supporter of INTERVOICE, UK
Professor Sue Cowan, Registered Mental Health Nurse and Chartered Health Psychologist, University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland, UK
Paul Harris psychotherapist and support worker based in the UK
Marina Beteva voices hearer for 8-9 years, on medication treatment, Moscow, Russia
Monica Cassani North Carolina, USA
Rikke Bitsch Denmark
Afaf Swaity Nursing Director of Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital, Palestine
Mary Maddocks MindFreedom Ireland, Ireland
Tania Linden North Lincolnshire Early Intervention Service, UK
Rosemaree Ashford honours psychology student, recovery worker, Richmond Fellowship of WA, Australia
Gemma Hendry Trainee Clinical Psychologist with a specialist interest in Community Psychology and Voice hearing, UK
Erica van den Akker Social worker in Forensic Psychiatry, The Netherlands
Caroline von Taysen psychologist, Netzwerk Stimmenhören, Germany and Normal Difference, Mental Health Kariobangi in Kenya, Germany
Poppy Rollinson Mental Health Nurse, Brighton, UK
Vanessa Jackson Vanessa Jackson Healing Circles, Inc. , USA
Dr. Julie Arthur Kirby Supporter of INTERVOICE and Senior Lecturer, UK
Peter Bullimore Expert by experience, Asylum Associates, UK
Paul Cheminais voice hearer, Bournemouth, UK 159

COMMENT REGARDING GUIDELINES IN STATE OF FLORIDA- "CHEMICAL RESTRAINT' AND INFORMED CONSENT

In the proposed guidelines on chemical restraint, it suggests that "Chemical Restraint" means the use of a psychotropic drug as a restraint to control behavior or restrict freedom of movement that is not a standard treatment for the person’s medical or psychiatric condition. I believe it is necessary to define more clearly what is meant by this term 'standard treatment'. This would allow for the possibility of forced drugging as well as a possible loophole for inappropriate chemical restraints and the argument to be justified that somehow this implied 'standard treatment'. Chemical restraint should not be considered in the realm of any standard treatment.
In addition, it is necessary to more clearly relate the terms of what informed consent implies, and to insure that parental rights are respected, that all information pertaining to possible adverse events are reported, allowing parental freedom of choice, and respecting the best interests of the child.


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

DEPRESSION, 'PSYCHOSIS' AND OTHER MATTERS

I met with a client in the deepest, darkest despair and feeling suicidal. He felt as if all was plummeting at once as a relationship had ended and he had lost employment at the same time. He felt detached from family members and others. He felt that there had been many situations of depression in his life. The mental health system today would spend little time looking at his experience, would take the account and assign him a diagnostic label and more than likely recommend a drug for him to take indefinitely. Instead, I looked at the ways that he felt oppressed, of what had once made him happy, how he could begin to feel empowered, and ways to develop a support network. It was not important to rehash all the traumas he had endured but rather to meet him in his present place, and offer him authenticity and a safe place to express himself and to feel that he has someone willing to listen, understand, and journey with him. It was only after a few session that his despair began to dissipate. This is the power of two humans coming together to share their common humanity. No drug can replace this. There was no 'chemical imbalance' at work here rather an imbalance in our society that created this individual's distress.

I recall a number of years ago working with a young man whose father was drug addicted and abusive. The family dynamics were often chaotic and shrouded in what Laing would term mystification. Communication was poor and this young man had endured serious traumas that led to the development of what many would label 'psychosis'. It was decided to see what would occur if he was removed from this environment for a time. The results were astounding in that the behaviors that had been so disturbing to others almost ceased to be, the experience of hearing voices which had been present at times before were not seen, and there seemed to be some solace he found. As sadly predicted, once he returned to the home environment, the challenges he had all returned. This demonstrated clearly the impact of the environment, traumas, and familial communications upon individual well being. I have seen this circumstance unfortunately play out in many of my client's lives where when provided a period of 'sanctuary' where they found a relationship with another, felt validated, and were away from the things that led to their 'madness' they began to recover and wherein they were returned to their previous environment, everything unraveled once again. I believe this is an important aspect we must look at in the mental health system, for it appears we are failing because we do not provide sanctuary for people, rather we take them and 'do' things to them, thinking it is in their best interest, we 'treat' them, but often we are only forcing their compliance with oppression and we are returning them to the private hells that caused their distress to begin with. The mental health system faults the person's brain, and ignores all the other dynamics. Unless we can get to the true root of the distress, unless we can work with the entire family system, our efforts are often in vain.



-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

DRUG FREE COUNSELING/BEHAVIORAL CONSULTATION- NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA (SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE-PA)

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657

DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com


www.humanepsychiatry.com

INTERBRANCH COMMISSION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE AND FUIRTHER THOUGHTS ON KIDS FOR CASH SCANDAL IN WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY,PA

I have begun to notice through what has been spoken on the Kids for Cash scandal, that it is also the school administrators who must answer for their actions. The school administrators willingly went along with the corruption and the violation of children and families' constitutional rights solely because it made things easier for them. They did not want to provide to the true needs of troubled children, instead it was much easier to go along with the corrupt schemes of Ciavarella. But aside from this tragic instance, this has been the pattern all along. This is what has led to parents being bullied to place their children on dangerous psychotropic drugs, because the school administration does not want to change or take the time to address children's true needs, both emotionally and educationally. It is much easier to ship them out of the school where the problem does not have to be dealt with at all by them, or if this is not possible, to drug them into submission to a flawed system of things.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

Today I was reading a review of a book on education that appeared in the ISR magazine. This described how that there education often seeks to keep people within their particular social class and how that schools are divided between the working class schools which do not provide critical thinking but encourage rote tasks; the middle class schools which focus in 'right' and 'wrong' answers, the affluent schools which allow more of a level of independent action, and the elite schools focused on leadership and molding the thought of the student. As I began to examine this closely, I realized how true this is and can see it demonstrated within my own community. The public schools where the majority of the working class students attend is focused on rote tasks and when a child dare rebel against this system of things, there are various ways to seek to force them into compliance, often through labels and drugs. I believe it is necessary for young people begin to understand their own state of affairs and to mobilize, to collectively challenge the system of things in a non-violent manner and to demand change in the education system. The working class students are often told they are lazy or missing opportunities, the fact is that the education system does not seek to provide them with many opportunities. They are demoralised and they are encouraged to 'stay within their place." It is no wonder there is a rise in crime, drugs, violence, etc., this is what we have created when we have demoralised our youth, when we have not truly met their needs, and they become desparate and despairing. Eugene Debs said, "While there is a lower class I am in it; while there is a criminal element I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free”. I completely agree.


-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com

THE KIDS FOR CASH SCANDAL IN LUZERNE COUNTY/ CIAVARELLA-CONAHAN

I recall in 2006, that I began hearing some odd reports from families about unusual practices in the Luzerne County Court regarding Juveniles. This involved children being sent to a detention center in Pittston Township as well as to Camp Adams, a facility operated by Youth Services Agency. I was unable to verify much of this information, but knew that something did not appear right, so it came as no surprise when the judges were implicated in scandal. In 2006, an position was open for a specual education director at the Juvenile Detention Center operated by PA Child Care. I decided to apply for this position not because I had any intention of working in the facility but thought it would give me an opportunity to get within the facility and see it for what it is. As I had applied for the position, I was taken on a tour of the facility by one of the directors who went by the name of DePippa. What I saw was appaling and sad, the only fresh air these children received was in a small square basketball court within the center of the complex. I saw a large staff holding a child down and screaming at her, this was at the end of a hallway so I could not really tell what was happening and then was immediately shuffled to another room. Now we sadly find that 6500 juvenile cases have been vacated, these children were sent to a horrible place, probably forever to be scarred by this experience. What have we learned from this experience? Will it change the way we meet the needs of our troubled youth? Will it change our perspectives? I can only hope, but each day I continue to see the unfortunate ways we deal with our youth and a society filled with corruption and greed.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.humanepsychiatry.com
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

MY WORK WITH EXTREME STATES OF MIND (SCHIZOPHRENIA, SCHIZOAFFECTIVE, BIPOLAR)

Recently, a young woman in college came to me for a consultation. She discussed experiencing the hearing of voices, and she felt that these voices were demonic and that she was possessed. She discussed that she had feelings of being judged and was often paranoid and fearful. The first reaction to those around her was to label her as 'strange and odd' and to want to suppress her experience, to make it all go away. She said she already felt alienated and now felt a stigma as those around her treated her as something other than human. It has been my argument that the language of those who are seriously distressed is metaphorical. In addition, though their statements and actions may be appear odd to others, these persons are speaking the truth. It is only necessary to decode what is being said. She was not literally possessed, but indeed her life had not been in her control, she felt many pressures to conform to a mold and never had an identity of her own, she also became 'possessed' for a time by the use of substances. When she said she was being judged, indeed she was, however she began to exaggerate certain experiences and apply them to all aspects of her life. She had been alienated, and sadly, her interactions with others only furthered her alienation. We discussed her existential crisis, how she finds meaning and purpose, and developing a support network. She is gradually embarking on a new future, and seeking to turn the tragic into something triumphant, to discover herself and what she can become in spite of the many traumas she experienced and shared. I am honored to journey with her.
In my text, JOURNEY THROUGH MADNESS, I commented, "
What is termed ‘madness’ or ‘mental illness’ is for some the only means for expression of their being lost and confused in a world which has caused them deep hurt and pain. Such is not disease but behavior with metaphorical meaning. There has been received through life mixed messages and placement into situations where regardless of the option they choose they felt damned. They seek to break out from the reality which has only caused them distress. The development of hallucinations and delusions are all metaphors for the very real demons they have encountered in disordered society.

The inner mind, the voice within us, becomes amplified, and becomes ‘possessed’ with the demons coming forward from the trauma and distress which has been encountered. Rebellion against the system of things becomes self-destructive as the person seeks to send a message to the world of their distress, but it remains unheard. Each coping mechanism that has been employed has often led to failure and not brought them out of the unlivable situation that is their life. However, the catharsis of this pain and grief can go in two directions- it can be misery and existential death, or it can be transformative.

Through the pain and struggle, through the breaking out of the ‘typical reality’ one can journey through various modes of altered consciousness. Many deemed ‘mad’ speak of the supernatural. They have sought every attempt to reach out and create meaning. If they can be helped by a loving, supportive network to navigate through this state of confusion and the various realms of altered consciousness towards rebuilding and reconstructing a life of meaning, then they can come forward to a recovery that gives them valuable insight about human nature and who they really are and the reality of the impermanence of this life and the world around us. They will find that suffering is an inevitable, and it that suffering is the state of the world which is mired in greed and attachment. The one deemed ‘mad’ for once has accomplished a rare task- they have completely detached. But this detachment is only from the typical standards of the world. They remain haunted by the visions of their previous life.

They cannot escape it, and thus they become anxious and paranoid that something or someone will pull them back to that painful existence. At times, rage comes forward as the reaction to challenges, but who would not be outraged if their voice was suppressed and they became the scapegoat for the problems of their families or those around them? Those deemed ‘mad’, feeling always alone, depart to a world where they remain alone from people, yet may create for themselves beings who give them comfort and solace. This is really the end of their search, to simply be accepted and loved. But here too lies a problem, for when their lives have been devoid of love and they receive unconditional love, it becomes like an overwhelming fire that consumes them. They have never been loved, so how can they respond to an outpouring of love?

When all they knew was that oppression and coercion was said to be because ‘we love you’, when ‘love’ really was only about control, how can the person then understand genuine love? Once again, the confusion sets in. To reach the person who has been deemed ‘mad’, we cannot overwhelm. Our sincerity will not be enough, for there trust has been shattered time and time again. It is only through entering their world for what it is, by joining in, and learning to speak the language, can we ourselves begin to understand the experience of these individuals. It is only by this joining in that the person may have the chance for their journey known as ‘madness’ to reach a transformative ending towards recovery.---

Alan was seen by most as an obstinate young man who had completed departed from any sense of reality. His hallucinations had earned him the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder not to mention he frequently displayed aggressive behavior. Reading the charts from before, it painted a monstrosity, but gave little detail to what Alan's experience might have been. When I first encountered Alan, I did not demand that he speak to me or that he not speak to me. I made no demands. I solely informed him that I was a supportive person who wanted to know him for who he is. This opened the door to intense dialogues. Together we explored questions about life that we both may have never thought much on before. The topics would drift to purpose, impermanence, suffering, the human condition. He related to me the pain of years of abuse, how he felt dehumanized and humiliated by the various people he thought would help him. He told me of his feelings of being alone, of being nothing. This feeling of nothing for him was an end at the time, but really it was the beginning. It was the door for him to question life, to question what he had been taught, to become. He related to me about his hallucinations, and his imaginary friends became mine as well. I asked about their habits, and their words. I noticed that these beings he saw were him at various points in time. As I met each of these beings, I learned something a bit more about the experience of Alan. Gradually as his emotional needs were met and he began to see himself once again as a singular person in the present moment of time and space, these beings began to depart. I saw in Alan the resilient human spirit and I will not forget him.



I was contacted on one occasion to conduct an assessment and consult with a family in regards to their son who was in his early twenties who had been involuntarily committed by his father to a state mental hospital. As I entered the facility, wondered how any in this place could not feel worthless, depressed, and mad. I entered to meet John. He appeared somewhat lethargic because of the cocktail of psychiatric drugs he was being given, but he greeted me warmly and with a smile. John began to immediately speak and told me how he was an African American infant who when he was around two years old was turned white. (John was quite pale in complexion). He then proceeded to tell me about the mind control he felt he was experiencing, that his freedom was taken away, he could no longer think for himself. I asked him who he felt was controlling his mind. His answer did not surprise me- it was his father. I later asked the mother if John's father was a racist and if John had been abused. The answer was yes to both; the father had been linked to racist organizations. The abuse began around the age of 2. It was clear that John had a powerful message, though surrounded in metaphor. To the person only wanting to categorize behavior and ignore experience, would they have known what John was seeking to communicate?

Aaron was a delightful 10 year old boy with a great sense of humor and alot of creativity and imagination. However, Aaron looked at himself as a 'bad kid'. His step-mother was filled with negativity towards him and his parents were embroiled in constant conflict. Aaron had been sexually abused when he was 3 years old. The memories of his trauma continued to haunt him. Aaron developed a challenge of encopresis that was occurring on a daily basis and it only furthered the negative relationship with his step-mother. After getting to know Aaron, I began to realize that he felt stifled and was often told to be quiet and was never allowed to really express himself. He told me that he felt he could not be himself and he was afraid to share any of his feelings, he did not feel safe and secure. I saw his encopresis as a reflection of the negative emotions he so deeply wished to share and it was no surprise for me to learn that this seemed to only occur in his home environment. I felt it was necessary for him to build a trusting relationship with someone, and sought to build him up and encourage his resiliency. Though our periods meeting together were short, I hoped that it would be a period of respite, a period where he could truly be himself and express himself without any fear of judgment. I believe Aaron will face many more challenges, but I remain hopeful that pointing him to an understanding of the roots of his distress and challenges, and giving him a spirit of overcoming, and with his own innate strengths, that he will be able to survive the violence so sadly inflicted upon him.

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES- NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

*AUTISM/ DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES SERVICES FOR NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE)- NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL AUTISM ACCEPTANCE PROJECT
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

http://autismacceptance.blogspot.com
http://www.DrDanEdmunds.com
http://www.humanepsychiatry.info
http://www.humanepsychiatry.com
http://www.Scrantoncounseling.com

-Existential Therapy
-Assistance with Extreme States of Mind (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Bipolar)
-Drug Free Approaches to ADHD and Disruptive Behavior
-Family Mediation
-Forensic and Psycho-Social Assessments
-Relationship Based Approaches to Autism/Developmental Differences
-Assistance for Troubled and Distressed Children and Teens

QUOTATIONS BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS

"If we truly worked towards social justice, if we addressed the issues of racism, class inequality, poverty, and oppression in all its forms, then most assuredly, true mental health would arise."

"I have never purported that there is a means that can resolve the distress of every person, but I do know that every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. I also know that where this is lacking, we are not helping, but oppressing."

"I am aware that it is often difficult to change the difficult dynamics that impact many individuals, but I know that if I can create with them a place, even if but for a moment, where they feel safe, tranquil, and at peace with themselves, that in spite of the chaos and conflict circling them, much has been accomplished."

"Our goal as mental health professionals should be selfless and once again to define our work as restoring relationships and resolving conflicts. We must return dignity and respect for individual's experience and depart from biological determinism which defines all thoughts and feelings as chemical accidents. Children in distress need a voice. I seek to do my best to insure this voice. Psychiatric drugs never teach new skills. People do. It is time we invest once again, our time, our energy, and our hearts into the lives of our children. We must stop medicalizing experience and treating people in mechanical ways. For people to overcome distress, we must be genuine and journey with them."

"Because something can be scientifically validated does not mean it is ethical or good. One could validate many coercive practices. We must enter the realm where we realize that mental health is highly dependent upon our response to issues of social justice. Science must be linked with a strong sense of ethics and respect for the dignity and liberty of persons. Ethics must always proceed technology."

"We have the choice to look at the problems within the world and to bemoan our plight and to become complacent. We have the choice to become filled with rage and remain in our personal hells, to close ourselves off and allow our difficult experiences to become breakdown for us. Or we can decide to have a breakthrough. We can be courageous, we can actively transform ourselves, our worldview, and by this we can tranform that which is around us and our difficult experiences can be to our benefit and to the benefit of others."

"Psychiatrists have often completely misunderstood what the term recovery really means. It does not mean being a lifelong consumer of toxic psychiatric drugs. The psychiatric establishment's idea of recovery is based on suppression which lesds to oppression."

"Young people need a voice. Relationship is a powerful force for healing. Many of our young people are outraged by the injustices perpetrated upon them. Their despair becomes rage, and sadly, they move from victims to victimizing others. We must approach our young people with acceptance, and begin to realize what we can each change within ourselves, within our society, so that we can truly value and respect our young people again."

"What is termed ‘madness’ or ‘mental illness’ is for some the only means for expression of their being lost and confused in a world which has caused them deep hurt and pain. Such is not disease but behavior with metaphorical meaning. There has been received through life mixed messages and placement into situations where regardless of the option they choose they felt damned. They seek to break out from the reality which has only caused them distress."

"Life is our creation. We create it by our choices. In this ability to have choose, this is where we are gifted with freedom. But this freedom can be liberating or it can bring us to hell. Life is like a play or performance. At times, people's frame freezes and they become trapped in that singular moment. All that they define about life, about who they are returns to that singular point. We imprison ourselves by our thoughts, by our own choice."

"We live in a society where there must always be winners and losers, it impacts every aspect of how we conduct ourselves, in courts, in politics, in business. If only we can regain a sense of our common humanity, and be able to develop concern for others, even the most troubled."

"To find what is 'acceptable' is to find our humanity, to find our inner being, to find those links of experience which remain in spite of the social forces that cause us to sway this way and that, and for some tear at their core being and identity. When we are free, we can experience the other, when we are free, we can be ourselves. If we are free, we can reshape these social forces, and they will not be storms, but unifying forces helping us to recapture our sense of what it means to be human and to truly love again. How do we be free? Must be become 'mad' to be free? But are the 'mad' really free or have they been driven to this barren place? We can only be free once we have come to a state of unlearning, of unknowing, a rebirth where we are not bound by blame and shame and the darkness of past traumas or of ideas we have learned and carried forward because it is all we knew."

PRISONS, NOT PLACES OF TREATMENT, REST, AND SECURITY

When a person is placed in a mental 'hospital' or a young person is placed in a residential 'treatment' facility it is said to be that they are there to receive treatment. However, in these facilities a person earns privileges based on how they choose to behave, and particularly if they behave in conformity to the standards established by the staff of the institution. Now imagine if we are in a hospital and have a physical illness and the physician tells us, "oh, you are getting better, you did not cough as much today, so you may have this or that privilege." We would find this very odd. So, we should call these institutions for what theyn are- prisons, not places of treatment, not places of rest and security.


In my prior article HEARING OUR SERIOUSLY DISTRESSED ADOLESCENTS, I commented:
"Based on the viewpoints of biopsychiatry, adolescents who are medicated and placed in mental hospitals are labeled as improved when they conform to hospital demands or receive discharge. However, what is not examined is, how do the patients themselves actually feel? An estimated 180,000 to 300,000 young people a year are placed in private psychiatric facilities. These children and adolescents often feel powerless in these placements. But as mentioned above, it is the need for feelings of empowerment and hope that will lead to a genuine recovery from distress. Psychologist D.L. Rosenhan lead a study where "pseudopatients" had themselves admitted to psychiatric hospitals to experience them first hand and report on this experience. Rosenhan reported in an article appearing in the January 19, 1973 issue of Science, "Powerlessness was evident everywhere" He is shorn of credibility by virtue of his psychiatric label.

His freedom of movement is restricted. He cannot initiate contact with staff, but may only respond to overtures as they make. Personal privacy is minimal?? With children and adolescents it is easier to rationalize away their rights and control becomes more arbitrary and complete (Breggin, 1991). Psychiatrist Peter Breggin states that in such an environment it is hard for a child to resist feeling spiritually crushed, abandoned, and worthless under such conditions. With a less formed sense of self than an adult has, a child is less able to resist the shame attached to being diagnosed and labeled a "mental patient". Children may also find it much harder to conform to institutional life."

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

QUOTES AND REFLECTIONS FROM DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS

If we truly worked towards social justice, if we addressed the issues of racism, class inequality, poverty, and oppression in all its forms, then most assuredly, true mental health would arise."

"I have never purported that there is a means that can resolve the distress of every person, but I do know that every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. I also know that where this is lacking, we are not helping, but oppressing."

"I am aware that it is often difficult to change the difficult dynamics that impact many individuals, but I know that if I can create with them a place, even if but for a moment, where they feel safe, tranquil, and at peace with themselves, that in spite of the chaos and conflict circling them, much has been accomplished."

"Our goal as mental health professionals should be selfless and once again to define our work as restoring relationships and resolving conflicts. We must return dignity and respect for individual's experience and depart from biological determinism which defines all thoughts and feelings as chemical accidents. Children in distress need a voice. I seek to do my best to insure this voice. Psychiatric drugs never teach new skills. People do. It is time we invest once again, our time, our energy, and our hearts into the lives of our children. We must stop medicalizing experience and treating people in mechanical ways. For people to overcome distress, we must be genuine and journey with them."

"Because something can be scientifically validated does not mean it is ethical or good. One could validate many coercive practices. We must enter the realm where we realize that mental health is highly dependent upon our response to issues of social justice. Science must be linked with a strong sense of ethics and respect for the dignity and liberty of persons. Ethics must always proceed technology."

"We have the choice to look at the problems within the world and to bemoan our plight and to become complacent. We have the choice to become filled with rage and remain in our personal hells, to close ourselves off and allow our difficult experiences to become breakdown for us. Or we can decide to have a breakthrough. We can be courageous, we can actively transform ourselves, our worldview, and by this we can tranform that which is around us and our difficult experiences can be to our benefit and to the benefit of others."

"Psychiatrists have often completely misunderstood what the term recovery really means. It does not mean being a lifelong consumer of toxic psychiatric drugs. The psychiatric establishment's idea of recovery is based on suppression which lesds to oppression."

"Young people need a voice. Relationship is a powerful force for healing. Many of our young people are outraged by the injustices perpetrated upon them. Their despair becomes rage, and sadly, they move from victims to victimizing others. We must approach our young people with acceptance, and begin to realize what we can each change within ourselves, within our society, so that we can truly value and respect our young people again."

"What is termed ‘madness’ or ‘mental illness’ is for some the only means for expression of their being lost and confused in a world which has caused them deep hurt and pain. Such is not disease but behavior with metaphorical meaning. There has been received through life mixed messages and placement into situations where regardless of the option they choose they felt damned. They seek to break out from the reality which has only caused them distress."

"Life is our creation. We create it by our choices. In this ability to have choose, this is where we are gifted with freedom. But this freedom can be liberating or it can bring us to hell. Life is like a play or performance. At times, people's frame freezes and they become trapped in that singular moment. All that they define about life, about who they are returns to that singular point. We imprison ourselves by our thoughts, by our own choice."

"We live in a society where there must always be winners and losers, it impacts every aspect of how we conduct ourselves, in courts, in politics, in business. If only we can regain a sense of our common humanity, and be able to develop concern for others, even the most troubled."

"To find what is 'acceptable' is to find our humanity, to find our inner being, to find those links of experience which remain in spite of the social forces that cause us to sway this way and that, and for some tear at their core being and identity. When we are free, we can experience the other, when we are free, we can be ourselves. If we are free, we can reshape these social forces, and they will not be storms, but unifying forces helping us to recapture our sense of what it means to be human and to truly love again. How do we be free? Must be become 'mad' to be free? But are the 'mad' really free or have they been driven to this barren place? We can only be free once we have come to a state of unlearning, of unknowing, a rebirth where we are not bound by blame and shame and the darkness of past traumas or of ideas we have learned and carried forward because it is all we knew."

POETIC REFLECTION BY DR. D.L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.- "IF I OPENED THE DOOR TO PARADISE..."

If I opened the door to Paradise, would you choose to remain in Hell? If I gave you my heart, would you notice? Can you respond to that you never knew or had? Surrounded by the demons, yet truly alone. You recognize not your friends. Engulfed in delusions, seeking pleasure in that which but leads to more suffering. How I sought to change the wretched mind. A deafening silence, but then an echo, a constant echo. Are you too far away to hear it? Your hurt is now the hurt of others. You inflict your pain on many. Covered in stinking filfth, they say you are foul. Yet I saw what was within. I saw what was possible. You glorify the one who hurt you. You have indeed become him. A sick cycle. The wheel must be broken. Who are you? What do you see? A mirage. A false image, not you, but that which the demons say you must be to join their legion. You think they laugh and revel with you, they laugh at you, they scorn you. And now in the darkness, they flee, leaving you truly alone. If I open the door to Paradise to you now, will you choose to remain in Hell

LISTEN

All I ask is to be heard.
Yet when I look at you, you turn away.
You do not have time for me. Your world created my pain, and when I seek to share a glimmer of my experience, you look at me with revulsion.
Staring at the watch, pretending to listen, but really distant. And some of you seek to mock me further. Is it not the wish of us all simply to be heard? And because there is no one to listen, no one to understand, I retreat into myself, and I find my own to listen.


-Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A.
International Center for Humane Psychiatry
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT BELONG IN AFGHANISTAN

In my book, ROOTS OF DISTRESS, I commented-
"We are controlled in this country by a ruling elite, whether we wish to recognize it or not. The elite have their paths paved for them. The middle class struggle to survive and are burdened and the elite seek to make them slaves to the system. For example, a middle class young person will be burdened with student loan debt possibly until the day they retire, the elite do not face this. The elite have created this system to keep people 'in their place'. For the poor, the elite have sought to entice them with financial incentives if they will go along with the sad debacle of having their children labeled as 'crazy' or to be shipped off to fight the wars that the elite have created and benefit from."

Afghanistan is a prime example of a war fought for no apparent reason other than for interests that are not that of the American citzenry. We have no place in this conflict. It is actually the US governments imperialistic desires and agitation of other societies (particularly Islamic society) that creates further risk of terrorism. When we see that people are oppressed and have no voice, it is then that they at times sadly resort to drastic and often tragic measures to make their point to those who they feel have oppressed them. As Chomsky has clearly statedm, our best role to end terrorism is to stop participating in it.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

EUROPEAN LECTURES

Dr. Edmunds is seeking to coordinate a possible lecture tour in Europe for 2010. If you would be interested in sponsoring a lecture and supporting this effort, please contact DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
Dr. Edmunds intends to present on some of his psycho-social intervention with individuals undergoing extreme states of mind (schizophrenia, psychoses, bipolar, his work with autistic and developmentally different persons, and to present his recent text, THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS which discusses the social, familial, and political factors that leads to emotional breakdown.

STORIES FROM THE THERAPEUTIC WORK OF DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.

Aaron was a delightful 10 year old boy with a great sense of humor and alot of creativity and imagination. However, Aaron looked at himself as a 'bad kid'. His step-mother was filled with negativity towards him and his parents were embroiled in constant conflict. Aaron had been sexually abused when he was 3 years old. The memories of his trauma continued to haunt him. Aaron developed a challenge of encopresis that was occurring on a daily basis and it only furthered the negative relationship with his step-mother. After getting to know Aaron, I began to realize that he felt stifled and was often told to be quiet and was never allowed to really express himself. He told me that he felt he could not be himself and he was afraid to share any of his feelings, he did not feel safe and secure. I saw his encopresis as a reflection of the negative emotions he so deeply wished to share and it was no surprise for me to learn that this seemed to only occur in his home environment. I felt it was necessary for him to build a trusting relationship with someone, and sought to build him up and encourage his resiliency. Though our periods meeting together were short, I hoped that it would be a period of respite, a period where he could truly be himself and express himself without any fear of judgment. I believe Aaron will face many more challenges, but I remain hopeful that pointing him to an understanding of the roots of his distress and challenges, and giving him a spirit of overcoming, and with his own innate strengths, that he will be able to survive the violence so sadly inflicted upon him.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Initially, James was brought to me as he was having violent outbursts with peers. James had Downs Syndrome but was high functioning in many areas. I came to learn that James had been prescribed Paxil. I was convinced that because he had no prior history of violence that Paxil was contributing to the violence he experienced and I arranged for him to be seen by his physician to discuss this. The drug was discontinued and amazingly the violence discontinued. James was very religious and had a dream of being a minister. I thought of a creative way to help James feel that he could accomplish his dream. I organized for his ordination to a minor order in his church and James decided to put a small 'chapel' in his room where he could reflect. I taught James some meditation and relaxation exercises that he consistently used whenever he began feeling frustrated. I began spending some time with James in various community activities and helping to foster further skills. He is an amazing individual with much kindness and compassion and it appears that with the ability to feel that he was 'part of something' and making a contribution that most of what was looked at as problematic behavior resolved.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

WHAT WOULD RONNIE LAING HAVE SAID ABOUT THE OVERDIAGNOSIS OF ADHD?

The question was posed to me as to what Ronnie Laing would have thought of the current ADHD diagnosis and the vast number of children being placed on powerful and often harmful psychostimulant drugs. I recall an interview that was conducted with Ronnie where he mentions a psychologist studying whether or not children should dream in color. Ronnie stated that because there was no data that somehow a child dreaming in color could be considered a problem. Ronnie found this absurd. So, as I have often stated, ethics must proceed technology. Because a child is not focused in a classroom setting does not imply pathology, and does not mean there is something 'in' the child that poses a problem. I believe Ronnie would agree with this sentiment.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

FINDING MEANING

by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com
to arrange a consultation, please e-mail DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com




It is necessary to live in the present moment, to not seek excess in complete deprivation or in the desire for material possessions or unrealistic visions. Life is to be lived compassionately. Life is to enjoy and behold each moment as precious. We should look upon all occurrences as part of the nature of things. All things change, nothing is permanent. The cause of emotional distress and turmoil lies in this desire to make things permanent that are impermanent and changing. If we understand that all is changing, and we see our experiences for what they are, we can attain peace and tranquility. We can transcend struggles and sufferings for we will understand the nature of existence. We should seek to master our minds to understanding that each moment in which we exist can be lived joyfully. Troubles that befall us and sufferings arise because we live in a world that has not understood how to live compassionately; a world that seeks to fulfill only the desires of the self and does not realize that all things exist in a unified web of being. We should seek to walk a path towards compassion,to live rightfully and joyfully. We should not hold hatreds or be bound to rigid laws. We will not gain from externals and ritual, but from what exists in the heart. We should seek transformation and insight and mastery of ourselves. We must come to know that we are of the human family, the sufferings of one are the sufferings of all. Truth does not exist in excess and glamorous trappings, it exists not in an institution nor in a singular person or authority. Truth is something that is created in our hearts when we seek to put aside our attachments, when we seek to understand reality. Within humanity exists the innate nature and ability to do that which is benevolent. This spark of benevolence remains with every being, though it may be covered by the filfth of greed, aggression, animosity, and other impure thought. We are like a mirror that will reflect this benevolent image fully only after we have been able to clean away these things that cause the reflection to be dimmed. Truth does not exist in the arrogance that only a singular path or a singular entity or authority is the guardian of Truth. Truth manifests in many ways, and there have been throughout the ages and cultures, many who have manifested Truth as it would be understood to the people of that age and culture. The truth was given as the mirror reflecting a radiant image, but it has always been that through the addition of dogmas, through the quest for power, through greed and avarice, that the Truth manifested has not remained in the hearts of some. The unifying message of all those who have brought these messages of truth, lies in compassion and removing selfish aims. The disunity arises out of what has been added to the message not from the message itself. When we become dogmatic and we hold to irrational ideas, we are bound to create barriers to love.

AUTISM SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA- SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA
e-mail: DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com





"Dr. Edmunds has developed a strong rapport with (my child). He even waits at the corner of our street in anticipation of his visits. More importantly, over the course of the summer we saw a definite improvement in (his) socialization and behavior at home...I have been extremely impressed with Dr. Edmunds' extensive knowledge...I also appreciate the comfort we receive in learning of positive results he has achieved with other children. Although I have read extensively myself and spoken with his developmental pediatrician, Dr. Edmunds has been able to translate his theoretical understanding into practical steps that have helped (my child) and us."
-S.J.

Dr. D.L. Edmunds has developed compassionate, innovative approaches for autistic developmentally different children that focus on their strengths, are dignified, and build on the forging of emotional connections. His unique program is the ONLY relationship based program available in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AUTISM ACCEPTANCE PROJECT seeks to educate the public, educators, parents, and others on accepting autistic persons, finding means to be inclusive of persons with developmental differences, and to be able to provide relationship based supports that respect the autonomy, dignity, and self determination of the individual.

AUTONOMY
UNDERSTANDING
TOLERANCE
INCLUSION
SELF-DETERMINATION
MEANING

Dr. D.L. Edmunds believes that many programs that have been designed for autistic persons do not respect their dignity and seek to force and coerce them to be 'typical'. Dr. Edmunds believes that the strengths of autistic persons must be recognized and an attitude of acceptance must prevail where autistic persons are seen as individuals with the same desire as any other person for self determination and autonomy. Dr. Edmunds comparison is to that of a person living in a foreign country. A person may be able to reside in a foreign country not knowing the language, but it would be easier for the person if they knew something about the language and culture. Therefore, programs provided to autistic persons should not be focused on making them into something they are not, but helping them to navigate through the mainstream and develop an understanding of how the majority operates. Dr. Edmunds is honored to not only collaborate with autistic persons but to call them friends. Dr. D.L. Edmunds has had the privilege of working with over 80 autistic and developmentally different children and their families. He has developed one of few relationship and strengths based programs that help these children to navigate through the mainstream while respecting their autonomy, self determination and dignity. Dr. Edmunds work has to been to help these children with functional independence while respecting them as persons worthy of respect.

Dr. Edmunds is noted child and family psychotherapist with 10 years of experience in the field. He has written numerous articles and been a presenter on local and nationally syndicated radio programs. He is the founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry. He serves as a Professor of Human Services and Religion for the European American University.

EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY/COUNSELING

I was recently asked to briefly define more clearly what existential therapy entails.
Existential therapy suggests that as human beings we are alone in the world and that we create our own meanings. In addition, we must assume responsibility for the choices we make and their outcomes. Existential therapy helps individuals to create meaning, develop responsible decision making, and reduce anxiety and depression in regards to feelings of alienation. Existential therapy looks for the benevolent capacity within human beings but is also realistic in that we are often not genuine and make faulty decisions.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
http://www.DrDanEdmunds.com

Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project

Providing drug free, relational approaches for children and adults with autism in Northeastern Pennsylvania and encouraging self determination and dignity for autistic and developmentally different persons:

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project (Scranton/Wilkes Barre)
Tunkhannock, PA
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
http://geocities.com/voice4autism

SSRI DRUGS LINKED TO VIOLENCE AND SUICIDALITY- STORY OF KURT DANYSH

It has been known that SSRI drugs can lead to violence and suicidality and there are presently black box warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration indicating this. I am presently consulting with Kurt Danysh and offering assistance in his appeal process. Mr. Danysh became initially suicidal and later violent after ingesting Prozac and an abrupt withdrawal from the drug. He is currently serving a 22.5 to 60 year sentence in State Prison in Pennsylvania as he had shot and killed his father. He had no prior history of violent actions. Further information on Mr. Danysh's story can be found at http://kurtdanysh.com
It will require much time and resources in this process to assist Mr. Danysh, please feel free to contact me if you would like to lend support.


Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

CONCERNS OVER SUBJECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS LEADING TO OVER-PRESCRIPTION OF PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS AND MAJOR PROFITS FOR BIG PHARMA

It has become increasingly alarming to me to see legislation pending in Congress related to various mental health screenings. Most who are unaware would see this as a positive attempt to help those undergoing emotional distress. However, we see that young children, post-partum mothers, schoolchildren, and the elderly are all included. We also see who is encouraging such legislation, such groups as NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and Big Pharma. NAMI receives a great deal of funding from the pharmaceutical industry. The drive for these screenings is not a humanitarian effort but an effort to find new sources of profit from every group imaginable through the use of subjective screening. These screens have a high false positive rate and often lead to the prescribing of powerful psychiatric drugs.
I have personally served as a consultant and had a number of clients who have come to me because they became violent or suicidal from psychiatric drugs. In addition, one client began having severe depression and halluncination which led to a psychiatrist labeling him with schizophrenia however this abated once proper withdrawal of the drug in collaboration with a physician occurred.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com


To arrange a consultation with Dr. Edmunds, to arrange a lecture, or for media interview requests, write to:
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

LUZERNE COUNTY JUDGES SENTENCES REJECTED

I was very pleased to hear today that Federal Judge Edwin Kosik rejected the 87 month sentences for crooked former Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. These individuals have no remorse for their actions and have devastated the lives of many children. I came across a past letter to the editor from an Anthony Testa who lists himself as the Dean of Students of the Wilkes Barre Technical School praising Ciavarella. After knowing what Ciavarella is about and then reading this, most would want to vomit. Hopefully, justice will prevail and these two former judges will actually receive their due for their violation of the public trust and their destruction of lives.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com

DO THE SAINTS SMILE MORE ON SOME THAN OTHERS?

As I was reading the newspaper the other day, I came across two articles, one detailing a Roman Catholic novena to St. Ann where individuals came with children in tow to put flowers in front of statues, pray the Rosary, and engage in other rituals. In this article, a few people discussed how they were helped with various ailments by the intercession of the Saint. In the other article, was a tragic story of two children who had been killed in an arson fire. As I looked at both of these, I began to notice how often religious expression is focused on the self. God must have been smiling on the lady whose gout was cured, while he must have been deaf or blind when it came to the two children who died in the fire. Is Saint Ann selective over who she will help? Are some ailments more distressing to her than others? Does she like certain people more than others? And of course, particularly in discussions with fundamentalists, it is always their group who are destined for blessings in Heaven, while it is always the other guy (particularly those they dislike) who are destined for torment in Hell.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com