ALTERNATIVE MENTAL HEALTH/ PSYCHOTHERAPY- THE DAN L. EDMUNDS INSTITUTE- PENNSYLVANIA

VALIDATING THE EXPERIENCE OF HEARING VOICES

2012-01-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

I encountered a young man, around 12 years old during a consultation who was having the experience of hearing voices. it appears that most prior 'treatment' involved simply suppressing by psychotropic drugs or ignoring the experience. During my brief time, I sought to journey with him, to build a connection where he would feel that he was safe to share his experience. He discussed with me hearing two voices, one male, and one female. And as he began to relate his past experiences and the recent loss of a relative, it began to be very obvious that these voices filled a need in his life. The grief issues had never been processed and information was concealed from him. he had been very close to this relative. Therefore, it was obvious that he needed to hear from this relative in some way, to know that things were "ok". And that is exactly what the young man told me, that this voice was that relative. The other represented another emotional need. I was pleased that I was able to journey with this person and come to a level of breakthrough and discovery but saddened that no one had ever thought of doing this before.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A.,DAPA
batushkad@yahoo.com

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS AND THE CONCEPT OF 'ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY'

2011-12-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Noted existential psychoanalyst and social activist Dr. Dan L. Edmunds developed the term 'anarcho-psychology'. This term implies the need to break down barriers between therapist and client as well as those things that drive us apart within society. It also implies the need to restore community and work towards an end to oppression. Dr. Edmunds has been called the 'voice of compassion' in the mental health system and has worked with many undergoing extreme states, those who have experienced trauma, and autistic/developmentally different persons through drug free relational approaches. Dr. Edmunds' articles and prior interviews can be found at:
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.com

THERAPEUTIC REFLECTIONS BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D.,B.C.S.A.,DAPA

2011-12-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

"The art of therapy is like a shamanic voyage, to create a safe place whereby one might journey with the other to retrieve the broken sole pieces, to help them navigate from that foreign and barren world back to our common meeting ground."

"So often I see the cylces of chaos evoked upon children by parents ensnared in their own self interest. These kids are not broken, they do not have broken brains, rather their hearts have been broken, and their acting out is but a loud signal of their distress, but we drug them to ignore the issues. Continue in self interest. Sometimes, if they are lucky, a caring person may enter their lvies, but often the damage is done, only for them to evoke harm on others, seeking revenge for what was done to them. I always strive to be that caring soul that they just might recall and will lead them from such a vicious cycle.

It appears so common today that people find distractions and ignore their own oppression and that of others, society is based on survival, but it is not a concern for community, but only the self. People are no longer seen as people, but commodities, to be used for ones own purpose and gain. We will continue to decline as a society if we remain selfish and indifferent with no sense of community.

Where we were able to create a safe space, where we met without prejudice or barriers, where we were ourselves, telling stories, having fun, being silly, free to express, sharing struggles, being in community, this has always been the most productive time with clients. It is all about relationship and it is so sad to see the current trend where relationship is nothing, and suppression is all that is offered.

Often I have seen how young people who have experienced chaotic family dynamics, being devoid of genuine caring, losing their sense of identity, and wanting to be heard and validated become a construct of others, never really knowing who they are, and when these so called relationships falter, they are in the brink of despair.

I had a consult with a young man who was quite bright and we connected readily. Sadly I learned that psych meds had caused many problems and he related a prior hospitalization as being the most terrifying event ever. He began hearing voices after many stressors and loss, I began to seek to understand this experience and I knew immediately what one of the voices was, and he confirmed my thought. It is unfortunate that most have not understood or try to suppress his experience. I think much was accomplished just by our brief journeying together.

I did not personally know Ronnie Laing, though I learned he lived for a time a brief distance away when I was a teen, shortly before he left our world. From my beginnings in the field, I saw how it could be dehumanizing and I began to write and speak out. It was not through any course that I discovered Ronnie Laing, but on my own, and I am greatful that I did, for I have found in what he stated nothing more powerful that resonated with my mind, spirit, and vision of how we should be towards others.

The root of distress is easy to see, it is because community has eroded and people are oppressed, many in survival mode, but though easy to see, these truths require efforts and change, so it becomes ignored and people are suppressed and lies about imbalances are generated, so the effort is avoided and an elite few can prosper at the expense and suffering of others.

Behavior we may label strange or disturbing is always a response to something distressing to the individual. It should not be a cause to shame the person or to suppress them. The behavior may be necessary to find their way again, and hopefully they will find others to walk with them as they do.

OCCUPY AND OPPRESSION

2011-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

In my book THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS: WHAT THERAPY SHOULD BE I describe the role of oppression and the social, political, and familial factors leading to emotional distress. The Occupy movement has been a reaction to oppression, but sdly we are seeing more oppression occurring in the means goverment authorities have sought to shut down this movement in various cities. I hope that those who are truly dedicated to restoring community, ending disparity, and addressing injustice, will continue to speak out and that a continued public discourse will take place.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

Noted Northeast Pennsylvania Existential Psychoanalyst Dr. Edmunds' new book BEING AUTISTIC: AN APPROACH TOWARDS ACCEPTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING

2011-12-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds has recently completed an e-book which is a guide to relational approaches for autistic and developmentally different children.
The book can be found at
http://lulu.com/spotlight/voice4kids

Dr. Edmunds is noted for his drug free relationship based work with autistic and developmentally different children. His website can be found at:
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

Dr Dan at Occupy Wall Street Scranton PA Speach.

2011-11-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

AUTISM RESOURCES: SCRANTON AND NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

2011-11-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A.,DAPA is a noted existential psychoanalyst and psychotherapist who specializes in helping autistic and developmentally different persons as well as those undergoing extreme states of mind (what is labeled schizophrenia and bipolar) through drug free relational approaches.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aG8Tk2pTISY

http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

He can be reached for consultation at batushkad@yahoo.com

Dr Dan at Occupy Wall Street Scranton PA Speach.

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dr Dan at Occupy Wall Street Scranton PA Speach.

2011-10-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

OCCUPY SCRANTON

2011-10-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

I am very pleased to be a part with many wonderful people in the Occupy Movement which will begin at noon on Saturday, Octboer 15, 2011 at Courthouse Square, Scranton, PA. I will be speaking at 3pm.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html
http://humanepsychiatry.com

HERE AND THERE by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds

2011-10-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am here, and the other is there, and some say he is out there, but at some time we will meet in that common place. We will find that those who are there were here too but driven to there because they could not bear to be here. There is a place not far from here.

OCCUPY WALL STREET

2011-10-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

In my book THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS, I discussed the social, political, and familial factors leading to emotional distress and the role of oppression. I suggested that society was 'ill' and that people had become apathetic, prone to taking abuse, and that society had offered its technologies and drugs to keep people in conformity. The Occupy movement is that hopeful awakening that I spoke of in this book, a movement that encourages young people to stand up against oppression and injustice.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

NEW MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN ALTERNATIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

2011-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

A distance learning Master of Arts program in Alternative Mental Health Services has just recently been launched, for more information, please see:
http://europeanamericanuniversity.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-masters-program-in-alternative.html?m=1

NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM BEING DEVELOPED IN ALTERNATIVE MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH E.A.U.

2011-09-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

A Master's program in Alternative Mental Health Services is being developed as part of European American University. The program will entail course offerings addressing autism, extreme states of mind, traumatology, critical psychology, and Eastern approaches. The program is being led by Professor Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
For more information on European American University, see http://thedegree.org

9-18-11 Energy and Healing with 4 Winds Accupuncture Clinic and Integrative Therapies

2011-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

9-18-11 Energy and Healing with 4 Winds Accupuncture Clinic and Integrative Therapies

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS TO PRESENT ON PARANORMAL SCIENCE RADIO PROGRAM IN SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE

2011-09-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. will appear on the Paranormal Science radio program to be broadcast on WILK 103.1 FM in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area on September 18th at 8PM. Dr. Edmunds will discuss his drug free relational work with persons undergoing extreme states of mind and non-ordinary states of consciousness.

http://wilknewsradio.com

BEING AUTISTIC: AN EXISTENTIAL AND RELATIONAL APPROACH- SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA

2011-09-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is noted for his work with over 80 autistic persons and for developing one of the few relationship based programs based on respect, acceptance, and dignity. Dr. Edmunds is currently working on a new book entitled BEING AUTISTIC where he addresses autism as a mode of being rather than an 'entity', and will share his groundbreaking relationship based work with autistic children and adults.
For more information on Dr. Edmunds' work and background, see
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

PRINCE 104 THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY PROJECT FOR EXTREME STATES OF MIND (BIPOLAR, PSYCHOSES)

2011-09-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

September 29 marks one year since the end of the Prince 104 project, however Dr. Dan L. Edmunds work with persons undergoing extreme states of mind continues. Familiar with the success of Dr. Loren Mosher's Soteria House Project and Dr. Ronald David Laing's therapeutic community at Kingsley Hall, Dr. Edmunds developed a project where individuals could reside nearby and receive holistic therapies, counseling, and a suppportive non-professional to listen and help. Dr. Edmunds discontinued the project because of the immense amount of time and coordination as well as lack of resources. However, he continues to see persons at the clinic in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania and utilizes drug free relational approaches.

http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

2011-08-29T14:34:00.001-07:00

All About Counseling Tunkhannock, PA Marriage Counseling View profile

DAN L. EDMUNDS INSTITUTE

2011-08-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

While in Ormond Beach, Florida, it was mentioned to me to develop an institute dedicated to training and advocacy which will encourage an emancipatory movement in the mental health system, promote autism acceptance, work for social justice, develop drug free relationship based approaches for distressed persons.

A Critical Psychology Certificate Program has been developed via European-American University
http://thedegree.org/certificateincriticalpsychology.html

I have given permission to a number of qualified and dedicated individuals to use my literature to conduct trainings/seminars in their various regions.
I am pleased to welcome Paradai Virojphan from Thailand. She is an autism self advocate who holds Bachelors degrees in Visual Communication Design and Nursing and a Masters in Journalism. Her interests are in humanistic and holistic nursing and ecopsychology. Also, Theo Pilisis, a clinical social worker in Greece who is involved with critical psychology and mental health reform. Theo Pilisis holds a Bachelors degree in Clinical Social Work. He has lectured internationally on critical psychology.

Presently, my books are being offered at a very low cost to promote our emancipatory movement and to inform and educate many so there may be lasting change.
http://lulu.com/voice4kids

5 YEARS OF MENTAL HEALTH REFORM EFFORTS- INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMANE PSYCHIATRY

2011-08-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

The International Center for Humane Psychiatry celebrates 5 years of accomplishments:

- informational lecture and protest of psychiatric conference on psychiatric drugging of infants to 'prevent mental illness'

-lectures and seminars on human rights, ethics, and autism acceptance to numerous mental health agencies

-participated in meetings with foster care officials in Florida to discuss need for informed consent and the vast number of children in foster care placed on psychiatric drug cocktails

-pro bono work in involuntary intoxication case

-development of a drug free, label free, low fee clinic

-development of a therapeutic community for extreme states of mind

-alerting to stimulant induced mania leading to false diagnosis of bipolar

-numerous publications on autism, extreme states of mind, oppression and social problems, all from a relational perspective

THE EKYS FOR MENTAL HEALTH REFORM BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS

2011-07-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

1. Altruism over profits

2. no force or coercion, contractual agreements

3. ethics before technology

4. break down barriers between client and therapist

5. respect for dignity and autonomy

6. no stigmatizing labels

Philadelphia bookstore lecture

2011-07-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Edmunds gave a powerful talk on altruism, social justice,
breaking down barriers, building community, and
ending oppression at a lecture at 704 South St. in Philadelphia. The
talk was based on his book, The Meeting of Two Persons available at http://lulu.com/voice4kids

Psychiatric drugs and psychedelics

2011-07-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

At a lecture I was asked to respond in regards to my
concerns about psychiatric drugs whereas I have
supported research into medical marijuana and psychedelics,
my response is that psychiatric drugs are suppressive,
whereas the others if used responsibly could help make
others more open and provide pain management as well
as other benefit without masking problems and shutting down
creativity.

Being Autistic: an existential approach towards understanding and acceptance

2011-07-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is working on a new book that will
explore autism and relational approaches and ways to
support autistic persons in dignified ways. Dr. Edmunds
has offered consultation to school districts and families
and therapy for children and adults. Please see
http://humanepsychiatry.com

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS EVENT AT WOODEN SHOE BOOKSTORE IN PHILADELPHIA

2011-07-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS WILL BE PRESENTING A TALK 'ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY' AT THE WOODEN SHOE BOOKSTORE IN PHILADELPHIA ON FRIDAY, JULY 22 AT 7PM.

for more information, see http://woodenshoebooks.com

or http://facebook.com/humanepsychiatry

Scranton Wikes Barre, Binghamton Vestal Schizophrenia, trauma, bipolar, autism support

2011-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Noted psychotherapist and professor of Existential
Psychology, Dr D L Edmunds has developed ground breaking
relational and drug free approaches for distressed
persons. See http://humanepsychiatry.com

'Sane in an Insane World' - Freedomain Radio Interviews Dr Dan Edmunds

2011-06-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

EXISTENTIAL ANALYSIS AND AUTISM

2011-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Edmunds is now embarking on writing a new book that will explore existential psychoanalysis and autism and discuss relational approaches and autism acceptance. To see Dr. Edmunds' presently published books, see
http://lulu.com/voice4kids

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds- Counseling in Scranton/ Northeast Pennsylvania area

2011-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Born in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is a noted psychotherapist and traumatologist, existential psychoanalyst, social activist, Professor of Existential Psychology and Director of the Critical Psychology Program at European-American University, who for the past 11 years has been dedicated to drug free relational approaches to help those undergoing extreme states of mind (schizophrenia and psychoses, bipolar) as well as aiding autistic and developmentally different persons. Dr. Edmunds has worked with other 80 autistic and developmentally different clients and developed the Autism Acceptance Coalition to promote autonomy, understanding, and dignity of autistic and developmentally different persons. He encourages dignified and respectful ways to help autistic and developmentall different persons. Dr. Edmunds currently resides in Dunmore in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has his private practice in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania in the Endless Mountains region.

Dr. Edmunds pioneered an amazing project where persons who would be typically institutionalized and given large amounts of suppressive medication could instead live in the community or with other supportive individuals and be supported in a way where barriers between therapist and client are broken down. This project has been termed "The Sanctuary project/Prince 104" and has been particularly helpful to persons undergoing extreme states of mind. These individuals often came with severe psychiatric labels (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar) and prescribed many psychiatric drugs. Dr. Edmunds was able to develop a relationship with them where they were able to feel empowered and reduce their dependency on these psychiatric drugs. Dr. Edmunds wrote the book MYSTICAL METAPHORS in collaboration with Jarrad Dickson, a young person who has undergone a psychotic experience. MYSTICAL METAPHORS helps to make this experience intelligible. It is one of the most dynamic and personal stories clearly relating the experience of psychosis.

Dr. Edmunds attended elementary school in St. Petersburg, FL and Fort Collins, CO. Dr. Edmunds graduated from Fort Collins High School in Colorado. He completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and received a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton. He completed post graduate work in Dispute Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Edmunds completed his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling at University of Sarasota.

Dr. Edmunds, from a young age, has always sought for an ethical society based on dignity and compassion. He won a writer's award for Ethical Reasoning sponsored by the Fort Collins Coloradoan in 1987. In 1991, at the age of 16, he was the youngest legislative aide to serve in the Colorado State Senate (working in the office of then State Senator Robert W. Schaffer) and became involved in social activism. He was involved with the Students for Peace and Justice at Fort Collins High School. In 1992, he was on the campaign staff of US Rep. Corrine Brown in Florida and had the opportunity to transport and dialogue with Martin Luther King III. Also in 1992, he organized a Youth Commission in Ormond Beach, FL and been a speaker at various political events. His political commentary has been focused on social justice/equality and civil liberty. He has spoken at numerous political events including a talk to the Pocono Libertarian Party in 2003. Politically, Dr. Edmunds is a left libertarian.

Dr. Edmunds has served in the past in ministry and as a chaplain for the elderly and veterans. He published an article in the University of Scranton's Diakonia Journal for Eastern Christian Studies in 1998.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is the compassionate voice in the mental health system. He is a leading figure in the worldwide movement for a more humane psychiatric system and for progressive mental health services. He is a noted psychotherapist, child developmental specialist, sociologist and counselor working with both children and adults. His prolific books have discussed the social, political, and familial processes that create emotional distress and he has developed drug free approaches to aiding individuals undergoing extreme states of mind. Psychologist and Professor Eddy Regnier, Ph.D. remarked that Dr. Edmunds "(has) wonderful openness (and is able) to find calm even in the most troubled situation" and Psychologist and author John Breeding, Ph.D. has stated that Dr. Edmunds is a very clear thinker and writer who has defended and supported the spirited nature of children. Dr. Steven Gans, Associate Professor and an associate of the late world renowned psychiatrist Dr. R.D. Laing stated, "Dr. Dan is an intelligent and caring practitioner". Dr. Edmunds' social psychological work has focused on the political, social, and familial dynamics leading to emotional distress and he has frequently commented on the 'numbing' of our society.

Dr. Edmunds is Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for the European-American University and Director of the Critical Psychology Certificate Program. Dr. Edmunds is a member of the International Society for Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy.

Dr. Edmunds has posed critical questions to the psychiatric establishment and to society as a whole and has developed approaches towards helping distressed individuals that are compassionate and empowering and encourage self-determination and autonomy. He has been an advocate for social justice and for human rights in the mental health system. He has helped many individuals given various serious psychiatric labels live a more fulfilling life and be able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on psychiatric drugs. Many persons who have been damaged by bio-psychiatry have come to Dr. Edmunds for consultation as a last resort. Dr. Edmunds has extensive experience aiding those undergoing extreme states of mind (what is commonly diagnosed as schizophrenia, bipolar, schizoaffective) and those who have the experience of hearing voices. He has worked with over 80 autistic/developmentally children using a relational approach and has been a proponent of the autistic rights movement. Dr. Edmunds' articles "Entering Their Imaginative World" and "The Value of a Relationship Based Approach to Autism" and his book , "Navigating Through the Mainstream" detail some of his loving, respectful, and supportive work with autistic children and their families. Dr. Edmunds has also been involved in successful drug free intervention for children and teens with challenging behaviors, particularly those who have received such labels as Bipolar, Conduct Disorder, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Dr. Edmunds has been involved in family mediation and offered expert testimony in family courts. Dr. Edmunds' has been active in issues of social justice for some time. Dr. Edmunds' work has become known internationally. He has been featured in various news articles and nationally syndicated radio programs. He previously hosted a local radio program addressing children's mental health.

Dr. Edmunds' article, "Restoring the Soul to the Mental Health System" was published in the Aaina Journal of the Center for Mental Health Advocacy in Pune, Maharashtra, India and he is currently collaborating in research with the Bapu Trust for Mind and Discourse in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

He is the author of "The Meetng of Two Persons" and "Mystical Metaphors" as well as numerous articles related to humane psychiatry, ethics in mental health practice, family dynamics, child and adolescent development, and autism. "Mystical Metaphors" was written in collaboration with a young person who had undergone an experience labeled as psychosis. The text seeks to make the experience understandable to convey the emotional distress and needs this person had. "The Meeting of Two Persons" discusses the social, familial, and political factors leading to emotional distress, the role of oppression in our lives, and the role of the therapist as activist and advocate.

Dr. Edmunds has served as a pastoral counselor, Professor of Existential Psychology, psychological associate/evaluator, psychotherapist for community baed agencies, clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program, coordinator of therapeutic communities, and was previously a legislative aide and registered professional lobbyist. He is Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is a member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Psychoses. In addition, he has been a consultant to special education departments and provided educational advocacy services.

Dr. Edmunds has lectured and delivered seminars throughout North America and has been a guest on radio television programs among them the nationally syndicated radio program "Take America Back", Talk of Connecticut WRDC-AM (Hartford, CT); The American Law Journal television program on Philadelphia CNN Affiliate; Highway to Health (Tropic Wave Radio, Melbourne, FL), PsycheWhisperer with A.J. Mahari, AM Radio in Clearwater, FL , WHO AM 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa, and Freedomain Radio. Dr. Edmunds' radio broadcasts are available on ITunes. In 2005, Dr. Edmunds attended the Fight for Kids event in Chelsea, New York City featuring John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and Arianna Huffington to encourage awareness of the dangers of psychiatric drugs with children. In 2006, Dr. Edmunds was the keynote speaker at a protest of a psychiatric conference in Niagara Falls, New York. This conference had been promoting psychiatric drugging of infants. Dr. Edmunds presented at the 4th Annual Alternative Education Resources Organization Conference in June 2007 at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York and at the 2005 and 2010 conferences of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology.

Dr. Edmunds has guest lectured or presented at the University of Scranton,Pennsylvania State University (Worthington-Scranton), Russell Sage College, and the University of Florida. He has delivered training seminars and offered consultation to a number of mental health agencies.

Dr. Edmunds' approaches have helped to return a 'soul' to the mental health system. With a combined background in community counseling, philosophy, activism, and comparative religion, Dr. Edmunds has sought to integrate new ways of finding meaning and purpose for the persons he serves. Much of his work has been in helping people undergoing emotional and mental distress come to a greater sense of wholeness through personal growth and self-transformation processes.

Dr. Edmunds provides counseling and consultation to children and families from Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York from his office in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA, near Scranton, Pennsylvania and approximately 2 hours from Philadelphia and New York City. Dr. Edmunds is available to provide telephone and internet consultation to those residing in other locations. Dr. Edmunds is also available for lectures and seminars. Dr. Edmunds website is at www.DrDanEdmunds.com and he can be contacted by e-mail for consultation at DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

'Sane in an Insane World' - Freedomain Radio Interviews Dr Dan Edmunds

2011-06-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

COUNSELING AND RELATIONAL APPROACHES- AUTISM, PTSD, SCHIZOPHRENIA, BIPOLAR (Psychiatric Drug Free, Relational Approaches)

2011-06-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Born in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is a noted psychotherapist and traumatologist, existential psychoanalyst, social activist, Professor of Existential Psychology and Director of the Critical Psychology Program at European-American University, who for the past 11 years has been dedicated to drug free relational approaches to help those undergoing extreme states of mind (schizophrenia and psychoses, bipolar) as well as aiding autistic and developmentally different persons. Dr. Edmunds has worked with other 80 autistic and developmentally different clients and developed the Autism Acceptance Coalition to promote autonomy, understanding, and dignity of autistic and developmentally different persons.

Dr. Edmunds pioneered an amazing project where persons who would be typically institutionalized and given large amounts of suppressive medication could instead live in the community or with other supportive individuals and be supported in a way where barriers between therapist and client are broken down. This project has been termed "The Sanctuary project/Prince 104" and has been particularly helpful to persons undergoing extreme states of mind.

Dr. Edmunds completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and received a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton. He completed post graduate work in Dispute Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Edmunds completed his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling at University of Sarasota.

Dr. Edmunds, from a young age, has always sought for an ethical society based on dignity and compassion. He won a writer's award for Ethical Reasoning sponsored by the Fort Collins Coloradoan in 1987. In 1991, at the age of 16, he was the youngest legislative aide to serve in the Colorado State Senate (working in the office of then State Senator Robert W. Schaffer) and became involved in social activism. He was previously a campaign coordinator for a congressional campaign in Florida, organized a Youth Commission in Ormond Beach, FL and been a speaker at various political events. His political commentary has been focused on social justice/equality and civil liberty.

Dr. Edmunds has served in the past in ministry and as a chaplain for the elderly and veterans. He published an article in the University of Scranton's Diakonia Journal for Eastern Christian Studies in 1998.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is the compassionate voice in the mental health system. He is a leading figure in the worldwide movement for a more humane psychiatric system and for progressive mental health services. He is a noted psychotherapist, child developmental specialist, sociologist and counselor working with both children and adults. His prolific books have discussed the social, political, and familial processes that create emotional distress and he has developed drug free approaches to aiding individuals undergoing extreme states of mind. Psychologist and Professor Eddy Regnier, Ph.D. remarked that Dr. Edmunds "(has) wonderful openness (and is able) to find calm even in the most troubled situation" and Psychologist and author John Breeding, Ph.D. has stated that Dr. Edmunds is a very clear thinker and writer who has defended and supported the spirited nature of children. Dr. Steven Gans, Associate Professor and an associate of the late world renowned psychiatrist Dr. R.D. Laing stated, "Dr. Dan is an intelligent and caring practitioner". Dr. Edmunds' social psychological work has focused on the political, social, and familial dynamics leading to emotional distress and he has frequently commented on the 'numbing' of our society.

Dr. Edmunds is Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for the European-American University and Director of the Critical Psychology Certificate Program. Dr. Edmunds is a member of the International Society for Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, the Board of Advisors for the Society for Laingian Studies, and a member of the Existential Psychoanalytic Institute of Seattle and coordinator of the Pennsylvania Campus of the Existential Psychoanalytic Institute of Seattle.

Dr. Edmunds has posed critical questions to the psychiatric establishment and to society as a whole and has developed approaches towards helping distressed individuals that are compassionate and empowering and encourage self-determination and autonomy. He has been an advocate for social justice and for human rights in the mental health system. He has helped many individuals given various serious psychiatric labels live a more fulfilling life and be able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on psychiatric drugs. Many persons who have been damaged by bio-psychiatry have come to Dr. Edmunds for consultation as a last resort. Dr. Edmunds has extensive experience aiding those undergoing extreme states of mind (what is commonly diagnosed as schizophrenia, bipolar, schizoaffective) and those who have the experience of hearing voices. He has worked with over 80 autistic/developmentally children using a relational approach and has been a proponent of the autistic rights movement. Dr. Edmunds' articles "Entering Their Imaginative World" and "The Value of a Relationship Based Approach to Autism" and his book , "Navigating Through the Mainstream" detail some of his loving, respectful, and supportive work with autistic children and their families. Dr. Edmunds has also been involved in successful drug free intervention for children and teens with challenging behaviors, particularly those who have received such labels as Bipolar, Conduct Disorder, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Dr. Edmunds has been involved in family mediation and offered expert testimony in family courts. Dr. Edmunds' has been active in issues of social justice for some time. Dr. Edmunds' work has become known internationally. He has been featured in various news articles and nationally syndicated radio programs. He previously hosted a local radio program addressing children's mental health.

Dr. Edmunds' article, "Restoring the Soul to the Mental Health System" was published in the Aaina Journal of the Center for Mental Health Advocacy in Pune, Maharashtra, India and he is currently collaborating in research with the Bapu Trust for Mind and Discourse in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

He is the author of "The Meetng of Two Persons" and "Mystical Metaphors" as well as numerous articles related to humane psychiatry, ethics in mental health practice, family dynamics, child and adolescent development, and autism. "Mystical Metaphors" was written in collaboration with a young person who had undergone an experience labeled as psychosis. The text seeks to make the experience understandable to convey the emotional distress and needs this person had.

Dr. Edmunds has served as a pastoral counselor, Professor of Existential Psychology, psychological associate/evaluator, psychotherapist for community baed agencies, clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program, coordinator of therapeutic communities, and was previously a legislative aide and registered professional lobbyist. He is Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is a member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Psychoses. In addition, he has been a consultant to special education departments and provided educational advocacy services.

Dr. Edmunds has lectured and delivered seminars throughout North America and has been a guest on radio television programs among them the nationally syndicated radio program "Take America Back", Talk of Connecticut WRDC-AM (Hartford, CT); The American Law Journal television program on Philadelphia CNN Affiliate; Highway to Health (Tropic Wave Radio, Melbourne, FL), PsycheWhisperer with A.J. Mahari, AM Radio in Clearwater, FL , WHO AM 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa, and Freedomain Radio.

Dr. Edmunds has guest lectured at the University of Scranton,Pennsylvania State University (Worthington-Scranton), and the University of Florida. He has delivered training seminars and offered consultation to a number of mental health agencies.

Dr. Edmunds' approaches have helped to return a 'soul' to the mental health system. With a combined background in community counseling, philosophy, activism, and comparative religion, Dr. Edmunds has sought to integrate new ways of finding meaning and purpose for the persons he serves. Much of his work has been in helping people undergoing emotional and mental distress come to a greater sense of wholeness through personal growth and self-transformation processes.

Dr. Edmunds provides counseling and consultation to children and families from Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York from his office in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA, near Scranton, Pennsylvania and approximately 2 hours from Philadelphia and New York City. Dr. Edmunds is available to provide telephone and internet consultation to those residing in other locations. Dr. Edmunds is also available for lectures and seminars. Dr. Edmunds website is at www.DrDanEdmunds.com and he can be contacted by e-mail for consultation at DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

Unwanted by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

2011-06-06T12:12:00.001-07:00

Head, tiny feet and hands, resting in the palm.
A cry signaling the present and future pain.
From birth, there will be no calm.
Abandoned by mother, treated with disdain,
Tossed to and fro, from place to place.
Locked into the system, full of fears,
Who will care and look upon my face?
Will any come to wipe away my tears?
Drugged and repressed, I dare not speak a word,
For punishment comes when one does talk.
And all I have to say will never be heard.
Will any be near me, on my journey, my walk?
I am unwanted, a stranger in the world, unknown.
But I will be defiant towards my sorrow,
I will overcome, though I feel alone.
I will chose to have a tomorrow.

Southern Tier of New York (Binghamton) and PA (Scranton) Autism and Asperger's Relational Approaches and Extreme States of Mind- Psychiatric Drug Free

2011-06-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds has successfully helped many get off
psychiatric drugs and be able to live happier lives. Dr.
Edmunds work and background can be found at
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

ONLY RELATIONSHIP BASED PROGRAM FOR AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S IN THE SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE AREA

2011-05-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

The Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project was established by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area to help autistic, Asperger's and other developmentally different persons based on autonomy, understanding, tolerance, inclusion, self-determination, and meaning as well as providing educational and other advocacy for persons with special needs. Please contact us at DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com or visit www.DrDanEdmunds.com

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
AUTISM/ASPERGER/PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER- NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA- SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE AND SOUTHERN TIER OF NEW YORK- BINGHAMTON/ELMIRA
Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-7777
http://www.humanepsychiatry.com
http://stores.lulu.com/voice4kids
Posted by Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA at 6:51 AM 0 comments Saturday, February 20, 2010
NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.
Posted by Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Autism Acceptance Project- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA at 11:30 AM 0 comments Thursday, September 3, 2009
AUTISM SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA (SCRANTON AND WILKES-BARRE AREA)
Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Tunkhannock, PA
Telephone: 570-836-7777
e-mail: DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
http://www.humanepsychiatry.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 (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area) and the Southern Tier of New York.

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 100 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.

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

Born in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is a noted psychotherapist and traumatologist, existential psychoanalyst, social activist, Professor of Existential Psychology and Director of the Critical Psychology Program at European-American University, who for the past 11 years has been dedicated to drug free relational approaches to help those undergoing extreme states of mind (schizophrenia and psychoses, bipolar) as well as aiding autistic and developmentally different persons. Dr. Edmunds has worked with other 80 autistic and developmentally different clients and developed the Autism Acceptance Coalition to promote autonomy, understanding, and dignity of autistic and developmentally different persons.

Dr. Edmunds pioneered an amazing project where persons who would be typically institutionalized and given large amounts of suppressive medication could instead live in the community or with other supportive individuals and be supported in a way where barriers between therapist and client are broken down. This project has been termed "The Sanctuary project/Prince 104" and has been particularly helpful to persons undergoing extreme states of mind.

Dr. Edmunds completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and received a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton. He completed post graduate work in Dispute Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Edmunds completed his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling at University of Sarasota.

Dr. Edmunds, from a young age, has always sought for an ethical society based on dignity and compassion. He won a writer's award for Ethical Reasoning sponsored by the Fort Collins Coloradoan in 1987. In 1991, at the age of 16, he was the youngest legislative aide to serve in the Colorado State Senate (working in the office of then State Senator Robert W. Schaffer) and became involved in social activism. He was previously a campaign coordinator for a congressional campaign in Florida, organized a Youth Commission in Ormond Beach, FL and been a speaker at various political events. His political commentary has been focused on social justice/equality and civil liberty.

Dr. Edmunds has served in the past in ministry and as a chaplain for the elderly and veterans. He published an article in the University of Scranton's Diakonia Journal for Eastern Christian Studies in 1998.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is the compassionate voice in the mental health system. He is a leading figure in the worldwide movement for a more humane psychiatric system and for progressive mental health services. He is a noted psychotherapist, child developmental specialist, sociologist and counselor working with both children and adults. His prolific books have discussed the social, political, and familial processes that create emotional distress and he has developed drug free approaches to aiding individuals undergoing extreme states of mind. Psychologist and Professor Eddy Regnier, Ph.D. remarked that Dr. Edmunds "(has) wonderful openness (and is able) to find calm even in the most troubled situation" and Psychologist and author John Breeding, Ph.D. has stated that Dr. Edmunds is a very clear thinker and writer who has defended and supported the spirited nature of children. Dr. Steven Gans, Associate Professor and an associate of the late world renowned psychiatrist Dr. R.D. Laing stated, "Dr. Dan is an intelligent and caring practitioner". Dr. Edmunds' social psychological work has focused on the political, social, and familial dynamics leading to emotional distress and he has frequently commented on the 'numbing' of our society.

Dr. Edmunds is Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for the European-American University and Director of the Critical Psychology Certificate Program. Dr. Edmunds is a member of the International Society for Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, the Board of Advisors for the Society for Laingian Studies, and a member of the Existential Psychoanalytic Institute of Seattle and coordinator of the Pennsylvania Campus of the Existential Psychoanalytic Institute of Seattle.

Dr. Edmunds has posed critical questions to the psychiatric establishment and to society as a whole and has developed approaches towards helping distressed individuals that are compassionate and empowering and encourage self-determination and autonomy. He has been an advocate for social justice and for human rights in the mental health system. He has helped many individuals given various serious psychiatric labels live a more fulfilling life and be able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on psychiatric drugs. Many persons who have been damaged by bio-psychiatry have come to Dr. Edmunds for consultation as a last resort. Dr. Edmunds has extensive experience aiding those undergoing extreme states of mind (what is commonly diagnosed as schizophrenia, bipolar, schizoaffective) and those who have the experience of hearing voices. He has worked with over 80 autistic/developmentally children using a relational approach and has been a proponent of the autistic rights movement. Dr. Edmunds' articles "Entering Their Imaginative World" and "The Value of a Relationship Based Approach to Autism" and his book , "Navigating Through the Mainstream" detail some of his loving, respectful, and supportive work with autistic children and their families. Dr. Edmunds has also been involved in successful drug free intervention for children and teens with challenging behaviors, particularly those who have received such labels as Bipolar, Conduct Disorder, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Dr. Edmunds has been involved in family mediation and offered expert testimony in family courts. Dr. Edmunds' has been active in issues of social justice for some time. Dr. Edmunds' work has become known internationally. He has been featured in various news articles and nationally syndicated radio programs. He previously hosted a local radio program addressing children's mental health.

Dr. Edmunds' article, "Restoring the Soul to the Mental Health System" was published in the Aaina Journal of the Center for Mental Health Advocacy in Pune, Maharashtra, India and he is currently collaborating in research with the Bapu Trust for Mind and Discourse in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

He is the author of "The Meetng of Two Persons" and "Mystical Metaphors" as well as numerous articles related to humane psychiatry, ethics in mental health practice, family dynamics, child and adolescent development, and autism. "Mystical Metaphors" was written in collaboration with a young person who had undergone an experience labeled as psychosis. The text seeks to make the experience understandable to convey the emotional distress and needs this person had.

Dr. Edmunds has served as a pastoral counselor, Professor of Existential Psychology, psychological associate/evaluator, psychotherapist for community baed agencies, clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program, coordinator of therapeutic communities, and was previously a legislative aide and registered professional lobbyist. He is Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is a member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Psychoses. In addition, he has been a consultant to special education departments and provided educational advocacy services.

Dr. Edmunds has lectured and delivered seminars throughout North America and has been a guest on radio television programs among them the nationally syndicated radio program "Take America Back", Talk of Connecticut WRDC-AM (Hartford, CT); The American Law Journal television program on Philadelphia CNN Affiliate; Highway to Health (Tropic Wave Radio, Melbourne, FL), PsycheWhisperer with A.J. Mahari, AM Radio in Clearwater, FL , WHO AM 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa, and Freedomain Radio.

Dr. Edmunds has guest lectured at the University of Scranton,Pennsylvania State University (Worthington-Scranton), and the University of Florida. He has delivered training seminars and offered consultation to a number of mental health agencies.

Dr. Edmunds' approaches have helped to return a 'soul' to the mental health system. With a combined background in community counseling, philosophy, activism, and comparative religion, Dr. Edmunds has sought to integrate new ways of finding meaning and purpose for the persons he serves. Much of his work has been in helping people undergoing emotional and mental distress come to a greater sense of wholeness through personal growth and self-transformation processes.

Dr. Edmunds provides counseling and consultation to children and families from Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York from his office in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA, near Scranton, Pennsylvania and approximately 2 hours from Philadelphia and New York City. Dr. Edmunds is available to provide telephone and internet consultation to those residing in other locations. Dr. Edmunds is also available for lectures and seminars. Dr. Edmunds website is at www.DrDanEdmunds.com and he can be contacted by e-mail for consultation at DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS COORDINATING PENNSYLVANIA CAMPUS OF EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOANALYTIC INSTITUTE OF SEATTLE

2011-05-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

With a recent lecture on existential psychotherapy, Dr. Edmunds has launched the Pennsylvania campus of the Existential Psychoanalytic Institute of Seattle.
http://episeattle.com
If you are not yet a member of the Institute, consider joining today. The Pennsylvania campus will be developoing a reading group as well as lectures and seminars in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Feel free to write for more information: DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

INTER-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH IN AUGUST IN NEW YORK CITY

2011-04-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

A multi-disciplinary conference exploring the need to address social, familial, and political factors and their impact on mental health will be held in New York City in August. Dr. Dan L. Edmunds will be one of the featured speakers. The event will be held at the Brecht Forum. More details will be forthcoming.

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS ON AMERICAN LAW JOURNAL TONIGHT DISCUSSING ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND THE LAW - Scranton Autism & Parenting | Examiner.com

2011-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS ON AMERICAN LAW JOURNAL TONIGHT DISCUSSING ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND THE LAW - Scranton Autism & Parenting | Examiner.com

Humane Psychiatry - Dr. Dan L. Edmunds 8/30/2010 - Psyche Whisperer AJ | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

2011-04-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Humane Psychiatry - Dr. Dan L. Edmunds 8/30/2010 - Psyche Whisperer AJ | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

SCRANTON AUTISM TELETHON

2011-04-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

I was recently asked about whether I would endorse a forthcoming telethon for the Northeast Regional Autism Center at Friendship House in my area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. As I have always supported autism acceptance and encouraged autistic persons' autonomy and dignity there are a few things that a program must possess. The program must not try to seek to change the person into something they will never be by force or coercion, it must be respectful and encourage the person to have choice and to deny 'treatments' they do not want. It must take the attitude of helping them 'navigate through the mainstream', not forcing them into some box that we label as the 'norm'. Based on this, I cannot in good conscience endorse this telethon or program.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND MY EVENING AT GANDHI LECTURE AT UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

2011-03-31T18:12:00.001-07:00

I have been dedicated to issues of social justice from a young age. In 1992, while working on a political campaign, I transported Martin Luther King III to an event at Bethune Cookman College and was able to spend the remainder of the day with him on a campaign bus. This evening, I had the privilege of encountering Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. The concept of ahimsa remains important today, particularly in light of recent conflicts and demonstrations within North Africa and the Middle East. It is necessary for us to approach conflicts with honesty. I have often said that we all have our prejudices and biases, and if we deny them, we are just as bad as if we acted upon them. For peace and equality to arise, we must acknowledge where our biases lies and seek to confront them through experience and understanding.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

KADAMPA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

2011-03-31T18:09:00.001-07:00

DR. EDMUNDS AT KADAMPA BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTER

2011-03-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

NEED FOR ANOTHER DIALECTICS OF LIBERATION CONFERENCE

2011-03-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

In July 1967, the Dialectics of Liberation conferences was held featuring artists, existential psychotherapists, activists, and others who explored social and political factors impacting lives at that period. I believe that in light of recent conflicts in the world, economic collapses, strife between and within nations, and the numbing of our society, it is crucial that 44 years later, we may wish to reconsider a second of these conferences. I am presently in discussions with a number of individuals who have expressed interest in this concept and hope that we can organize something empowering.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

'Sane in an Insane World' - Freedomain Radio Interviews Dr Dan Edmunds

2011-03-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Lies As Truth, Truth As Lies and the Numbing of Society

2011-03-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Let us start with this- most of what we have been told and learned is not true. We want it to be true, and we grasp at it as if it were true, we do all possible to make it true, even forcing it to be true. We contort ourselves to fit these 'truths' that are lies. We define ourselves by these lies that masquerade as 'truths'. We breakdown by the inability to know the difference. From childhood to the present, this is our lot. Few unlearn, we are trapped in the illusion.

During the 1960's and 1970's, we saw a period of great unrest, yet persons became actively involved in protest and revolt against the direction of things. This action often led to radical change, such as the civil rights movement. As conflict lessened, by the 1980's we saw a period of prosperity, the US was seen in a powerful position, the promise of wealth trickling down inspired persons, technology began to expand, but with it so did complacency and the development of apathy. By the 1990's this apathy combined with the "Decade of the Brain" where now we had an 'answer' to exonerate personal responsibility and institutions, the idea of chemical imbalances. We no longer had to face any challenging event and work through it, we did not need people, technology would do the trick. We were deceived. By the 2000's we began to see some of the aftermath of rampant psychiatric drugging that has numbed our society in the form of school violence. Black box warnings would follow, but it always seems that whereas critics speak out in regards to a dangerous course, there is almost always a delayed response to hear the critic. By the late 2000's and into the present, the hopes we once had, where we put our ideas of success into how our finances were, all collapsed. The economic situation has tumbled and the capitalist system is in shambles. We are now left with not only apathy and the desire to be numb, but a shift from a focus on communal support to focus solely on the self. We have a disparity in resources, destructive cycles perpetuate themselves in families, we begin to erect barriers amongst ourselves (both figuratively and literally. Our youth now have a misdirected revolt, they do not gather communally and support change together, rather they fight for selfish interest and their rebellion is misdirected and against any who stand in the way of their desire. It was trickle down in the 80's, now the faucet is shut off. And we our shut off to our true selves, shut off to community, not knowing the lies for what they are.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
humanepsychiatry.com
selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

DES MOINES, IOWA RADIO PROGRAM ON THE NUMBING OF SOCIETY

2011-03-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was very pleased to speak yesterday evening on WHO AM 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa in regards to the numbing of society. I am hoping that this broadcast may be archived soon.

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

The Meeting of Two Persons: What Therapy Should Be

2011-03-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS: WHAT THERAPY SHOULD BE
Exploring the Social, Familial, and Political Factors Leading to Emotional Distress

Presented at the 13th Annual Conference of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, October 9, 2010, Syracuse, New York
The Importance of Experience 5

The Journey Through “Madness” 13

Life and Being Human 16

Stories of True Recovery 18

Impact of Trauma on Our Lives 28

Our Society 35

Anarcho-Psychology 47

Reflection 52

CHAPTER 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE

When a distressed person enters the realm of modern psychiatric practice they are first confronted with what Laing terms as the ‘psychiatric ceremonial’. In this process, the experience of the person is not considered. Rather, the psychiatrist sits in a place of judgment, he being considered sane and stable, and determines by his subjective observation of behavior how the person is a deviant from what should be expected of him or her and then categorizes it and assigns it a label. There is no concern for the person’s experience, rather the person is seen as an ‘it’, as an object whose behavior is to be analyzed. Science is only able to examine what is, not what will be. It is based on duplication of results, but can we duplicate experience. When we merely look at behavior without understanding the context of it, we draw false conclusions. Understanding the context may lead us to see that the behavior is not truly meaningless after all. Frankl states, “An incurably psychotic individual may lose his usefulness but yet retain the dignity of a human being…a doctor, who would still interpret his role mainly as that of a technician would confess that he sees in his patient nothing more than a machine…but man is ultimately self-determining.”
Laing states, “behavior therapy is the most extreme example of such schizoid theory and practice and proposes to think and act purely in terms of the other without reference to the self of the therapist or the patient, in terms of behavior without experience, in terms of objects rather than persons. It is inevitably therefore a technique of nonmeeting, of manipulation, and social control.’ Experience is the soul of psychotherapy and we should note that the term psychotherapy literally means the ‘healing of the soul’. The therapeutic process should be a meeting of two human beings, it should be the sharing and understanding of experience. Laing states that “I see you and you see me. I experience you, and you experience me. I see your behavior and you see my behavior. But I do not and never will see your experience of me.” It is popular today to look at individuals’ behaviors merely as the result of chemical processes or the effects of so called chemical imbalances. But then we must ask the question as Laing did- do chemicals come together because they love each other? Do atoms explode because they hate one another?
So often we seek to ignore experience. Laing notes the invalidation of experience by such comments as ‘that never happened’, or the trivialization of
experience, or to invalidate its content by such words as “it wasn’t really that way’ or ‘how can you think such a thing?” We must realize that we exist in an existential vacuum, and it is these things that lead to the development of aggression, addiction, depression. Our behaviors are how we communicate distress; they are for some the only form of communication they know. Their behaviors communicate to us a glimpse of their experience. “If our experience is destroyed, our behavior will be destructive. If our experience is destroyed, we will have lost our selves (pg.28).” The therapeutic process is a shamanic voyage, a journeying with another person. But can two human beings truly come together? Are there too many barriers? Can we put aside our affiliations, our ethnicities, our religions, and all the other things that set us apart? Can we come together completely bare and share in the human condition? Nietzsche stated, “Nihilism represents the ultimate logical conclusion of our great values and ideas- because we must experience nihilism before we can find out what value these ‘values’ really had.” So, we must come together in nothingness and from this to ex nihilo, from nothing, become. We must as Frankl (pg. 112) stated be able to transform tragedy into triumph.
But without often realizing it, therapists and others become agents of oppression. Is our work solely leading people to become proper conformists, to do what others are doing? Is our work solely to make people adapt to totalitarianism, to do what they are told to do? It has always been these two processes that have led to the most dangerous of
outcomes. When freedom and autonomy are taken, and individuals can no longer be individuals, when critical thinking has ceased, we have entered a dreadful place. Maybe we are already there. Freedom is to have choice and have regard for others. License is to do which one wishes without regards to the other. Often today we see the violence evoked on people in the name of a common good or a common cause, or as Durkheim would say the collective consciousness. We can even justify our brutality as progress if what we are doing somehow subdues a person, makes them more amenable to society, or brings us satisfaction. If we can turn a person into a ‘them’ by ascribing a label, then ‘we’ can feel justified to treat them as we wish. This violence which calls itself love can be found within the very structure of the family. Within the structure of the family are certain rules that are established that the members are to adhere to. These rules may not always be sensible, but nonetheless become a part of how the family operates. They are generally known whether or not they always are followed. It is dependent on who is in control and what the consequences are for violation whether the family members adhere to the established rules of conducting themselves.

CHAPTER 2: FAMILY DYNAMICS
Children have moments of looking at themselves apart from the established structure. This becomes more pronounced in the teen years. This can become a major source of contention inwardly where the child sees himself in a way that may not meet to the approval of the family structure. The structure where authoritarianism reigns may shun the thought and creative expression of the child leading to repression of independent
thought and action. The child is expected to do those things which protect and preserve the family structure. The structure may be faulty, but nonetheless it is maintained, at times violently so. Being a deviant from the structure can have dire consequences for the child, from within the family structure itself and as a result of the energies wasted in a struggle to change something where they have not been empowered to evoke change. They are left only to comply. Their unhappiness and discontent will be ignored to preserve the 'integrity of the family structure."
Often there exists the situation of self fulfilling prophecies within certain structures. What one hears they unfortunately become. If a child is told that he is a certain way, and this becomes a repetitive message, it is likely he will behave in like fashion. The child may repeat the very language he hears, not necessarily knowing its meaning, but knowing it conveys a feeling and can be used as a defense.
There exists at times in families, one who will do all possible to preserve the structure, no matter how dysfunctional it may be. This person often utilizes an authoritarian stance and expects their children to respect them solely for the sake of their presumed authority. Their objective is control, and the independent or creative nature of the child is looked upon as a deficit. The child's only voice is to be the parental voice, if it is not, punishment will certainly come. This person is many times a person who implies
the idea of 'do as I say" but not necessarily as they do. This creates despair in the child, leading to states of hopelessness and depression. They may begin to question their sense of self, their own identity. They become anxious, fearful children who appear timid because they dare not speak something which could bring them punishment from the authority in charge of the structure. This learned behavior begins to manifest outside the family structure as well, as these are the children who then become easily swayed by peer influence. These are the children who do not really know themselves so they adopt the traits of those around them, seeking to gain acceptance and a sense of belonging. They are thus always victims of control. Once they branch out from the control of the authoritarian parent, they are bound to be controlled by some other party who will influence their decisions and deprive them of critical thought. They may not realize they are being controlled, thinking they are somehow apart because they belong to a 'clan' who dresses this different way or that, but nonetheless they are under the control of something or someone. These children are usually the underachievers. They are not sure of what to strive for, thus they often do not strive at all. They allow life to merely 'happen' rather than taking charge themselves.
The overachiever is one bound by feelings of inadequacy and this often takes its roots in the familial structure. It is often in these situations where there exists a force within the family who has defined the rule of what it means to be 'successful'. There is the constant pressure and drive to have the child to conform to expectations. Those with

this structure in place highly value competitiveness. The siblings are often competing for attention for one another. It is often the only child or the firstborn who is placed in the glorified role. If they meet the expectation, they are heaped with praise, if they do not; they are likely to be cast aside. Once cast aside, or in the worst case, cut off from the family, they often enter into depressed states. They may seek various avenues to mask their feelings of inadequacy. These feelings of inadequacy may impair their future relationships. They may become those always striving for an unreachable ideal, always slightly out of reach. They cannot fully accept themselves in the present moment, but always want to be gaining or achieving more. They become individuals whose level of dissatisfaction can become immense.
There exists in some families as well where the gap between ages of the siblings is significant, and where one sibling may have been seen as having provided a contribution to the family and deemed ‘successful’, and the far younger sibling once reaching the ‘freedom’ of adulthood develops a resentment towards the older sibling and adopts a victim mentality. This then can lead to the younger sibling entering a period of rebellion, rejecting opportunities, and seeking to align himself with those who standards are lower than himself or that of his family. By doing this, the younger sibling can stave off their feelings of inferiority.
There is the public image and the private image. This dichotomy often creates great confusion and distress and can lead the child to questioning of reality and their identity. What is meant by the public image is what the leader(s) of the family structure wish to convey to the outside world, whereas the private image is that dysfunction which lies within that these individuals are wanting to conceal at whatever cost. Familial secrets exist, trust is lacking, and children are guarded about their expression. Children may be lied to and dilemmas between family members masked or suppressed. The real nature of things may be shrouded in confusion and 'mystery'. Mixed messages may arise, or the members of the family may see themselves placed in 'damned if you do and damned if
you don't situations." Some family members may frustrate themselves in striving for the 'ideal' structure which never arrives.
In the dysfunctional structure, as in oppressive societal regimes, there are those who seek rebellion. Rebellion against the structure becomes more pronounced in the stage of adolescence where already the teenager is beginning to exert a greater sense of autonomy and desire to be apart from the familial structure. However, because children lack the resources for which to engage in a rebellion that could be successful, the rebellion is always squashed. What does this leave the child to do? They can do little but endure and await the period where they can break free from the structure that they find oppressive. What is termed 'conduct' problems is usually this desire to break free from what the child has perceived as oppressive in their lives. Often without the appropriate guidance and 'moral compass' coming from the familial structure, their rebellion turns not just to fighting the familial structure, but the structures outside which also resemble the authority they have found oppressive. This type of rebellion is usually futile and self-destructive. There exists the warring between parents themselves, which cause the children to be placed in the predicament of divided loyalties, not knowing which parent to turn towards. There may exist the opposing styles, one parent who is permissive and one who is the authoritarian. This scenario leads to immense conflict.
In the worst scenarios, the combination of 'seared in' memories of trauma, with the dynamics as mentioned above leads to the disintegration of the person. Reality is too painful, and is questionable. Reality is not reliable. As a result, this member of the family seeks to 'break out' and develops the behavior that would be termed psychosis. They retreat into their own inner world, their own sense of reality and identity. This too is often a painful journey, but not anymore painful than the experience of the structure they have felt subjected to. Children in some structures are still viewed as ‘property’; therefore they are often enslaved to the faulty structures. Mere compliance does not earn one's freedom but neither does active rebellion. Cycles exist, once a structure is learned, it is bound for continuation. The child in many instances will perpetuate the structure that they learned once they have their own family to lead. The stresses and trauma of one can often become the stresses and trauma of all, it becomes a collective trauma. The faulty structures within the family dynamics are seen in society as a whole. Therefore, we are all shaped by the society and the family structures in which we have encountered. Thus, concepts of 'mental illness' or the 'unruly child' all take shape and form by the experience one has in the family and ultimately in society. These are not biological processes, but rather social and political processes.

CHAPTER 3: THE JOURNEY THROUGH ‘MADNESS’

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 discovery.

CHAPTER 4: LIFE AND BEING HUMAN
What exactly is a person? We live, but what does it mean to actually live? Who are we? Where are we going? What exactly are we doing? Must we do anything? Must we go anywhere? It is innate in us to search out for meaning, wherever it may lie.
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.
Life does throw us challenges at many turns, but it is our choice to either become entrapped and fall into despair, or to seek for our liberation. It is our choice how we wish to perceive events and circumstances. We can take charge and create our existence or we can allow life to control us. Human beings have the capability of being resilient. We have the ability to create, to create our own destiny. Eplicletus had stated that men are not disturbed by events but rather their perceptions of them.
Challenges and mistakes can be moments of discovery, if we will allow them to be. Hindus often use the greeting, "Namaste". This statement implies that I honor the self within you. We are all inter-connected, each of us plays a role in this play of life, and we are all part of the human condition. Within each of us is the innate ability to remain inter-connected and the nature of what is benevolent. It is as if we each are a mirror reflecting beauty, yet when this mirror becomes covered with dirt, it no longer reflects this image of beauty. The image becomes contorted, even ugly. In Buddhist thought, there are three poisons that lead to the downfall of a person- greed, hatred, and delusion. Greed implies the desire to possess at the expense of another. Hatred is the resentments we hold to, the thought of harming another, and delusion implies that we are unaware or our thinking is clouded. It is these poisons that are a 'collective sin'. We infect ourselves and our infected by others, and it is for this reason why individuals are born into various degrees of suffering.
Therefore, we must realize that our self is inter-connected with the self of others. We are all journeying the same path. It is not a race or a competition, but rather a simple journey. We cannot complete it alone.
What is success? We may find many, many answers. It is often our view of what success is that shapes our vision, our goals, and ultimately who we are and will become. Our views of success should be tempered with the reality of our mortality. Whatever our view is of that which occurs at death, we can all ask the question if our life was fulfilled. What have we created? What do we leave once we have passed on?
What exactly does it mean to love? Often love comes with strings attached or is a means by which to control another. The definition of love as put forward by Saint Paul is of great value- Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

CHAPTER 5: STORIES OF TRUE RECOVERY AND REACHING OUR HURTING YOUTH

I recall working with a young man who had undergone sexual trauma at the age of 4. He lived in a chaotic family with an aggressive, addicted father. There was little positives spoken to this young man. He had an extensive history of psychiatric hospitalizations. What I began to note was that within the hospital setting he was able to 'conform' and was discharged in only a few weeks, but problems would erupt again once sent home leading to further hospitalizations. In one instance, this young man stayed in the home of those outside his family. Though there remained some challenges, he appeared calmer and more able to communicate.
I recall a similar instance with another child. The step-father was abusive both verbally and physically. The mother often because of her own fear would 'cover' for the step-father's actions. The child in one on one settings never created any disturbance.
However, his behaviors in the home were often 'disturbing'. I was pleased that during my work with him he was not hospitalized at any point nor on psychiatric drugs. However, I was aware that he had a prior history of this many times over. In both of these situations, I saw the family dynamics as oppressive and detrimental and tried my best to help the children navigate through the challenges with the system doing little to collaborate in meeting these children's needs.
In light of these two situations, and hearing of others from colleagues, I determined that it was the home, the family dynamics that was the catalyst for making these children 'mad'. When apart from these dynamics, they were able to conform to the rules of the institutions because they were forced to do so. But really what were the psychiatrists accomplishing for them? They merely subdued them with drugs, forced their compliance, and returned them to the same oppressive environment which led to their being hospitalized in the first place. It became evident that the psychiatric establishment could really care less, for each admission added to their coffers. The family was pleased to create a scapegoat rather than addressing the core problem and to have a place to send the 'disturbed child' to so that they could continue in their own self-interest.
I recall two other clients that I collaborated with in therapy. One was an adolescent boy who I will refer to as Alan. 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? As Laing states, " psychotherapy must remain an obstinate attempt of two people to recover the wholeness of being human through the relationship between them."
The distressed adolescent often has feelings of abandonment, emotional detachment, withdrawal, and isolation. These children begin to develop an intense anger directed towards an adult society that they feel has hurt them and does not understand them. Parents need to learn how to build relationships with these children and this can be accomplished through a process of emotional coaching, of allowing the child to express their feelings without judgment while providing clear guidance, limits, and
expectations. It is often inconsistency and lack of clear guidance from parents that further the struggles for these children who then begin to seek guidance from misinformed peers.
These children need love, affection, and a non-judgmental atmosphere. If love does not come from a meaningful and sustainable adult relationship then it will take on a new and contorted character where the concept of 'love' comes from trying to be accepted by peers (even if they be negative ones) as the child will know that they will find a source of non-judgment and will be 'liked' even if it causes their eventual self-destruction. Affection that is not provided by adults, who should be responsible, is then replaced by irresponsible sexual activity where the teen not only seeks for pleasure in a world that often provides only hurt, but feels once again that through sex, they can find a sense of acceptance and supposed emotional connection.
Some teens are so hurt and are suffering from the adults in their lives and the chaotic environment in which they dwell, that they turn to 'radical rebellion'. This can be seen with those children who are 'cutters' as well as those into such movements as punk and goth. With cutters, the emotional pain and trauma they have experienced is so intense, that their mental anguish manifests itself physically through the act of cutting. For the goth teen, who dwells in a world of emotional darkness and frequent experiences of despair, once again, this mental anguish displays itself in physical signs through the wearing of dark clothing, dark objects, body piercings and fascination with things associated with death. There are also those teens who involve themselves in gangs as they
are seeking a sense of connection with a 'family', even if this 'family' causes them to engage in dangerous behavior. The desire for a connection with someone who they feel will accept them outweighs their thoughts of any sense of danger or risk.
Teens are seeking autonomy, but they must be taught by responsible adults that this autonomy they desire also comes with responsibility. Many teens who are distressed feel that they are controlled and are criticized. Rarely, are distressed teens positives and strengths accentuated but teachers, parents, and others frequently focus on the negative. The child enters despair and has no motivation or drive to change because they have been taught by the adults around them the attitude of 'why bother' and the feeling that they are without worth.
Parents and others must stop looking at the child as the 'problem' or try through various means to uncover some 'hidden problem' or try to blame the problem on others. If the parent can be honest and introspective, no matter how difficult and even painful that may be, they will find that there are ways that they can help alleviate the suffering of their child and they may even uncover that there were ways they contributed to this suffering. This does not mean the parent must wallow in guilt, but rather to recognize the things that must change for the teen and the family to have a more harmonious relationship.

When children have experienced abuse and abandonment in early childhood, this often becomes a 'seared in' memory and halts emotional development to the point where the trauma occurred. They may be seen to have a more 'infantile' mind. These feelings of abandonment are often furthered by demeaning words and condescending language used with the child. Each times this occurs; the child begins to look at themselves as a 'non-entity'. They experience existential death. The external conflict that children see amongst their parents becomes an internal conflict for them, the internal conflict then manifests itself externally (usually as aggression). The child becomes devoid of trust, and those who draw near often become the persons who this internal conflict is unleashed upon. It is not that the child is devoid of any feeling for the person seeking to connect with them; it is rather that every connection had strings attached or every connection has been severed. The child becomes anxious and afraid of loss, of even losing themselves, if they are to try again to embark on the process of building a trusting relationship. Laing (1969) stated that 'if there is anything the schizoid individual is likely to believe in, it his own destructiveness. He is unable to believe that he can fill his own emptiness without reducing what is there to nothing.' It will be common then for these children to question whether they deserve 'happiness' and many times question if they even 'deserve to exist'. The children who have undergone the trauma of abuse and abandonment lack an identity of their own; they appear as a construct of others and often are conformist. They do what they feel will earn them the praise of others. But in reality this is based on their own fears and their negative perceptions of themselves. These children are prone to be seen as

manipulative, but this is because they are seeking to exercise control over some aspect of their lives when prior they had absolutely no control. They strive for ideals they cannot be met. Often their intense desire to control or to engage in certain activities in reality is a crying out for their real desire- to have an actual loving and trusting relationship. But these children do not know how to respond to an outpouring of love. They feel that they do not have a voice, are not heard. It is easier for them to feel hated than engulfed by love, particularly when they have seen love to be about control. They desire autonomy and feel they will lose it in the process of building a true relationship. These children may begin to also de-personalize; they may not be prepared to relate to other persons. They may be perceived as lacking empathy, however this is not that it is not there or could not be there, rather it is their fear that blocks their emotional expression of empathy.
These children are often very hurt so they feel they must hurt others.
What do we do? How do we reach such a child? It requires a patient approach. We must allow the child to vent their frustrations. We must share our understanding that we know they are hurt. We must journey with them as they relate their experience of trauma. We do not judge them or withdraw. Even when their emotional expressions may cause us to be afraid, we continue to reach out. We need to be able to forge relationship know matter what and to help the child come to an understanding of life's impermanency, yet we can still strive for happiness now. The trauma is past and does not need to haunt us. We can encourage this child to explore their own sense of self and engage in activities that give

them a positive sense of self worth apart from others. Caregivers and others need to make themselves emotionally available, to look at emotional expression as a time for intimacy and teaching. We need to be able to understand the behaviors, even that which are annoying to us, as a means of communication, and when the child is in the 'right space', to communicate with them and help them process those feelings that were behind whatever incident occurred.
We may be prone to drug the child because the behaviors are seen as 'out of control' or 'disturbing', but whereas this may cause the problematic behavior to lessen, we may be making a grave mistake. We may be subduing the very process by which the child is able to release the tension and pain. We may be numbing but not looking at the root cause. Unless we see the behavior, how can we truly know what to do? If we cannot allow the child to express their distress, how will we truly know of their distress?
To be simple, our means of reaching this child is this- to be with them unconditionally.
How do we make sense of the troubled teen? Particularly those who enter the world of addiction, whose family relationships are torn, and who are often seen associating with 'negative' peers? Many will assume that these teens can be easily identified by their style of dress or maybe by their class, but these struggles can be found in many families. Behavior can be seen but not experience. What the child may interpret as their experience may be very different from the parent and vice versa. What may have been gravely traumatic to the child may not have been seen as such by the family. In our society today which causes us immense stress and pressure to survive (if we are poor) or

attain more (if we are well to do) has diverted attention away from understanding experience. Society has now sought to medicalize experience where any thoughts and feelings, any part of our human condition need not be understood but numbed by a pill. We are a numb society responding to societal pressures. These pressures become unleashed on our children. A parent may fear that their child will endure hardship that the parent may have endured so the parent seeks to force and coerce the child 'out of love' to achieve and do what the parent desires. The teen in a state of exerting autonomy feels threatened and thus rejects in toto the guidance of the parent and seeks after peers who will understand their experience and their pain.
As I mentioned that we are taught to be a numb society, some teens choose to numb their emotional pain by illicit drugs. This idea has been instilled by our society. The teen may not realize the self destructive course they are taking because they have convinced themselves that they are free. But it is not freedom they possess, for freedom comes with responsibility, rather they have traded one slavery for another. Parents must take the time to understand the world and experience of the teen, to build communication which seeks to understand their desire for autonomy and which respects their experience. An overprotective stance and coercion leads to the breakdown of communication which is vital for any relationship to survive. We often distrust children, we do not allow them the ability to make decisions and when they are poor ones to see the logical consequences. Why is it that adults assume they possess the wisdom when adult society has engaged in numerous conflicts costing many lives? Could children make the right decisions or better
decisions if we solely gave them support and listened and journeyed with them rather than seeking to take away their autonomy they so desperately desire?
We all seek to be free. When we seek to create the identity and destiny of the teen, we will fail. They will not be able to develop an identity of their own but will grapple with who they are, meaning, and their purpose. We must allow them to find themselves as we as adults function as coaches in this game of life. We cannot think we can play the game for them or can manipulate the results. When we can become involved with children again in a relationship of trust and respect, then it is possible that what is seen as troublesome behavior will diminish. When the child feels validated, supported, heard, and able to have a voice, they will in turn give the same to the parent. We must be cautious of what we model. If we seek to coerce and manipulate the child to meet our desires as adults, we will have manipulative children. Our methods of communication will be the children’s methods. If we focus our time on the mundane, we will find children to do likewise or seek to rebel against this system. Because of the imbalance in power, the child's rebellion is never successful but mostly self destructive but they rarely recognize this. We can restore sanctuary to families, but it is up to each to take ownership and responsibility for creating it.

CHAPTER 6: THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA ON OUR LIVES AND WELL BEING

Whereas I find the various disorders in the DSM IV to be highly subjective, they are mainly a listing of certain behavioral traits manifested by certain individuals. It is my proposition that behind all of these behavioral traits lies traumatic experience, and that based on age of the time of trauma, the nature of the trauma, and environmental factors will have a role in what reaction occurs and what behaviors are displayed.
Trauma appears to be the main causation of the majority of what are termed 'disorders' in children and adolescents. Hammersley, et al. (2003) found in his study, "Childhood trauma and hallucinations in bipolar affective disorder" that there was a highly significant association of those experiencing hallucinations and the behaviors that are labeled bipolar disorder and those experiencing childhood traumas, particularly childhood sexual abuse.
McKenzie (1998) noted that a symptom defining trauma prior to 18 months could lead to the development of psychotic features once a symptom-precipitating trauma occurred later in life. McKenzie (1998) also proposed that trauma between 18 and 24 months would lead to what would be term as 'schizoaffective' traits and that trauma between 24 and 36 months would manifest later as 'major depression.'
I propose that trauma within during later childhood (approximately age 6-8) can lead to the development of behaviors in children that would be labeled as "Conduct Disorder". James (1989) states that trauma violates basic trust and disrupts one's ability to have empathy. During the age between 6-8 is also the period where a child begins to develop a sense of justice, a delineation between what is 'right' and 'wrong'. If a trauma should occur during this period of formation, then the outcome would be the manifestation later of serious conduct. Chemtob, Novaco, Hamada, Gross, & Smith (1997) report that trauma can lead to an individual acting out by violent means. I have seen that in children and adolescents who commit sexual offenses, that there is a pattern of sexual victimization. In addition, these children had attachment concerns and problems in bonding and connecting with family members. Physical abuse of the child is common. These children lose sight of the ability to forge genuine relationships and as puberty sets in become very confused by their feelings. Their having been subject to a lack of proper bonding and attachment and their being subject to often cruel and chaotic situations leads them to a complete lack of confidence and esteem. They mistake sex for love, and esteem for power. Sadly, in our society though the rates of recidivism are low for juvenile offenders and there is evidence that these children can be helped through intensive family work and community based programs, these children are seen as 'throw-aways', of no value, and looked upon with great disdain. They are often subject to detention centers and other facilities where they are chemically restrained and held in isolation. It is unfathomable how any can expect that such 'treatment' is expected to evoke any change
or rehabilitate. Rather, such leads these children to more despair, and even the possibility of suicidality. I believe it is possible for even these children to be reached, but it requires a multi-systemic approach as well as a person willing to connect with the child in a profound way and to reinstill a sense of confidence, hope, and instill values and the understanding of appropriate boundaries. However, we are not a society that has the patience, caring, and understanding to want to pursue this more humane course.

If a child experiences significant abuse and neglect within the first year of life can develop what is termed as 'reactive attachment disorder'. The child has difficulty forging appropriate relational bonds. They are inherently distrustful. The child who would fall into the categorization of "reactive attachment' must be differentiated from those with pervasive developmental disorder, as whereas those with developmental challenges may manifest difficulty in relational bonds, there is a differing causation. With autism and pervasive developmental disorders, trauma is also a factor, however the trauma is not resultant of any action of the parent in regards to abuse or neglect. Rather, the trauma is beyond the control of the parents and is usually resultant from trauma in utero or as a neo-nate. In addition, there may be some role in regards to exposure to toxicity in relation to developmental delays. Waseem and Switzer (2005) report that the earlier the onset of severe trauma the greater propensity for dissociation. Those children who begin to dissociate are those where the trauma is not a single isolated event but a pervasive and recurrent event in the child's life.
Trauma which occurs that is less intense and can be more readily resolved would fall into the classification of what is labeled, "Adjustment Disorders". Lochner, et. al (2002) in the study, "Childhood trauma and obsessive compulsive disorders' found a significant higher level of childhood trauma, particularly emotional neglect in adults who later manifested obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In OCD, the trauma occurs in childhood and the environment is one that is chaotic, and the child begins to feel the need to have a semblance of control. It is through the obsessive-compulsive rituals that the child then begins to feel that they are able to take control over some aspect of their lives. Anxiety and panic concerns can also be seen to be trauma related. Exposure to a fear invoking event or 'flashbacks' to a traumatic event through a new precipitating trigger can evoke the panic response. Being that the various psychological 'disorders' are connected to trauma, it is logical that this is the factor that must be addressed and the use of psychotropic drugs in 'treatment' would only be subduing behaviors and numbing the impact of the trauma without truly ever addressing the core issue which has led to the psychological distress. Therefore, it is important that clinician's begin to truly examine the experience of children and adolescents and begin to understand the role and impact of traumatic experience in their lives. It is necessary for the adults in the life of the child to begin to address the factors in the environment which may perpetuate distress and to aid the child in development of adaptive coping responses and the ability to resolve the inner conflicts arising from the traumatic experiences.
A society can be judged by how it treats its children, even those most troubled and disturbed. Many choose to 'throw away' those children who are deemed delinquent. But
how did they become that way? It is not just their choices but it is also the failure of adults in their lives to truly reach out and guide these children. Court systems, Child Protective services, and our educational systems fail these children time and time again. They are shuffled off to placements and through psychiatric ceremonials only to become more bitter, more hardened, more distressed, and more disturbed. We should be investing our time to teach new skills, to change the frame of reference, to show compassion and wisdom. We must have patience and journey with these children, to know that someone truly cares and that their pains and hurts need not be self destructive. But the issue remains greed. It is profitable to keep the status quo, the psychiatric establishment profits and so do others. No one wants to take the time to bother with these children, few are interested in social justice, few want to give the things that would truly rehabilitate.
I hope that there will be those who will wage a non violent resistance and to once again make our children a priority. 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. We are creating the monsters by our failure to meet the true needs of our children; we are contributing to their demise. Hopefully we will soon awaken to this and make the important changes.
I had the privilege of working with a young man who had experienced much turmoil in his life. From early on, we connected, and over time this bond became stronger. Family sessions were often difficult and challenging, but one on one he would share with me his pain, his dark secrets, his sorrows. He had been abandoned by his father, sexually abused by a peer at age 7, witness to a suicide attempt of his mother, and having a conflictual relationship with his step-father. He had little love in his life to the point where he had no love for himself either. He began to loathe himself and be filled with rage. I sought to be loving but firm, and to steer him towards finding meaning and of resolving conflicts in his life. We had a strong relationship, we could joke together but also share more serious reflections. However, I knew that because he had been so hurt and broken, that he was not fully trusting anyone and he was constantly being sucked into the vortex of negative peer associations and familial dysfunction. I'm spite of this, he progressed, even to the point discharge was discussed by the psychologist. But then came the series of unfortunate events. I noticed him struggling again and isolating. He then had an incident where he was caught unclothed with his younger sibling. I suspected he had been abused again by a peer, but he was not able to develop the courage to relate this until much later. He persisted in some negative actions at school, using domination of others as a way to regain control and his feelings of worth. There was another incident of sexual acting out and this brought charges. I had predicted sadly that if better choices were not made that legal ramifications would come and there would be a day where all decisions would be out of his hands, out of his parents, and out of mine. The State became involved. Not understanding my connection to the young man, and wanting everything sterile and clinical, as well as having political machinations, they chastised me for being real and genuine and actually treating this young man as a human being. They had their agenda and decided to proceed. It was not that I did not understand that he needed additional support and help, it was that I was concerned if he felt alone and had no spiritual connection, he would only become more hardened and fall into despair. The young man pleaded with me not to abandon him, and I said I would not. He told me that he wished he would have followed what I said, but he could never trust anyone, but now he knows that I truly cared about him, but he felt it was too late. I had given him a word that means 'I see the love, truth, and divine in you.' He said this word to me as he remembered it. When I examined it meaning, he wept. Now I am left to only hope for the best in an absurd situation, to hope for the best in a system not knowing compassion, not knowing persons, so filled with ego. His mother's words were very meaningful to me in that she said- 'you did not fail, you gave him more than anyone ever did- you gave him trust, hope, and love.' This I did and would do again and again even though the pain has been great. And if any dare say that what I gifted this child with was 'unprofessional', then I must question their heart. It is indeed a great misfortune that those who claim to be in the field of protecting children are so beguiled by greed and corruption, that they lose sight of how to truly reach our children, even the most troubled ones, and deal with them in compassionate, rehabilitative means.

CHAPTER 7: OUR SOCIETY
American society is now filled with the concepts of self interest, entitlement, and playing victim. The downward spiral of our economy should be no surprise, our attitudes have only led to this eventual result. As I have mentioned previously, the education system does not value or reward initiative or creativity, it is rather focused on the self interest of the educators and administrators who seek to have children conform to standards based on tests and gain their compliance so that the administrators can appear as if they have fulfilled their duty while the children actually languish. We are a society that expects others to 'fix' our errors and provide for our relief. We are a society of shifting blame. We are a society that does not seek to take ownership and responsibility. We are a society that knows not how to think critically but only to possess and consume. The American dream can be now said to be the American nightmare. We do not think of others, but we focus on our own survival, and our political leaders and the elite have placed persons in this uncomfortable position of intense worry for their own survival. When this occurs, the concern for others lessens, and we focus solely on our own needs, our own desires. Society itself is sick, yet it seeks to pathologize those who would react to this sick society, and it offers them its technologies, it offers them its drugs, to numb them into accepting things as they are rather than to actively protest and change the injustices that exist. American society has become apathetic and numb, and if such persists, our further decline is only inevitable. Let us hope that some will awaken from their stupor before it is too late.

When we seek to judge behavior, we come upon some great difficulties. Let us say that we have identified a person as 'aggressive'. What exactly is an aggressive act? A person who hunts an animal? Is that an aggressive act? Johnny punches Sally in the nose, is that an aggressive act? A nation invades another nation. Is that an aggressive act? Mr. Smith invests a lot into the stock market. Is he an aggressive investor? George rises to the top of his company. Is he aggressive? How we answer this is based on our values. However, psychiatry would like us to think that judging and categorizing behavior is a science, that it is medicine. So, understanding that these are value judgments, we could say that 'well, a behavior that infringes on the rights of others is a problem'. Indeed, he may be, but to state this means we are dealing with legality, not medicine. Therefore, psychiatry can be said to be an arm of the law, a means of social control and defining who the offenders of the social ‘norms’ are. From this arises the question as to whether this position should be afforded to psychiatrists to be the arbitrators of values and what society 'should look like'.
As human beings, we all seek to be free from suffering. We all seek to be free from oppression. We all react to what we experience. Some react in unconventional ways. Not all reactions are effective means, yet we react. We all are seeking to create order, a sense of purpose to our lives, though there are varying constructs of what life is, of what it means to be human. Some retreat from suffering or seek higher levels of consciousness through use of substances, but this often becomes destructive, much like a

plane soaring to high altitudes only to crash and burn upon landing. Those who become labeled as mentally ill are often seeking to break free from severe oppression and suffering. Yet society seeks to stifle their experience. How dare they break free! How dare they act in ways we do not approve! So we drug and shock them hoping they 'come to their senses' or at least not be a 'bother' to us anymore. If we could only come to realize the transformative process, and support their liberation. If society could but realize its illness rather than ascribing so called illness to persons.
We all react to what we experience. We all seek at some point to create order in life and at times control those events which are uncontrollable. We each have our stories of joys and sorrows, blessed memories and traumas. For some individuals, the way they experience the world has led them to despair, or led them to obsessive behavior as a reaction to the extreme chaos they have internalized. Those we label as mentally ill are those whose reactions to their experience society judges to be without value or problematic. This creates stigma, but if we understood these reactions, if we sought to understand the experience, we would find that these reactions may be the person's only way of dealing with the intense emotions, oppression, or other experiences they have had. As Laing stated, that what is termed insanity may be a sane response to an insane world. We lock people up for behaving in ways we do not like. We argue it is for their own good, and we claim that we can predict their behavior or judge them to be a harm to themselves or others when in reality we do not truly possess this capability, we can only hypothesize based on our own limited perceptions. We believe falsely that those labeled

mentally ill are more prone to violence while our 'sane' ones continue to involve themselves in wars and conflicts.
Problems in life are inevitable, we cannot escape them, we do have no choice in this. What we do have a choice in is how we wish to address these problems. We have the choice to decide to allow these problems to make us anger, bitter, depressed, anxious, etc. Our other choice is to become patient, to transform our minds towards total acceptance. When problems befall us we can also think of the causes that we may have created or misguided deeds or actions that may have led to our present experience. We must realize that birth, death, aging, and sickness are events we cannot escape. So many people indulge in various distractions and temporary pleasures to not have to think of these events. However, all pleasures lead to suffering. For instance, we may have one drink that is pleasant and relaxing, but multiple can cause us to become ill or hungover. We must begin to examine our minds. Even if we are not raging, we must examine the angry minds we possess. Simply being impatient is an angry mind, it is a mind based on not being able to come to acceptance, of seeking to change that which cannot be changed. One of my clients, age 14, commented that he felt he has always had 'anger problems' and that he feels that he has always 'had problems in my life." I discussed with him the root of his anger, patience, and the concept of total acceptance. I told him that he can change his mind to not look upon himself as the 'kid with problems' but realize that we all undergo problems, it is the human condition, and that he can transform his mind to accept this fact and develop patience and total acceptance.

I have always had particular interest in the works of Dr. Alice Miller who discussed the role of childhood abuse and the development later of emotional disturbance, criminality, addiction, and further cycles of violence perpetuated on their children and others. I have argued that aggression breeds aggression. My article "Trauma Model of Psychological Distress" provided a timeline of when trauma occurs in childhood and the resulting impact in the teen years and into adulthood. The mental health establishment often ignores these important factors instead attributing emotional distress to solely chemical processes. Miller discussed the role of the enlightened witness which lessened the impact of the trauma. I strongly believe that this role is crucial and a buffer to the destructive social and familial forces that impact some children. This is a key part of the person developing resiliency. Even in the most serious emotional disturbances the potential for recovery (and discovery) is possible. It is not an easy process, but a possible one. It is sad that in our age we do not provide long term psychotherapy but focus on numbing people's minds and feelings. This is not recovery, it is repression which often leads to oppression.
For the disadvantaged youth, what are the choices that the ruling oligarchy allows them? Go into military service and fight the wars for the rich so they can possibly receive the 'blessings' of the rich to pursue an education? Or become a slave to them by amassing student loan debt while the wealthy ones path is paved. There is no real opportunity. Efforts are rarely rewarded, but the good conformists are rewarded. Is it any wonder that many poor kids turn to the sale of drugs and crime? When we do not reward effort, the elite oppress, and opportunities are grim, some are willing to assume the risk

and danger if only for a moment to be apart from poverty and struggle. And so it is with our homeless and those we often label mentally ill. They seek to be free from oppression, and thus many depart from the reality and standards of corrupt society. As Laing stated, madness may very well be a normal response to a society gone mad. For these persons, the elite drug them into submission, their experience is of no importance, and so they often wander the streets with little chance of recovery as first, no one seems to care, second, they are damaged by psychiatric drugs, and lastly, society refuses to change.
Where is our sense of humanity? Where is our compassion? Can equality truly exist? We are taught not to worry about such things, there is a pill for these worries. No need to change anything, its all in your brain. You have the money, you can be part of the game, and maybe win. If you don't have money, you lose. Whether this be education, health care, or other basic human rights.
In many of the instances of troubled teens I have encountered in my work, I have noticed that a common theme is that they are lacking meaning and purpose. This does not imply that they must have a particular religiosity. What I am referring to is that they have become lost along the way, somewhat apathetic, and their zeal for life has been squashed. Many of these kids are solely of the attitude that 'whatever happens, happens." Because current psychiatric practice is focused on the medicalization of experience, it may be missing a key component to the resiliency and recovery of these troubled teens. Many of them I have worked with have been involved in numerous psychiatric programs, they go through the motions, or they become distrustful, questioning genuineness and sincerity in

the system, and still on a quest for something more. The defiant interactions of these children are only fueled more by these problems inherent in current psychiatric practice. When persons feel they are unheard and become desperate, they often adopt a defiant stance. If we sought to create places of sanctuary, places of understanding, places where experience is heard, we may be on a better track to meeting the needs of troubled teens. I have been confused many times how that drug addicted teens are weaned off of street drugs only to be psychiatrically hospitalized and given prescribed drugs. I wonder what message we are sending.
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. Some are more than willing to submit to this system, to receive the governmental handouts and to abdicate their freedom as well as any responsibility for themselves or their children. The elite seeks to keep this nation ignorant and stupid. Our educational system has become not about learning at all but rather regurgitation of information as the elite would have it.

There is no present presidential candidate or any politician for that matter that can really save us from the mess we are in. Our only real hope is for people to flee from ignorance and to awaken to the real situation we are in, and for there to exist a true effort to restore social justice. Is it too late?
We must examine the inherent dynamics within families and within society where individuals enact violence upon one another to obtain their own particular selfish interests. This violence may be subtle and may even be said to be done because of love, but underlying it is selfish interest and desire. People are looking to fit a particular model of what it is to 'fit the norm'. Be it cosmetic surgery or psychiatric drugs, we are seeking to escape the actual realities of the human condition. We seek distractions and entertainments. We do not truly want to face the human condition. We only seek to try to escape it. Those who do not fit to our desires are made to be scapegoats, or they are shuffled away, or their freedom is taken away from them. We do not seek to understand them nor do we want to understand them. In families, there can often be one child who is designated 'the problem' and all the dysfunction and turmoil of the family is laid upon this child. They will be the one drugged into submission or sent away so that the family can continue to pursue their selfish interests.
Can we once again become people of compassion? Can we once again be people of understanding? Can we accept what it means to be human? Can we be a human family?

When we look at those who are labeled delusional, we must realize and understand that society itself is delusional. The difference is that in one situation the majority has accepted the delusion whereas with the one labeled so, it is the delusion of one.
It is often when one faces the sense of feeling alone or being alone in this world, of seeking to define a sense of self before realizing their existence itself, that angst arises. Mental distress arises from not finding any point or purpose to existence and then feeling that in this, the person stands alone. The person then must seek to define or be defined. Being defined means to be labeled.
What ultimately is the human condition? Has psychiatry and psychology truly answered the questions about it? Has it really offered solutions? People remain troubled and in spite of research and studies and psychiatric inquiry, little has changed, in fact, it has become worse. Because we have not really looked at the human condition, we have not faced the things that would lead persons to a better existence, instead we have developed systems based on self-interest, seeking not to understand the human condition and do something about, but to create a sense of 'groupthink', to solely make persons more amenable to the oppressive environments they encounter. We see it in schools, where children are stifled and drugged if they dare not comply with the demands of a system that has become less and less about learning and more about how to think. We see it in the divisions between class. It is all around us.

I had the experience of encountering a young man who had been given the diagnosis of 'schizophrenia'. He had been through years of therapy and had been through multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. Mental health professionals spoke of him only in clinical terms and I found this disturbing. His chart was reams and reams of paper painting the picture of an immensely helpless and hopeless character. The school system sought to exile him as well. I tossed aside all the clinical records, they only reported on his behavior, not his experience. It is the experience that is the 'soul' of the person. Psychiatrists never really spoke to the young man, they deferred to his parents, or spoke at him, judging his behavior and assign their labels. I embarked on becoming his therapist and in this did not want to judge his behavior, I wanted to know the person. So our sessions involved a process of my merely listening, of connecting. I did not seek to judge him, label him, or dismiss his experience. I only sought to join him where he was at. He began to relate to me his pain, his feelings of isolation and aloneness. He shared with me about the voices he heard and the beings he saw. I would converse with him about these beings, treating them as real as he was before me. Over time, I saw that these things were fragments of himself, they were dreams he had, hopes he envisioned, people he wanted to meet who never arrived. He had immense fear, and I journeyed with him in understanding the roots of this fear. I stood by him as he sought out new ways of living and coping. I understood the circumstances which led to his 'madness' and set forth some new possibilities, but at his pace, at his comfort level.
He has overcome a lot, and we continue to have periods of conversation though we do not see each other as frequently. We forged a bond as two persons with very different

experiences, but each seeking to understand the human condition, each seeking to know about this thing we call life.
There are powerful social forces which are heeped upon us. We cannot escape them. Children are told to behave 'appropriately'. Yet, what is appropriate? What does this mean? It is a social construct, and the most powerful of these social forces is the family. From the earliest point, a child is taught what are the 'appropriate' responses- when and what to laugh at, when to cry and when not to, and often how to feel. The family defines what is 'appropriate' but is it? One family may condone violence, another abhor it. The dynamics of the family shape us for life. What has been the experience of the parents may be forced upon the child to be their experience. Hence why adolescence is often a turbulent time as the teen seeks to become autonomous and create an experience apart from their parents experience or what they have been told to experience. But what of those who are stifled to the point where they can experience nothing but what the other has told them to experience? Here lies some of the root of what we may term 'insanity'. Being that each seeks a level of autonomy, each seeks to have their own experience, when this does not arise, then the person must cast off the shackles of these familial and social forces, often to the extreme of departing from all accepted notions of reality or what is termed by the mainstream as 'acceptable'. Once again, what is 'acceptable'? The message can be contradictory. We may be taught through our familial faith to not harm another, yet we are exposed to the forces of violent society, the prevalent self centeredness and greed, and we may then ask, what is 'acceptable'? Is the

'acceptable' necessarily what we have been taught? Is it necessarily what we have learned? What is it that we have learned? Is it possible that we may have to unlearn? Behavior results from our experience. If a behavior is deemed by some as maladaptive, it can only be seen in light of experience. But can we really know the experience of another? Will we only choose to judge the experience of another by our own experience? Will we invalidate the other because they do not share our perception of experience? Will we force them to have 'our experience' and thus behave as we do? Are we right? Are we wrong? Who is to say? Could there be commonality in our experiences that we can recognize? Can we journey with each other? 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.

CHAPTER 8: 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 the 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 corruption and greed seen in adult society make 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, and 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 any 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!

CHAPTER 9: A REFLECTION
The summer day arrived where the child entered this world. The mother laid hemorrhaging, barely conscious, and the child upon birth was whisked away from the mother to the neo-natal unit. The sounds of medical equipment, the frantic voices of the medical staff, bright lights, and poking and prodding by invasive medical instruments greeted the child’s entry to the world. From the hospital, the child would enter the family’s home for the first time. Once again only to be subjected to grave brutality as on the night he entered the home, his father intoxicated begins to savagely beat the mother. “I told you to shut up dammit!” the father shouts and with a loud crack across the mother’s cheek, she falls to the ground clutching the infant in her arms. And this would continue day after day until the police one day arrived to escort the father to a long incarceration for his violent crimes and drug possession. A few days before the arrest, the mother leaves the home to obtain groceries for the family. She instructs the father to bathe the child and place him in bed. The father once again becoming intoxicated places the child in the bathtub but too sedated to realize the temperature of the water, scalds the child, and he is left with a large burn upon the side of his head. A scar that still remains both physically and emotionally. For the next four years, the child barely speaks. The trauma of his world has muted him. The mother in desperation seeks for another relationship that will ease the financial burden and maybe find her the fulfillment she has longed for. But again, she stumbles into an abusive relationship. The new man in her life is more a monster than the first. Day after day he subjects the child to demeaning words.

“You retard! Why can’t you do anything right?” “If you don’t get out of here, I will smash your head in.” One night the child sees the mother and her boyfriend fighting and shoving one another. He goes to bed only to awaken to find the mother and her boyfriend sitting at the breakfast table casually chatting. He asks about the night before. “What are you talking about? You must have been dreaming.” The child dazes off confused and questioning his sense of reality. Was it a dream? The child became the scapegoat for the family. “If we never had you around, life would be good.” “You are the one who causes all the problems.” “Look what you have made your sister into.” Day after day, his esteem plummets to nothing. The family continues their civil war. The demons of hopelessness and despair overtake the child. His light is nearly extinguished. The child begins to curse God. Where is God in this? Why must I endure this pain and turmoil. He expects to hear God speak to him, but he hears nothing. God appears distant, or maybe dead. The child has no voice and no relationships. No one to console him, no one to hear his cries. And God too does not respond to his pleas. But even in this darkest night of his soul, the light is not extinguished. The child encounters one who for the first time hears his voice, and he begins to embark on a journey of renewal. The war around him has not ended, nor is there a cease fire to come, but the child through this alliance begins to realize that he is loved and that he is heard. He is encouraged to find value in himself. He looks deeply within and finds that life is impermanent. He begins to understand the cumulative
sufferings we all endure. But in this he realizes that there is a better way. The way out does not exist in self-destruction. Death and despair is not a better way but merely an escape. He begins to realize that he cannot change circumstances, he cannot change others, but he can change himself and he can change his mind. The child begins to lay aside the cumulative traumas. They no longer torment him but become an opportunity for sharing and growth. He unites his sufferings to the sufferings of others and realizes that his experience is valuable and maybe through his experience, he may lead but another soul out of the darkness.

GOVERNOR CORBETT OFFERS CORPORATE WELFARE BUT HURTS THOSE IN NEED

2011-03-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania has sought for cuts that will hurt those who are already hurting and cut programs that provide much benefit to individuals. The argument is that this is 'cheaper', but these investments enrich lives. What Corbett should be saying is that he wants to continue to provide corporate welfare and make the rich richer on the backs of those less fortunate. Corbett is also willing to allow the land to be raped and pillaged by gas companies and they do not even have to pay a cent of tax and regulations will be lax. I hope people will come together and protest vehemently this Governor's reckless policies.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

2011-03-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

My thoughts go out to the Japanese people who have recently experienced devastation. I encourage all who can to donate to relief efforts.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://humanepsychiatry.com

Meaning and Empowerment

2011-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso said that "patience is a mind that is able to accept, fully and happily, whatever occurs." And Shantideva stated, "If something can be remedied why be unhappy about it? And if there is no remedy for it, there is still no point in being unhappy." When people have undergone significant distress and trauma in their lives, it often burdens their minds and leads them to states of anxiety, depression, and despair. In my therapeutic work, I have found it of importance to first explore the roots of the trauma, for in this we often see how the person through various triggers in the present or worries of the future shift back to an earlier frame of mind, to the very point of where the initial trauma occurred. Often persons are feeling they are under various forms of control and they strive mostly in vain in break free. I say in vain, because many seek to complete this journey alone or they lack the resources to which to break free. Their minds become unhappy. But we must come to an understanding that whereas we cannot control adverse events from happening, we do have the choice in how we wish to react. I often encourage persons to share their experience of trauma, to honor and respect their experience, but beyond this to encourage that they use their story for their empowerment and for developing feelings of compassion for others who are also suffering in this world rather than developing self destructive concepts. We must look inwardly rather than projecting outwardly. Often persons who are victims of trauma will become focused on retaliation and revenge. This is never useful or productive. If we plant broccoli seeds we cannot expect grapefruits to grow. So likewise, if we ourselves also put out the negative seeds of revenge and hate, we cannot expect something good to arise. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso remarked that "when someone harms us, we should not only think, he's hurting just because he is deluded but also he's hurting himself." If we are to be angry, we should focus such on our delusions, which we all possess, our misdirected ways of thought that lead us to unhappiness. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso continues that 'we can use our pain to understand the pain of all living beings." This is where we become empowered, and we can take our experience from being one which leads to intrusive thoughts and is destructive to something that will generate the positive seeds of compassion and happiness in our own minds. Shantideva stated that if we sought the happiness of all living beings that no doubt we would be happy.

LIBYAN REVOLT

2011-02-20T15:22:00.001-08:00

In spite of attempts to shut down the revolt by barring the internet and through violence, it appears the Libyan people will persist in their efforts for justice and equality. Libya has huge wealth from oil, however its people exist on around $2 per day. The West is complicit in the creation of this misery as it has propped up many client-states. This revolt, as the others throughout the Arab world are the unraveling of this system of client-states. The people's voice will be heard!

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

FURTHER THOUGHTS ON CIAVERELLA

2011-02-20T15:01:00.001-08:00

It is a positive development to hear of the conviction of former Judge Mark Ciavarella who brought great distress to the lives of hundreds of children. However, what appears to have occurred is that the main issue that brought Ciavarella to justice was not based on concern for young people but solely based on money. The tax evasion issue, where money was involved was the fundamental issue. Ciavarella's actions went on without comment or anyone assisting the youth for years, but when money is the issue and its not getting into government coffers, then that is where the problem is seen. We need to work hard for real juvenile justice reform, this conviction is only the beginning.

BIEBER AND OTHER THOUGHTS

2011-02-19T08:12:00.001-08:00

I have noticed that in our society, we are becoming more and more anti-intellectual, and those who who are the 'prophets' within our society, warning of the inherent social dilemmas are typically ignored by the mainstream media. I can think of Noam Chomsky as one example. I can also note that my message of a humane psychiatry is rarely discussed by the mainstream media, and most of my media interviews with the exception of one have been through alternative sources. The reason is that the mainstream media is bought. But not only this, corporate interests infiltrate most of everything. Our athletes wear corporate sponsored gear, our politicians are backed by corporate interests where we really have no choice but to support one corporate backed person over another. Recently, someone asked me my thoughts in regards to Justin Bieber. I feel bad for this young man actually. He is exploited by those around him and he does not know it. He may be enjoying fame now, but as with many young people caught up in this sort of thing, years later, things typically do not go well. We are a society based solely on seeking entertainment wherever it may be, we are apathetic, numb, and we do not want to have to actually respond to any real questions or challenges about where we are going and the course of our society.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
http://selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

COMMENTS BY ANDREW FELDMAR

2011-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

THE FOLLOWING IS A PIECE WRITTEN BY PSYCHOTHERAPIST ANDREW FELDMAR, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE SENTIMENTS EXPRESSED THEREIN.
-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

I have been listening to people and conversing with them under the pretext of psychotherapy for over 45,000 hours by now. The theater of therapy requires preofessionalism, science, technique, illness, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and evaluation. The reality of therapy consists of two people meeting. There is a space, a time and two people participating in each other’s lives. For better or worse. For Freud, analysis has no other aim than to allow two human beings to meet, in privacy and in truth. Truth is not fact. To tell the truth requires courage, because truth is always personal. We lie because we are afraid. Afraid that our own truths are not good enough. If I am concerned with my manner of living and what’s right or wrong with it, whom do I invite to critique my life? Therapy is based on the premise that it’s better to know where we stand than to avoid reality, however painful that reality is. If I had no secrets that I deny exist, deny even to myself, then perhaps I wouldn’t need another to help me disclose the secrets I’ve been hiding from awareness. In a new book, M. Guy Thompson states succinctly, “the things we hide come back to haunt us in indirect ways. We eventually suffer from the secrets we harbor, the same secrets that alert us to the things we fear about reality. This secrets contain a truth, not because they necessarily reveal the nature of reality, but because the things we conceal seem too real to accept”. The issues referred to above are ethical and political, not scientific, medical or psychological.

The Meeting of Two Persons: What Therapy Should Be (Lecture at 13th Annual ICSPP Conference, Syracuse, NY) by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds

2011-02-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

The Meeting of Two Persons: What Therapy Should Be (Lecture at 13th Annual ICSPP Conference, Syracuse, NY) by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds

'Sane in an Insane World' - Freedomain Radio Interviews Dr Dan Edmunds

2011-02-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

PAST COMMENTS REGARDING KIDS FOR CASH SCANDAL AND MARK A. CIAVARELLA

2011-02-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Focus should be shifted to true rehabilitation

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009 Updated: Thursday, January 29, 2009 6:08 AM EST Editor: It is a positive development that Luzerne County Judges Mark A. Ciavarella and Michael T. Conahan are being brought to justice for their actions in profiting from placing youth in detention facilities.

However, it is necessary for us to examine the problems inherent with residential and detention facilities themselves. In these settings, youth are placed often under conditions that lead them to further emotional distress. The decisions to place children is often not based on a genuine interest in the child�s best interests, but what will be profitable and the easiest way out of having to actually rehabilitate youth and meet their emotional needs.

It is no wonder that the socio-economically disadvantaged youth are the ones that are so frequently seen in this system. How does placing a child into a detention center or residential facility, which often is geared toward the concept of staff forcing conformity through rewards, punishments and often deprivation, teach a child who seeks to use power inappropriately that this is wrong?

How does a militaristic system teach anything but that children must submit to someone stronger than themselves? It only reinforces wrong ideas about power and domination.

These facilities are bound to create new emotional problems for these children. But the system profits here, as well, because then they are able to label and drug the children and make money in the process of billing for this injustice.

A youth is removed from the home, programmed, and when they conform to the expectations, released back to the setting that led to their distress and misbehavior to begin with. It becomes a vicious cycle.

These facilities are also very costly and their efficacy is questionable. The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law noted the ineffectiveness of these facilities in treatment of youth as well as the many documented abuses that occur in such places.

Community-based options have proven effective and need to be more readily available and implemented.

We need to shift our focus to true rehabilitation and to addressing actual social problems, not locking our children away, drugging them into submission, and ignoring their needs.

DAN L. EDMUNDS, Ed.D.

SITUATION IN EGYPT

2011-01-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Presently, Egyptians are pressing to oust the government of Hosni Mubarak believing his adminsitration to be highly corrupt. What is curious is that the U.S. government invaded Iraq under false pretenses, claiming to be 'liberating' and bringing 'freedom and democracy', however in Egypt, it says and does nothing. Why would the U.S. government not want to support 'freedom and democracy' in this siutation? Because Mubarak serves our interests. This is not about freedom and democracy but all about power, greed, and control.

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMANE PSYCHIATRY ADVISORS

2011-01-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

Advisors of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry are persons committed to the following:

Our work is to fight against oppression and coercion in the mental health system, to eradicate the hierarchical barriers between 'doctor and patient', to eliminate the medicalization of emotional distress, and to develop means of helping distressed persons where their autonomy, experience, and dignity is respected. We seek to return a conscience to the field of mental health and create an environment where people undergoing distress feel validated, empowered, and capable.

We believe in the power of the human spirit and each person's potential to be resilient. We believe that the forging of relationship is a key to emotional healing as well as the ability to help a person explore themselves, their world, society, and the human condition. We we seek to join with people in setting life goals, understanding the human condition and experiences without looking upon the person as defective. ICHP encourages involvement in issues related to social justice and believes that our working together to create a world free from poverty, greed, conflict, and discrimination will go a long way towards the development of true mental health.

We seek to be pro-active and preventative in our care for persons. We promote drug free, relationship based approaches for troubled and distressed children and adults and encourage the development and implementation of community based programs. We advocate for juvenile justice reform and for an education system that inspires a zeal for learning and is respectful of children's innate strengths and abilities. We believe in the development of community based options. We are opposed to force and coercion in the mental health system.

We seek to provide a place of sanctuary for people in crisis or undergoing extreme states of mind, where they can feel supported and validated, and not be subjected to any 'treatments' they do not desire. We believe distressed people thrive in environments that are non-threatening and they feel safe.

We collaborate with and offer consultation to parents, educators, and children and their families to develop relationship based approaches and problem solving towards resolving issues of distress, realizing that people are resilient and capable of healing from distress. We have been successful in helping individuals not have to resort to psychiatric drugs or to be able under the direction of their physicians significantly reduce their use.

We believe the key to this healing is by the forging of relationship and the construction of meaning. We believe that compassion is one of the highest ideals. We believe that psychiatric drugs do not teach new ways of living, thinking, loving, and being, whereas people do. We are particularly concerned about the vast prescribing of psychiatric drugs (many which carry warnings of suicidal ideation, violence, agitation, and aggression) upon individuals' well being. We are concerned about the unethical conflicts of interest existing between medical psychiatrists and the pharmaceutical industry.

We seek to provide to those individuals undergoing serious distress a place where they feel safe, secure, and can begin to begin the process of discovery and overcome fear and emotional chains.

We do not feel that locking individuals away in institutions solve human problems, rather it is through compassion, empathy, and seeking to understand our human condition that true mental health will arise. We believe that placing persons in mental hospitals is equivalent to incarceration however the distressed person has committed no crime, rather they are subject to a psychiatric ceremonial where the pschiatrist seen as 'sane', interrogates the person, makes a judgment, and then declares a sentence. We believe that psychiatric diagnosis often stigmatizes and limits opportunity for individuals. We believe that modern society is driving people 'mad' and that we must have radical transformation of ourselves and our values as well as return to a greater sense of community. We believe those who call themselves therapists must be actively involved in issues of social justice, helping end oppression and encourage liberation for marginalized persons. We recognize that distressed individuals must be treated as persons with respect and dignity. We believe in recognizing that even the most troubled persons and families have innate strengths. We believe that persons need to be given informed consent and not seen merely by a diagnostic label. We believe that ethics must proceed technology. We believe that bio-psychiatry has often used brutal methods (such as electroshock, insulin coma, toxic drugs, and lobotomy) and has evoked much harm in the lives of individuals and does not provide any true answers to the problems of life. We believe that there is no objectivity and science to the process of psychiatric diagnosis and that those diagnosed are often stigmatized and oppressed in society by virtue of this label.

We encourage drug free relationship based, problem solving, and holistic approaches and encourage individuals who choose to use helpful adjuncts such as meditation, acupuncture, tai-chi, and yoga. The International Center for Humane Psychiatry is one of few entities taking a strong stand on social justice issues and seeking to create a mental health system that does not treat people as objects, but persons.

We believe that it is also necessary for us to assume personal responsiblity and accountability for own own actions and choices and to not resort to the use of or embracing of labels to exonerate ourselves and institutions.

BRENT POTTER, PH.D.:
Brent Potter completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute. Prior to this he earned his M.A. in Psychology from Duquesne University. He lives in Bellingham, Washington where he works as a Child Mental Health Specialist, a County Designated Mental Health Professional, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

GREGORY OKE:
Gregory Oke is a Mental Health Consumer Advocate in Australia.

MEGHAN CHMIEWLEWSKI, B.A.:
Ms. Chmielewski completed her Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University on Human Development and Family Studies with concentration in Psychology. She is currently involved in a Master's program in Special Education and School Counseling at Marywood University. Ms. Chmielewski has worked in community mental health and served in a therapeutic community project under the direction of Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

SEAN URQUHART:
Mr. Urquhart is a counsellor in Scotland. He was trained in person centered counselling with COSCA (Scotland) from 1995-1998. He has served in a counselling center in Paisley, The Wynd from 1997 to 1998, as well as working with an HIV charity. He is currently continuing training in cognitive behavioral therapy.

THOUGHTS REGARDING WIKILEAKS AND ASSANGE

2011-01-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today, it is acceptable to authorize torture, to invade nations without cause, to take away civil liberties, to kill civilians. What will make you a 'criminal' is if you dare to expose the injustices.

TUNISIA

2011-01-19T16:33:00.000-08:00

The recent events in Tunisia are a positive sign, a true grassroots effort by people who have experienced oppression to stand up for themselves and remove the corruption that has held them in a sense of bondage. I hope that this will be seen as an example for others, and that there will be other non-violent ways of demonstrating the need to create a more fair society.

Developmental Differences/ Autism

2011-01-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

A few years back, my work mainly was with autistic and developmentally different persons but this lessened as I began helping more individuals who were going through extreme states of mind. I wrote the text, "Entering Their Imaginative World" in 2007 and began encouraging the development of drug free, relationship based approaches. Now in 2011, I am expanding my work with autism and developmental differences. In my approach with one person with Down's Syndrome, we sought to find ways to help him feel he was making a contribution, has worth, and feels fulfilled. This was accomplished by giving him particular responsibilities (according to his ability) that tied in with a particular strength and interest he has. I also worked on development of skills through real life rehearsals and active engagement. In my work with autistic children, it has always been the process of 'joining in' that has been remarkable. Many non-verbal children began to develop these skills simply through this engagement.
For more information on my autism/developmental differences work or to arrange a consultation, see the website at http://www.humanepsychiatry.com

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds Reflections on New Year 2011

2011-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last year, in my book THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS: WHAT THERAPY SHOULD BE I described the social, political, and familial processes that lead persons to emotional distress. In addition, I argued about the breakdown of community and the apathy that exists within our society today. In this new year, it is necessary for us to become more courageous, more bold, and to continue to actively challenge those forces which oppress individuals. Within the field of mental health, we need to continue to tackle the false biological concepts which stigmatize persons, turns them into helpless and hopeless persons, and which makes them numbers rather than people who create profits for the pharmaceutical industry and others who would mercilessly seek to gain from their suffering, who would make them life long 'consumers'. It is a time for self reflection as well, as the only way we can make any difference in the lives of others is to begin to see where we stand. At some point, we have all been traumatized, some to a lesser degree, and some to a enormous degree, life often appears absurd, work meaningless, and we feel we are just barely staying afloat. It is necessary for us to take moments to reflect, to create meaning and purpose, and to forge together in community. If we are to survive, it can only be done together, if we are remain divided and fragmented, the 'insanity' of the world will only continue forward. In spite of the challenge, we press on, and we retain hope, and we press on with a spirit of defiance, that nothing will bring us down, nothing will stop us, and though the odds may be against us at times, our victory will always remain in knowing that we were persons of ethics and compassion.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

www.humanepsychiatry.com

www.selfgrowth.com/experts/dan_edmunds.html

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BEGINNING OF MY WORK AS A PSYCHOTHERAPIST

2010-12-30T16:32:00.001-08:00

A colleague asked me about the first person I had worked with as a psychotherapist. Granted, prior I had provided counseling as a chaplain, my first actual therapeutic encounter was in 1999. I visited a psychiatric ward where an 18 year old trans-gender person was a patient. He had engaged in some self-mutilation and his family life was disastrous. I was told his name, but he asked me to refer to him by a female name, which respectfully, I did. I will admit some initial discomfort myself and wondering if I would be able to make a connection. I chose to simply listen to his tragic story and I learned of the brutality he experienced in his family and the challenges he faced with issues concerning his gender identity. The focus of our time was merely 'being with' and supporting. I was greatly concerned for this person, and after our brief time together inquired often about his status after he was discharged. I was pleasantly surprised that he had found a trans-gender minister who was able to guide him further and things began to ease for him.
This was my first lesson in learning about the importance of listening, supporting, and the building of relationship as the fundamentals in emotional healing. Shortly after this, when working with a community based mental health agency, I was assigned a 12 year old boy who many had given up on, as he was diagnosed as 'psychotic' and had an extensive history in the psychiatric system. No one else wanted to deal with him. Though his situation was quite challenging, I was able to develop a strong alliance and we worked through many complicated issues. I later asked why I was chosen to work with him after being told he was the 'most difficult client', and was told that it was because of my ability to 'listen and connect'. I have carried this forward in all my future work with others, to be one who will 'journey with'. But the other key lesson was to understand that I must respect the autonomy of persons, even when they may make choices where I personally disagree. I had to not continue the patterns of control that had often enslaved and brought distress these persons, but to simply be a supportive person to share in their experience and to guide them through times of distress to a more hopeful place.

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

LISTEN, SHARE EXPERIENCE, SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, FORGE A RELATIONSHIP- THE PATH TO EMOTIONAL HEALING.

2010-12-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

I recall recently a young man who had come to see me for a consultation, he had made prior suicidal remarks, he was now residing with his biological father after concerns about physical and emotional abuse by his mother. He came in in the most solemn state, unable to identify any of his strengths, and telling me how he felt he was a horrible boy, and that he could do nothing right. I let him vent, and then we discussed the dynamics that led him to believe these things about himself. I asked him what has made him happy, and he said baseball, but his mother would not allow him to play. I encouraged that now he was not living with the mother, that he be signed up for this when possible. We discussed this talent and other dreams he has, and how he does not have to allow others to take this from him. We shared some humor, and by the end of the time he was actually smiling and laughing, something he had not done in some time. This is the key- to listen, share experience, to seek to understand, and to forge a relationship.

IF THERE ARE MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS, WHY NOT DENTAL HEALTH TOO?

2010-12-29T09:29:00.001-08:00

In many areas, there are mental health officers and mental health courts which order persons to various sorts of 'treatments'. This is further evidence that the mental health system is a branch of the law and social control (as Szasz has also suggested) and not medicine. Imagine if there were dental health officers- oops, you forgot to floss today, so you will be ordered to a 14 day oral hygiene program! You have not taken care of that cavity- you will be forced to have a root canal or extraction!

MORE DESTRUCTIVE THAN LIES

2010-12-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Often we see the process where dysfunction is hidden, where myths are told to children to conceal the facts and the reality of their situation. It is these processes which are often more damaging, more destructive than actual lies. It is these processes which can lead a person to mental anguish and even to that which we term ‘madness.’ We see situations where persons are abused and neglected by their families and these experiences are reshaped to appear as something other than what they are. We see individuals so desperate and despairing that they will seek out any means to escape the suffering for but a moment, and the escape is often through methods that are self destructive.

Morris is abandoned by his biological parents, he is then placed in a foster care setting. The foster parents agree to adopt Morris and tell him, “we will take care of you, we love you very much.” The foster parents do not indicate that in reality they are only seeking the financial incentive provided by the State for keeping him. When the now adoptive parents separate, the father becomes abusive and sends him to live on the streets. Through the abuse, the adoptive mother cowers and does not take any action to address the abuse or protect Morris from the abusive father. No one knows of the abuse, it is kept behind closed doors, the family being active in their religious community, the father being involved in various civic projects and community functions. They are looked upon as ‘nice, regular folks’ but behind the closed doors of their home lies another story, one that leads Morris to the greatest of anguish.

James lives in a upper middle class neighborhood. He is provided much in the way of material wealth, but emotionally he is deprived. His brother is put in a glorified role, and many expectations are placed upon the brother. The father is emotionally abusive and often distant. The mother makes excuses for the father or tries to reshape the events that James has experienced. The mother is a master at mystification. In the community, they present a good ‘public image.’ The brother begins to rebel, and automatically he begins to be defined as ‘the problem’ as the mother seeks to find out why he is so angry and depressed and has him put on a psychiatric drug. James begins to feel that a lot of the attention, even if negative, has been diverted to his brother, so he begins to act out. He experiments with his brother’s psychiatric drugs, and then it moves on to experimentation with other drugs. He seeks to fill the empty void in his life with the drugs. The parents, particularly the mother, begin to worry about how they will be perceived in the community by their ‘unruly’ sons. They decide that it would be good in order to preserve the ‘integrity’ of their family to send James away to live with other relatives. They do not relate to the relatives the circumstances of James’ challenges and they dare not say to their friends and neighbors why he has left. Instead, they say, “Oh, James, is going on a vacation for awhile, he is visiting his Aunt and Uncle.” Feeling lowered esteem and it plummeting even further by being sent away, as well as the impact of much drug use, James enters into a psychotic state. The aunt and uncle have no idea of what to do and they call the parents. The parents and the aunt and uncle without James being aware arrange to have him admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The cycle of psychiatric hospitalizations continues, and each time the story remains that he is ‘on vacation’ or ‘visiting someone’. In the interim between hospitalizations and in his confusion, he indulges himself in superficial relationships, having unprotected sex, and engaging in more drug use with so called ‘friends’ because he has felt abandoned by his family and has become alienated from the world around him. Eventually, the ‘vacation’ story has worn out its usefulness and as questions begin to arise from family, friends, and neighbors, a new story must be developed. The family stumbles upon a new and wonderful story- let us make him ill. If we can say that he is ill, then people will take pity upon him and upon us. So, from that day forward, James is said to be ill. James has a terrible break-up with a girlfriend and in this goes into a rage, becoming suicidal, arguing with his mother, and entering again into a psychotic state. This is said to be his illness. James himself begins to like this idea of being ill, as he finds that he can manipulate situations, excuse himself for poor choices, and escape from difficult and challenging situations by saying he is ill. So, ill he remains. As the questions come from the outside to explain this illness and as some carefully guarded details become known, James is left flustered and devises means of escaping these people and these questions. He has educated himself well about his illness and comes across to others as an ‘expert’ on all matters pertaining to it. If he cannot just plainly escape, then he can present this ‘expert information’ and hope that it leads persons off the track. He talks of wanting to be apart from his family, of stepping away from the typical societal expectations, however remains attached to his family solely for financial reasons. He does the talk of wanting to be apart but really cannot live without his ‘things’. So, James too projects a public image of being this person desirous of a Bohemian lifestyle, but in reality happily receives whatever the parents offer him financially.

And so it is with the entanglement that we create. It may be very easy for individuals to separate from the person or persons who have contributed to their distress, but is this separation to be called liberation? The liberation only comes when we are able to face up to the truth, to confront our experience, and to unlearn all that which was said to said to be and all the messages of who we were said to be. Then we can start life anew, this is not an easy task.

THE FRAUD OF THE PSYCHIATRIC ESTABLISHMENT'S METHODS OF DIAGNOSING 'DISEASE'

2010-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

lets say we go to our physician and the nurse checks our heart rate, she then accidentally drops the chart on the floor and it startles us, she then checks our heart rate again and notices its elevated. She reports this information to the physician who based on this diagnoses us with heart disease.
If this actually happened, we would find it absurd and we would never encounter this physician again. But this IS what happens every day with the psychiatric establishment. They have no credible evidence that any so called disorder is an actual disease and if a person should have a physiological change because of a trauma or so forth, then this is used to somehow give 'evidence' of disease rather than looking at it as a natural response to the experience of the person.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

Response to An Ardent Follower of Bio-Psychiatry

2010-12-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

I was recently sent a comment from an ardent follower of bio-psychiatry who accussed me of being an 'amrchair scientist" and criticizing my prior background with Comparative Religious Studies. First, I believe this background gave me some preparation towards understanding individuals, their belief systems, and how they construct meaning, however I do not look at my present work as a religious pursuit or connected to religion at all. Second, I have been directly in the field for 11 years, as a psychological evaluator, behavioral specialist, and psychotherapist. I have worked firsthand with people in serious distress, listened to them, heard their voices, and found that at the key to any emotional healing lies relationship. I have pioneered drug free and community based approaches and have seen that true recovery is possible whereas bio-psychiatry instills the idea that recovery is simply being a lifelong consumer of psychiatric drugs and maybe holding a menial job if you are lucky. My work is to respect the dignity of individuals and empower them, and this is being done, and I am proud to offer an alternative based on humanity and compassion.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

RESTORING COMMUNITY AND THE PROCESS OF UNLEARNING BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D.

2010-12-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

One of the most destructive problems is the breakdown of community, and it is this breakdown that has often led to the breakdown of persons. Though we may put many around us, we are alone. Relationships have become superficial, there is no longer concern for the other, and we are pressed by societal and financial pressures to focus on our own survival. We do not concern ourselves much with the plight of others except a few we may call family or friends, and even then, our concern and attention is waning. It is this which is leading to numerous dilemmas for our children and the diagnosis of a gamut of so-called mental disorders and the their mass drugging to subdue them and force their conformity to a system of madness, a system they and most despise but which continues to perpetuate itself. We may have at one time gone to our neighbors home and asked for an ingredient for a dish and they would give it and invite us in. Today, do we even know our neighbor, do we even care to know our neighbor?
And so we go along wearing masks throughout the day, playing the game, taking upon us the various roles. I see the impact of this upon our children, who become torn when made a pawn in this game. Families seek to project the goodly image to the outside while the reality is that there is immense turmoil and conflict. For some of these children, they begin to become part of the masking reality as well. I recall a young man I worked with whose family life was strained and there had been a lot of traumatic events and harshness. In the beginning, he presented his family as ‘golden’, and denied that anything anyone had noted was of truth. But fortunately over time, he came to grasp the courage and ability to think critically to challenge the way things were and to present reality to the family. And it certainly did require immense courage as in these situations the secrets are safely guarded and no one wants them exposed for what they are. The reaction was to be expected, the blame was shifted, and the young man was made to be the scapegoat and threats issued as to what would happen if he did not change his thinking and accept the myth the family held to. I have seen this similar dynamic in situations of sexual abuse that involves a relative. The only way that the young man was able to finally come to the point of challenging the family system and surviving the verbal assaults was by having one from the outside who had been able to forge a connection with both him and the family. In this, it was possible to advocate for the young man and also challenge the other family members but in a diplomatic way. This tactic worked and it was agreed upon that certain ways of interacting would need to be worked upon. They left behind the myth and came to face reality.
So if we are to truly be alive, to truly move beyond surviving to thriving, if we are to truly be human beings rather than alienated beings or drugged zombies, then we are going to need to return to the sense of community, to lay aside the barriers, and to be able to realize our common humanity. We are going to have to abandon the myths and the games we are often so entrenched within, and accept truth, even when painful.
There are powerful forces at work which pull us to and fro and infect us with ideas of who we are, what we should be, and often block us from becoming. These forces arise within our social and familial structures. We are sent repetitive messages and they become deeply engrained. We may have been told we are not attractive or too attractive, not motivated or too achieving, etc. And we enter the social sphere having absorbed these messages. As we do so we begin a painful process of comparisons. There becomes a striving for something or sometimes nothing at all. But if there is striving, it is for what and for whom? Some sadly seek only to survive, it is all they can do. But if we can realize that no matter what has been dumped upon us and what the conditions are, we retain the choice to become! We have the choice to allow these powerful forces to consume us or to be defiant in the face of them and develop a process of unlearning. In this unlearning, we may be able to break free and emerge into a new world of being.

International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology Conference (ICSPP) in Syracuse, NY

2010-10-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology conference in Syracuse, NY October 7-9. It was a wonderful experience and I commend this organization for their hard work in promoting human rights and dignity in the mental health system. I had the opportunity to meet and hear many bright and dedicated individuals. I took particular interest in Robert Whitaker's (author of "Mad in America" and "Anatomy of an Epidemic") presentation which gave some background as to how we have gotten to the unfortuante point we have in the mental health system. I also appreciated the insights of Dr. David Cohen, and particularly his comment that dialogue with those steeped in the bio-psychiatric paradigm is futile. I had the opportunity to spend two evenings in conversation with Dr. Clancy McKenzie and have been inspired by his work regarding the two trauma mechanism and delayed PTSD as well as programmed dreams and love energy. I was able to present as well at the conference in regards to my recent text, "The Meeting of Two Persons: What Therapy Should Be" which addressed the social, familial, and poitical factors behind emotional distress, challenges the bio-psychiatric paradigm, encourages relational approaches, and asks existential questions. The Gala dinner at the end of the conference was great fun. I hope to become more connected with ICSPP and hope that all organizations that are seeking for the betterment of the lives of others and for dignity in the mental health system will forge together in this common struggle.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D.: LIBERATING VOICE OF COMPASSION IN THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM

2010-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Dan Lee Edmunds was born in Tampa, Florida. In 1983, he located with his mother to Fort Collins, Colorado and attended public schools there. Edmunds as a teenager developed a keen interest in philosophy and comparative religion and enjoyed visting various religious communities and having discussions and dialogue. Edmunds also developed as a young person a strong interest in social justice and spent alot of time volunteering with various projects (veterans affairs, homeless, program for developmental differences). He became interested in political change, and in 1991 became the youngest legislative aide in the State Senate of Colorado, working in the office of then State Senator Robert W. Schaffer. He later registered as a professional lobbyist and worked on various political campaigns among them the campagin of Corrine Brown for the Third District Congressional Seat in Florida in 1992 which afforded him the opportunity to transport Martin Luther King III to an event at Bethune Cookman College.

In 1993, Edmunds graduated from Fort Collins High School, he returned to Florida, and later entered the University of Florida where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with major in Religion, minor in Sociology in 1997. Edmunds entered the Orthodox Church and was ordained in 1997 and in the same year entered the Master of Arts program in Theology at the University of Scranton and obtained his degree in 1999. He was admitted to a Doctoral program in Community Counseling at the University of Sarasota and completed post graduate coursework at Nova Southeastern University in Dispute Resolution in 2000. Edmunds served as a chaplain for a nursing care facility for the elderly from 2001 to 2003. Later becoming disillusioned with the Orthodox Church, he became affiliated with the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church and later the Apostolic Church of the Divine Mysteries. Edmunds received his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling in 2006 from the University of Sarasota.

In 1999, Edmunds had the opportunity to work with Bobbi Gagne, director of the Sexual Assault Crisis Team of Vermont and was greatly inspired by her. Edmunds began work the following year as a therapist for a behavioral health program for children and adolescents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Edmunds was initially indifferent to the concept of psychiatric drugging of children and rather unaware of some of the abuses in his field. When he first encountered a young man with tardive dyskinesia from psychiatric drugs, and then began to see some of the issues related to power within the field, this had a major impact on his thinking, and he began to set forward to make changes in how to help and interact with distressed persons. In 2002, Edmunds received training in relational approaches to autism/developmental differences and began work with a number of autistic and developmentally different clients. Edmunds received Board Certification in Sexual Abuse Issues in 2003 from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. In 2005, he began lecturing on ways to help children and adolescents without resort to psychiatric drugs. it was also in this year that he worked with a young man with a psychotic disorder and set up an experiment to see if relational and community based approaches would be more effective than traditional hospitalization and residential programs. Edmunds found that during the time of interaction with the young person, the project was very successful, but he began to plummet uppn being returned to his home. This and future experiences shaped his idea that emotional distress is brought forward by social, familial, and political factors, and this became the topic for his 2009 book "The Meeting of Two Persons: What Therapy Should Be" which he also presented as a presentation at the October 2010 conference of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry in Syracuse, New York. In 2006, after completing his doctoral degree, Edmunds began private practice in conjuction with working as a psychological associate (conducting evaluations and assessments) and also began writing and speaking. In 2006, he completed the book "They Say My Child Has ADHD: Thinking Outside the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm". In 2007, he wrote "Navigating Through the Mainstream" which addressed autism and developmental differences. In 2010, he completed "Mystical Metaphors" which was written with a New Zealander artist and university student who underwent what would be labeled as a 'psychotic episode'. Edmunds sought to make this experience understandable and argued that with the proper support, that this journey, though painful and terrifying could lead to a point of transformation. Edmunds also argued that much of what occurs in the mental health profession is to suppress experience which leads to oppression. Edmunds has focused much of his work presently on extreme states of mind and maintains a private practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania and continues to lecture and provide consultation. Dr. Edmunds is Founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry, an emancipatory movement for human rights in the mental health system and has been involved in the Society for Laingian Studies and a member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Schizophrenia. Dr. Edmunds is adjunct Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for European American University. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 2007 from St. James Theological Seminary.

www.DrDanEdmunds.com

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BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES TO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION

2010-10-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

In my work with persons undergoing extreme states of mind, I have established a number of scenarios where we sought to break down barriers between the therapist and client and to provide support outside of a hospital setting. We created an environment where the client would live in the community, have supports to integrate into the community, and to have individuals who would journey with them on a daily basis and accept them 'where they were at' and for who they are. It is not to say that creating this environment was easy or that persons still did not undergo many challenges, but we certainly found it a more humane means of care, where people were not forced and coerced and they had a means to work through their crisis. I do know that these scenarios did produce far better results than the 'traditional' methods, and persons made their way to a better means of functioning and felt that they were treated with dignity.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

www.humanepsychiatry.com

MYSTICAL METAPHORS: Dynamic New Book on Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Extreme States of Mind by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. and Jarrad Dickson

2010-09-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mystical Metaphors: Book on Extreme States of Mind

2010-09-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D., founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry, noted psychotherapist in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Professor of Existential Psychology has teamed with Jarrad Dickson, an university student from New Zealand and psychiatric survivor in developing a new approach towards the understanding of extreme states of mind, what psychiatry labels as ‘psychoses’.

Dr. Edmunds and Mr. Dickson have completed a book MYSTICAL METAPHORS which describes the mystical and spiritual nature of the experience labeled as psychosis. The premise is that these experiences can be understood and it is a mistaken approach to seek to suppress them, that with the proper support and guidance, these experiences can be a transformation, they need not be all breakdown as Laing suggested but breakthrough.

ORDER AT:

http://stores.lulu.com/voice4kids

BECOME AN AFFILIATE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMANE PSYCHIATRY

2010-08-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

The International Center for Humane Psychiatry is an emancipatory movement for human rights in the mental health system. By becoming an affiliate, you will be helping to provide drug free, empathic psychotherapy for those who are disadvantaged, helping to fund important research and publications, and advancing the cause of a humane mental health system. Affiliates can donate in any amount they feel they are able, those who donate $40 will receive a copy of THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS: WHAT THERAPY SHOULD BE.

For information on becoming an affiliate, please write to:

DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

A REFLECTION BY JARRAD DICKSON

2010-08-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Look at her eye, that was wide open and wild, as Ligeria, the priestess of the Chinese albino golden star walked along the beach of Hahei, behind her the Pa, casting its shadow on her, and see her gowns fluttering with the wind, and her hair, also wild, and her skin, white, milky and pale, shining in the night.
The moon reflected in the ocean, illuminating the night, and Ligeria was beautiful, full, and enchanting.

Look at her eye, and know her. Know her as the one of the Pa, the one of Hahei, its spirit, and know it to be white.
Who is the mystery of the Pa? Know it to be a white mystery; know it to be Ligeria, in her name Pandora, the source of the Pa.

The Pa opens, revealing the holy products of Pandora, her box, and see the souls of Anesidora.

Look at the Pa, the eye of Hahei, and see it full like the moon, and know Ligeria as the ancient playwright of Hahei, the woman of the Pa.

Look at her eye, as she sees Michael walk towards her and wrap her in his arms.

Look at his eye, the eye of Michael Mathew, as he stares lovingly into Ligeria’s eyes, and know him as the man of the Pa, the soul of Hahei.

“You have to live, I have to die, we have to be together,” spoke Ligeria.

Look at their eyes, that were wide open and cut as they met for the last time, in a tryst, their heart strings pulling wide eyed and open.
Their eyes are one eye, and it is the Pa, and was their last sight, as they were sentenced to death and beheaded on the beach of Hahei.

Look at his eye, and her eye, and know their deaths, and know them as the soul of Hahei, and know forever more they will be in the Pa, and of the Pa, and always from the Pa.

Look at the Pa, it is the eye of Horus, and looks out to you, inviting you in, and you go, and look at your eye now, it is the eye of the dead.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AND THE CULTURE OF CORRUPTION

2010-08-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have found Northeastern Pennsylvania (particularly Wyoming County) to be a beautiful place in regards to scenery but sadly a place of much filth and corruption politically. Few in power appear to learn their lessons. I was very pleased to see that the American Civil Liberties Union won its suit against Wyoming County, but this has not really cleaned up the Juvenile Probation Department there, how Child Protective Services operates, or anything else for that matter, it remains status quo. Below, is an article regarding the ACLU settlement as well as my past article on the Luzerne County judges and the Cash for Kids scandal. In this, I examine the larger problem, of how we are not truly meeting our children's needs and it appears that abuse of power and greed remain rampant in the minds of the public officials in this area. I hope that many will continue to speak out, but beyond this, it is necessary for young people to be empowered to challenge these abuses that directly impact them and their future.

-Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

__________________________________________________________________________

(Dr. Edmunds) is a man of high integrity. He is firm in his convictions and not easily swayed by political pressure or public opinion... Dan is also a very clear thinker and writer. And shows plenty of initiative. I especially admire his devotion to defending and supporting the spirited nature of our young people. I know he has a wealth of experience working with people, and I know he communicates his ideas well. He is not a closed system, but able to listen and open to new ideas.

-John Breeding, Ph.D., psychologist and author of the "Wildest Colts Make the Best Horses" and founder of Texans for Safe Education

I think (Dr. Edmunds') insights are RIGHT ON and deserve a place in canon psychological, growth, and child development texts. The patterns described and the reactions I experienced, and have witnessed others experiencing, could not have been more accurate and profound. I think a great goal would be entirely replacing the DSM with the patterns and reactions you observed because those present dilemmas that can actually be nurtured and solved.

-J.K.

"I have been very impressed with (Dr. Edmunds') work ethic and clinical skills...He has an innate ability to connect with many families and help them through multiple complicated issues."- F.A. Bresser, L.S.W.

(Dr. Edmunds) is bright, thoughtful, often wry, and utterly responsible."

Dennis E. Owen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Religion
University of Florida- Gainesville, FL

I wish you every success with your important work for those unfortunate enough to be labeled 'mentally ill'. So many of us have been guinea pigs because the medical profession have made diseases which do not exist out of human problems in the pursuit of profit.It is good too to hear you and your organization exist.

In support and solidarity,

Mary Maddock
MindFreedom Ireland

MIND FREEDOM IRELAND

Dear Dr. Edmunds:
I agree with you- many of the problems we see around us are either 'societal' or 'systems' problems. However I also believe, very strongly, that individuals have a huge responsibility in resisting some of the temptations on offer and behaving ethically. In countries like mine, where there are virtually no checks on physicians and corruption is the norm, this is a huge problem. I would be happy to collaborate with you in any way I can. Perhaps we can think about some ideas how to take this forward. You would be most welcome to make a presentation at our university- whenever the opportunity arises. In the meantime, let's keep the dialogue going. I am attaching another one of my articles that you may find relevant.

With best wishes

Dr. Murad M Khan, MRCPsych
Professor
Department of Psychiatry
Aga Khan University
PO Box 3500, Stadium Road
Karachi-74800

PAKISTAN

_______________________________________________________________________________

Consultation

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

DR. EDMUNDS' ESSAY PUBLISHED IN THE AAINA JOURNAL OF THE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY (BAPU TRUST FOR RESEARCH ON MIND AND DISCOURSE), PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

BIO-PSYCHIATRY ILLUMINATED- THE ADHD REPORT (featuring the work of Dr. Dan L. Edmunds)

FEEDBACK FROM CLIENTS, PROFESSIONALS, AND OTHERS

# EUROPEAN-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

DR. EDMUNDS' INTERVIEWS ON VARIOUS RADIO PROGRAMS AND IN THE NEWS

Dr. Edmunds presented on the work of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry and the impact of current mental health practice on children on August 20, 2008 on the program THE MENTAL HEALTH EDGE WTAN-AM RADIO in Clearwater, Florida.

LISTEN TO PROGRAM

Dr. Edmunds was a presenter on the TALK OF CONNECTICUT WRDC-AM RADIO in Hartford, Connecticut on July 21, 2008 at 2:30pm addressing issues of informed consent and human rights in the mental health system.

WRDC-AM HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT RADIO BROADCAST WITH DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

DR. EDMUNDS INTERVIEW ON NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO PROGRAM 'TAKE AMERICA BACK'

DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN RADIO INTERVIEW WITH DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

LISTEN TO RADIO INTERVIEW - Melbourne, Florida radio interview with Dr. D.L. Edmunds regarding Psychiatry and Religion

Dr. Edmunds was a keynote speaker at the opening of an exhibit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on psychiatric abuse held July 13, 2008.

Youth Advocacy Program a relief to parents- Scranton Times

Police break up 'fight club' in Tunkhannock, PA

NAMI ENHANCES STIGMA- DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS LETTER TO THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE 5/2/08

Scholarship program for youth

DR. EDMUNDS IN THE SCRANTON TIMES REGARDING 'COPS AS COUNSELORS'

DR. EDMUNDS QUOTED IN NEWSLETTER FOR WIDER HORIZONS SCHOOL

TRAGEDY SERVES AS A REMINDER- WYOMING COUNTY NEW AGE EXAMINER

Edmunds earns Doctoral degree- Scranton Times

>>

FROM THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE:

Focus should be shifted to true rehabilitation

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009 Updated: Thursday, January 29, 2009 6:08 AM EST Editor: It is a positive development that Luzerne County Judges Mark A. Ciavarella and Michael T. Conahan are being brought to justice for their actions in profiting from placing youth in detention facilities.

However, it is necessary for us to examine the problems inherent with residential and detention facilities themselves. In these settings, youth are placed often under conditions that lead them to further emotional distress. The decisions to place children is often not based on a genuine interest in the child�s best interests, but what will be profitable and the easiest way out of having to actually rehabilitate youth and meet their emotional needs.

It is no wonder that the socio-economically disadvantaged youth are the ones that are so frequently seen in this system. How does placing a child into a detention center or residential facility, which often is geared toward the concept of staff forcing conformity through rewards, punishments and often deprivation, teach a child who seeks to use power inappropriately that this is wrong?

How does a militaristic system teach anything but that children must submit to someone stronger than themselves? It only reinforces wrong ideas about power and domination.

These facilities are bound to create new emotional problems for these children. But the system profits here, as well, because then they are able to label and drug the children and make money in the process of billing for this injustice.

A youth is removed from the home, programmed, and when they conform to the expectations, released back to the setting that led to their distress and misbehavior to begin with. It becomes a vicious cycle.

These facilities are also very costly and their efficacy is questionable. The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law noted the ineffectiveness of these facilities in treatment of youth as well as the many documented abuses that occur in such places.

Community-based options have proven effective and need to be more readily available and implemented.

We need to shift our focus to true rehabilitation and to addressing actual social problems, not locking our children away, drugging them into submission, and ignoring their needs.

DAN L. EDMUNDS, Ed.D.
TUNKHANNOCK

Wyoming County settles with ACLU over legal fees in sexting case
Published: June 23, 2010

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TUNKHANNOCK - The Wyoming County commissioners agreed Tuesday to a $140,000 settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union over legal fees the organization incurred in a sexting case, county solicitor James Davis confirmed.

The dispute over legal fees began after the commissioners' decision in April not to appeal a March U.S. Circuit Court ruling that blocked felony charges against a teenage girl for possessing what then-District Attorney George Skumanick Jr. claimed was a sexually explicit photograph of herself on her cell phone.

"None of us are real happy over this," Mr. Davis said.

Because the ACLU was the prevailing party in a civil rights action, it is entitled to recoup its expenses, he explained. What the county took issue with, Mr. Davis said, was the amount.

Efforts to reach the ACLU on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

The final figure was reached after more than a month of negotiations. Mr. Davis said the agreement has already been signed by ACLU attorney Witold Walczak.

He was reluctant to settle for even that amount with the ACLU, but to pursue the matter any further might have been more costly, Mr. Davis said, adding that the ACLU could continue to tack on expenses it incurred during any additional legal challenge.

Under terms of the agreement, the county is to pay the ACLU $70,000 within 30 days, with the balance to be paid by Jan. 30. The commissioners said the money to pay the settlement will have to come from the county's general fund.

Mr. Davis said it's unlikely the county will be able to recoup any of the money. He noted that the Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool, or PCoRP, agreed to pay the county's legal fees during the appeal. However, PCoRP took the position that the county is not eligible to recover attorney's fees through a claim.

PCoRP is a liability insurance program run by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. It serves 44 of the state's 67 counties.

Mr. Davis said because Mr. Skumanick was acting as an agent of the county, the county as a whole is responsible for costs incurred in the matter.

That's true, he noted, even though the commissioners have no control - and don't want control - over the district attorney's actions.

"We don't want control over the district attorney and who he prosecutes. But since he is a county official, we're responsible for the expenses," Mr. Davis said.

Mr. Davis noted that in theory, the county could have appealed the Circuit Court's ruling, but there was no guarantee it would prevail. He said after Mr. Skumanick was replaced in the November 2009 election by Jeff Mitchell, the new district attorney decided not to pursue the matter any further.

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS ON CPS CHRONICLE RADIO PROGRAM ALONG WITH FORMER ELI LILLY MANAGER DR. JOHN VERAPIN AND ATTORNEY JAMES GOTTSTEIN

2010-07-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Listen to internet radio with The CPS Chronicles on Blog Talk Radio

POETIC REFLECTIONS

2010-07-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

I SEEK ONE TO 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.

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.

FROM WITHIN

From Within.
Without.
Withering.
Withstanding.
There again and again.
Repeating its haunting call.
Revise.
Reframe.
From Within.
A New Refrain.
Catharsis.
Renewal.
Withstanding.

UNLEARNING

f only I did not know, it would have been safer, but I would soon
find out or be forced to encounter it, the deserved
and undeserved sufferings of the world. Each with an
inward struggle, many striving to make their way only
to be crushed and to start again. Love is evaporating
from the earth, and there is nothing to yearn for but
survival. Meaning is lacking and we frustrate ourselves
in seeking answers to the unanswerable. Community
is no more, together, but alone. Where is the solace?
Who will journey with us? Maybe it will come, we
have waited a long time.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

2010-05-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Within the past year, I printed the text THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS: WHAT THERAPY SHOULD BE which details a plan for compassion, dignity, and human rights in the mental health system. In addition, I have had the great opportunity to present lectures to various mental health agencies and conduct radio and television interviews to discuss the impact of bio-psychiatry on human lives and what we can do to insure that persons are respected and do not receive treatments they do not want, receive informed consent, and where they have autonomy and respect. I have also worked heavily on drug free approaches for autistic/developmentally different persons and promoted acceptance of these individuals.

In order to accomplish this work and to further future efforts has required an investment of time and resources. If you would be interested in joining this alliance for human rights in the mental health system, it would be greatly appreciated and greatly needed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

* obtain copies of THE MEETING OF TWO PERSONS, THEY SAY MY CHILD HAS ADHD and distribute to various groups, organizations, etc.
These books can be ordered from stores.lulu.com/voice4kids

*sponsor lectures or seminars

*make a financial contribution

* assist with letter writing campaigns and research.

*help to promote care in your area that is based on compassion, autonomy, and dignity.

If you are interested in being part of the Center for Humane Psychiatry and supporting this vital work, please contact:
DoctorEdmunds@DrdanEdmunds.com

KADAMPA BUDDHIST WORLD PEACE TEMPLE

2010-04-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is a photo walking up the path to the Kadampa Buddhist World Peace Temple in Glen Spey, New York.

NATURAL MENTAL HEALTH AND ENLIGHTENED LIVING- NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

2010-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

In today's mental health system, most individuals in distress are treated more as objects than persons, are labeled, drugged, and their experience is often invalidated.
Noted psychotherapist, Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. believes in the need to return humanity and dignity to the mental health system. Working in collaboration with Maya Winddancer Noble, a licensed acupunturist and scholar of Oriental Medicine as well as other holistic practitioners, Dr. Edmunds has offered a place of sanctuary in Northeastern Pennsylvania (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) area that provides a safe place for individuals enduring emotional distress to recover from their challenges without resorting to psychiatric drugs and labels or 'treatments' that they may not want.
For more information, see the website at
www.humanepsychiatry.com or write to DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

REPORT FINDS NO BENEFIT TO SENDING JUVENILE OFFENDERS TO EXPENSIVE INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENTS

2010-03-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

In his text, published in 2008. ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY, noted psychotherapist Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. clearly expressed the damage done to children in residential treatment centers and their lack of efficacy and offers a more humane and compassionate approach to meeting the needs of troubled children. This recent study by the MacArthur Foundation offers further validation to Dr. Edmunds' poignant commentary.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/anarcho-psychology--uncovering-the-roots-of-distress-exploring/6469538?showPreview

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D. IS A NOTED EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN NORTHEASTERN PENNYLVANIA (SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE AREA). DR. EDMUNDS ASSISTS PERSONS UNDERGOING EXTREME STATES OF MIND, AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES, TRAUMA, AND ATTENTIONAL CHALLENGES THROUGH DRUG FREE, RELATIONAL APPROACHES.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
http://www.humanepsychiatry.com

From the MacArthur Foundation:

REPORT FINDS NO BENEFIT TO SENDING JUVENILE OFFENDERS TO EXPENSIVE INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENTS
Washington, DC, December 9, 2009 – As many states face budget shortfalls, a new report on youth convicted of serious offenses finds that stays in expensive institutional placements produced no measurable results. Researchers found that even among youth committing serious (often violent) offenses, a large proportion turned away from serious offending after involvement with the court and were able to live successfully in their communities. The research also shows that institutional placement appears to have no advantage over probation in reducing rates of re-arrest or self-reported offending. The length of institutional stay also does not appear to make a difference.
The report is the first in a series from a long-term study of juvenile offenders. The Research on Pathways to Desistance Study – a multi-site, collaborative project that was launched in 2000 – is designed to identify and better understand factors that contribute to desistance, or ceasing to commit additional crimes. The research is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
“The most surprising finding is that a youth’s future behavior did not correlate very well with the sanctions they received, suggesting that costly punitive measures may not be the best approach for keeping communities safe and rehabilitating young people in trouble with the law,” said principal investigator Edward Mulvey of the University of Pittsburgh today at a national conference of MacArthur’s Models for Change juvenile justice reform initiative. “Persisters’ and ‘desisters’ spent about the same amount of time in the same types of institutions. When you look at youth involved in a ‘low-level’ of offending, institutional placement actually raised the level of offending by a statistically significant amount.”
The Pathways study is following 1,354 juvenile offenders (ages 14 to 18), interviewing these adolescents as well as their family members and friends over a seven-year period after their conviction in court for a serious offense (a felony).
Significant findings to date include:
• Adolescents who become involved in serious crimes are not a particular “type” but a heterogeneous group, much like their non-offending peers. They differ substantially from one another on a number of relevant dimensions: parenting styles, social development, the timing of psychological development, mental health, attitudes toward the law, and the level of substance abuse. Seldom are these differences among them considered by courts, nor are they usually translated by service providers into different types of intervention.
• Nothing in the basic psychological or social characteristics of these adolescents strongly predicts which will go on to a high level of offending, even in the near future, and which will curtail their offending after court involvement.
• Longer stays in juvenile facilities do not appear to reduce offending; however, continued probation supervision and community-based services provided after a youth is released do make a difference, at least in the six months following release.
• Substance abuse is a major factor in continued criminal activity. Treating substance abuse can reduce subsequent offending.
“Policy makers often treat this group as if they were all the same and headed for the same life of adult crime. Actually, less than 10 percent continue illegal activity following court involvement. Closer consideration of individual and developmental differences by the courts and service providers could lead to more tailored, more effective services,” said Laurie Garduque, the Director of MacArthur’s juvenile justice grantmaking. “Our hope is that evidence about what works will inform policy changes to better serve youthful offenders and their families, while ensuring communities are kept safe.”
The Pathways to Desistance Study grew out of work by the MacArthur Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice, a ten-year, interdisciplinary project that provided research cited by the Supreme Court to ban the death penalty for juveniles under the age of 18. The study is supported through MacArthur’s Models for Change juvenile justice reform initiative, an effort to create successful and replicable models of juvenile justice reform, through targeted investments in key states. Models for Change seeks to accelerate progress toward a more effective, fair, and developmentally sound juvenile justice system that holds young people accountable for their actions, provides for their rehabilitation, protects them from harm, increases their life chances, and manages the risk they pose to themselves and to the public. The initiative is underway in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Washington and, through action networks focusing on key issues, in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society. More information is available at www.macfound.org.
###

REFLECTION

2010-03-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

It is necessary for us to accept the reality that in life there will be discontentment, struggles, and events that are absurd. Often distress arises when we make the choice to ask the questions which lack answers, to ask, "why me?" or worse to delve into the realm of self-pity. Despite what is thrown to us, we retain the choice as to how we wish to create meaning of the situation, we have the choice of what to become. For every human being there exists anxiety, it is only natural as we progress through a life filled with uncertainties. But for some the fear becomes too overwhelming that they can become more afraid to live than to die. For some, they have never truly lived for they have lived solely for others, they play the game for others, they wear their masks and fill their roles, being but a construct of what others said they must be. And in this, they gave up their critical thought, they gave up their freedom so that they would not bear any burden of responsibility.
Define or be defined. This is what we do. We think that by defining and categorizing that somehow we understand more, but we do not, yet if it seems if we do not define, that we ourselves will be defined.

FROM SPIRITUAL CRISIS TO SPIRITUAL AWAKENING.

2010-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Presently, I have offered an alternative to persons undergoing extreme states of mind, persons who have received labels of 'schizophrenia', 'schizoaffective', or 'bipolar'. Many of these persons sought help within the psychiatric system but found that the 'treatments' only squashed their creativity, did not respect their experience, and in many circumstances, did them great harm and was traumatizing not to mention insulting to their dignity and autonomy. I am thankful for friends such as Victor Manocchio, LCSW, and Maya Winddancer Noble, an acupuncturist, who have helped me in providing caring and compassionate alternatives to persons in distress. What is unfortunate is that because of the current bio-psychiatric paradigm, it is difficult to maintain this work. It has been my desire to expand this work of creating 'sanctuary' and a center for persons undergoing 'spiritual emergency'. Your help and support in furthering this much needed work would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact me if you are interested in being of assistance to this work.

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

e-mail: DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

Individuals at times go through what Grof terms a 'spiritual emergency', in this a person may develop unusual perceptions and a sense of consciousness that is part from the 'norm'. The psychiatric establishment based on a medical model would identify such experience as pathological, label it, and prescribe a drug to suppress it. But what if this experience can lead to an awakening? I share some examples:

* I met with a 17 year old male who had been abused beginning around the age of 14 months. He began to express some concerns about meaning in his life but also presented with intense anxiety surrounding feeling his actions were being watched and monitored. This began to intensify after encountering his abuser again after a prolonged period. He described his family life as often chaotic and discussed how he felt that he often felt 'controlled." He told me that when watching television, he thought that there was something in the center of the screen that was recording him. I initially employed some humor to the situation, and suggested that he not change in front of the television. This provoked some laughter but also helped him feel more relaxed and we soon delved into the more serious issues of his crisis. What he discovered was that his feelings of being watched and so forth were all 'metaphors' for the very real feelings he had of lacking autonomy in decision making and the chaotic circumstances he encountered. As this discovery was made, we were able to enter the realm of reframing and creating new meanings, and he has begun the process of emerging from the impact of his past trauma towards overcoming.

*A woman discussed with me about her guilt ridden past where she had involved herself in prostitution and drugs. She related how she had an experience of hearing a voice that told her she was Mary Magdalene. The psychiatric establishment would automatically seek to suppress this experience, label it as delusion, however after hearing more of her journey and listening intently, it made perfect sense as to why she would connect with the story of Mary Magdalene, and it soon pointed this out. The story coincided with her own experience and she was desparately seeking 'redemption' from the shame of her past.

*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.

Often times in the various crises, persons come into conflict with the dominant worldview, and they begin to feel alienated and isolated. There are some who respond to crisis through excessive worry and others who develop apathy, or complete despair. I have argued that people do not need drugs, rather people need people. It is necessary for there to exist a supportive network to help the person through the crisis so it may reach a transformative ending. It is possible after undergoing such a crisis to emerge with new insights, to develop new meanings, a renewed sense of purpose. But, it is necessary for there to be a journey, a journey in togetherness, where the person can feel safe and supported in conquering fears, to be able to face the intrusive thoughts and feelings of dread that haunt them. In this journey is the process of being able to shed the false self, to actually be able to be a human being with another human being, and to no longer feel that they must repress their feelings or must 'play the games' or wear the masks that society imposes upon us. To be able to come to a radical authenticity, a mastery of past truamas where we make the choice to live and be rather than merely react.

I have often used the concept of programmed dreams which I learned from Dr. Clancy McKenzie. In this, the person decides to have a dream, one which will not be upsetting, but which will be an answer to a dilemma. In this process, I have seen many obtain valuable insights. For example, a young man had serious esteem issues, he fretted about how others perceived him. In his dream, he saw many mirrors with himself smashing through them all. He related to me that this dream was a 'release' and he felt the mirrors represented all the images others had created of him. He was no longer going to concern himself with that, these images were gone. In another example, a woman having intrusive thoughts and recurrent nightmares about past abuse had a dream where she was able to assert herself and say directly that the abuse was wrong. She said this relieved a serious burden she had been carrying for some time, as what occurred in the dream is something she always wanted to say.

These crises can be challenging, and often painful. The person may have to journey through dark imagery and confront many obstacles, but with support and the proper conditions to facilitate the journey, it can lead to an awakening, it can be breakthrough rather than breakdown.

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

DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
www.humanepsychiatry.com

A FEW STORIES FROM THE THERAPEUTIC WORK OF DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D.- DRUG, FREE RELATIONAL APPROACHES TO EXTREME STATES OF MIND

2010-03-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-7777
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
www.humanepsychiatry.com

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

A 5 year old boy who had been given a diagnosis of autism began working with Dr. Edmunds. He was completely non-verbal when Dr. Edmunds encountered him. He came into the office and began to bang on the computer keyboard. In the main room of the clinic was a large pit of plastic balls. Dr. Edmunds told him, "I am going to have to scoop you up and throw you in the ballpit." He smiled and walked away, only to return to the keyboard with his hand outstretched towards the keyboard, not touching it, just grinning. Just as he touched it, Dr. Edmunds picked him up and said, "yep, to the ballpit with you." He giggled and smiled, and then returned to the keyboard again, but this time he did not touch it, he just fell into Dr. Edmunds arms and then for the first time spoke "throw me in."

From Dr. Edmunds text: ROOTS OF DISTRESS (2008) REGARING DR. EDMUNDS' WORK WITH A YOUNG MAN WHO EXPERIENCED THE HEARING OF VOICES
Order your copy of ROOTS OF DISTRESS

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.

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.

AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES- SCRANTON AND WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA AND SOUTHERN TIER OF NEW YORK

2010-02-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

To arrange a consultation:

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

DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

570-836-7777

www.humanepsychiatry.com

CHRONOLOGY- DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.

2010-02-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com
www.humanepsychiatry.com

1975- Born In Tampa, Florida.

1983- relocates to Fort Collins, Colorado

1191- serves as legislative aide to State Senator Robert W. Schaffer and later as registered professional lobbyist. Returns to Florida at end of this year

1992- serves as county campaign coordinator for the successful campaign of US Rep Corrine Brown. Transports Martin Luther King III to event at Bethune Cookman College. Has opportunity to meet then Governor Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and US Senator Al Gore during campaign event in Daytona Beach, FL.

1993- attends Congressional Black Caucus swearing in ceremonies in Washington, D.C., later returns to Colorado and graduates from Fort Collins High School

1994- enters University of Florida- Gainesville, FL

1996- ordained deacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church

1997- earns Bachelor of Arts (Religion major, Sociology minor) from the University of Florida, ordained to priesthood in Eastern Orthodox Church, relocates to Scranton, PA to attend University of Scranton

1998- publishes "State of the Soul After Death" in University of Scranton's Diakonia Journal for Eastern Christian Studies; inducted into Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society for Theological Studies

1999- collaborates with Bobbi Gagne- Sexual Assault Crisis Team of Vermont; receives Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton; begins Doctoral study in Community Counseling at Argosy University of Sarasota

2000- completes post graduate work in Dispute Resolution via Nova Southeastern University; begins work as therapist for community based agency for children and adolescents

2001- hosts AM radio program on drug free approaches for distressed children. Begins training in relational approaches to autism.

2002- Begins delivering workshops on autism/developmental differences.

2003- receives Board Certification in Sexual Abuse Issues.

2004- lecture tour in Florida "Thinking Outside the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm"; becomes clinical director for therapeutic equestrian program; assessment clinician for family court

2005- presents presentation, "Thinking Outside the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm" at conference of International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology in New York City.

2006- receives Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from Argosy University of Sarasota. Delivers keynote address at exhibit on psychiatric abuse in Niagara Falls, NY. Guest on nationally syndicated and local radio programs. Publishes, "Children Our Treasure"; begins work as psychological evaluator for intensive day treatment, therapeutic family care, and wraparound programs. Opens private practice as existential-humanist psychotherapist and educational advocacy.

2007- lectures on "Children Our Treasure" in various locations in Pennsylvania and New York. keynote address at exhibit on psychiatric abuse in Philadelphia. receives Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.

2008- publishes "Drug Free Approaches to ADHD", attends meeting in Miami, FL on foster care reform and informed consent, guest on various radio programs. Locates private practice to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Becomes Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for European American University and joins the Society for Humanistic Potential.

2009- publishes "Anarcho-Psychology", becomes Advisory Board member of Society for Laingian Studies

2010- becomes member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Schizophrenia

ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.

2010-02-21T17:37:00.001-08:00

"ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY" BOOK BY DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS,ED.D.

2010-02-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, ED.D. (DRUG FREE APPROACHES TO EXTREME STATES OF MIND)

2010-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A. is an existential-humanist psychotherapist, philosopher, social activist, and author. Dr. Edmunds is in private practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania (Tunkhannock and Dunmore) and specializes in drug free relational approaches for individuals experiencing extreme states of mind (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar) and assists autistic and developmentally different persons.

Dr. Edmunds completed undergraduate study at the University of Florida with a major in Comparative Religion and minor in Sociology. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Scranton and completed post-graduate coursework in Dispute Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Edmunds earned his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from Argosy University of Sarasota. His dissertation examined the efficacy of a drug free program versus psychotropic medications for children diagnosed with ADHD within a wraparound program. Dr. Edmunds received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from St. James Theological Seminary.

Dr. Edmunds is Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion via European-American University and is a member of the Society for Humanistic Potential.

Dr. Edmunds began his work volunteering with the Sexual Crisis Center of Vermont. In 2000, he began working as a psychotherapist for community based agencies. Dr. Edmunds has also served as a assessment clinician for family court, educational advocate, and behavioral consultant. He has testified in cases involving family mediation, custody, and juvenile offenders.

He is the author of CHILDREN OUR TREASURE, a book derived from a presentation to the 8th Annual Conference of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology which details psycho-social approaches towards addressing the needs of distressed children. In addition, he is the author of NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM (addressing relationship based approaches for autism/developmental differences) and ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY which discusses the social, political, and familial factors leading to emotional distress and encourages a mental health system where experience is regarded, persons are treated with dignity, and abuses cease.
He published the article, "Returning the Soul to the Mental Health System" in the Aaina Journal of the Centre for Mental Health Advocacy, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Edmunds has been interviewed on a number of local and nationally syndicated radio programs.

He is the founder of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry
www.humanepsychiatry.com

To arrange a consult in person or by phone, please contact
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY/ CONSCIOUSNESS STUDIES

2010-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Tonglen is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice. Tonglen means 'giving and taking". It is a selfless meditation where the person envisions and takes in the suffering of another person and gives back compassion and thinking of the happiness of others. This is a practice in virtue and is very useful in our developing not only a greater sense of our own happiness, but further empathy for others. The practice is similar to homeopathy or vaccination in that we take in a small mount of poison that helps to innoculate us from future misery.
I had the pleasant opportunity to chat with Marguerite Therese Laing, the wife of the late R.D. Laing who had reminded me of the story of the Buddhist saint Milarepa. In this story, Milarepa had lived a life of luxury later for this to be removed from him by the greed of his Aunt and Uncle. Milarepa later entered black arts and sought revenge on family members he felt harmed him. Later repenting of his actions, he found Marpa as his teacher. Marpa had been harsh with Milarepa and he instructed him to move rocks to construct a building to only then change the plans and Milarepa had to continously rebuild. Milarepa went through periods of despair, but looked at the actions of Marpa and that he did not receive the desired spiritual initiation he sought as a result of his past deeds. Over time, Milarepa through the influence of other teachers, one in the lineage of the Saint Naropa, he came to a state of inner peace.

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

202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657

DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY AS A 'SECULAR MINISTRY'

2010-02-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

In the past I had written on my concern about psychotherapists selling 'love' as a commodity, that is, that if psychotherapists are seeking to help individuals then why would be price be put on this. As I began to think about this, I thought of psychotherapy as a 'secular ministry'. Religious ministers offer guidance and support and they receive voluntary donations to help sustain themselves. Therefore, I determined that in my work with persons, I should not set an established fee or look at psychotherapy as some institution in which the therapist holds the power but as a joining of individuals, where the person receives guidance and support voluntarily and decide to make a voluntary donation to help the therapist be able to sustain themselves.

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.

www.humanepsychiatry.com

ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY: UNCOVERING THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS

2010-02-06T10:54:00.001-08:00

Books by Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.- Existential-Humanist Psychotherapist in Northeastern Pennsylvania

2010-02-05T16:28:00.001-08:00

To arrange a consult with Dr. Edmunds, contact DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-7777

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is a noted existential-humanist psychotherapist practicing in the Scranton/ Wilkes Barre area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He is the author of NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM (addressing autism acceptance), CHILDREN OUR TREASURE, and ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY. Dr. Edmunds is Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues via the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is Professor of Existential Psychology and Comparative Religion for European-American University. Dr. Edmunds specializes in drug free relational approaches for autistic/ developmentally different persons as well as those undergoing extreme states of mind ('schizophrenia', 'schizoaffective', 'bipolar). Dr. Edmunds is a member of the International Society for the Psychosocial Treatment of Schizophrenia.

A BRIEF LOOK AT SCHIZOPHRENIA AND PSYCHOSIS

2010-01-31T06:52:00.001-08:00

In third world countries, 64% of people having a psychotic breakdown fully recover, compared to only 18% in developed countries. Let us remember that the developed countries are those with 'treatments', particularly anti-psychotic drugs. Why is there such a difference? A network of community support is crucial to recovery which is lacking in the developed countries which is suffering from a complete breakdown of community.
"Schizophrenia" can be seen as the dream state applied to everyday life. It has been noted that those undergoing a 'psychotic' episode spend greater time in REM sleep. When people are distressed, they often repress certain thoughts and feelings that later become expressed in dreams and nightmares. In the cases of severe trauma and the 'psychotic' episode, this dream state becomes activated while awake, and the process of hallucination and delusion becomes evident, with a struggle to be able to differentiate between the two 'realms'.
As it is indeed possible to control the dream state, people undergoing a 'psychotic' episode can be helped to manange their experiences that are distressing. This does not require them to become lifelong consumers of toxic drugs, it merely requires us to seek to connect with the person's experience and provide them a safe, supportive environment.

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

www.humanepsychiatry.com

DRUG FREE COUNSELING SERVICES- SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE (SCHIZOPHRENIA, BIPOLAR, ADHD, PTSD, AUTISM)

2010-01-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A. is an existential-humanist psychotherapist in private practice in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Dr. Edmunds has over 10 years of experience in the field and specializes in drug free approaches for autism/developmental differences, post traumatic stress, extreme states of mind (schizophrenia,schizoaffective,bipolar). Dr. Edmunds is Professor of Existential Psychology and Theology via European American University. He is the author of NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM, ANARCHO-PSYCHOLOGY, and CHILDREN OUR TREASURE. Dr. Edmunds has been interviewed on various local and nationally syndicated radio programs. He is Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, is a member of the Society for Psychosocial Treatment of Schizophrenia, and on the Board of Advisors for the Laing Society.

To arrange a consultation, contact DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA, USA 18657
570-836-7777

AUTISM/ DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES- SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA

2010-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.
202 W. Tioga St.
Tunkhannock, PA USA 18657
570-836-7777
DoctorEdmunds@DrDanEdmunds.com

http://www.drdanedmunds.com

ENTERING THEIR IMAGINATIVE WORLD
In dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders, its all about relationship. These children are within a realm where they feel and respond much differently than others. There has been much focus on trying to eliminate certain behaviors or to evoke particular responses in children which actually become rote and repetitive for them without context. One of the goals in aiding these children should be in helping them find meaning. In order to do this we must be willing to not look at the child as broken, unable to respond, or even unable to communicate. These children DO communicate, however they are not always able to manipulate their senses to communicate in the typical ways of other children. As a result, they can become easily frustrated and trapped. The therapist must enter their imaginative world and learn to communicate in their language.

Dr. Stanley Greenspan gives an example of a child who initially went to a psychologist who engaged the child in repetitively placing pegs in a board or trying to find beads hidden under various cups. This was supposed to be a measure of the child’s intelligence and abilities but it proved ineffective. The child constantly hurled the pegs to the floor. A different psychologist took a unique approach in having the mother participate with the child in a series of interactions. First, the child began grabbing the nose of the mother. Rather than redirecting the child and seeking to have her refrain from the grabbing, the mother responded with a ‘toot toot’ noise and then allowed her to do it again responding with a new noise. The mother then gently touched the nose of the child and the child to the amazement of the mother smiled and let out a noise, “mo mo”. The child had indeed communicated but in her own language. The mother and child had made a real connection. This showed to the psychologist that this child’s cognitive development was within a normal range and here was a child who wanted to exert some control over her surroundings. Over time, the communication increased, and the mother was able to have ‘pleasurable’ discussions with her child that prior had never existed (Greenspan, The Growth of the Mind, 1997, pg. 8-9)The key to furthering development lied in relationship.

Children with language difficulties need to have emotional and social supports. Unless these are more fully developed, the language will be fragmented and lack meaning (Greenspan, pg. 32). Before language development can come, improving the understanding of non-literal and non-verbal communications need to be worked upon. There are 6 main milestones for children: self regulation and interest in their surrounding world; intimacy; two way communication; complex communication; emotional ideas; and emotional thinking. In Greenspan’s floor time model the first goal is to encourage attention and intimacy which helps in the further development of the first two milestones. The parent will actively participate in a period of play therapy engaging their child in creative play allowing the child some direction over the course of the session and taking interest in their activities as well as providing encouraging feedback. Self-regulation becomes difficult for some children because sensory stimulation can be so overwhelming or their attention may wander (Greenspan, Essential Partnership, pg. 8). Difficulties in intimacy occur because the child is not able to effectively read the cues being given. Often times the children will have an easier time with adult relationships because adults are more able to adjust their cues to the level of understanding of the child whereas this does not always occur with peers. A part of reaching out to these children and guiding them in the intimacy milestone is to provide them opportunities to interact with peers and to have them be able to relate back what the other person is stating and feeling. Making use of social stories and role plays can be helpful in aiding the child in understanding the feelings of others as well as their own feelings. A social story is a device used where a make believe dialogue is constructed and the child is asked to fill in the gaps. “A social story is a story written to specific guidelines to describe a situation in terms of relevant cues and common responses (Gray & Granard, 1993). The use of comic strip conversations can also be employed. “A comic strip conversation is the genuine ‘art of conversation’. This approach incorporates the use of simple drawings and color to illustrate an ongoing communication. This provides additional support to (children) who struggle to understand the quick exchange of information in a conversation (Gray, 1994). An advanced form of the social story is what is termed the ‘thinking story’. “Thinking stories demonstrate the variety of possibilities as to what people may be thinking when they make certain statements, or when they display certain behaviors…Thinking stories follow a specific, structured format, using picture symbols from Comic Strip Conversations to define and illustrate the abstract concepts covered in the story (Baron-Cohen, 1990, Dawson &Fernald, 1987). The person or therapist using the social story can help guide the child through and the use of feelings charts can also be a beneficial aid. To reach the milestones of two way communication and complex communication, it is important within the sessions that the parents have that they utilize a dialogue with the child, help guide them to use their face, emotions, hands, to convey their needs and desires. Encouraging the child’s imagination and creativity will help in the development of the complex communication as they begin to move towards problem solving. Lastly, it is important to work on logical thought, being able to take the things they have learned from the parent’s coaching and to actually be able to convey some insight and understanding of the world.

In the play therapy sessions, it is important for the parent and/or therapist to actively participate. The purpose should not be to entertain the child, but to interact with the child. Seek to draw near to the child, but this should not be forced, allow the child to express themselves at their particular pace. Use lots of gesturing and cueing and become a part of their imaginative play, allow them to show and teach you something about their world. It is important to not just tolerate their feelings and certainly not be dismissive of them, but allow the child to express their feelings openly being able to distinguish feelings from behavior. Don’t be afraid to challenge the child in new skills, they will be eager to learn as long as the challenge is not forced. From time to time, you will notice that these children will become obsessed with routines or repetition, so in the play do something to break the routine or repetition. If a child is repeating a certain topic or action, do something entirely different that will focus their attention elsewhere. Do not be repetitive in your directives and follow a plan of rote learning, allow the child to explore and display what they do know. It is important to ask open ended questions, let the children explain to you. Find out what these children find meaning in, and seek to have them tell you why. Don’t judge or evaluate their answers, but be a listener. Help the child to brainstorm new ideas, and particularly when conflict arises, let them be able to perform some self assessment, sit as a partner as they develop adaptive responses and utilize them. Don’t be afraid to allow the child to fail from time to time, they will learn and gain insight from their trial and error. When the child is expressing certain thoughts and feelings, help them to be able to label what it is they are expressing (Greenspan, Essential Partnership, pg. 20)

There are key social behaviors as they relate to relationship building that should be addressed with the child who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. The first is entry skills. This refers to how the child joins a group of children and whether or not they seek to include other children into their play. The therapist can help serve as a coach for entry skills and encourage scenarios where the child will have opportunities to exercise the skill (Atwood, 1999) Next is assistance, whether the child recognizes when to seek help from others or to provide help to others. Social stories can certainly be utilized in this situation. An example of a social story as given by Dr. Tony Attwood (1999) that applies to this skill is as follows: Sometimes children help me. They do this to be friendly. Yesterday, I missed three math problems. Amy put her arm around me and said, “Okay, Juanita” She was trying to help me feel better. On my first day of school, Billy showed me my desk. That was helpful. Children have helped me in other ways. Here is my list: I will try to say, Thank you! when children help me. Another example of a social story is: My name is Fred. Sometimes, children help me. Being helpful is a friendly thing to do. Many children like to be helped. I can learn to help other children. Sometimes, children will ask for help. Someone may ask, ‘Do you what day it is today?’ or ‘Which page are we on?’ or maybe something else. Answering that question is helpful. If I know the answer, I can answer their question. If I do not know the answer, I may try to help that child find the answer. Sometimes, a child will move and look all around, either under their desk, in their desk, around their desk. They may be looking for something. I may help. I may say, “Can I help you find something?” There are other ways I can help. This is my list of ways I can help other children: Children like to be helpful (Atwood, 1999). For younger children the use of the Mr. Men stories (such as Mr. Nosy, Mr. Grumpy) by Roger Hargreaves can prove useful.

The other skills which need development include receiving and accepting compliments, accepting and receiving criticism, accepting suggestions, reciprocity and sharing, conflict resolution, monitoring and listening, empathy, and learning to ending meaning how to provide closure to an interaction. For conflict resolution skills I recommend the use of Weeks’s 8 fold model. In this model one first provides and effective atmosphere for the discussion and resolution of the conflict, clarify perceptions, focus on needs, build shared positive power, look to the future and learn from the past, generate options, develop doables, and make mutual benefit agreements (Weeks, 1992). The child diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome will need particular coaching and support in going through these steps.

Within the education system is a great misunderstanding of those who are high functioning within the autism spectrum. These children cannot be placed in an autism classroom as they are too high functioning. These children can be challenging and some teachers and school administrators are afraid of taking the necessary steps to insure these children’s success. Partial hospitalization becomes an easy out for the school districts. Teachers need to be able to build a relationship with the child and recognize their strengths, being respectful of the child’s personal space and boundaries and always speaking to the child in a calm and collected manner. “Teachers need to have a calm disposition, be predictable in their emotional reactions, flexible with their curriculum, and see the positive side of the child (Atwood, pg. 173) Some teachers see that these children will rock in their seats or move their hands or feet and look at these children as being disruptive in the class. The rocking behavior is a way that the child ‘grounds’ themselves, it is comforting for them, and is not a behavior to condemn the child for nor one that can or should be eradicated. If it appears to be a disruption, the teacher can provide a place for the child to be able to have a break until they feel they are more calm. School administration must understand that for the some of these children that sensory stimuli can be very frustrating, and sometimes these children may need brief periods away from school that allow them to regain some emotional stability. Such absences should be written as allowable in the IEP and should not be treated as truancy situations. The size of the classroom is paramount for these children. “Open plan and noisy classrooms are best avoided. The children respond well to a quiet, well-ordered class with an atmosphere of encouragement rather than criticism. Parents find that with some teachers the child thrives, while with others the year was a disaster for both parties. If the teacher and child are compatible, then this will be reflected in the attitude of other children in the class. If the teacher is supportive then the other children will amplify this approach. If they are critical and would prefer the child were excluded, other children will adopt and express this attitude (Atwood, pg. 174). Once a child is in an appropriate environment with the necessary resources, this environment should be maintained. “Once parents have located a school that provides the necessary resources, then it is important to maintain consistency. Going to a new school means changing friends and the school not being aware of the child’s abilities and history of successful and unsuccessful strategies.” Parents have an important role in these children's lives. It is necessary for parents to insure that calm and collected communication occurs with their child, that they are taking the time through positive relationship to build on skill development. The parents must develop an attitude of understanding the differences within their child but not looking upon these differences as their child being defective or unable to have growth. The parents should focus on the strengths that their child does possess and develop ways to capitalize on these strengths and to cope with whatever weaknesses may be present. To sustain a positive and encouraging environment is a crucial component towards the furtherance of the skills of these children. Without this, these children are far more liklely to become overwhelmed and display aggressive and other difficult behaviors. Therefore, whereas there are other factors that may be behind the causation of problematic behaviors with children diagnosed with autism, parents have an important role in being there for their children and creating a stable environment that is conducive to their emotional needs and progression in development. Children with developmental challenges may display an unsual gait and difficulties with motor skills and coordination. They may also have difficulty with sensory stimuli so it is important for the therapist to take note of distressing stimuli and help to limit these things within their environment as much as possible. Activities designed to work on motor skills and coordination can prove beneficial but consideration should be taken as to not force a child or cause undue frustration if the child’s abilities are impaired. Emotional coaching can prove effective for parents of these children. Emotional coaching involves seeking to see the expression of emotions as a time for intimacy and teaching, providing validation to the child’s emotions, and helping the child to be able to label their emotions. The parent who is an emotion coach values the child’s negative emotions as opportunities for intimacy; can be patient with the child when they are sad, angry or fearful; can identify triggers; does not tell the child how to feel; does not expect to have all the answers (Gottman, 1999). There has been some discussion of a link between gastrointestinal disorders and children with autism spectrum disorders (Wakefield, 1997) Some children with autism spectrum disorders may exhibit encopresis. The child should be regularly seen by a physician if any problem arises. The child should not be punished for occasions of encopresis or be made to feel embarrassed. As pediatric neurologist Fred A. Baughman has stated, autism is a blanket term as is cerebral palsy identifying a developmental condition rather than a psychiatric issue. While those considered within the autism spectrum may display similar traits, there are diverse etiologies (Baughman, 2001). Some children with traumatic brain injury or epilepsy may display autistic traits. However, there can also be psychosocial reasons for the development of autistic behaviors. The term itself is very loosely used and at present the exact etiology is not fully known. I tend to look at autism as a variation in perception, yet a normal variation. These children are not defective. As individuals may be left handed or right handed, this is a variation, but does not state that a left handed individual who is in the minority is somehow defective or 'abnormal'. Rather, because children with autism have a variance in their perception, this causes them to come into conflict with the general functoning and perceptions of society as a whole. They have unique strengths but may need dome extra assistance in being able to navigate through what the rest of society typically perceives and how it interacts. It is important for us to respect the dignity and the ability of these children. Such programs as Applied Behavioral Analysis have gained in popularity, but few are aware of the unethical and aversive methods that were a part of the formation of this program. The situations of so-called success with the use of ABA have been overly inflated and the research conducted by those who are to directly a part of the implementation of ABA and are to gain financially and by other means by its implementation. In addition, such a program is based upon a concept of repetitiveness and does not provide children a context for the skills that are being taught. This is why a relationship based model is effective and important in conveying skills and is more dignified and respectful towards the child.

There are no medications that will cure autism and developmental challenges. Some individuals have used various medications in an attempt to control behaviors, however it must be realized that this is all that the medications are capable of doing is controlling a certain aspect of behavior by blunting certain brain functions. These medications all have serious risks. “Neuroleptics have their main impact by blunting the highest functions of the brain in the frontal lobes and the closely connected basal ganglia. They can also impair the reticular activating or energizing system of the brain. These impairments result in relative degrees of apathy, indifference, emotional blandness, conformity, and submissiveness, as well as a reduction in all verbalizations, including complaints or protests. It is no exaggeration to call this effect a chemical lobotomy…contrary to claims, neuroleptics have no specific effects on irrational ideas (delusions) or perceptions (hallucinations)." (Breggin, 1999) These medications also carry the risk of causing tardive dyskinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Tardive dyskinesia is permanent abnormal movements of the voluntary muscles. “NMS is characterized by severe abnormal movements, fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure and pulse, and impaired mental functioning. Delirium and coma can develop. NMS can be fatal…(Breggin, 1999) Common side effects of neuroleptic medications as reported by the Physicians Desk Reference are abdominal pain, abnormal walk, agitation, aggression, anxiety, chest pain, constipation, coughing, decreased activity, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, headache, inability to sleep, increased dreaming, indigestion, involuntary movements, joint pain, lack of coordination, nasal inflammation, nausea, overactivity, rapid heartbeat, rash, reduced salivation, respiratory infection, sore throat, tremor, vomiting. The SSRI antidepressants’ are also a common prescribed medication. These drugs can produce akathisia, mania, worsening of depression, obsessive compulsive like behaviors, and severe anxiety and agitation (International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology Newsletter, Summer 2002, pg. 15) The use of responsible psychosocial and relationship based approaches are far better than any short term benefit that neuroleptics may provide.

Social skills: The use of visual demonstration rather than giving verbal instruction benefits children with developmental challenges. Rather than giving verbal instruction, it is better to guide through the use of actual demonstration. At times, using such devices as Carol Gray's social stories or designing pictorials where the child participates and is able to reflect on the picture and describe to you the scenarios that are challenging to them and to discuss means to address the core issues can be extremely useful. These pictorials can be simple drawings. An example would be if a child becomes frustrated in the store and has a tantrum, one can draw out what took place in the store and have the child identify this, and then draw out the same scenarios with an adaptive and more appropriate response.

Communication skills: The development of communication skills needs to be individualized and paced at the child's each unique level. Utilizing time with the child that is relationship based to foster communication is paramount. Parents and others should spend a significant time each day in reading and demonstrating to the child and in participating in play scenarios with them where the child takes the lead and the parents react to and participate in the imaginative play while guiding and coaching.

repetitive action/ hyper-focusing: using a social reinforcement plan where the child is not given tangible reinforcers but an activity where they can build relationship is beneficial. If a child is hyper-focused on a special interest, this special interest can be turned into the reinforcer, so therefore they are able to maintain their special interest, however be able to channel it towards more appropriate times. In situations of repetitive action, sometimes simply joining in can be an effective means to gain a better understanding of it, or if it is a problematic behavior of curbing it. An example I can give is that I had a client who when frustrated would lie under the table and hit his head on the bottom of the table. I crawled under the table and began doing the same action, gently tapping my head to the table. The child stared and asked me why I was doing that action, in which I responded, "Why are you?", and from that moment forward the behavior ceased.

addressing meltdowns/tantrums and sensory issues: There needs to be a differentiation between meltdowns caused by sensory issues and tantrums that are related to defiance or avoidance. In meltdowns, relaxation exercises can be incorporated or gentle massage. In more serious instances, the parent can gently hold and cradle the child, gently grasping the hands and legs. There should be no communication at this point other than to let the child know that it is not your desire to restrict their freedom, and that you will give back the freedom of movement one step at a time (by letting go of one hand at a time and then the legs) as they begin to de-escalate. Dietary issues: the maintenance of a healthful diet for children is crucial to all children's healthful functioning. Parents should consider if their child has allergies or other concerns and limit certain things from the diet that may be problematic. Some parents have opted to utilize the gluten/casein free diet. There has been some reported improvements in the use of this, however it is an expensive program and not always effective for all children thus parents should seeking to implement such a diet should examine with their physician whether such a diet would be worth the cost and effort and would evoke any positive benefit.