2012 Was a Year Worth Celebrating

As I take some time to reflect on the past 12 months, there was a lot to celebrate in 2012.   All in all, it was a great year, full of so many new things, it is hard to keep track of them all.  We are connecting more people to Counseling, more interns to supervisors, and more people with jobs in the Mental Health field.  We are working to replace stigma around mental illness with compassion and proper treatment.

Remember, we are having our Katy Mental Health meeting this Friday, January 4th.  We will be talking about "Building a Platform: How to connect a tribe using the internet."   To RSVP, just reply to this e-mail letting me know you are coming.

In my opinion, one of the most influential people on this topic is Michael Hyatt.

Here are his top 10 posts for the year, along with the number of page views they generated:

1. How to Setup Google Calendar on Your iPhone (206,004)
2. 12 Ways to Get More Twitter Followers (139,014)
3. How to Organize Evernote for Maximum Efficiency (136,014)
4. Creating Your Personal Life Plan (118,060)
5. Fix for Wireless Connection Problems on MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs (101,581)
6. The Beginner’s Guide to Twitter (98,680)
7. Why You Need a Platform to Succeed (89,913)
8. 5 Reasons Why You Should Take a Nap Every Day (79,113)
9. How to Speed Up Your iPhone If It Starts Slowing Down (61,430)
10. How to Launch a Self-Hosted WordPress Blog in 20 Minutes or LessScreencast

NEW LOOK!

Here is my new Profile on Psychology Today's Therapy Directory 

Resources after tragedy

Let's continue to link arms and help each other in this difficult time.  Here are just a few resources.  Feel free to share them with others:

Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
 
Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety

Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND TEACHERS

Helpful Hints for School Emergency Management: 
Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Students and Teachers: Listen, Protect, Connect – Model & Teach 
 
Listen, Protect, Connect – Model and Teach
Psychological First Aid for Teacher and Students

After a Loved One Dies – how children grieve and how parents and other adults can support them  

School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis

One Thousand Members

I moved from Spain to the Houston area in 2005. I studied Psychology at the University of Malaga (Spain). After a lot of hard work, I obtained my LPC license in October of 2008. 

I started this LinkedIn group in October of 2009, when I was still an “intern”, thinking that maybe a few of my friends in the Mental Health field throughout Texas might join. And then... Then, 999 of you showed up a little over 3 years later. This boggles my mind. 1,000 of us. What could we do if all of us really, truly connected, collaborated and worked toward common goals? I think we could change the world... 

One last thing: Thank You. Thank you for contributing to making Texas a healthier community. Thank you for the hard work that you do. Thank you for fighting the status quo. Thank you for actively seeking to replace misperceptions and misunderstanding about Mental Health with compassion and proper treatment. Your work is important. Your connection to this group is valued. Please keep fighting the good fight. Please continue to push to accomplish what only you have been called to do. We need you.

Join the Texas Mental Health LinkedIn group and continue the conversation.

Katy Mental Health: Our First Meeting of 2013

If you are in the Mental Health field and live close to Katy, TX, you should seriously consider starting 2013 on the right track by coming to our awesome meeting.

Cost: FREE (bring your lunch and something to share if you feel generous).

Friday, January 4, 2013!!  11:30 am until 1:00 pm

The Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

25525 Katy Mills Parkway

Katy, TX 77494

281-391-2149 (phone number to the location).

I have been asked to speak on the topic of “Building a Platform: How to connect a tribe using the internet.”  We will be talking about personal branding through social media, blogging, etc, etc, etc.  I only want to present on this topic if I hear back from you saying that this is of interest to you.  Please reply telling me that this is something you want to hear about, or suggesting another topic.

I would like to offer the 90 days of free advertising as an endorsed provider at HoustonLPC.com (valued at $155) to the first 3 Katy-networkers who reply to this post with “KMH FREE”.  Send me the information that you would like me to post on the website.  Your info will be posted here for 90 days for free.

To reserve your place at this event please RSVP with Kris Kerlin at 713-471-9977 or e-mail me: david@houstonlpc.com.

Can’t make it to the meeting? Subscribe to free updates to stay connected here.

Hasta Enero,

David

This is what you think is worth reading

About once a week I look at what you guys are clicking on my Twitter feed.   These are the most clicked topics this week.  Here is some great reading without charge.  I think it's worth way more than it costs.

1. Networking Opportunities for Mental Health & Addictions Professionals in Texas = http://ow.ly/eZCqw

2. Oh no you didn't! = http://ow.ly/eZdHf

3. Co-dependents need boundaries = http://ow.ly/eWpvI

4. Bo’s place Upcoming training events = http://ow.ly/f6HKn

5. Want Lasting Love? Say These Words to Your Honey = http://ow.ly/eHNOx

6. Painful shyness = http://ow.ly/eZedx

7. Increase Longevity with Seven Hours of Sleep = http://ow.ly/eZdy8

Being vulnerable in business

Have you seen this video about vulnerability with Brené Brown?  I’m not going to write about my struggle with vulnerability in my personal life here (I’m probably not vulnerable enough), but I wanted to share the applications to starting my own private practice and HoustonLPC.com.  Am I willing to really find out what the mental health community in Houston needs and provide a service that benefits all of us?  What are the conversations already taking place in this community?  Can I build solutions that can make me of better service to them?   Do I care about it so deeply that I will take the time to truly understand what the real needs are?  Am I willing to let this community prove me wrong?  Am I willing to listen to what the community says it’s right, to then decide whether I want to create that or not?  

Please post a comment or send me an e-mail if you have any feedback about this: david@houstonlpc.com

Head Games

Join Us For the Houston Premiere of the Documentary:

HEAD GAMES
 
A film inspired by Christopher Nowinski, a former all-Ivy League football player,
WWE wrestler, concussion sufferer, activist and author of
"Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis." 
View the Trailer:

http://headgamesthefilm.com/ 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Studio Movie Grill - City Center
805 Town & Country Blvd. * Houston, Texas

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW
Tickets can be purchased online at
www.studiomoviegrill.com
Doors Open: 6:30 pm * Movie Begins: 7:00 pm
 
~ DISCUSSION FOLLOWING THE FILM ~ 
** Click on Each Name to Meet the Panelists** 

Kenneth Podell, Ph.D., FACPN - Neuropsychologist

Co-Director, Methodist Concussion Center

Dr. Podell specializes in the assessment and treatment of individuals who have sustained brain injury or disease, with particular expertise in sports concussion, traumatic brain injury and dementia. He serves as a team neuropsychological consultant for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo and Rice University Athletics.

Summer D. Ott, Psy.D - Neuropsychologist

Director, Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute Concussion Program

Dr. Ott is currently a Neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor in the department of Orthopedics at UT Houston Medical School. She works closely with area team Physicians and Athletic Trainers regarding prevention, education, and management of sports-related concussion. She serves as team Neuropsychologist for the Houston Dynamo Professional Soccer Team, Houston Aeros Hockey team and the Houston Texans as well as many college universities and school districts throughout Texas. 

Jennifer Crawford, PhD - Clinical Psychologist/Pediatric Neuropsychologist

The Menninger Clinic 

Dr. Crawford is a Clinical Psychologist/Pediatric Neuropsychologist on the Adolescent Treatment Program (ATP) unit at The Menninger Clinic (TMC).  She is experienced in the evaluation of both children and adolescents with a variety of medical and psychiatric disorders.  Her clinical interests are in the development and expression of neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and the impact of brain development on behavior.

David Bueno Martin, LPC

Founder, Martin Counseling, PLLC

Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at Martin Counseling, PLLC, his private practice and DePelchin Children's Center. He is an expert in counseling and mental health services for children, families and adults struggling with behavioral, emotional or relational issues.  His interests include Sport Psychology and he has experience treating student athletes.

The screening of the documentary film, "Head Games" is a mental health awareness event of

Mental Health America of Greater Houston
The Menninger Clinic
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Neuroscience Research Center
Methodist Neurological Institute Concussion Center

NAMI Metropolitan Houston
Lone Star Veterans Association

** This is not a Fundraiser **

Week in review [Oct. 22]

Here are the top 7 most popular links this past week.  Enjoy the clicking!

1 - LPC Jobs in Houston = http://ow.ly/eCgVg

2 - Head Games / Wednesday, Nov. 7th = http://ow.ly/ew8d0

3 - The One Social Skill that Can Change Your Life = http://ow.ly/eDZu2

4 - Brain Scientists Uncover New Links Between Stress And Depression = http://ow.ly/ezavS

5 - Violencia doméstica: un círculo de abuso difícil de dejar = http://ow.ly/esUaf

6 - 10 Things Happy People Do Differently = http://ow.ly/eBHti

7 - The Real Reason Children (and Adults) Hate their Stepmothers = http://ow.ly/eBHIa

Katy Mental Health: Our Last Meeting Of The Year

Our last meeting of the Year.

Friday, November 2, 2012

11:30am until 1:00pm

The Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

25525 Katy Mills Parkway

Katy, TX 77494

281-391-2149 (phone number to the location).

Find other mental health folks. Form teams, solve problems. Hire. Be hired. Dream big. Make promises and keep them. Talk about Katy. Talk about helping others. Invite your friends. Reinvigorate yourself. Invigorate someone else. Discover how small the world is. Remind yourself how big the world is. This meeting is for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. 

Kris Kerlin, LPC-S and David Bueno Martin, LPC are co-hosting the third mental health networking luncheon in Katy, Texas.  Please bring your own lunch this time.   There is NO COST to this meeting (donations are appreciated to help with ongoing costs).  Space is limited to the first 45 registrants. To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by October 29 by contacting Kris Kerlin at 713-471-9977 or e-mail David Bueno Martin: david@houstonlpc.com.

Train the Trainer on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

October 18th, 2012

Mental Health America of Greater Houston (MHA), a non-profit organization, focuses on community and legislative advocacy and education and training about various mental health topics.  Our Women’s Mental Health Initiative includes a project called the Yates Children Memorial Fund (YCMF) whose Advisory Committee addresses perinatal mental health issues through education, training, outreach and advocacy.  We offer perinatal mental health training in the Greater Houston area at no charge to social service agencies, community health clinics, hospitals, professional associations and other organizations that would be particularly interested in perinatal mental health.  We highly recommend this training for  those who provide services to moms (both during pregnancy and after) and to babies and young children (as the health of the mother directly correlates to the health of the child).

As we continue to receive a number of requests for training, we need more volunteer trainers to assist us in meeting the demand.  On Thursday, October 18^th, from 6 – 8 pm at the United Way, we are offering “Train the Trainer in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders” at no charge for licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, residents in psychiatry, LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, etc.) who are interested in presenting our mental health training as volunteer representatives of MHA.  The speakers will be Rhoda Seplowitz, MD, a psychiatrist is private practice; and Kristen Berglund, LPC Intern, a counselor intern in private practice who is supervised by Sammie Jones, MA, LPC.

If you are interested in attending this free training on October 18^th and becoming a volunteer trainer for MHA in 2013, please RSVP by Thursday, October 11^th by e-mailing Karen George at kgeorge@mhahouston.org.  Space is limited.  Please feel free to forward this e-mail to other licensed mental health professionals who may be interested in attending.  Family Services of Greater Houston will provide CEUs for LPCs, LMFTs and social workers; psychiatrists, residents in psychiatry and psychologists will receive a certificate of completion.

Another networking event on Oct. 5th.

If you can't make this networking event in Katy on Friday, October 5th, consider going to this one in Houston.

CEU's: “Dynamics of Multicultural Counseling: Immigration, Assimilation While Focusing on Mental Health & Addiction”

Presented by Emilio Jimenez, LPC-S 

October 10, 2012 

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Memorial Hermann Hospital - Katy

23900 Katy Freeway   Katy, TX 77494

Tiger Room A, 1^st Floor

Sponsored by Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center

1.5 Hour CEU credit

Cost $5.00 (lunch included)

RSVP to Ann Walker 713-329-7370 ann.walker@memorialhermann.org

Diagnosing & Treating Perinatal Mental Disorders

This FREE WORKSHOP offered by Mental Health America of Greater Houston and Family Services of Greater Houston is designed for mental health professionals, including LPC/LPC-I, LMFT/LMFT-A, & LCSW/LMSW.

In exchange for FREE training and CEUs, participants will be asked to contribute twelve (12) hours of pro bono counseling services to mothers with perinatal mental health issues in MHA’s Pro Bono Counseling Program.

Location: United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas 77007

Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Registration at 8:30 AM)

Free CEUs are available for LPCs, LMFTs and social workers.

To register, please e-mail kgeorge@mhahouston.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 18, 2012

If you are unable to attend, but would like more information about MHA’s Pro Bono Counseling Program, please contact Debbie de la Riva at 713-523-8963 x235 or delariva@mhahouston.org

Houston/Harris County Post 9/11 - Veterans’ Behavioral Health Training

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Registration begins at 12:30 PM)

This FREE WORKSHOP offered by Mental Health America of Greater Houston and Family Services of Greater Houston is designed for mental health professionals, including LPC/LPC-I, LMFT/LMFT-A, & LCSW/LMSW.  In exchange for FREE training and CEUs, participants will be asked to contribute twelve (12) hours of pro bono counseling services to veterans with behavioral health concerns or their family members in MHA’s Pro Bono Counseling Program.

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Drive

Houston, Texas 77007

Free CEUs are available for LPCs, LMFTs and social workers.

To register, please e-mail kgeorge@mhahouston.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 18, 2012

If you are unable to attend, but would like more information about MHA’s Pro Bono Counseling Program, please contact Debbie de la Riva at 713-523-8963 x235 or ddelariva@mhahouston.org

Parenting Your Teen in 2012 - What Every Parent of a Teen Should Know

Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center

3043 Gessner, Houston Tx 77080

Alumni Center, 2^nd Floor

RSVP to Ann Walker 713-329-7370 or ann.walker@memorialhernann.org

Teenagers today face many choices and pressures that can create unique challenges for you, your teen and your family. You want to get through these challenges successfully, but what exactly should you do and where do you start? How can you help your teen successfully navigate this special but sometimes difficult phase of his or her life?

Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center (PaRC) is committed to assisting teens and their families on the path to wellness and recovery. Our free educational series, Parenting Your Teen in 2012, teaches you more about the choices, challenges and pressures your teen faces everyday and equips you with the tools and knowledge you and your family need to make it through the teen years intact!

Free Seminars for Parents

Oct 3, 2012 6:30p – 8:30p	Teen Coping Skills Presenter: Dr. Ehrin Weiss, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist Houston Family Psychology Presenter: Dr. Vaughn Bryant, Ph.D, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center Learn about unhealthy coping mechanisms and positive interventions that can be used against daily pressures. In addition, understand when to intervene and seek help for your adolescent.
Nov 7, 2012 6:30p – 8:30p	Beating the Holiday Blues: Surviving Your Teen’s Challenges Presenter: Ernest Patterson, LCDC, Manager of Adolescent Programs Presenter: George Youngblood, LCDC, CEO of Teen & Family Services Learn to build rapport and dialogue with your teen, developing and understanding boundaries, as well as strategies for restoring relationships. In addition, ideas will be shared for bringing joy in the mist of challenges.
Dec 5, 2012 6:30p – 8:30p	Trends for Teens in 2012 Presenter: Jane Barnes, MBA, LCDC Presenter: Helena Washington, MRC, LCDC, ICADC Hear about how drugs have changed over the decades, identify popular street and prescription drugs abused today and the signs/symptoms of drug use, and learn “boundary” setting and the use of role modeling.

2012 Foster/Adoptive Family Camp

What: 2012 Foster/Adoptive Family Camp

When:  Six online session modules starting NOW!

                Practice Sessions for Parents: October 10 & 17  (childcare provided)

                Camp Day for Family: October 20 (10:00  A.M. – 4:00 P.M.)

Where: Houston’s First Baptist Church

Cost: $150 per family (if you are attending the camp in preparation for fostering or adopting, you may do online seminars only - $100).

All participants will receive a notebook to aid in going through online seminars.

These seminars have been used to train caretakers and professionals serving orphanages in other countries with great results.

All based on Karyn Purvis principles, but filled with practical applications to use in day to day care of your child.

Space for 24 families attending October 20th family camp.

More Information/Registration: www.houstonsfirst.org/CounselingRetreats

Contact for Questions: Mary.Ring@hfbc.org or Greg.Curnutte@houstonsfirst.org

FPR Soccer Coaches Wanted

FamilyPoint Resources is looking for coaches and assistant coaches for the soccer teams we enter into SBMSA this fall.  The season starts in early September and ends in mid-November.  Most teams have one or two games or practices each week and another game or practice every Saturday.  We are primarily looking for coaches for 5-6 year old boys, 7-8 girls, 7-8 boys, and 9-10 boys.  Coaches with children are always welcome to have their kids play on the team.  We will also be offering a Free Skills Clinic every Friday evening from September 7-Ocotber 26.  The clinic will be led by Juan Carlos Ruiz (a FIFA certified soccer trainer, and World Cup veteran), and can serve as a practice for teams as well.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jason Roberts here.

Deathbed Visions and Professional Practice

This is a guest post by Martha Atkins.  Get in touch with her today if you meet the criteria explained at the bottom of this post. martha@marthaatkins.com

My client’s son died, a little boy who had lived with a brain tumor for most of his four years. 

His mama told the story of his last moments, how her husband leaned in close to hear the words their son was speaking. 

“The train is here. I have to go now.” Then he was gone.

Because of this story and others, I’ve been studying about deathbed experiences for the last several years. Many of my clients have witnessed them and while I talk about DBVs freely with them, I didn’t consider researching more until I watched and listened to my mother as she was dying. 

Mom was in her last few days of life when she began to see her people - her mother and dad, grandparents, a favorite aunt and uncle. They came to greet her en-mass one afternoon, walking along a dirt road she’d known in childhood. 

My oldest brother, who had died 12 years before, was not in the group. I had dreamt about Jim. I saw him sitting in a chair in the room with Mom, reading a book and waiting for her. I phoned my brother, John the next day to share the dream. He had a similar one. 

I asked Mom about Jim. Had she seen him? Mom smiled. “Oh, he’s been here awhile.” 

In her last hours, Mom was reaching towards something no one else could see. She grimaced and mumbled words we couldn’t understand. 

Some say these reactions are simply physiological responses related to the brain being deprived of oxygen. Or part of the disease process. Or make believe. There’s no way to prove this one way or another. However, the anecdotal accounts are vast and show that many, many people report the phenomenon and find them comforting.

This is true for me and my family. We couldn’t go with her but she wasn’t alone. This settled into us and brought relief. 

I’m so intrigued by the topic that I’m researching it for my doctorate. I’m particularly interested in how professional counselors make sense of these experiences as this has implications for professional practice. 

Have you talked to/asked your clients about deathbed experiences in your counseling practice? If so, I’d love it if you’d make a comment and share your experiences - or maybe you would like to participate in my research. 

Here’s the criteria: 

1. LPC/LPCI/LMHP
2. You have been with a dying person in the last five years in either a personal or professional capacity
3. You witnessed the dying person having deathbed experiences 

I’m conducting research through September 15th. If you meet the criteria, I’d love to talk with you. 

I have one more request. Would you please forward this blogpost/criteria to your professional networks? I sure would appreciate it. 

David, thanks for allowing me to post here. 

Be well.

martha@marthaatkins.com

Martha J. Atkins, MA, LPC

Master Certified Coach

Licensed Professional Counselor

phone/text (210) 385 - 8144

We're Doing It Again: the SECOND Mental Health networking meeting. [KATY]

We're doing it again, the SECOND networking meeting.

It's almost free and it's fun. Thanks for leading the way and for connecting over work that needs doing...

The feedback we've gotten from our first event has been just amazing. I think you'll find extraordinary support and some very cool people as well.

A non-commercial chance to connect with other members of the Mental Health community in Katy.

Kris Kerlin, LPC-S and David Bueno Martin, LPC are co-hosting the SECOND mental health networking luncheon in Katy, Texas. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $10 and space is limited to the first 45 registrants. To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by contacting Kris Kerlin at 713-471-9977 or e-mail David Bueno Martin: david@houstonlpc.com.

Friday, October 5, 2012

11:30am until 1:00pm

The Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

25525 Katy Mills Parkway

Katy, TX 77494

281-391-2149 (phone number to the location).