AWARD CHECK:
March 2006
Chris Seaman, manager of the Wal-Mart store in Huntsville, recently presented a $1,000 check to Dr. Judy DeTrude, Dr. James Flowers, and Dr. Kate Walker. The money was used for design and printing of brochures and other tools to let residents of Huntsville, Texas know that free pain management services were available at the Sam Houston State University Jack Staggs Counseling Center.

“The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to other universities that have implemented pain management research programs,” said DeTrude, “and these universities have been very collaborative in providing suggestions for these services.”

Dr. DeTrude said that clients with acute and chronic pain from back injuries were initially assessed for depression and their current level of daily functioning.

Treatment consisted of cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, biofeedback and supportive counseling sessions for the clients and their families.

“Unlimited counseling sessions were available to clients after they completed the 10-session cycle,” said Dr. DeTrude. “Medical treatment was monitored by their physicians, and the clinic was not involved in this aspect of their pain management.”

ARTICLE FEATURED:
in the October 2006 Issue of The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness Newsletter

Becoming Yourself

“I wonder what I will be when I grow up.” In my years working with adults, I’ve found that this is a very relevant question for us grown-ups too. In fact, as we grow, move away from home, love, and experience loss, we become very serious about ‘the question.’ We know we are not the same person we were when we were six, we’re just not sure why. From my personal observations, I am grateful our ideas about our identity change from childhood; otherwise the world would be filled with way too many ballerinas, princesses, and firefighters. So maybe for grownups, the question is not ‘what will I be when I grow up,’ but rather, ‘who am I today,’ and ‘who will I become tomorrow.’

Let’s look at our lifestyle for answers. We struggle with our many identities and define ourselves in many different terms: ‘I am a mother’, ‘I am a wife’, ‘I am an employee.’ Sometimes others try to define us with terms like ‘workaholic,’ ‘health nut,’ or ‘type A personality.’ The most unpleasant definitions are usually the ones that catch us by surprise, ‘you are a diabetic’ or ‘you have high blood pressure.’ And then one day it hits you and you ask yourself, “Have I become the person I intended to be?”

At achievebalance.org we’ve found that the answer lies not in the fact that change has occurred, but rather in our conscious choices in response to those changes. When we begin a wellness program, we are choosing to take control of our health and live intentionally. Unfortunately, even our best intentions can be met with resistance. You know what I mean; you are told to cut out salt and sugar, and the world seems to be on the new ‘doughnuts and French fries’ diet. Our reaction to this soon becomes apparent. We stop eating right, we exercise sporadically (if at all), and our goals and objectives fall by the wayside. Around New Years Eve most of us get the feeling that we need to clean up our act, so we begin ‘the question’ cycle all over again.

At achievebalance.org, we are counselors and consultants dedicated to breaking this cycle! We work with professionals like Dr. McManus to design a plan that will allow you to maintain the changes she is helping you to achieve. Following the plan is still up to you, but achievebalance.org will help you identify the barriers that keep you from making the conscious choices to maintain healthy life changes. We have consultants available to help you achieve your wellness goals, maintain your fitness and nutrition regimen, and even help you get organized. Remember, change is inevitable: achievebalance.org can help.

Kate Walker, Ph.D., L.P.C., L.M.F.T.

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Texas Counseling Association Annual Conference
DeTrude, J., Walker, K. M. (2008, November). Group supervision as an agency for change. Presented at the Texas Counseling Association Annual Conference, Houston, TX.

Watts, R. E., Walker, K. M. (2007, November). Understanding and applying Adlerian-based counseling techniques. Presented at the Texas Counseling Association Annual Conference, Corpus Christi, TX.

Dr. Kate Walker, Dr. Judy DeTrude and Dr. James Flowers (2006, December, San Antonio) presented on the following topics:

1. Conducting Pre-Surgical Psychosocial Evaluations for Patients Considering Bariatric Surgery
2. Counseling Hispanic Pain Patients: Considerations for Effective Treatment

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