Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic

We are pleased to announce...
joining LBHC are:

Patricia Costello, MSW, LCSW
Jo Rittenhouse, Ph.D.
Jocelyn Ritchie, Ph. D.
Anne Whitney, MA



Anne Whitney, MA in Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. in English, is beginning a second career at Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic after 17 years teaching literature and writing in the English Department at UNL. While teaching English was a career she loved, especially working one on one with writers, Anne had also long maintained a keen interest in psychotherapy. Of course, making the decision to change careers meant graduate school again -- a definite challenge after so many years in the role of teacher -- but by August, 2007, Anne received her MA in counseling psychology from UNL and now looks forward to many rewarding years as a psychotherapist.
     Anne is drawn to women's issues as well as to working with individuals experiencing grief, difficult life transitions, and sexuality concerns. Existential and Jungian therapies, which prioritize the exploration of life meaning and purpose, identity, and spirituality, are relevant to her. Where there is interest on the part of a client, she would enjoy using such approaches as writing, art, and/or dream work to elicit personal imagery and meaning. Currently, as a PLMHP, Anne is building a private practice at Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic and also providing therapy to clients at Community Mental Health Center and at Voices of Hope, where she co-facilitates a sexual trauma support group.


Karate training brings many fitness benefits...
By Scott Walls, Lincoln Karate Clinic

    When adults consider avenues for fitness and physical well-being, karate training is often overlooked as a legitimate means of fulfillment. Karate was originally intended to give an individual an effective method of self-defense without the use of weapons. As times have changed, other benefits of karate training have come to the forefront. While the intention of learning self-defense should remain paramount to any student of karate, the physical benefits that come along with the training are numerous.
    Muscle tone and endurance - At the Lincoln Karate Clinic students routinely engage in exercises that use only their own body weight. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, isometric exercises and coordination/balance drills give a practitioner of karate a very well-rounded, strong body. Beginning students often comment about how much progress they make in their overall strength and muscle endurance. Of course, improved muscle tone along with a healthy lifestyle leaves a person looking great, and in the end, feeling awesome.
    Flexibility - Flexibility is extremely critical - especially for adults. Every karate class at the Lincoln Karate Clinic begins with a warm-up cycle. Along with the exercises that follow, students are led through different types of flexibility exercises. Not everyone can do the full splits, and that should not even be expected. However, flexibility to an optimum degree for each individual is emphasized. The movements of the karate style taught at the Lincoln Karate Clinic are very natural. Students ages 5-65 can use the techniques. Many of the techniques also help improve joint mobility and flexibility by requiring the muscle to contract and relax on a repetitive basis.
    Balance/coordination - Many beginning students start karate slightly nervous because they are not coordinated enough. This is precisely the reason they should start karate! Karate movements involve your legs, arms and body in coordinated and fluid movements. In addition, both the left and right sides are used. So students often find themselves being more coordinated in other activities as well. Kicking, punching and blocking require balance. Gradually a student becomes quite balanced and able to move very quickly while maintaining posture.
    Cardiovascular fitness - Most karate training involves differing levels of aerobic activity. However, the classes are paced to the students' abilities. So, for people intimidated by fast-paced, high-intensity exercise classes, karate becomes an attractive option. Students are pushed in class up to their ability and encouraged to do their best. We emphasize that sweating is healthy for the body. Any activity that increases the heart rate to a healthy level is a good activity.
    The self-defense that comes along with karate training is a unique benefit. Kickboxing/aerobic/cardio types of classes are wonderful as aerobic workouts. However, these classes do not teach appropriate self-defense responses and should not be confused with regular karate training.
     Anyone with an interest in karate should feel welcome to try it. At the Lincoln Karate Clinic we have students from ages 3 to over 60! For more information, call the clinic at 483-Kick or visit www.lincolnkarate.org.



          Sensei Scott Walls

Click here to go to Lincoln Karate School

NEWS

A Newsletter of Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic, Inc.
OURSELVES & OTHERS
Volume 10, Issue 1

FOCUS...

You are reading a newsletter published by the psychotherapists of Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic, Inc. We wanted to share our knowledge of mental health issues with the public, knowing full well that many people cannot afford counseling or fear the stigmatization of going to see a counselor. By creating a newsletter, we reach out to the public and perhaps you may come across an article that rings true for you. Perhaps you may learn something from an article. That would be our greatest hope.

Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic, Inc. is a place where individuals, families, and couples seek counseling for a variety of issues. The Clinic is the home to nine different psychotherapists, each providing a different style of counseling and services. Throughout the year, you will read articles written by the different therapists. This will offer you a chance to get to know some of the counselors at the Clinic. Perhaps it may help you feel more comfortable choosing the “right” counselor if there should come a time when you or someone you know is ready to go in that direction.

If you would like to receive Ourselves & Others, it is free of charge. If you would like information about seeing a counselor,just call 489-9959.







                Remember the three R's:
         Respect for self
           Respect for others
           Responsibility for all your actions


FEELING STRESSED?

Many of us experience symptoms of stress. These include headaches, feelings of unworthiness, fear of failure, stomach aches, lack of motivation, addictions to work, substances, or other unhealthy behaviors. Our bodies and minds are struggling to cope. The fast pace of our lives and the uncertainty of our safety in these trying times are adding to the difficulties we face on a daily basis. If life seems overwhelming to you or to your family members, please let us help. We can offer consultation that could lead to on-going therapy to teach new methods and techniques so that you may feel confident that you are dealing with your stress in a healthy manner.

           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following essay was recently written by a young woman who has been diagnosed with mental illness since her teen-age years. She spent many of the succeeding years locked into a silence that was only briefly breached when in the company of other patients or with her trusted therapist. In the ensuing years, she has attempted to journal her thoughts, in an effort to identify and express the blocked emotions that have kept her a virtual prisoner of her mind.

THE COIN PURSE

     I feel really, really bad about something. I suppose the proper word is guilty, extremely guilty about something for over twenty-years.
     I think most people would think it's stupid. Or I'm extremely stupid for feeling so guilty, for so long over it.
     A little over twenty-years ago when Cym and I were best friends, we still hung out together. I must've been in the fourth grade and Cym in the fifth, because we were still in the same school. Anyway, we had this favorite teacher Miss X. We both thought she was so cool. Miss X was also a pilot and promised to take us flying sometime. Only she never did. But that's not important.
     Cym and I decided we would like to take Miss X out to lunch sometime. Of course it had to be on a weekend. I don't believe it's summertime, but I'm not sure, I'm pretty sure though.
     In those days there was still a McDonald's downtown. Cym and I hung out downtown all the time. So we took Miss X there.
     At McDonald's both Cym and I bought Miss X her lunch. Then individually bought our own food, and went and sat down. Now the McDonald's downtown had a section which was considered the cool place to sit. So of course we sat there. Only I ended up going back to stand in line.
     I went back because Miss X wanted something else or I did. I really don't remember for sure. I do remember being unsure if I was going to have enough money.
     Now at the time McDonald's was advertising big time that their ice cream cones were only twenty-five cents.
     So I'm waiting in line to order and I notice this little old lady standing in line next to me. I had reached the register before her. I was paying for my food when she got to the register and ordered an ice cream cone.
    (This may be a little confusing and out of order but stay with me.)
     This old lady is pulling out a quarter from her coin purse. Only then the McDonald's employee says it's twenty-six cents. But the woman only had a quarter.
     I wanted to give her the penny she needed, but I didn't.
     At first, I wanted to finish paying for my food. I did so. As it turned out, I had a little extra money and could've given her the penny. I don't know why I didn't. At least not totally. I know I was having serious shyness issues. Even then as a youngster I couldn't approach people, even when I wanted to do that.
     I wanted to give her the penny. I couldn't. I don't know if I was just too shy or if I was too selfish in keeping my change.
     I saw her face when she put her quarter back in the coin purse. The woman looked devastated when she couldn't even buy an ice cream cone. I really thought she'd cry.
     I saw the woman leave, looking beaten down and ever so disappointed. The saddest woman I have ever seen. And all she wanted was a simple twenty-six cent ice cream cone.
     As I remember now, it was winter or near it. I still see the back of the woman as she left. Her grey, curly, thinned a little, out of order hair with her head down. And her tan, dirty winter coat she wore as she went out the door.
     I, believe it or not, think of that woman, that sad little old lady. Who all she wanted was a cone, a lot. How could I ever be so unable to talk to people to do that to her? How could I not give her the penny? I don't know if I was being selfish and trying to save money. If I was ---------- it was just a penny. What in the hell was I thinking? I'm relatively sure it was because I can't talk to people. Only that's no excuse.
     I think of her often, very often. For I've never gotten over it. I've never been able to forgive myself. I doubt I ever will. There is nothing I can do to make up for it. That woman is probably dead now. I can never make it up to her. I couldn't anyway. I know nothing about her. No name, no address, nothing. I don't deserve forgiveness from her, anyone else, or me.
     You know, I've never told anyone, not really. I told my mom a little but not everything. Maybe I shouldn't of put it in here. Now others will see it and know what scum I am.
     I can still remember the woman's face. But what I remember best is the coin purse. Seeing her open her coin purse, pulling out the only quarter, the only money she had.
     Her coin purse was a little tattered. And her hands, I see her hands. Little old lady hands. They came out of the sleeves of her coat. Elastic bands around her wrists up to dirty sleeves right around the hands. And little dirty sleeves from a tan coat.
     I still see her dainty old woman hands sticking out of the dirty sleeves of her tan coat.

She deserved better!
So Sorry

                   JUST FOR K.I.C.K.S.      Scott Walls, MA

     On August 1, 2000 a new, innovative, and much needed alternative program debuted in Lincoln. Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic is the headquarters for K.I.C.K.S. (Kids Integrating Counseling and Karate Services). This program for youth ages 8-18 provides a multifaceted treatment approach for youth with behavioral problems, legal issues, self-esteem issues and is also designed to help youth who have not responded to traditional treatment approaches.
     K.I.C.K.S. is a registered program that combines counseling, karate training, and community service into a one year, recreation/therapeutic program. Counseling needs are provided by Scott Walls. Scott is a therapist with immense experience and interest in working with some of the most difficult youth around. In addition, Scott is the chief instructor and director of the Lincoln Karate Clinic. Click here to go to Lincoln Karate School. Youth in the K.I.C.K.S. program not only receive counseling from Scott, but also train with him up to seven times a week in traditional Okinawan Karate.
    The program itself is designed to bring youth into a safe and positive atmosphere in which they can learn to control behaviors, bent feelings, and learn coping strategies. While having this opportunity, they are also spending their time doing an activity that is demanding yet incredibly fun. Youth are also asked to do community service hours during the course of the program. Therapeutic rapport with youth can be difficult. Youth in the K.I.C.K.S. program develop rapport with Scott and other karate members who can serve to provide them with a large support system. Therapy becomes much less threatening and intimidating because of the time spent together. Payment options vary depending on insurance coverage and payment sources. Youth and their guardians are welcome to attend an initial intake appointment free of charge. At that appointment they will learn about the program, the philosophy, and the needs of the youth. If you are considering the K.I.C.K.S. program, please call Scott Walls at 489-9959 for more information.
    This program has already been featured in local and international news articles! We are looking forward to the quick growth and success of the K.I.C.K.S. program to youth in need.

Grieving: A healthy process for dealing with loss...
By Mark Schwaninger
(article taken from the Star City Health/June 2005)

    Forty years ago, Judy Byrns gave birth to a daughter who lived only 28 hours.
    When a newborn infant dies nowadays, the parents may hold the child, dress it, take pictures of it and spend hours with it to acknowledge the child and begin the grieving process - a process of letting go.
     Not so back in 1965.
     "Out of love for me and a desire to protect me from feeling too terrible, my family and my husband's family took away my ability to deal with this loss," said Byrns, now a psychologist who owns Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic.
     "They didn't allow me to see the body. They had the funeral without me, while I was in the hospital. They cleaned out the nursery and anything that might remind me of my daughter."
     Seven years later, Byrns drove to the cemetery and spent a day at her daughter's grave - letting herself remember her. She recalled watching her daughter, who had a respiratory problem, through the nursery window and feeling angry because the infant was not trying harder to breathe.
     "Recognizing that you are angry with the person who is dying is the hardest thing to accept," Byrns said. "It seems wrong. A lot of my clients get stuck there in their grief process."
     "After you get past all the anger, you get to the grieving - the sadness, the crying, the full realization of the loss - and then you can get to your acceptance of that loss."
     In the book "On Death and Dying," Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief:
     1) Denial (this isn't happening to me!)
     2) Anger (why is this happing to me?)
     3) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...)
     4) Depression (I don't care anymore)
     5) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes)
     While we may feel those emotions, there is no script for grief - we can't expect to feel our emotions in a set pattern or time period, Byrns said. "Each individual has to deal with the loss in their own way, in their own time."
     People grieve over many kinds of loss - a job, children leaving home, even an unfulfilled life goal established during adolescence.
     Grief groups, such as those offered by many churches and funeral homes, can help take the place of rituals that people had in pioneer days.
     "Pioneers built the coffin, dressed the body in the home, spent time with body and dug the grave," she said. "There were lots of opportunities to work through the grieving process."
     "People used to wail by the grave and experience their grief publicly. In our society today, we don't like that sort of thing. We celebrate people's lives at funerals, and I think it gets in the way of grieving because the unspoken suggestion is that there is no need to feel bad. He has gone to a better place."
     With today's mixed messages, people often don't know how to grieve, Byrns said. She recommends giving yourself permission to find what works for you.
     "Keep asking for help until you don't need help anymore," she advised. "Grief is not about forgetting the deceased person. It's a process, and you have to work your way through it to reach your acceptance."

Copyright 2003, Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic, Inc.

FEELING STRESSED?

Many of us experience symptoms of stress. These include headaches, feelings of unworthiness, fear of failure, stomach aches, lack of motivation, addictions to work, substances, or other unhealthy behaviors. Our bodies and minds are struggling to cope. The fast pace of our lives and the uncertainty of our safety in these trying times are adding to the difficulties we face on a daily basis. If life seems overwhelming to you or to your family members, please let us help. We can offer consultation that could lead to on-going therapy to teach new methods and techniques so that you may feel confident that you are dealing with your stress in a healthy manner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following essay was recently written by a young woman who has been diagnosed with mental illness since her teen-age years. She spent many of the succeeding years locked into a silence that was only briefly breached when in the company of other patients or with her trusted therapist. In the ensuing years, she has attempted to journal her thoughts, in an effort to identify and express the blocked emotions that have kept her a virtual prisoner of her mind.

THE COIN PURSE

     I feel really, really bad about something. I suppose the proper word is guilty, extremely guilty about something for over twenty-years.
     I think most people would think it's stupid. Or I'm extremely stupid for feeling so guilty, for so long over it.
     A little over twenty-years ago when Cym and I were best friends, we still hung out together. I must've been in the fourth grade and Cym in the fifth, because we were still in the same school. Anyway, we had this favorite teacher Miss X. We both thought she was so cool. Miss X was also a pilot and promised to take us flying sometime. Only she never did. But that's not important.
     Cym and I decided we would like to take Miss X out to lunch sometime. Of course it had to be on a weekend. I don't believe it's summertime, but I'm not sure, I'm pretty sure though.
     In those days there was still a McDonald's downtown. Cym and I hung out downtown all the time. So we took Miss X there.
     At McDonald's both Cym and I bought Miss X her lunch. Then individually bought our own food, and went and sat down. Now the McDonald's downtown had a section which was considered the cool place to sit. So of course we sat there. Only I ended up going back to stand in line.
     I went back because Miss X wanted something else or I did. I really don't remember for sure. I do remember being unsure if I was going to have enough money.
     Now at the time McDonald's was advertising big time that their ice cream cones were only twenty-five cents.
     So I'm waiting in line to order and I notice this little old lady standing in line next to me. I had reached the register before her. I was paying for my food when she got to the register and ordered an ice cream cone.
    (This may be a little confusing and out of order but stay with me.)
     This old lady is pulling out a quarter from her coin purse. Only then the McDonald's employee says it's twenty-six cents. But the woman only had a quarter.
     I wanted to give her the penny she needed, but I didn't.
     At first, I wanted to finish paying for my food. I did so. As it turned out, I had a little extra money and could've given her the penny. I don't know why I didn't. At least not totally. I know I was having serious shyness issues. Even then as a youngster I couldn't approach people, even when I wanted to do that.
     I wanted to give her the penny. I couldn't. I don't know if I was just too shy or if I was too selfish in keeping my change.
     I saw her face when she put her quarter back in the coin purse. The woman looked devastated when she couldn't even buy an ice cream cone. I really thought she'd cry.
     I saw the woman leave, looking beaten down and ever so disappointed. The saddest woman I have ever seen. And all she wanted was a simple twenty-six cent ice cream cone.
     As I remember now, it was winter or near it. I still see the back of the woman as she left. Her grey, curly, thinned a little, out of order hair with her head down. And her tan, dirty winter coat she wore as she went out the door.
     I, believe it or not, think of that woman, that sad little old lady. Who all she wanted was a cone, a lot. How could I ever be so unable to talk to people to do that to her? How could I not give her the penny? I don't know if I was being selfish and trying to save money. If I was ---------- it was just a penny. What in the hell was I thinking? I'm relatively sure it was because I can't talk to people. Only that's no excuse.
     I think of her often, very often. For I've never gotten over it. I've never been able to forgive myself. I doubt I ever will. There is nothing I can do to make up for it. That woman is probably dead now. I can never make it up to her. I couldn't anyway. I know nothing about her. No name, no address, nothing. I don't deserve forgiveness from her, anyone else, or me.
     You know, I've never told anyone, not really. I told my mom a little but not everything. Maybe I shouldn't of put it in here. Now others will see it and know what scum I am.
     I can still remember the woman's face. But what I remember best is the coin purse. Seeing her open her coin purse, pulling out the only quarter, the only money she had.
     Her coin purse was a little tattered. And her hands, I see her hands. Little old lady hands. They came out of the sleeves of her coat. Elastic bands around her wrists up to dirty sleeves right around the hands. And little dirty sleeves from a tan coat.
     I still see her dainty old woman hands sticking out of the dirty sleeves of her tan coat.

She deserved better!
So Sorry

                   JUST FOR K.I.C.K.S.      Scott Walls, MA

     On August 1, 2000 a new, innovative, and much needed alternative program debuted in Lincoln. Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic is the headquarters for K.I.C.K.S. (Kids Integrating Counseling and Karate Services). This program for youth ages 8-18 provides a multifaceted treatment approach for youth with behavioral problems, legal issues, self-esteem issues and is also designed to help youth who have not responded to traditional treatment approaches.
     K.I.C.K.S. is a registered program that combines counseling, karate training, and community service into a one year, recreation/therapeutic program. Counseling needs are provided by Scott Walls. Scott is a therapist with immense experience and interest in working with some of the most difficult youth around. In addition, Scott is the chief instructor and director of the Lincoln Karate Clinic. Click here to go to Lincoln Karate School. Youth in the K.I.C.K.S. program not only receive counseling from Scott, but also train with him up to seven times a week in traditional Okinawan Karate.
    The program itself is designed to bring youth into a safe and positive atmosphere in which they can learn to control behaviors, bent feelings, and learn coping strategies. While having this opportunity, they are also spending their time doing an activity that is demanding yet incredibly fun. Youth are also asked to do community service hours during the course of the program. Therapeutic rapport with youth can be difficult. Youth in the K.I.C.K.S. program develop rapport with Scott and other karate members who can serve to provide them with a large support system. Therapy becomes much less threatening and intimidating because of the time spent together. Payment options vary depending on insurance coverage and payment sources. Youth and their guardians are welcome to attend an initial intake appointment free of charge. At that appointment they will learn about the program, the philosophy, and the needs of the youth. If you are considering the K.I.C.K.S. program, please call Scott Walls at 489-9959 for more information.
    This program has already been featured in local and international news articles! We are looking forward to the quick growth and success of the K.I.C.K.S. program to youth in need.

Grieving: A healthy process for dealing with loss...
By Mark Schwaninger
(article taken from the Star City Health/June 2005)

    Forty years ago, Judy Byrns gave birth to a daughter who lived only 28 hours.
    When a newborn infant dies nowadays, the parents may hold the child, dress it, take pictures of it and spend hours with it to acknowledge the child and begin the grieving process - a process of letting go.
     Not so back in 1965.
     "Out of love for me and a desire to protect me from feeling too terrible, my family and my husband's family took away my ability to deal with this loss," said Byrns, now a psychologist who owns Lincoln Behavioral Health Clinic.
     "They didn't allow me to see the body. They had the funeral without me, while I was in the hospital. They cleaned out the nursery and anything that might remind me of my daughter."
     Seven years later, Byrns drove to the cemetery and spent a day at her daughter's grave - letting herself remember her. She recalled watching her daughter, who had a respiratory problem, through the nursery window and feeling angry because the infant was not trying harder to breathe.
     "Recognizing that you are angry with the person who is dying is the hardest thing to accept," Byrns said. "It seems wrong. A lot of my clients get stuck there in their grief process."
     "After you get past all the anger, you get to the grieving - the sadness, the crying, the full realization of the loss - and then you can get to your acceptance of that loss."
     In the book "On Death and Dying," Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief:
     1) Denial (this isn't happening to me!)
     2) Anger (why is this happing to me?)
     3) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...)
     4) Depression (I don't care anymore)
     5) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes)
     While we may feel those emotions, there is no script for grief - we can't expect to feel our emotions in a set pattern or time period, Byrns said. "Each individual has to deal with the loss in their own way, in their own time."
     People grieve over many kinds of loss - a job, children leaving home, even an unfulfilled life goal established during adolescence.
     Grief groups, such as those offered by many churches and funeral homes, can help take the place of rituals that people had in pioneer days.
     "Pioneers built the coffin, dressed the body in the home, spent time with body and dug the grave," she said. "There were lots of opportunities to work through the grieving process."
     "People used to wail by the grave and experience their grief publicly. In our society today, we don't like that sort of thing. We celebrate people's lives at funerals, and I think it gets in the way of grieving because the unspoken suggestion is that there is no need to feel bad. He has gone to a better place."
     With today's mixed messages, people often don't know how to grieve, Byrns said. She recommends giving yourself permission to find what works for you.
     "Keep asking for help until you don't need help anymore," she advised. "Grief is not about forgetting the deceased person. It's a process, and you have to work your way through it to reach your acceptance."