Kellevision

When Childhood Bipolar Disorder - Isn't

I really have a problem with the recent surge in diagnosing children with Bipolar Disorder.  The children I see with this diagnosis are often the victims of serious issues at home, issues which may even include abuse.  Some struggle with PTSD and the mood swings which are inherent in a traumatized individual are attributed to "Bipolar Disorder" and medicated. 

Practicing What I Preach

Why can't I have the same compassion for my family that I have for my clients?  I find I can be very empathic and tolerant of most any religion, political view, parenting philosophy, sexual orientation or type of relationship - in my clients.  I'm not always so patient with family members. 

Maintaining the Cycle of Abuse

People who were abused in their families of origin may practice the same abusive behavior towards themselves.  They may also pass it on to their children.  This creates a sick, and sometimes fatal, cycle of abuse that repeats itself generation after generation.

Escaping the Scapegoat Role: Expressing Forbidden Emotions

Another possible way that Scapegoats make themselves targets is by expressing forbidden emotions within a relationship system.

Escaping the Scapegoat Role: Blaming and Perfectionism

Another possible dynamic of a family system with a scapegoat role is that of perfection and blaming.

Military Structure and the Chaotic Family

Working in a homeless shelter, I work with a lot of clients who came from very dysfunctional and chaotic family systems.  One man grew up in such a family and overcame it by joining the military.  How did that help?  

"Do You Know What I Mean?"

I'm reading "Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse" by Mike Lew and he discusses his interactions with victims of sexual child abuse and their tendency to ask the question above. 

Dueling Divorcees and Christmas Cheer

I learned today that this time of year is one of the busiest for the family court system.  Other busy times?  Spring break and summer vacation.  Why?  Parents initiating custody battles over possession of their children.

Words

I'm often puzzled by the way people think about words;  which words offend them and which ones they think nothing of using. 

The Ride to the Crack House and the Trip Home for the Holidays

What can a ride to the crack house and a trip home for the holidays have in common?  Well, let's see...