Category: Blog Posts

Maintaining a delicate balance between business and family is absolutely necessary
when running a family business. This is not an easy thing to do. There are
differences in work ethics and personalities, along with different strengths
and weaknesses. When problems arise at work, it is not only going to affect the
business, but also the family arrangement. If you are part of a family
business, you may want to consider working with a psychologist who specializes
in family businesses.

A family business psychologist works to understand the “soft side” of families
who work together. They help the family members to recognize interpersonal
problems that will affect the business and the family. I’ve been working as a
family business psychologist for a number of years and have seen firsthand the
benefits of this approach.

I had the pleasure of working with Camille
Eber who is a second generation owner of Roth & Miller Autobody Inc. in
Portland. Camille recently wrote an article entitled, “Working
with family member is a blessing, challenge” about her personal
struggles working with family. She had difficulty getting along with her
nephew, William, who is currently the operations manager. They decided to make
an appointment with me to help improve their relationship.

Here is what she said about their therapy sessions, “Dr. Marshack,
author of “Entrepreneurial
Couples: Making it Work at Work and at Home,” helped us set individual
and business goals and define our responsibilities within the business more
carefully, which is a key to success in a family business. The personality
testing we worked through was particularly eye-opening. Once my nephew and I
acknowledged we’re nearly polar opposites, it helped us realize better how we
could use that to benefit the business. We were able to return to work on the
business as a team rather than working against each other.” Click
here to read the rest of the article.

If you are experiencing challenges within your family business, I highly
recommend making an appointment with a family business psychologist. Like
Camille’s experience, you will be able to better understand yourself and one
another which will help make your business and your family a success.

Researchers at the University of Montreal recently found a link between ADD/ADHD and organophosphate pesticides. Organophosphate pesticides can be found on food with high levels of pesticides. Organophosphate poisoning can be detected by analyzing urine samples.

1139 children were tested for organophosphate and 94% came back with levels found in their urine. Out of the 1,139 children, 119 had previously been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Having higher levels of organophosphate may increase chances of ADD.

Dr. Maryse F. Bouchard from Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal commented on the study by stating, “It is very well established that organophosphates disrupt brain neurochemical activity. In particular, organophosphates disrupt the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter also implicated in ADHD. In addition, certain organophosphates affect growth factors, several neurotransmitter systems, and second messenger systems. These changes in brain activity could well result in ADHD-like symptoms.”

She also concluded, “This is the first study to link exposure to pesticides at levels common in the general population with adverse health effects. These findings should be replicated before strong conclusion can be made.” To read more about this study, I recommend reading the article, Organophosphate Pesticides Linked to ADHD.

Learn more about ADD/ADHD, including practical tips on my website.

“I can quit smoking anytime I choose.” This is a common statement that you may hear, but it is easier said than done. Quitting cigarette smoking can be one of the most challenging things to overcome. Many experience severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to completely quit. The good news is that it is possible, and with a new treatment available, it could make it dramatically easier.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is an electrical treatment that is being used to treat cigarette cravings. A small electrical stimulus is applied to the earlobe sending low frequency currents to the nerves in the brain. CES has been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression, but recent studies show that it is also effective in treating addictions.

A study was performed between July 2006 and January 2008 using CES on 1,000 smokers with the hope that it would control the craving for cigarettes. Out of the 1,000, 972 (97.2%) lost their cravings after just a few minutes into a CES 20 minute session. Cravings will kick in again so many continued to use CES for a regular basis until they were able to conquer their addiction. Three patients out of the 1,000 were unable to use this form of therapy.

In order to use CES, you must have a prescription from a licensed practitioner. I have being using CES with some of my clients and have seen some great results. I use Alpha Stem’s CES from Allevia Health. For more information, visit www.alleviahealth.com.

I am very excited about continuing this process with my clients to help them conquer their addiction to cigarettes. If you live in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area, please contact my office if you are interested in finding out more about CES. I also have additional information on how to stop smoking on my website.

When a study was done to find out what people feared the most, public speaking
ranked number one, even higher than death! It not only is feared the most, but
is one of the most prevalent and common fears that people experience. Until
recently, it was dismissed as a minor problem and was considered normal that
people would get nervous speaking in front of others. But recent research shows
that people who do experience this problem and find it debilitating and controlling their life
have a valid problem.

Symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, dizziness, blushing,
shortness of breath, choking, one’s mind going blank, etc., can be typical
responses to being in the spotlight. However, if you find yourself worrying too
much about what others think of you, and fear embarrassment or humiliation in
front of others to the extent that you avoid
situations where you are the center of attention, you may have
social phobia.

Learn more about social phobias and treatment
options in a self-help tip on my
website.

Alcoholism is a disease. According to the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 14 million Americans—1 in every 13
adults—abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Abusing alcohol is not only damaging to
your health, it can also have devastating effects on relationships with family,
friends and coworkers. Studies show that women are less likely to seek help for
their addiction to alcohol than men. If your wife or partner is suffering from
alcoholism, there is something you can do to help them.

A new study focused on women dealing with alcoholism and how couples therapy
could be a powerful option in overcoming their addiction. The women who
participated in couples therapy had greater results than those in individual
treatment. The social support of a committed spouse or partner seems to have
play a role in helping the addict work on their addiction. Click
here to view this study in its entirety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was used as a treatment in this study. Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy is designed to help address the way you think. It helps
identify faulty and irrational thinking to more constructive, solution-oriented
thinking. Click
here for more information on the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Whether you are a man or a woman, please seek help if you are suffering from an
addiction to alcohol. There are many resources available for you. Visit the Alcoholism
Recovery section on my website for more information.

According to studies performed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), adults with depression are more likely to smoke than those with no symptoms of depression. They also tend to smoke more heavily. Click here to view the entire study.

Overcoming depression and an addiction to cigarettes are two different challenges that can be tamed with proper help. First, address the depression. There are many factors that contribute to depression. A very effective way to treat depression is by therapy with a mental health professional. They will be able to give practical assistance to help overcome the issues that are causing your depression. Click here to read more about Overcoming Depression.

Another part to overcoming depression is to make lifestyle changes. That is when the issue of smoking can be addressed. To be a successful at becoming a non-smoker, you must take two steps:

First: Change your environment at work and at home so that smoking is not as easy to do.

Second: Recognize that most of your smoking is done to take care of other emotional needs. When you desire a  cigarette, ask yourself, “What do I really want instead?” Then take care of the real need.

The emotional work you are doing to overcome your depression will also help you to recognize why you are smoking in the first place. A mental health care professional will be able to add further assistance to you in this area. Visit my website for more information to help you stop smoking.