What I would like you to do now is read the list of symptoms below and count the number of times you agree with the statement. Please be truthful, that way YOU will have a base to work from. In addition, it is very helpful for your Dr to know of ANY health related symptoms. Some of these symptoms may require medical attention before stress management can be used proficiently. Often a Dr can prescribe a course of medication, investigation, and even surgery. Even though these are, classed as stress related illnesses, meaning stress could cause or exacerbate any of the conditions; one should see a Dr to see if there is any medical treatment for it. This SHOULD NOT stop you from seeking stress management training etc because it is now a very common fact that stress can make illnesses worse. Therefore, stress management techniques can and are very useful. Most Drs would see stress management treatment as helpful. Hiding from the symptoms will do you no good at all. Ignoring them in the hope the symptoms will vanish, is not the best approach either, for good health management. When you hide, you are actually hiding from yourself and causing more anxiety, which tends to result in the symptom becoming worse. If you go to the Drs straight away, even if stress is the trigger, your Dr may be able to help and prescribe something, or advice could be given such as stress management! By being active and dealing with the problem / symptom now, the time under increased levels of stress could be vastly reduced. This in turn reduces the probability of the condition becoming worse as you will have answers, which make life easier to live. In other words by seeking help immediately the return to your norm should be quicker than if you have placed yourself under extra stress by not seeking help.
It is often advisable to inform your Dr of your stress management sessions, this allows for your stress management consultant to approach your Dr (with your permission) and voice any concerns, or provide them with some clinical assessment. If your symptoms are stress related, a Dr may refer you to a stress management consultant; or advice you to reduce the stress in your life. When this happens the consultant normally writes a letter detailing progress, so your Dr can be kept informed both by yourself and the consultant. 'Reduce your stress levels' may sound simple, but it is often quite difficult. By seeing a consultant the process will 'probably' run smoother and more quickly.
COMMON STRESS SYMPTOMS
The more 'yeses' you stated, the more stressed you are. There may be a possible underlying medical problem, so it is advisable to seek a medical opinion A.S.A.P. especially if any of the symptoms persist for any length of time. If the Dr does suggest seeing a stress consultant, it is wise to contact a professional body first. ISMA is the UK's governing body for those who have taken a close interest in stress management. It is still prudent to have a chat with the consultant first, before starting any management training/counselling etc. Many provide a short consultation around 30 minuets to see what you need and what they can offer. There may be a small fee normally around £10; those 30 minuets will provide you with the time to consider your options before agreeing to follow any suggestions made. The list above highlights areas where stress can be seen, felt and identified.
Stress management consultants deal specifically with stress, in its many forms. They are the "specialists" so to speak for stress management. Even if your Dr refers you to someone, you are still 'allowed' to ask as many questions you like/need. Being referred to someone does not mean you loose the right to ask questions and or seek clarification etc.
Each consultant / trainer will have undergone a lot of specific schooling in both theory and practice, if they have qualified many take up the option of joining specific organisations and follow a number of ethical, clinical, and professional guidelines. Some clinicians choose to have the regulations on display along with their qualifications etc for their clients to see. You are paying for a service, and like everything else fees do vary expect anything from £25 - £80 per hour for a one to one consultation, maybe more, depending on the area and the consultant you have chosen or been referred to. For that amount of money, you need to know the person is adequately qualified, so do ask questions. Qualifications do not mean everything, what you are getting is an individual who has passed certain criteria including practical knowledge on a given subject. The fees for groups will vary as well, as it depends on the size and what the group require. It is often well worth asking questions about confidentiality, whether sessions will be recorded, notes written, because like a lot of things Data protection is there to protect you. If the consultant / trainer etc is using a system where your details are being recorded, it is often wise to check that they are allowed to do so. A clinician often keep some sort of notes so they can see how things are developing; to do this legally they have to have the right clearance with the data protection act. Asking about whether the consultant also has a clinical supervisor is also worth knowing. A clinical supervisor is another clinician who provides guidance and support for the consultant / trainer. One tends to go every so many weeks to discuss one's practise, clients, difficulties etc. When a case is discussed, names are still kept confidential. This ensures a standard of professionalism, education, ongoing training and expansion of education. If the clinician you choose to see states, they do have a clinical supervisor it means they take their work very serious. A number of governing bodies INSIST on its members having clinical supervisors. This is to ensure the public receive a high standard of practice. You are paying for a service so do, as much checking as you feel is necessary before making a commitment between yourself and the practitioner. I myself often use a contract that is signed at the first session which explains what can happen during a session, how long the training is, fees, consultation time period etc. If a letter is requested regarding a client, they will also receive a copy. It is always best to have questions ready AND to be prepared to answer a few questions yourselves! I personally have my qualifications, clinical membership, and the data protection confirmation letter all on display.
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| General web site idea
| Personal Information
| The Package I offer
| Are you stressed?
| Interactive stress questionnaire
| Holmes and Rahe scale
| Personality questionnaire
| The very basics - my stance
| Identify your own strengths and Weaknesses (interactive)
| Common stress related symptoms
| Another reminder
| Fight or Flight syndrome
| Relaxation insights
|Body awareness and muscular tension
| Passive progressive muscular relaxation
| Active progressive muscular relaxation
| Relationship between stress and breathing
| Do you breathe correctly?
| Relationship between stress and breathing CONT
| Diagrammatic form of the lungs etc
| The two main breathing patterns
| Stress and breathing
| Hyperventilating/hyperventilation
| hyperventilation - part 2
| Deep breathing
| Square breathing
| Complete breathing control
| Relationship between stress and illness
| Stress and negative thinking patterns recognising and challenging them
| Stress logs
| Negative and positive beliefs, feelings and behaviour
| Picture to make you smile
| Self esteem building - NEW
| Assertiveness Training - NEW
| Assertiveness Training Cont - NEW
| Assertiveness Training Skills - NEW
| Assertiveness Training - Bill of Rights - NEW
| Relaxation Room - NEW
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Thank you for your visit - Michelle Pearson.
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