Current Issue - Spring 2012

FEATURES

From “I” to “We”: The Benefits of Feeling in Community with Nature
A walk in the park may be just what you need. Dozens of studies show that exposure to the natural world decreases aggression, anxiety, depression, and illness. Exposure to nature also improves mood, health, and cognitive
capacity.
By Dr. Cynthia McPherson Frantz and
Dr. F. Stephan Mayer

What to Do When You Get Blue: Controlling Emotional Experiences
Our emotions and moods play a huge role in our lives. Affect regulation is a process where people try to alter or maintain their emotional states. Learn
effective ways to boost your negative moods.
By Adam A. Augustine, MS, MA

“How Did I Do at the Party…?”: The Consequences of Ruminating About Our Social Experiences
There are three types of unhelpful beliefs that are thought to be commonly held by individuals with high levels of social anxiety. There are things one can do to reduce anxiety in social situations.
By Quincy J.J. Wong, PhD (Candidate)
and Dr. Michelle L. Moulds

Mindfulness: An Overview
By practicing mindfulness and focusing on the current moment you will be more able to take care of those 10 things, because you can dedicate your
full attention to each one until it is complete, and then turn to the next one. Mindfulness is attention without judgment.
By Dr. Andrew Ekblad

Pathways to Overcoming Shame
All of us have experienced shame at some point in our lives. When we feel shame, we judge ourselves as flawed or bad, and we feel inadequate and powerless. This article focuses on the processes involved to overcome shame and rebuild a positive self-identity.
By Dr. K. Jessica Van Vliet

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Editors Message

Capturing the Essence of Self-Injury in Adolescents
People who self-injure use self-injury as a strategy to alleviate intense,
overwhelming negative emotions, as well as a way to manage stress.
Understanding the reasons for the selfinjury, challenging self-defeating thoughts, and teaching effective communication and coping skills appear to be successful treatments.
By Dr. Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp

Emotional Intelligence as a Factor in Mental Health
Emotional intelligence can be described as a set of interrelated abilities
concerning one’s own emotions as well as emotions in others. Emotional
abilities are a relevant factor in health and well-being.
By Astrid Schütz, PhD and Sophia
Nizielski, Dipl Psych

The Curse - and the Gift - of OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized
by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive
behaviours (compulsions). The author explores his life with OCD and shares
helpful strategies.
By Jeff Bell

Mind, Brain and Psychotherapy
Our belief or thoughts can change our neurotransmitters or our perception of
experiences. By changing our thoughts we can influence the expression
of genes. This article examines the complex relationship between mind and
brain.
By Dr. Hitesh Sheth