Save Your Inner Tortoise

On the cover of Carol Courcys SAVE YOUR INNER TORTOISE! is a photo of a tortoise wearing a helmet, a large red rocket strapped to its back and wheels! Carol laughed when seeing it for the first time as it fit with how she felt in her own life-- a bit exhausted by lifes demands and in need of protection as the helmet suggests. It was the rocket strapped to its back that compelled her to use the image on the cover. Those of us who hectically push our way through life need boosters to get ourselves through our many tasks and responsibilities. (Boosters like caffeine, sugar, long workdays, working on weekends and vacations or fitness classes to build stamina.) Carol thought many of her readers would find the cover humorous and a reminder of Aesops fable about who won the race between the tortoise and the hare. If you recall, the story is about a hare who ridicules a slow-moving tortoise. Surprisingly, the tortoise challenges the hare to a race. When the race starts, the hare speeds off leaving the tortoise far behind. Confident of winning, the hare takes a nap midway through the race. However, when it awakes, the hare sees the tortoise crawling slowly but steadily across the finish line. Only then does the hare realize the error of its strategy. Like the hare, we exhausted self-sacrificing, never-enough overachievers assume that at our furious pace we can cross an ever-increasing number of finish lines. (We will get help or rest soon. And soon hasnt come yet.) As with the hare, we too sometimes find out too late we have used the wrong strategy. Is now the time to SAVE YOUR INNER TORTOISE? This is an ideal book if more of the same in your life is NOT an option. You will learn simple and effective ways to undermine undesirable patterns of self-doubt and second-guessing that fuel exhaustion and overwhelm. The aim is to make your journey across your finish lines satisfyingRIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. If you bring genuine interest, leave the WHAT and HOW to Carol. Welcome!

An update to the coach training bestseller. The profession of life coaching is more necessary than ever in this time of pandemic-related uncertainty, the shift (in some cases, permanent) to remote learning and working, and the constant change that accompanies world events. With his best-selling Therapist as Life Coach, Patrick Williams introduced the therapeutic community to the career of life coach, and in the first and second editions of Becoming a Professional Life Coach, he and Diane S. Menendez covered basic principles and strategies for effective coaching. Full of new information on the neuropsychology of coaching, the third edition of Becoming a Professional Life Coach explores the neuropsychology behind coaching; specialties in the field, such as trauma and addiction coaching; coaching amid post-pandemic global stress; coaching virtually; navigating emotions in coaching; and achieving transformational coaching by addressing the whole person. It takes readers step-by-step through the coaching process, covering all the crucial ideas and strategies for being an effective, successful life coach. This book is one-stop shopping for beginner and advanced coaches alike. Other topics include: coaching the whole client: mind, body, emotions, spirit; post-pandemic global stress; and the importance of professional coaching competencies.

An updated version of the best-selling therapist-to-coach transition text. With his bestselling Therapist As Life Coach, Pat Williams introduced the therapeutic community to the career of life coach, and in Becoming a Professional Life Coach he and Diane Menendez covered all the basic principles and strategies for effective coaching. Now Williams, founder of the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT), and Menendez, former faculty at ILCT—both master certified coaches—bring back the book that has taught thousands of coaches over the past eight years with all-new information on coaching competencies, ethics, somatic coaching, wellness coaching, and how positive psychology and neuroscience are informing the profession today. Moving seamlessly from coaching fundamentals—listening skills, effective language, session preparation—to more advanced ideas such as helping clients to identify life purpose, recognize and combat obstacles, align values and actions, maintain a positive mind-set, and live with integrity, this new edition is one-stop-shopping for beginner and advanced coaches alike. Beginning with a brief history of the foundations of coaching and its future trajectory, Becoming a Professional Life Coach takes readers step-by-step through the coaching process, covering all the crucial ideas and techniques for being a successful life coach, including: • Listening to, versus listening for, versus listening with • Establishing a client’s focus • Giving honest feedback and observation • Formulating first coaching conversations • Asking powerful, eliciting questions • Understanding human developmental issues • Reframing a client’s perspective • Enacting change with clients • Helping clients to identify and fulfill core values, and much, much more. All the major skillsets for empowering and “stretching” clients are covered. By filling the pages with client exercises, worksheets, sample dialogues, and self-assessments, Williams and Menendez give readers a hands-on coaching manual to expertly guide their clients to purposeful, transformative lives. Today, with more and more therapists incorporating coaching into their practices, and the number of master certified coaches, many with niche expertise, growing every year, Becoming a Professional Life Coach fills a greater need than ever. By tackling the nuts and bolts of coaching, Williams and Menendez equip readers with the tools and techniques they need to make a difference in their clients’ lives.

Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bullying, and burnout have all become “accepted realities” for first responders in the modern workplace. This workbook unpacks contemporary workplace realities, educates you about trauma, and helps you build your personalized recovery plan for transformation, recovery, and healing. This recovery program has eight core purposes: Validate your current situation. This recovery program begins by validating your experiences and breaking through any denial you may be experiencing by examining all the ways you could be traumatized at work. Identify your realities. Once you understand how you’ve been traumatized, you’ll learn about how trauma develops and how to break through the defenses that protect you from the painful experiences you’re facing. Understand workplace trauma. Armed with a deeper understanding of what trauma is, how it develops, and how you react to trauma, you will be able to identify the support you’ll need to heal and recover. Build your recovery team and develop your action plan. Useful tools and techniques will help you connect with and build your team of support professionals and advocates. Once you begin working with your team, you’ll start the recovery process by acquiring a set of skills and techniques to help you weather the storm and begin healing. Grieve, mourn, and let go. Recovery will take you on a journey of grieving, mourning, and letting go, which will transport you to a new sense of calm and acceptance. I’ll break down this journey into the stages you’ll travel through to get to the other side. Maintain your recovery. Finally, I’ll share helpful ways to maintain your recovery, manage setbacks with compassion, and track your progress so you can proactively navigate the inevitably choppy waters as you continue your healthy and productive recovery. Adapt and adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 global Pandemic has left a lasting impact on all our lives. This section will review the Pandemic’s mental health, physical health, and social implications with helpful tools and techniques to help you manage the trauma and stress the Pandemic brings. In addition, gems of wisdom and learnings within the research literature will help you navigate the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic worlds effectively. Learn interactively with workbook exercises. Workbook exercises will help you digest the content, reflect on your situation, learn from that reflection, and incrementally create a personalized recovery plan. Each exercise in the workbook walks you through a process of self-reflection and self-discovery to help you understand and make sense of your situation. First Responder Careers Expose Individuals to Higher Risks of Developing Trauma Some careers include a higher likelihood of experiencing traumatic events that can lead to the development of PTSD. Serving in the military is a high-risk factor for developing PTSD. However, combat veterans develop PTSD at different rates depending on the severity and length of exposure to traumatic experiences. There are also high incidences of reported sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the military. As a result, the rates of PTSD are relatively high compared to the overall prevalence in the general population. Not only can law enforcement officers experience direct threats and stressful conditions, but they also regularly witness the devastating effects of assaults, robberies, kidnappings, and violent events. However, individuals in this profession have lower-than-expected rates of PTSD, surprisingly. An estimated 20 percent overall may result from having access to counseling and rigorous pre-employment screenings. EMTs and paramedics are routinely exposed to life-threatening incidents and have more health problems than individuals in other occupations. PTSD rates in this group are as high as 20 percent. PTSD prevalence in this profession is comparable to law enforcement. Firefighters conduct paramedic activities and are the first responders to natural disasters. Firefighting is a dangerous profession that exposes workers to stressful conditions and traumatic events, ranging from threats to their safety and experiencing the devastating effects of catastrophes. As a result, the prevalence of PTSD in this group can be as high as 20 percent. Volunteer firefighters may have even higher rates because they don’t have access to the same level of support as career firefighters. Healthcare workers, especially those working in emergency rooms and intensive care units, are also at higher risk. For example, nurses working in critical care units are more likely to develop PTSD than nurses in other groups. In addition, while senior-level nurses report fewer PTSD symptoms than junior ones, they report higher rates of burnout. Finally, healthcare workers exposed to patients that have experienced violence, such as an assault victim, are more likely to develop PTSD than surgeons who treat assault victims. Rescue workers, medical workers, and volunteers who act as first responders during disasters witness the aftermath of horrific events and can even become involved in severe traumatic events. The prevalence of PTSD in these individuals has been estimated to be between 15 and 30 percent. Journalists who work as war correspondents are at higher risk of being injured, killed, or kidnapped. Their lifetime prevalence of PTSD, which can be as high as 30 percent, reflects their lack of access to support and PTSD treatment options. Transit and train operators are frequently exposed to physical threats and witness suicide incidents such as “person under train” events. Exposure to these traumatic and threatening circumstances can be a daily or weekly occurrence. Bus drivers are more prone to PTSD because they have more direct contact with the general public than train drivers locked in secure train cabs. In these high-risk professions, the incidence of trauma declines when policies are in place to debrief victims, give victims immediate access to counseling, and screen for individuals at high risk of having adverse reactions to traumatic conditions.

“Foundations of Psychotherapy: Essential Skills that Bridge Theory and Practice” is an essential textbook and guide for psychotherapists, psychologists, educators, social workers, and mental health professionals at every level. It is a comprehensive resource that delivers practical advice and pragmatic wisdom for those committed to supporting mental well-being in themselves and others. The following topics are explored: Successful and Unsuccessful Therapeutic Outcomes: Understanding what factors contribute to the effectiveness of therapy sessions. Roles in Mental Health: A detailed overview of the distinct functions and approaches of counselors, psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Effective Communication: Techniques and insights on persuasion, enhancing self-esteem, building confidence, delivering feedback, and navigating conflicts within therapy. Navigating Emotions in Therapy: Explorations into emotion-focused therapy, managing complex feelings like guilt and shame and balancing empathy and emotional resilience. Mindfulness in Practice: Core elements, benefits, and mindfulness techniques that can be integrated into therapeutic practice. Depth Therapy and Root Causes: Examining psychodynamic therapy and strategies to address resistance, explore therapeutic choices, and tackle cognitive biases. Building Self-Esteem and Confidence: Insights into fostering these essential qualities through psychotherapy. Psychological Development and Life Transitions: Understanding how to navigate through various stages of life and the emotional challenges they bring. Relationship Challenges: Addressing issues such as dating anxiety, loneliness, and the psychological impacts of manipulation within relationships. Intimacy and Attachment: The significance of attachment styles, childhood trauma, and maintaining intimacy and passion. Grief and Loss: Guidance on processing mourning, navigating breakups, and moving forward. Stress and Anxiety Management: Strategies for managing stress and anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Toxic Workplaces: Identifying and coping with the stressors of an unhealthy work environment and the broader implications of the "Great Resignation." Abuse and Trauma: Addressing and overcoming the impacts of abusive relationships and trauma, including narcissistic abuse and intergenerational trauma. COVID-19 Pandemic Psyches: Analyzing the mental health impacts of the pandemic, including chronic stress and mass trauma. Climate Change, Global Tensions, and Mental Health: Discussing eco-anxiety, the psychological effects of air pollution, and the impact of global tensions on mental health. This resource offers an essential foundation for anyone seeking to understand or practice psychotherapy, providing a rich tapestry of theoretical knowledge complemented by practical tools and interventions.

"Fundamentals of Psychological Diagnosis (Volume 2): DSM-5-TR Essentials for Clinicians" is your go-to guide for comprehending and diagnosing psychological disorders. This resource is tailored for psychologists, clinicians, counselors, educators, and students to demystify the complex landscape of psychological diagnosis, paving the way for impactful therapeutic outcomes. In an ever-changing field like psychology, precise diagnosis is the linchpin for effective treatment. This book captures my extensive, hands-on experience and diverse interactions, fulfilling the pressing need for an accessible and comprehensive resource on psychological diagnostics. Detailed Overviews: Each section provides an in-depth look at various disorders, from their symptoms and causes to the latest treatment options. Categorized For Ease: With chapters dedicated to distinct categories like Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, quickly find and focus on specific areas of interest. Based on the Latest Research: Ground your knowledge in the most updated version of the DSM-5-TR, ensuring you have the latest information about each disorder. Summary Sections: A concise style with the essential points, making it perfect for quick reference or review. Each DSM-5-TR disorder is meticulously examined through: Diagnostic Criteria: Understanding the specifics of each disorder. The Impacts: Recognizing the effects on individuals and their surroundings. The Etiology (Origins and Causes): Delving into the root causes. Comorbidities: Identifying disorders that commonly co-exist. Risk Factors: Highlighting potential triggers or exacerbators. Case Study: Offering real-world examples for a grounded understanding. Recent Psychology Research Findings: Keeping readers updated on the latest discoveries. Treatment and Interventions: Providing actionable solutions for each disorder. Implications if Untreated: Emphasizing the urgency and importance of appropriate intervention. This volume covers the following disorders: Somatic Symptom Related Disorders Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders Personality Disorders Paraphilic Disorders Whether you are a seasoned practitioner looking to update your knowledge, a student delving into the world of psychological diagnoses, or a curious reader eager to understand the intricacies of the human mind, this volume offers a window into the vast landscape of mental health conditions. Enhance your library and equip yourself with an enlightening and essential resource.

"Fundamentals of Psychological Diagnosis (Volume 1): DSM-5-TR Essentials for Clinicians" is your go-to guide for comprehending and diagnosing psychological disorders. This resource is tailored for psychologists, clinicians, counselors, educators, and students to demystify the complex landscape of psychological diagnosis, paving the way for impactful therapeutic outcomes. In an ever-changing field like psychology, precise diagnosis is the linchpin for effective treatment. This book captures my extensive, hands-on experience and diverse interactions, fulfilling the pressing need for an accessible and comprehensive resource on psychological diagnostics. Detailed Overviews: Each section provides an in-depth look at various disorders, from their symptoms and causes to the latest treatment options. Categorized For Ease: With chapters dedicated to distinct categories like Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, quickly find and focus on specific areas of interest. Based on the Latest Research: Ground your knowledge in the most updated version of the DSM-5-TR, ensuring you have the latest information about each disorder. Summary Sections: A concise style with the essential points, making it perfect for quick reference or review. Each DSM-5-TR disorder is meticulously examined through: Diagnostic Criteria: Understanding the specifics of each disorder. The Impacts: Recognizing the effects on individuals and their surroundings. The Etiology (Origins and Causes): Delving into the root causes. Comorbidities: Identifying disorders that commonly co-exist. Risk Factors: Highlighting potential triggers or exacerbators. Case Study: Offering real-world examples for a grounded understanding. Recent Psychology Research Findings: Keeping readers updated on the latest discoveries. Treatment and Interventions: Providing actionable solutions for each disorder. Implications if Untreated: Emphasizing the urgency and importance of appropriate intervention. This volume covers the following disorders: Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Trauma-Disorders and Stressor-Related Disorders, Dissociative Disorders. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner looking to update your knowledge, a student delving into the world of psychological diagnoses, or a curious reader eager to understand the intricacies of the human mind, this volume offers a window into the vast landscape of mental health conditions. Enhance your library and equip yourself with an enlightening and essential resource.

Second Edition This textbook covers the fundamentals of setting up a coaching business. I share tools and techniques that will assist you in launching and running your thriving coaching business. I approach this topic from coaching, psychology, counseling, marketing, and corporate management perspectives. The following foundational coaching resources are covered in this handbook: Context— Background information, research findings, theory, and contextual material that will give you the background you need. Guidelines— Best practices that will streamline your coaching processes and guarantee you deliver high-quality coaching services to your clients. Planning— Critical planning and decision-making techniques to rapidly optimize your coaching business. Records— Best practices for professionally documenting coaching information such as notes, records, intake, agreements, questionnaires, and feedback. Skills— Core coaching skills, techniques, and tips so you can get certified, launch your coaching business, and start immediately. Mental Health— Insights, context, and tools that will ensure you take into account, manage, and appropriately refer clients with mental health issues. Business— Foundational knowledge needed to run your business, manage financials, market your services effectively, create your brand, and build your Internet presence. Exercises— Proven techniques that will generate immediate success by jumpstarting the coaching process with your clients. Forms— Sample forms and business documents you can adapt and tune to your specific coaching practice. Tools— Smart tools that will help pinpoint particular client issues so you can make informed, empathetic, and professional coaching decisions.