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LlFESTYLES
Printed in The Evening Telegram, September, 1998
HEALTH ISSUES
DR. PADDY WARRICK
Treating the whole person
We all have the power to be content and fulfilled with our lives, no matter
what age we are, how much money we have, how attractive we think we are
or are not, or what illnesses we have. "It's up to us to learn how to take care of ourselves and to feel good about who we are."
These basic beliefs and challenges reflect the holistic counselling, that
is, therapy for the whole person, provided by Jamille James of the Heritage
Health Centre, St. John's. Her varied training as a social worker and different experiences since have brought Jamille to her fifth year in private practice. She has helped patients with serious personal problems in various hospital departments and has advised on the custody of children in divorce cases for the Unified Family Court. Jamille has also assisted families containing children with special needs, counselled young offenders for the John Howard Society, and has provided service in a half-way house for distressed women.
The project for her master's degree in social work is on re-educating
ourselves in the real meaning of adult relationships. "The stress that I see frequently," says Jamille, "is that of the caregiver who looks after a parent, child or life partner. I see many serious problems arising in marriage and life partnerships that often lead to traumatic separation and divorce. Bereavement brings many distressed people to me. Of interest, after
the person has coped with the death of the loved one, there is often the
request for help with personal development to adjust to a new life."
"In treating the whole person," explains Jamille, "there
are the emotional, physical, psychological and holisitic aspects.
Holistic therapy in this way is not based on any one religion.
It aims to give us a good feeling for ourselves and others. We are encouraged
to realize personal strengths. In providing treatment it is important to help clients to identify
negative thoughts and recognize emotional blocks that prevent them from experiencing their full potential. "
Jamille recalls many other types of problem for which people seek her
help:
- Continual anxiety becoming disabling can stem from conditions as
varied as having insufficient money to get by to not getting along with
people at work.
- Depression can be so crippling that sufferers just shrink from commencing
each day. Many show a lack of self love with a low opinion of their worth.
- Stress can mount to a critical level in having the continual management
of a very difficult child.
Reflecting her extensive social work
training, Jamille recounts "Two major principles impressed me. I should never be judgmental
in reviewing clients' actions. At the same time the study of ethics or
morals indicates that people should act fairly, being accountable to each
other.
For
example, parents should use their own parenting skills to do what they
think is right for their children within the law."
"Peggy Marston, we'll call her, became overwhelmed with other people's
problems. "I was another Dear Abby for everyone around me. Unfortunately,
their concerns became mine and I would sit up at night, tearful and angry.
It was as if I was carrying around a heavy weight. I couldn't have
stood it much longer. I soon knew that Jamille with her quiet personality and peaceful, calming voice would help me. Above all, she was clearly someone who cared about me and she taught me to care about myself, to realize that I couldn't take care of the world. Now I am healed, Jamille remains in my mind to support that."
Jamille's therapy sessions last at least one hour and she counsels families
or groups together. "As many as it takes," she says, smiling.
Physicians and other professionals send her clients while she will send
people to others for care if she feels it indicated."We all want peace and happiness and if we wish to feel better, we
can," sums up Jamille. "We must relax, let go of past times
we didn't like, stop fearing for the future and enjoy the wonder of now."
Dr. Paddy Warrick's experience has included medical
practice as well as health care management, accreditation and consulting
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