This past weekend hauled really fast that I didn’t even have enough time to reminisce every moment I spent. I was out on the beach to grab some time for myself and get myself back on track since I was having a pretty tough week.

When I got back yesterday evening, my bestfriend was at my doorstep waiting for me. We had a few drinks and he told me what’s going on with his love life. He got acquianted with his ex - girlfriend and they decided to take things slow. He was actually having problems understanding the fact that his ex wants to be with him but the problem is that there is this other guy who entered the scene just when they were having their share of trouble a few months ago. He admitted that he lost his trust and he told me that this woman that he loves has been doing her job in removing the grip from the other guy.

He said he wanted to help her out in doing this but the woman rejected his help. She said she could do it on her own anyway. I told him that she should clear herself first and I asked him to just be with her and let her fix it since she was the one who sarted the mess. I told him to work out on something while she is doing her job. Regaining his trust is something that he needs to work on. How he could do it is the only question that he has to answer. For me, I guess they should help each other out. After all, he lost his trust because of her and she should do something about it to prove herself. It’s a two-way street and traffic is not going to flow unless they take their turns and make sure that both will be able to pass.

Time is a big factor in this relationship. It can make or break them. Good use of time should be done. He has waited for almost 4 months now and I think it’s about time that the girl does her fair share.

I have always thought that Star Wars is simple a film. No moral stories and just a plain good movie packed with action and a lot of animation.

When I got home yesterday, I hit the couch, slacked a little bit, grabbed a can of soda and played my Star Wars DVD. One line suddenly struck me. “Fear is the path to the dark side, fear is to ANGER, ANGER is to hate, hate leads to suffering.” A simple and pretty understandable statement yet people find it so complicated to accomplish.

Yes it is so hard to do. Fearing something or someone makes most of us feel stressed all the time. Some people hide their fear by simply nurturing an angry feeling which will eventually lead to hatred and into a life full of misery and mishap.

So what do we have to do about this? Face your fear and do not nurture anger. There are ways to do this. Think and dig deeper into your hearts and you will soon find out that fear should not be associated or must not lead to anger and hatred. Not unless you want to be a Dark Vader or something.

Is it hard for you to tell when risky behavior becomes a problem?

They say that if you place a frog in a pot of water and begin to heat the pot, the frog will boil to death without even realizing it. Conversely, if you throw a frog into a pot of boiling water, the frog will make a quick exit. Now that I have sufficiently terrified my animal rights friends, let me place a much deeper context to the above metaphor.

When does drinking become a problem?

Messages of “enjoyable” drinking are all around us - the media: television, radio, and newspapers. It’s common for most social engagements to have alcohol available. It’s almost too common that many activities include alcohol. Too easily we become like the frog in the pot of water slowly coming to a boil. Before we know it, we’re at problem levels. How do we get a reality check on the water temperature before drinking is a problem?

How can you tell problem drinking?

Problem drinking is a broader category than alcoholism. There’s a continuum of risk associated with different levels of drinking. Like the frog metaphor, when we’re around drinking all the time, it can be difficult to discriminate change in levels of risk. Here’s a model that helps:

At Risk (Risky Drinking)

• Any drinking pattern puts us at some risk for an alcohol problem
• No current negative consequences
• Low risk for potential adverse consequences

Mild to Moderate (Problem Drinking)

• The range of mild to moderate alcohol problem

• When one experiences an adverse consequence due to drinking behavior

Moderate to Severe (Alcohol Abuse)

• Role impairment
• Hazardous use
• Recurrent legal problems related to alcohol
• Social or interpersonal problems due to alcohol

Severe (Alcohol Dependence)

• Increased tolerance
• Signs or symptoms of withdrawal
• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to control use
• Decreased activities due to alcohol (social, work, recreational)
• Use despite knowledge of physical or psychological consequences

A bit clinical, but useful

Each category melds into the next with little definition. Consistent Moderate to Severe drinking has a significant negative effect on the physical body. Alcoholism is a disease. Enough alcohol over time increases the risk of alcoholism and health problems. The higher on the scale, obviously, the more risk for the problem drinker. But don’t forget about you and your family. When the risk goes up for the problem drinker it also increases the potential risk for the family.

Maybe you’re apprehensive to reach out?

First, I want to acknowledge that for someone who doesn’t easily ask for help, reaching out is no small task.

If the problem has been going on for a while, I’m guessing that however you’ve been handling it is your attempt at remedying the situation. It’s human nature for us to use strategies we believe will get our needs met. However, if the strategy you’ve been using hasn’t been working you probably need to use another strategy. When we look at this last statement from our head, it’s easy to say, “This just makes sense.” But we’re not just our head. For us to take action our head needs to make peace with our heart and gut.

The point is, just because it’s easy to understand in your head doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Of course, it’s not at all easy. But if you want to make a change, it’s not likely to happen without your taking the first step.

What would need to happen so you really knew the time to act is now?

Remember the story at the beginning: If you place a frog in a pot of water and begin to heat the pot, the frog will boil to death without even realizing it.

Don’t let it happen to you.

Alcohol is the number one family problem

The good news is you’re not alone. The bad news is that alcohol is so prevalent on media and in our culture that it’s normalized. If it’s a problem for you, it’s worth you taking consistent steps towards improving it.

Others have done it and you can to!

To summarize, it’s difficult to assess drinking around you. The prevalence of alcohol in our culture and media creates an illusion of normalcy, when in fact there are levels of risk associated with drinking. There are risks to the drinker and risks to the family.

You can decrease the risk to your family.

Jeff Jones

Lafayette, Colorado

www.familyinabottle.com

PERCEPTION THERAPY®

Written and Developed by
Alan Meyers, Ph.D., NBSDCH., Diplomate and Julia D. Stewart, C.Y.I.,
Reiki Master

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
We Treat the Whole Person and the Cause
of the Problem, Not Just the Symptom?

Accredited by the
Joint Commission

The protocol for substance abuse and psycho-emotional disorders
treatment is making a major change. Developed by Alternative
Treatment International, Inc. (?A.T.I.?), this includes the use of
Perception Therapy® and Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® techniques
combined with other client focused clinical techniques and alternative
healing methods to affect change in perceptions, thinking, and
behaviors.

TREATING THE ADDICTIVE THINKING
AND/OR PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL BEHAVIORS

At A.T.I., our philosophy is to examine all aspects of the individual?
s life in a clinical and holistic way to determine the best course of
action to treat the whole person, and uncover and resolve the problem.
This is enhanced by employing Perception Therapy® and Mind-Body-Spirit-
Environment® techniques which are designed to raise the therapeutic
arsenal currently in use. We believe that the answers do not lie in
behaviors but in the thinking that produces the behaviors. Therefore,
we accept our clients? current behaviors in a non-judgmental,
compassionate way and take an indirective approach to changing
perception and thinking, rather than the standard direct approach
aimed at changing behaviors. Treating only the behavior does not
address the cause of the problem as behaviors do not just happen by
themselves. Thought (the Mind) produces behaviors as well as emotions,
both being positive and negative.

Many addictive and psycho-emotional behaviors are a result of
psychological, physical, spiritual, and environmental issues in regard
to the individual, and can be successfully treated utilizing a variety
of clinical techniques combined with alternative methods. In some
cases, medication management may be indicated and can be a helpful
adjunct to the therapeutic process. Client success can also be
improved if the client?s belief system embraces holistic healing
methods.

Rather than employing a directive and controlling approach that may
produce a defensive attitude by the client and hamper the change
process, our indirective and metaphorical techniques allow the client
to come to his/her own conclusion. This yields a more productive
therapeutic result, not only in the clients? thinking, but in their
behaviors, sobriety and recovery as well.

Our staff views each client as an individual who is coping with his/
her life in the ways that they know. We support their choice to enter
a residential setting to obtain guidance and learn new ways of
perceiving and thinking. Clients who enter treatment have recognized
that their current ways of thinking and behaving are getting in the
way of their happiness. They may also not want to lose their vested
interests (i.e., family, home, business) and are willing to do
something about changing their present situation.

In light of this, we find that it is possible to obtain successful
results when treating the addictive thinking and/or psycho-emotional
behaviors utilizing the unique therapeutic processes developed by
A.T.I., that addresses the whole person and underlying causes, not
just the symptom.

BY CHANGING PERCEPTION ? THINKING WILL CHANGE

For an individual to discontinue substance use or other self-
destructive patterns and begin a recovery process, one must be open to
the philosophy that will bring him/her to their own conclusion and
learn to affect change. This can be achieved through the process of
changing perceptions and thinking.

Most people accept the basic concept that there is always another way
to view things. Once a certain way of thinking as been formed in an
individual, it generally requires applied therapeutic techniques to
open the mind to accept a change in perception.

By treating the thinking as the primary therapeutic target, the client
is given the opportunity to decipher their formed perceptions to be
true or false. These may have manifested the dysfunctional thinking
which has produced the behaviors that are interfering with a healthy
lifestyle. Once clarity has occurred regarding the formed
perceptions, the therapeutic processes of making a positive change of
thinking are easily accepted by the client. This allows the client to
come to a productive conclusion because perceiving and thinking are
being internalized in a new way. These perceptions, which have now
changed, allow clearer thinking to occur and positive choices to be
made, resulting in an automatic change in behavior.

WHEN THINKING CHANGES,
BEHAVIORS WILL CHANGE BY THEMSELVES

Thinking must change for behavior to change. ?When thinking changes,
behaviors will change by themselves.? Understanding this simple
concept, it appears a waste of time to spend our efforts on trying to
help or force people to improve their behaviors. It has proven not to
work, and hence, relapse continues. As we have seen, clients do not
appear to recover from their addictive behaviors as they do with many
other disorders. Even if they discontinue their substance use, many
continue to be unhappy, unfulfilled, depressed and continue to
experience life problems, because their thought process remains a
result of their perceptions. We see this every day, even with clients
who have spent months in rehabilitation programs, in therapy of one
kind or another, and with counselors who promote a variety of
techniques.

MIND IS THE MAKER and will always produce the thinking and emotions
that are productive or unproductive for all of us. How then do we
assist people in changing their thinking? Helping people to think
differently is a complex process, but is an attainable goal. By
uncovering and resolving the underlying causes of the problems
utilizing A.T.I.?s Perception Therapy® and Mind-Body-Spirit-
Environment® approaches, healing of the whole person, not just the
symptom, occurs and the result is hope, peace and happiness. Relapse,
substance abuse, behavioral problems, anti-social acting out, low self-
esteem, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness are
removed as the perceptions and thoughts have transformed.

PERCEPTION THERAPY® and MIND-BODY-SPIRIT-ENVIRONMENT®
APPROACHES WORK BY PRODUCING A CHANGE IN THINKING

Thinking begins with “Perception”. We perceive in the way that we
have been taught to perceive. Our perceptions about ourselves,
others, and life around us, begin at birth and continue throughout
life. Perception for most is equal to truth. Whether the taught
perception is true or not, makes no difference. The only thing that
matters is that, ?I was told or taught this by a perceived reliable
source, or read this, so it must be true?. Therefore, one perceives in
a certain way which formulates one to think in a certain way, causing
one to behave in a particular way. For the individual, the resulting
behavior may be positive or negative, productive or unproductive, all
depending on how one was taught to perceive and think. We must
recognize that the perceptions we are being taught are actually
someone else’s, not our own, and these perceptions were taught to them
by someone else. Are their perceptions true, or are they just
perceptions that they have been taught by well-meaning or even
misguided individuals who have also been taught by others?

Part of the therapeutic goal is to examine the perceptions one has
about Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® and how those perceptions produce
thinking. Perception Therapy® reviews those perceptions throughout
the therapeutic process and as those perceptions change, we witness
changes in thinking, which in turn brings hope to the client. When a
change in thinking produces a new view, all things are possible
including lifestyle change, recovery, sobriety, happiness and success.

EXAMPLES OF PERCEPTION CHANGE REGARDING
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT and ENVIRONMENT

Mind ?

It has been estimated that over ten million Americans suffer from
depression. This alarming statistic proves that changes must be made
to better treat and prevent depression. Because the symptoms of
depression have many variables contributing to the discomfort, aside
from or along with the possibility of a chemical imbalance, it is
necessary to treat depression with a diverse treatment plan that
focuses on the whole person.

Depressive symptoms are typically categorized in the DSM IV by
depressed mood, loss of interest in daily activities, weight loss,
insomnia, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. With this
diagnostic method, symptoms are neatly packaged, diagnosed, and
treated most often with a variety of anti-depressant medications that
are designed to alleviate or diminish symptoms.

Although medications in some cases of depression may be helpful if the
individual believes in the process, it is believed that this
traditional course of treatment masks symptoms and is not designed to
uncover and resolve the cause of the problems which may include:
biological, psychological, psycho-emotional, situational,
environmental, or spiritual areas.

At A.T.I., depression accompanied by alcohol and/or other forms of
drug abuse is seen frequently. What this addictive behavior indicates
is that either depression is a causal factor in substance abuse, or
that the substance abuse is producing the depression. The therapists
at A.T.I. are well versed in treating co-occurring disorders such as
substance abuse and depression. By addressing this combination from a
spiritual standpoint, it is important to recognize that the substance
abuse reinforces selfish behaviors which deter people from recognizing
their true nature or inner self. As the person gains recognition
through a change in perception as being more selfless, the closer they
come to their true nature and their feelings of hopelessness are
replaced with renewed hope.

Those that attempt to understand the origins of depression and
depressive symptoms cannot ignore that the one common symptom is the
concept of ?loss of hope?. Hope is not biological, bio-chemical,
psychological, or environmental. Rather, it is a spiritual concept
that cannot be ignored in the treatment of depression. Therefore, it
should be at the forefront of the predominant clinical protocol of the
treatment plan for the client who suffers from depression with a co-
occurring disorder.

When changes in perception and a spiritual understanding are
introduced into the life of a person experiencing depressive symptoms,
the depressive symptoms begin to lift, sometimes immediately. For
every human being, the spiritual concept of ?hope? is the one concept
that intuitively keeps us going. Combining perception changes and
spiritual healing to address the symptoms of depression can help lift
the depressive feelings, and bring hope and a feeling of purpose to a
person who has lost that.

It is an interesting observation that people perceive the concept of
depression in many different ways. Some may suffer from a true
diagnosis of depressive disorder while others magnify a minor
biorhythm change or transient feeling of malaise as depression.
(perception) Their thinking then becomes one of a depressed
individual and their mannerisms are seen as lack of energy or
disinterest. (behavior)

The approach at A.T.I. toward all true or perceived depressive
feelings is to assist the client to think of themselves as healthy and
project affirmations in terms of wellness rather than sickness. As
the Mind produces all thought, perceptions about one?s feelings may
change through positive awareness relative to Mind-Body-Spirit-
Environment® (thinking), resulting in behaviors that demonstrate a
person who speaks of and believes in well-being.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Trauma, another example, is a common occurrence that produces negative
perceptions, thinking and behaviors. Traumas may affect both the
conscious and subconscious parts of the mind, produce perceptions
which may be consciously recognized or kept hidden in the subconscious
and continue to influence thinking. Traumas do not always have to be
horrific to be life changing events, although they certainly can be.
Examples may include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, loss of loved
one, automobile accident, etc. However, traumas may also be small,
seemingly insignificant events that may also cause perceptions and
thinking, and years later may manifest into unwanted or at least
misunderstood behaviors.

Families have probably the greatest potential for creating positive
self-esteem, feelings of self-worth and self-love in their children.
Families also have the greatest potential to produce traumatized, self-
defeating individuals who may develop drug, alcohol or psycho-
emotional disorders to be able to
cope with the traumas inflicted on them by family members. Of course,
these same dysfunctions may not necessarily be caused by family but in
many cases, traumas of self-concepts could be imbedded in childhood or
adolescent minds by friends, television, magazines, religion,
misguided teachers, etc.

Some traumas are caused by catastrophic events and people deal with
these traumatic events in a variety of ways, both positive and
negative. Unfortunately, many do not have knowledge of therapeutic
interventions or have family support to seek out appropriate
therapeutic interventions. Without help, the results may be the use
of easily accessible drugs, alcohol or psychiatric medications to cope
with the emotional pain.

In the case of family induced traumas, the same catastrophic results
may be produced. They may occur as a one time event or repeated
traumas over an extended period of time. A one time traumatic event
might be, for example, a sexual abuse episode, a physical beating,
abandonment, divorce of parents, or even an illness. The more
insidious types of traumas may occur over and over for years.
Examples may include repeated abuse episodes or beatings and even
being told, ?you are not as smart as your brother,? ?you are built
just like your grandmother (who may be overweight),? ?you are bad?, ?
your sister got all the talent,? and more, by parents, siblings,
grandparents, etc. All of these traumas that are produced by family
can and do cause life long damage.

At A.T.I., we see a large percentage of clients that present a problem
of alcohol, drug abuse or emotional problems, but also suffer from
feelings of low self-esteem and low self-worth. Clients relate how as
children, they were told that they were ?no good?, ?worthless?, ?
dumb?, ?not wanted?, ?a pain?, etc. (perception) This may have lead
them to consciously try to ?find an identity? through friends, style
of dress, hair, speech patterns (all typically dysfunctional), or
subconsciously view him/herself in the negative terms that were
directed at them. (thinking) The result is an undesired lifestyle
including addiction, depression, anxiety, anti-social behaviors,
anger, dysfunctional relationships, and other emotional disorders; all
confirming the negative perceptions and thinking which they have about
themselves. (behavior)

Through therapeutic intervention which focuses on treating the whole
person and uncovering the underlying cause of the problem, not just
the symptom, clients are given the opportunity to learn to perceive
themselves as worthwhile individuals. As a result, thinking will
begin to change and allow productive and acceptable behaviors to
become evident.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Phobias (irrational fears) are another example of perception
influencing thinking and producing undesired behaviors. Consider a
person who expresses fear of flying in an airplane. We witnessed this
fear on a rather large scale after the tragedy of 911. Although
statistics demonstrate airline safety, people perceived from the 911
incident that air travel was unsafe. (perception) The fear that there
was a possibility of an airliner on which they might fly would be
hijacked caused people to resist flying and

the airlines to increase security, making travel more difficult.
(thinking) This created lower numbers in air travel for a period of
time after the 911 event. (behavior) As the fear about airline safety
abated and as the acceptance of airline security became a reality
(perception), thinking changed and the public returned to a pre-911
flying level. (behavior)

At A.T.I., the goal is for clients to learn to live without fear about
life or relapse. We all know that most people struggle with relapse
in recovery. Preventing relapse is one of the most important aspects
in recovery. Living in fear greatly hampers recovery and sobriety, and
is not necessary. The purpose of our therapeutic techniques is to
treat the whole person along with resolving the underlying causes of
the addictive thinking and emotional disorders. With the positive
tools provided and combined with practicing a heightened awareness,
clients have the opportunity to experience a life that does not
include fear-based thinking and/or relapse.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A different example of perception having been taught is one involving
prejudice. We all know that people are not born with a prejudice
against skin color, religions, language, size and weight, life
position, and so many others. Everyone is aware of the prejudice and
bigotry that is displayed by nations. Often, these expressions of
hatred come from children. Where did these children learn those
perceptions? It is obvious that their thinking is one of taught
hatred and bigotry. Their behavior and language promote this
distorted perception and thinking, and the prejudice and bigotry
continue.

At A.T.I., a part of the therapeutic process is to assist clients,
from a spiritual standpoint, to view all people as equal including
those that suffer from drug and alcohol abuse, and emotional
disorders. (perception) As clients begin to affect this perception
change, they may become more tolerant of others (thinking) and begin
to demonstrate increased acceptance and understanding for all people
no matter what skin color, religion, size and weight, or style of life
they follow. (behavior) With an increased level of tolerance for
others, the level of acceptance and understanding for oneself is also
raised. This provides a sense of connection rather than isolation and
is a positive concept that aids in the healing process.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® uses individualized clinical and
holistic treatment techniques to specifically address the areas that
affect addictive thinking and psycho-emotional behaviors. This
protocol addresses the Mind: uncovering possible situations that may
be causing the perceptions and thinking, and detecting the root cause
of the problem through psychotherapy; Body: incorporating structured
physical fitness and healthful eating habits to promote feelings of
health, strength and self-worth; Spirit: introducing spiritual
practices to assist in opening the mind up to possibilities,
practicing focus and clarity, and acceptance in terms of ?self?; and,
Environment: applying various methods such as design psychology and
Feng Shui to heal the environment in which one lives as part of the
essential combination of therapy techniques necessary to promote the
most effective, long-term healing. A.T.I. also provides Art Therapy
to bring about perceived environmental healing through creative
expression.

Body ?

Body image, looks, size, proportion and specific body parts, and how
they are perceived may indeed cause considerable dysfunction in one?s
life. Eating disorders may be the culmination of such perceptions.
It is difficult for many people to understand a case in which a young
female who binges and purges to the point of decreasing body weight to
dangerously low levels can look in a mirror and perceive herself as ?
fat?. Another example might include a person who is overweight and
perceives absolutely no way out of the depression he/she feels due to
the repeated failures to lose the extra weight.

People that suffer from substance abuse and emotional problems may
take a distorted view of themselves and their bodies. (perception)
When a person is actively in their negative emotional state,
addiction, or on a binge, for example, they lack regard for themselves
in many fundamental ways (thinking). The result may be a poor diet,
disturbed sleep, lack of hygiene, self-harming or other destructive
acts. (behavior) This thinking creates a run down, unhealthy, unfit,
tired individual who has difficulty getting him/herself out of the
negative emotional state or addictive patterns.

Overall physical health is an important component of the total
healing package. An addictive lifestyle takes its toll on the body as
well as the mind, spirit and environment. At A.T.I., we provide ample
opportunity to conduct the different types of exercises that will
improve fitness, practice meditation and breathwork, and learn healthy
eating and living habits; all bringing about a sense of healing, self-
esteem, and physical improvement.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® uses holistic treatment techniques to
specifically address the areas that affect perceptions regarding body
image. This clinical protocol addresses the Mind: addressing these
types of physical perceptions in terms of the causative factor, which
may have their origin in possible traumas or feelings of low self-
esteem. The therapeutic process must include examining the learned
perceptions from the experienced traumas or low self-esteem in order
for the thinking and behavior to change; Body: incorporating
nutritional recommendations with structured physical fitness; Spirit:
implementing spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, T?ai Chi,
and building self-esteem; and, Environment: applying techniques and
educational methods to improve one?s awareness of the environment and
raise consciousness on how these techniques may aide in the self
healing process. Some methods of raising consciousness about one?s
environment may include using non-toxic body and cleaning products,
buying from and supporting companies that demonstrate environmentally
safe practices, and caring for and being concerned with one?s own
living environment. Through this mindful practice of purchasing and
using non-toxic products, the body benefits in improved health and
well-being.

Spirit ?

Spirituality may be perceived by some as only obtainable through the
church or some other form of organized religion. When this is the
perception, the person may eliminate other possibilities of obtaining
a spiritual understanding from any other view point. The truth is
that there are a great many available sources that may offer and
provide a spiritual understanding, spiritual practice, sense of
connection, or profound life changing experiences if one were open to
perceiving other options.

We learn about the creative forces primarily from our families.
(perception) One must be aware that religion is man made and
spirituality is manifested and conveyed to each individual by his/her
perception of their inner self. Some may consider God, Universal
Consciousness or Life Force, Yahweh, Allah, Supreme Being, and so on.
(thinking) How one signifies this perception is not important. It is
the recognition of a creative force and its participation within each
individual that has the impact.

Take for example the perception that one may have of him/herself as a
spiritual person. If one perceives as a spiritual person who follows
their inner guidance and knows that they are connected to everything,
their thinking and behavior may be different from someone who enters a
church for spiritual guidance. One may find spirituality in organized
religion (behavior), depending on their purpose and intent, or
anywhere else they may choose where they can make the connection with
their perception of the creative force. Purpose and intent is the key
concept here. For example, if one attends church every Sunday to be
in a spiritual environment and have a contact with their creator, then
their purpose and intent are correct as they perceive spirituality.
Another example might be an indigenous person who lives primitively
without knowledge of churches or spiritual centers. If this person
has a ?oneness? with flora and fauna, is cooperative, loving and
caring, and has a conscious contact with his/her creator or inner
self, he/she could certainly be perceived as a spiritual person.

Perception Therapy® examines one?s conscious thinking about how
spirituality is perceived, where this was taught and by whom, and how
these perceptions formed the thinking and behaviors one possesses. At
A.T.I., we provide access to daily spiritual exercises including
meditation to give the clients an opportunity to recognize how they
perceive themselves in the spiritual sense or ?true self?. Through
this, thinking may change as one sees him/herself in a different
light. The behaviors will then begin to change as the individual
begins to act as a loving, caring, mindful, cooperative and productive
person, whose consciousness has been elevated by their understanding
or clarity of their ?spirituality? and how to apply that to their
daily life.

A spiritual practice that many are becoming familiar with is
meditation, but may be viewed differently by most people. Some may
think of meditating as difficult, that there is a correct way to
meditate, or that they cannot concentrate because they have been
diagnosed with ADD, etc. (perception) These are only perceptions of
truth, not actual truth. When one retains these perceptions of
meditation, their ?thinking? will not allow attempts at quiet focused
contemplation and so, they do not even try. (behavior) Here, we guide
clients into their individual experience with the practice of
meditation which assists in the healing process. Each day can present
a different way in which to meditate depending upon sleep, scheduling,
emotions, etc. and also how one perceives the events of their day.
If one believes that they are experiencing stress (perception), then
he/she may choose to sit quietly with the

eyes closed, focusing in on the breath to bring peace of mind
(thinking), and then return to the daily activities in a calm,
rational state. (behavior) Or, depending upon the level of emotions,
one may choose to go for a brief walk while practicing positive
affirmations or spend a few minutes journaling (meditation in
motion). The result is a change in perception of the situation,
clearer thoughts, and a more desired behavior.

Through a variety of methods, A.T.I. guides each client toward their
individual understanding of spirit or ?self-realization?. This is
also attained utilizing the Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® approach.
Mind: clinical therapy designed to transform the clients? thinking and
produce positive, productive behaviors. A.T.I. teaches the practice
of meditation which opens the mind allowing insights, as well as
providing education of alternative healing practices. Through these
experiences, clients come to their own conclusion about how they
perceive their spirituality and how they can apply that to their life;
Body: Gaining awareness about the body being a vehicle for the soul
and therefore needs to be respected and cared for with a spiritual
mindset. In order for people to move forward in their recovery and
lives, attending to their physical health from a spiritual standpoint
helps to build self-esteem, provide energy and allow for clearer
thinking. Spirit: At A.T.I., clients are viewed as spiritual beings
that deserve to be happy, at peace, hopeful and productive. We
understand that people deal with situations, experiences, and
emotional issues from what they have learned throughout life. We
strive to guide clients into their own personal experience of
accepting and understanding why they are perceiving, thinking, and
behaving as they do and have in the past, with a compassionate, non-
judgmental, and respectful mindset; Environment: A major determinant
in recovery and relapse prevention is training the mind to be
constantly aware of making good choices. One of the techniques that
A.T.I. teaches to help raise awareness is to be mindful about one?s
environment. Being mindful about the environment helps to be mindful
about oneself and the recovery process. Through the practice of
raising one?s level of awareness, relapse never has to occur. The
environment, meaning one?s immediate living space and the global
environment as well, and how one perceives and thinks about these,
plays an important role in the way one behaves and how one chooses to
live. Practicing a positive way of perceiving one?s environment and
taking the necessary steps to heal that environment, can result in a
change of thinking and in turn a change of behavior.

Environment ?

The perception of one?s immediate living environment as well as the
more global environment and how this perception may or may not impact
on his/her healing and healing process is an area that may be
overlooked or not recognized by many. A change in perception about
viewing the environment, as another part of the healing process, needs
to occur because the environment directly impacts everyone. At
A.T.I., clients will learn to perceive how healing the environment can
help to heal their ?self?. The goal of our Perception Therapy® and
Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® approaches are to produce perception
changes, raise the level of thinking, and change behaviors. When
perceptions about the environment change, the resulting behaviors
toward the environment begin to change. This shift in thinking
assists the clients in their healing process by raising their level of
awareness.

Implementing positive choices and behaviors to make an impact one?s
immediate environment as well as the global environment to heal
oneself might include:

- keeping the air that one breaths clean
- purchasing environmentally safe products for daily necessities
- disposing of waste by composting or recycling
- not polluting the environment and the earth
- conserving water used for daily living
- purchasing local, natural, organic foods
- supporting causes that are environmentally friendly or ones that
conserve resources
- practicing conservation methods as they relate to energy,
transportation, pollutants in the air/sea/land
- research and implement Feng Shui techniques

By learning and practicing these concepts, philosophies and behaviors
in regard to environment, people suffering from addictions and/or
psycho-emotional disorders can learn to move beyond their limited
awareness, expand their minds and change their perceptions about
healing methods to include healing the environment.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When we teach clients to change their perceptions utilizing the
Perception Therapy ® and Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® approaches,
addiction and emotional relapses do not have to occur or get in the
way of recovery. People can live happy, healthy, and productive lives
without living in fear that they will turn to dysfunctional thinking
and behaviors at any moment. The occurrence of relapse is only a
perception, not a reality. Anyone has the ability to change their
perception, thinking, behavior and reality.

The authors can be contacted at Alternative Treatment International,
Clearwater, Florida
info@alternative2rehab.com
www.alternative2rehab.com
www.mbse.org
1-800-897-8060
Perception Therapy® and Mind-Body-Spirit-Environment® are Registered
Trademarks of Alternative Treatment International, Inc.

HOW TO CHANGE PERCEPTION, THINKING AND BEHAVIOR

1. Begin to open your mind to new concepts.
2. Question, rather than just accept what is being told.
3. Admit to new possibilities.
4. Acknowledge that not everything is either black and white.
5. Understand that what one may believe to be true may just be someone
else?s
truth.

6. Adopt new ways of viewing one?s own specific situation.
7. Recognize that people behave in the way that they think.
8. Explore philosophies and theories that may help to change the way
one perceives.
9. Realize that what works for one may not work for all.
10. Show willingness to recognize a change in perception when it occurs.
11. Seek spiritual enlightenment and understanding.
12. Gain acceptance that the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Environment are
all connected.
13. Gain acceptance that we all have an impact on one another and the
environment and that in seeking healing for yourself, you are helping
another.

14. Become aware of your impact/input on your immediate environment
and the global environment.

15. Continually practice building awareness by reviewing your
perceptions, thinking and behaviors.

A.T.I.
1-800-897-8060
info@alternative2rehab.com
www.alternative2rehab.com
www.mbse.org
www.organictennis.net
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People who have been cheated on often has the notion that “Once a cheater, always a cheater”. I cannot blame them with that thought hanging around in their minds. It is pretty hard for someone to regain trust after giving it all up to someone who somehow finds a fascinating way of destroying it.

Once trust is lost, it is something that is pretty hard to regain. There are a lot of factors that will make it hard. First amongst those factors is the fact that your ego has been stepped upon. People who experience this may even end up killing themselves. Second thing is that you become paranoid and often think that everyone is the same. Lastly, forgiveness is something that is hard to give after a betrayal.

In a relationship, trust plays a major role. When it is lost, love is not enough to regain it. You have to dig deeper inside your heart if you are willing to give your relationship another try. Of course, your partner has to do something about it.

Boxing teaches us a lot about how we should handle life. From the basic punch up to the knock out punch, it makes us realize how fragile and how predictable life can be. The philosophy of life and that of boxing is fairly similar at least from a boxer’s point of view.

As an athlete and a boxer myself, I can clearly attest to this fact. There are times that I get punched really hard until I come to a point that at the back of my head, I know that its over. But then, I can still move my arms, my legs and I can still hold my head up for so many times even after a brain shattering punch. And then I realized how I lived my life that way ever since. I had the never say die attitude that most people admire. Giving up is the last resort that I would look at if I face a lot of punches.

My trainer often refers to me as a “destroyer”. He says that I could destroy my opponent with my left but he also said that in the process, I make myself vulnerable to another knock out punch. I was a risk taker even when I was just a little boy. A boxer’s mindset plays a major role in defining his strength. I am the aggressor type. I do not wait for chances like that of a counter-puncher. I make the opportunity. Funny as it may seem, that is my life. I don’t actually wait for chances but I make them.

A boxer’s heart does not know the meaning of quitting. When the bell rings, its war. Just like life, you never back down on challenges and if by any chance that you fall, get up and start swinging again. As Rocky Balboa would always say, “It ain’t over ’til its over.”

Regret is one thing that most people do not wish to have. It will make any person feel unhappy until such time that they get over the things that gave them this feeling. Some people would stay with this feeling while some would make a move to start a better life after the great fall they had. With this thought at hand.

A good friend of mine quoted from a movie that it is too late to start a new beginning but we can always start a good ending. It may not be easy to get up after a fall but it is a matter of choice if you want to stay down and cry. YOu must know when to stand up and get a life. Having a goal or something to look forward to in the future is the best way to combat this feeling. Cry all you want but after that, make a move.

This holy week has been pretty tragic for most of the people that I know. Last Maundy Thursday, a woman just from around the block where I live died. Based on what word of mouth around the block stated, she died because of the man that she loved.

At the age of 32, she became desperate to get married and live a happy life with the man that she loved. However, she felt betrayed. She found out that the man she loved for the past few years has been meeting other women behind her back. Since she caught her man, she got into deep depression. She locked herself in her room for days watching television and simply staring at their pictures. Often times, they could hear her scream every single time that she remembers the pain.

The problem is, she did not get over the problem. She allowed herself to suffer so much. She rarely ate and she totally forgot how to love herself. In a matter of days, her body weakened and she died in her sleep. I hope that her story serves as a lesson to all of us. She used to have a good life. Probably a close to perfect kind of life - a house, a great high-paying job, a family, lots of friends and more importantly, she had herself.

There are times that we cannot handle problems all by ourselves. In cases that we know that we need help, then we should find the people who can help. Therapists and psychologists will always be around to help and listen to our problems.

by: Eric Bryant of gnosisarts.com

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy dealing with ultimate reality. It asks us hard questions about the nature and genesis of the physical universe world. Although these questions are obviously unanswerable from a scientific standpoint, the answers individuals supply to them are of great importance from a psychological standpoint.

Common metaphysical questions deal with the existence of God, the nature of spirit or spiritual realities, and questions concerning the basic constituents of existence. As such, metaphysics is important in counseling. To truly be holistic in our counseling methods and theories, we as practitioners, psychologists,
psychotherapists and other counselors must appreciate the powerful effect an individual’s metaphysical beliefs shape her choices and outlook. Crucial matters such as religious affiliation, spiritual beliefs, and religious upbringing must be taken into consideration if the counselor would truly be in position to help our
clients.

Earlier today, a very close friend of mine nearly took his own life away. He overdosed from sleeping pills and a couple of antibiotics. Its a good thing though that his aunt is around during that time and being the typical old woman, she always checks every room before going to sleep. She noticed that his room was locked and got the spare key and opened it up. To her surprise, he was shaking pretty hard.

Doctors said that any further delay and he would have ended in the morgue. As of the moment, they are currently performing a series of experiments and they are currently removing the toxic out of his system.

I got the chance to talk to him but all he told me was that he could not handle his problems anymore. That was the typical answer that I get from any troubled person who attempted to take his life away. Can’t they take the pain? Can they not endure and do what they can to solve their problems? Don’t they trust their friends or family?

I had so many questions that hopefully will get an answer after we visit a psychiatrist tomorrow. It turns out that my holy week will be an unforgettable one.