Word Count: 524 Character Width: 60 Resource Box: Rhiannon Hill at www.BookShaker.com

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"How To Be In Therapy"

- by Rhiannon Hill

(c) Rhiannon Hill. All Rights Reserved. http://www.BookShaker.com

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Therapy works best with someone who makes you feel safe.

I ask new clients if they feel safe, and if they think they can work with me.

Sometimes they don't! I don't take it personally. I know I AM safe, but I may remind them of someone untrustworthy in their past.

If you're not sure, you could try asking yourself: how do I feel with this person?

I do value experience over paper qualifications but we all need some diplomas. The person with lots of letters after their name will not necessarily love and care for you more. A therapist should be able to give you reasonable guarantees that they will be around long enough to offer you an appropriate period of therapy.

In return, you need to show up regularly and on time!

You cannot form a meaningful relationship unless there is consistency not just because therapist is earning a living, ducking in and out is disrespectful and even hurtful in any relationship.

Making a commitment to therapy may in itself prove to be a therapeutic exercise.

Recent studies have shown that exercise may acually help people with arthritis in a number of ways. It can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. And it can also help with weight reduction and contribute to an improved sense of well-being.

Most comprehensive arthritis treatment plans should include an exercise regiment. Rest and relaxation, proper diet, medication, and instruction about proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy (that is, not to waste motion), as well as use of pain relief methods should also be included in treatment plans.

What types of exercises are best for people with arthritis? Try these three:

Range-of-motion exercises to help maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness, and increase flexibility.

Strengthening exercises to help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.

Aerobic or endurance exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on joints.

As always, people with arthritis should discuss their options with their doctors before starting on an exercise program. Easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics are gennerally a good way to get started. And make sure to ask your doctor about any sports or exercise programs in which you currently participate. Some programs may do more harm than good.

You should also be aware that your doctor may decide to refer you to a physical therapist. A therapist with experience in arthritis can design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics, joint protection, and conserving energy.

So what's best way to get going?

First, always first, discuss your exercise plans with your doctor.