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Now, more than ever collaboration with these multiple disciplines is vital for the benefit of our patients and our communities. Curis has done something that has NEVER been done before in healthcare. Watch this discussion about how our disciplines work together and collaborate, as well as how to join our business model for a WIN-WIN-WIN.
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 Sometimes as adults, we have forgotten what it's like to be a toddler.
Mainstream parenting focuses on modifying superficial behaviour and resorting to tactics like punishments, time-outs, threats, bribes and rewards under the justification that perpetuating a dominance hierarchy is somehow serving the greater good. But, what if, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with our children? Nothing to be fixed. What if the problem is a lack of knowledge, understanding, and empathy within our society? And what if these techniques threaten to erode the ONLY influence you truly have with your child – your relationship. Read the full article from Raised Good here.  Doctors at Cook Children’s Hospital say they believe the stresses from the coronavirus pandemic are linked to six cases of severe child abuse seen at the hospital just this week.
This is usually what Cook Children’s says it sees over the course of a month. All of the children admitted this week are under 4 years old. “We knew an increase in abuse was going to occur, but this happened faster than we ever imagined,” said Christi Thornhill, director of the Trauma Program, the Care Team and Fostering Health at Cook Children’s. “I mean this happened in a week and these are really bad abuse cases.” Read the full article and watch the segment here. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CHILD THERAPIST HERE  Recently, Big Thought released an article discussing how excercise can replace mental health meds. Curis Functional Health's Mental Health Director, Debra Campbell, LMFT responded to the research with...
"However, there definitely are limitations. I’ve seen plenty of depressed and anxious athletes. This is where looking at the diet, microbiome, genetics (SNP’s) make all the difference. This is why we are building Curis, so we can look at the whole person." You can read the full article and learn more about the research here.  Did you know that couples in the US spend $30k on weddings? Did you also know that premarital counseling costs less than $1k? That’s roughly 3.5% of the cost of the wedding. What doesn’t make sense is that only 44% of couples pursue premarital counseling before they get married. Couples spend tens of thousands of dollars on weddings, but fail to invest in the future of their relationship. Even when a couple feels like their relationship is great, premarital counseling is a great opportunity to learn about each other along with valuable skills. This enhances communication for when things aren't going so well and as a couple you are able to work through the issues without threatening the relationship. At Curis, I work with couples to learn their attachment style and how that impacts the relationship, how they can use that knowledge to build a base, and develop a secure relationship. My approach to premarital counseling is by using the Texas preferred Prepare/Enrich Program along with Stan Tatkin’s book, “We Do”. This helps couples learn their attachment style. Not only will couples learn valuable tools, but they learn about themselves and how to develop a secure functioning relationship. Here are a few reasons that people go through premarital counseling?
What’s included in my premarital program at Curis?
 Recently, Inc.com released an article about emotional intelligence and how you can determine if yours is low or not.
The 5 questions are:
Even if the answers are yes, emotional intelligence is something anyone can develop. Read the full article here.  “Merry Christmas!” “Happy Holidays!” “Happy New Year!”
These phrases in our society typically bring happiness and joy, but to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, these words can sting. Grief is hard enough on a normal day, but you add the pressure and expectations of the holidays, the pain seems to increase. Throughout the holiday season, those of us who are missing someone important could use some relief. Here are some tips that can help you through this holiday season.
Wherever you are along your grief journey, whether your loss was last month or years ago, you are allowed to grieve and feel the feelings that come up during the holiday season. There is no timeline to grief, therefore there is no timeline on using whatever coping skills you will need in your emotional toolbox this holiday season. If you are needing help along your grief journey, we invite you to give our office a call. We can set up a time for you to speak with someone who can walk alongside you in your grief journey this holiday season and beyond. We wish you a Happy Holiday season, filled with joy and times of remembering and reflection. If you are struggling with grief this time of year, schedule an appointment with one of our providers to help you through this season. By: Dr. Kaleb Valdez  The magic of the holidays is upon us! So many festive outings, great food, time with friends and family, and a chance to rest and enjoy some well-deserved time off. Like most Americans, you’re probably considering some resolutions for 2020, and chances are these include some health-related goals. Your family at Curis is here to help! We have some of the top experts in chiropractic, counseling, and nutrition ready to help you make this your best year ever. Here are some of the common Grinches looking to steal your Christmas this year, and a simple, easy idea or two to help you make the most of this season: Stress. We shop, party, travel, decorate, cook, and play hard during this next month. All this can take a toll on our body’s adrenal and immune system, because it’s continuously in a “fight or flight” mode. The chiropractic adjustment restores balance with the “rest and digest” part of our nervous system[1]- and who doesn’t want a little improved digestion this time of year? Choose to reduce and simplify, and for everything else, make sure you are following your chiropractic care to keep that stress level in check. Sitting. Between all the merrymaking, we all like to curl up with a blanket and watch a Hallmark movie or seven. Take time to stretch or move and stick with your exercise routine. Your body will thank you! Also- sitting with your ankle over one knee may feel comfy and cozy until you stand up. Instead, sit cross-legged, or cross your legs at the ankles to avoid low back or hip pain[2]. If you’re driving or flying for long periods of time, make sure your car seat is ergonomically adjusted for ideal safety and comfort, and take time to stretch, walk, and breathe. Your Curis chiropractor can help! Snacking. So many gatherings revolve around food this time of year, and it’s tempting to overindulge. Some sweets are fine, but everything in moderation. Alcohol, dairy, sugar, and dairy can all add to our inflammation levels, making us more sensitive to pain[3]. Remember to drink lots of water, choose smaller portions, and try to fill up on the healthy first before the visions of sugar plums dance in your head. Enjoy the treats, but just be sensible. Sickness. It seems like everyone is fighting off a cough, a head cold, or a stomach bug. During winter months, our exposure to sunshine dips, lowering our production of active Vitamin D levels, a crucial hormone in activating our immune system. Did you know that in addition to getting Vitamin D, a chiropractic adjustment can DOUBLE the number of circulating white blood cells[4]? Research is uncovering incredible evidence of how your nervous system runs your immune response, and a great way to keep from getting sick is to ensure your body is communicating optimally with itself! While the rest of the world is downing Thera-Flu, unwrapping the latest back pain gadget, or summoning the will to hit the gym for some 2020 gains, you can take the proactive approach to your health, and schedule a visit with your Curis provider today! Whether for yourself or a loved one, the gift of health is priceless, and it allows you to enjoy everything else about the happiest time of the year. On behalf of all your Curis Functional Health team, thank you for entrusting us with your care! Dr. Kaleb Valdez is a chiropractic provider in the Curis Flower Mound location. He loves Christmas and chiropractic. [1] Welch A, Boone R. Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic vertebral subluxations of the cervical and thoracic spine. J Chiropr Med. 2008;7(3):86–93. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2008.04.001
[2] Park Y, Bae Y. Comparison of postures according to sitting time with the leg crossed. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26(11):1749–1752. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1749 [3] Mercola, Joseph. “Foods to Avoid by Patients Dealing with Chronic Pain.” Mercola.com, 19 Jan. 2010, articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/19/foods-that-chronic-pain-sufferers-need-to-avoid.aspx. [4] Brennan P, Graham M, Triano J, Hondras M. “Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P.” J Manip Physiolog Ther 1991; (14)7:399-400. 
Childhood grief is a topic that we do not hear much about. We do not hear it on the news, we do not talk about it in family gatherings, and we certainly do not talk about it in school or even religious spaces; however, we should. When I first shared the statistics shown in the graphic with colleagues and friends outside of the “grief therapist world,” they were shocked. They had no idea that the stats were so high, and they were astonished they had never heard them before. Let’s take a look at some of them. I find the first and third statistics the most stunning: one out of five children will experience the loss of a loved one before they reach high school and one out of fifteen children will lose a parent before they reach the age of eighteen. When looking at these two facts, I think about how unprepared we are as parents, family members, teachers, and even mental health professionals to help these children when they need us the most. The second statistic is just as shocking: eighty-seven percent of teachers have noticed that their grieving students have had difficulty concentrating after the loss. These children are missing formative and life-changing information during their school day because they are not able to focus due to their extensive outside worries. What do they worry about? They worry that someone else they love is going to die. They worry about whether they will die. They worry that it was their fault their loved one died. If the breadwinner of their family was the one who died, they worry about where the rent check or their next meal is coming from. If they have younger siblings, they worry that they have to be more of a parent than a sibling. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Would you be able to concentrate with all of these things going on? So, how do we help them? Our first job is to listen. Children need to be seen, heard, and understood, just like the rest of us. Listen to their worries, their fears, their big sad feelings. Let them know that you care about them and all of their thoughts. If they need some additional assistance, or you need additional care, seek the help of a therapist or support group. Research shows that kids feel safest talking about their grief when they are in a place where they know they are not being judged and where people are going to understand where they are coming from. When I was a child, after my dad died, I personally felt safest when I was at my peer grief support group. It was one of the only places, if not the only place, I would actually talk about my dad. I knew that the people listening truly cared about what I was saying and understood what I was talking about. Similar to my experience, the other kids in the group were also having trouble in school, with friends, or talking to their parents. I encourage families, friends, and loved ones to talk about the child’s person who died. They were a significant part of the child’s life and he or she will want to talk about that person. They do not want them to simply disappear. Some things you can do are set aside a place in your home for your loved one or set aside some time during special holidays, or even during the regular week, so that your child knows that they can talk about their grief while having your undivided attention. If you need further help with your own grief or help navigating a child’s grief, I am always available to help you along your journey. You can contact our office for an appointment or schedule a speaking event for your organization, school, or workplace to talk about how to help others along their grief journey.  In previous articles, we have explored what Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is and how it works. In this article, we are going to explore the what a typical EMDR session looks like and the course of treatment when EMDR is being used in therapy.
There are eight phases of EMDR therapy that will take place over multiple sessions depending on the client and the issue(s) being targeted. The first phase consists of history-taking session(s). The client and therapist identify possible targets for EMDR processing. These include distressing memories and current situations that cause emotional distress. Other targets may include related incidents in the past. Emphasis is placed on the development of specific skills and behaviors that will be needed by the client in future situations. The therapist assesses the client’s readiness and develops a treatment plan. During the second phase of treatment, the therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of handling emotional distress so they can manage their feelings between sessions. The therapist may teach the client a variety of imagery and stress reduction techniques. Since EMDR produces rapid change, it is important for the client to have a means of maintains equilibrium during and between sessions while adapting to their newfound feelings. Phases three through six are active work phases. A disturbing target thought is identified and processed. These involve the client identifying three things: 1. The vivid visual image related to the memory, 2. A negative belief about self, 3. Related emotions and body sensations. In addition, the client identifies a positive belief for future use in the session. The therapist helps the client rate the positive belief, as well as, the intensity of the negative emotions. After this, the client is instructed to focus on the disturbing visual image, negative thought, and body sensations while simultaneously engaging in EMDR processing using sets of bilateral stimulation. These sets may include eye movements, taps, or tones. The type and length of these sets is different for each client. At this point, the EMDR client is instructed to just notice whatever they spontaneously experience. When the client reports no distress related to the targeted memory, (s)he is asked to think of the preferred positive belief that was identified at the beginning of the session. At this time, the client may adjust the positive belief if necessary, and then focus on it during the next set of distressing events. The seventh phase is closure, where the client keeps a log during the week. The purpose of the log is to document any memory-related material that may arise. It serves to remind the client to use the self-calming activities that were mastered in phase two of treatment. Lastly, phase eight consists of reviewing the progress made thus far. Therapist and client will go over the EMDR treatment processes, all related historical events, current incidents that elicit distress, and future events that will require different responses. Clients generally leave this session feeling empowered and accomplished, reporting a resolution of previous distressed and resumed functioning. EMDR has a broad base of published case studies and controlled research that supports it as an empirically validated treatment. The research shows substantial and sustained reduction in symptoms in most patients. Studies include 3, 5, 15, and 18 month reviews with patients reporting sustained symptom reduction. Now you know what EMDR is and how it works. In the next few blogs I will discuss what specific things EMDR can treat. |
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