PTC Psychotherapy

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ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:59:18 +0000

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Recovering from a disabling condition

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:33:31 +0000

Some questions to ask yourself when you are recovering from an injury

What’s missing in my life?

How is the loss of function affecting me?

What other losses do I need to think about besides the loss of physical function? I.E. Loss of hobbies, social contact, or employment.

Answers to these and many other questions vary for each individual and each injury. There are many resources available to help someone recover from these losses.

The department of Vocational Rehabilitation may be able to assist in addressing barriers to employment that are disability related. If you are a veteran, the department of Veteran Affairs may be able to help with a large portion of your medical expenses particularly if your injuries are proven to be combat related.

Occupational therapists who are often available within hospital rehab settings can help you brainstorm new methods of movement that you may have to use to accomplish particular daily tasks.

What is the key to long-term adjustment? How do you make sure you are focused on your goals and that you are living the life you want to live as much as you possibly can?

A psychologist, such as myself, can be an advocate for your daily success. We can help you develop healthy coping strategies that can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. A life that keeps you connected to the people you care about and the career you want to have. It is psychology that can look at your disability or illness within the context of your entire life long after you leave the hospital. As a psychologist I can also work with you to make sure that all the resources available to you are being effectively used to achieve your goals. Often when there are multiple agencies involved in your physical and psychological care it can be bewildering and frustrating for you as a client. Therapy can be a space in which we can discuss how to advocate for your needs.

At almost any stage of injury, a psychologist can be a helpful ally in your recovery and an advocate for your vision of an ideal life. Don’t let a disabling condition take power away from you to decide the life you want to live.

Upcoming Workshop: Computer security for mental health professionals

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:17:38 +0000

Register for my upcoming workshop today! Becoming Confidently Confidential will show you how to understand modern security threats. Learn the advantages and skills necessary to turn your messy and time consuming paper files into a secure, fast, and efficient paperless system. The workshop is extremely cost effective and the system is easy to use. Register Here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R87WLR9

Now accepting Medicare!

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:54:08 +0000

I am now an approved provider for Medicare in the State of Oregon. Call 503-789-9394 between 9am and 12 noon for a free screening. Calls for screening will be returned in the next business day.

Surviving the stress that may come with the holidays

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:53:22 +0000

As a psychologist I’m aware that for many people the holidays can be far from happy. For those that have lost someone recently they can be a particularly painful time. It is often because the loved one is no longer around to share in the rituals and observances that are important to us. Maybe your holidays are stressful for another reason, perhaps you are stressed because you have to return to your family who you do not typically see. During this time of year perhaps going home to see your family make you act in ways you wish you wouldn’t or simply causes way too much stress. For those of us that find ourselves falling back into unhealthy patterns around our family therapy may be able to help. Therapy is a useful tool to change behavior patterns by modifying our thoughts and actions.

Whether or not you decide that therapy is for you, here are five quick tips that can make your holidays better.

Take time to think about what you’re experiencing and what you would like from the holidays. I know for many people, especially when they’re stressed, this is easier said than done. The good news is that I’m not talking about a whole afternoon here try taking 5 to 10 minutes to really think about what you’d like to be better this year and what you’d like to be the same as usual.
Remember to take care of yourself, what are the things that you do that help you relax? What are the things that help you feel centered and at peace? How long has it honestly been since you have regularly done those things for yourself? I know that many of us worry about having the perfect holiday get-together and spend hours shopping for presents preparing meals etc. However the truth is that if you are doing all of these things and are not taking care of yourself you will have less joy and personally I’m a big fan of joy.
If you are sad, or just stressed out, take time to acknowledge this and try and find one person with whom you can honestly discuss your feelings. If you keep your feelings inside and have to be dishonest around other people for fear of ruining their holidays your stress level is likely to increase
Try to increase your level of physical exercise. Research shows that exercise makes us all feel better by decreasing muscular tension [assuming we don’t overdo it] and releasing natural endorphins which are the chemicals the body uses to stimulate the pleasure center our brains. Not to mention the fact that exercise typically requires at least a small change of scenery which can provide physical separation from potentially stressful events. Please check with your physician if you have any health concerns before starting any work out routines.
Make sure there are some periods during the holidays when you eat what you normally eat. Almost all of us enjoy eating sweets or other wonderful kinds of food around the holidays, however the fact remains that overindulgence can cause an imbalance in our biology, which may cause disturbances in mood and sleeping patterns.

Hhopefully these tips are helpful for everyone, it is my fervent hope that all who read this use the tips above and have a healthier holiday season.

Podcast Beginnings

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:54:44 +0000

My business partner Jonathan Bebe and I are beginning work today on the first episode of our psychology podcast. The main topic of the first episode will be cyber-therapy and delivery of therapy over the Internet. We are still working on the … Continue reading →

Welcome to the blog for Dr. Ryan Skelton’ s psychology practice

ptctherapy@Yahoo.com (Dr. Ryan Skelton PTC Psychotherapy Portland Oregon) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 06:54:42 +0000

This is currently under construction but will soon contain information regarding my practice as well as valuable self-help materials which may be of assistance to my clients and the general public. It is my intention to also post a podcast here within the next month and each month thereafter on a topic of wider interest. I believe that psychology can be a powerful force for change and it is my hope that this blog can provide some tools that may be of help. Please keep in mind that the information provided here is by no means a substitute for evaluation by a trained mental health professional or any treatment which they may suggest.