Counseling FAQs
Q: Is mental illness a serious issue?
A: Absolutely. A recent massive study on "The Global Burden of Disease" by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and Harvard University reveal that mental illness, including suicide, accounts for over 15 percent of the burden of disease in established market economies, such as the United States. This percentage is more than the disease burden caused by all cancers. To read more, visit the World Health Organization's website.
Q: Aren't people with mental health problems just weak?
A: Not at all. Mental illnesses are recognized medical conditions that diminish your capacity to deal with everyday life. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, anxiety, bipolor disorder and post-tramautic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, far from a weakness, people who are willing to change their lives with mental health treatment are very brave and corageous!
Q: What should I know about mental illness?
A: Here are some important facts according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
* Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.
* Mental disorders fall along a continuum of severity. Even though mental disorders are widespread, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion — about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 Americans. It is estimated that mental illness affects 1 in 5 families in America.
* The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.
* Mental illnesses usually strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.
* Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives.
* The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.
* The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.
* With appropriate treatment, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence.
* Early identification is of vital importance; By ensuring access to the treatment and recovery supports that are proven effective, recovery is accelerated and further harm is minimized.
* Stigma erodes confidence that mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions. We have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness to erect attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery. It is time to take these barriers down.
Q: If I see a mental health expert, doesn't that mean I'm crazy?
A: No more so then when you talk to doctor, lawyer or other professional. Mental health professionals are trained to provide treatment quickly and effectively. In fact, 70% - 90% of people feel better after only a few sessions.
Q: Does the gender of a mental health professional really matter?
A: Only if it matters to you. Some clients find they are more comfortable working with a male therapist, others with a female. Other times, individuals may reach a point in their healing where the gender of the therapist becomes very important. Tim Warneka is a powerful, gentle male therapist who has done extensive personal work toward becoming a healthier male ... which benefits you in the long run.
Q: What kind of mental health issues does Tim work with?
A: A licensed clinical counselor, Tim Warneka has helped men, women, teens and children create success in the face of mental health issues. Tim works successfully with individuals, couples and families dealing with:
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Trauma-related problems (from mental, physical and/or sexual abuse).
* Biploar Disorder
* Sexual Addictions/Compulsions & Other Issues
* Internet Addictions/Compulsions
* Anger Mangement Issues
* Life Transition Concerns (Divorce, Career Transitions, Moving, etc.)
Q: Can clients bring things into their sessions?
A: Absolutely. I work in a very experiential, body-centered manner. I've worked with both amateur and professional musicians who have brought their instruments in. I've had people bring in teddy bears and iPods with their favorite songs, golf clubs ... pretty much the sky's the limit. My clients are welcome to bring with them anything that supports your work.
Q: Musical instruments? Really?!?
A: Certainly. I've worked with a variety of professional musicians and weekend musicians. Personally, Tim leans toward the electric guitar (he owns a 1930's Gibson archtop and a Yamaha SBG 2000 solid body) that he uses when it makes sense for the client.
Q: What does "body-centered" counseling mean?
A: Tim Warneka uses a "body-centered" approach to counseling that honors and respects the wisdom of your body. Research shows that our Emotional Intelligence is deeply rooted in our bodies. Recent advances in brain research has supported the importance of workign with mental illness and trauma at the physical level.
Q: So what does "body-centered" counseling look like?
A: Body-centered counseling "looks" like most other counseling -- two (or more people) sitting in chairs. The difference is that Tim helps you develop deeper awareness of the wisdom of your body through an exclusive process that is designed to go at the pace that is right for you.
Q: What should I know about counseling for same-sex attraction issues?
A: Same-sex attraction cannot be "treated" or "cured" because same-sex attraction is not a mental illness. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA),
"The ACA Governing Council passed a resolution in 1998 with respect to sexual orientation and mental health. This resolution specifically notes that ACA opposes portrayals of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation."
This is similar to the position held by other mental health professionals (social workers, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, marriage & family therapists, etc.)
Q: But I know a professional who claims to treat sexual orientation issues (i.e., "being gay"). What about that?
A: This approach, often referred to as conversion therapy or reparative therapy, is offered by some Christian mental health professionals. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA),
"We found no scientific evidence ... that conversion therapy is effective in changing an individual's sexual orientation from same-sex attractions to opposite-sex attractions ... We did conclude that research ... indicates that conversion therapies may harm clients ..." (emphasis added)
Q: So how does Tim work with same-sex attraction issues?
A: Tim strongly aligns with the American Counseling Association's (ACA) position that counselors "only provides treatment that is scientifically indicated to be effective or has a theoretical framework supported by the profession."
Consequently, Tim works with clients (and in the case of teens, their parents) to discover life-giving ways to live with the same-sex attraction that align with the family's values and beliefs (generally Christian). In a gentle & supportive manner, Tim deals with past trauma and/or underlying depression and anxiety that may be making the situation work.
Q: I have more questions about counseling and same-sex attraction issues. Where can I go?
A: For more information, please read the essay on "Ethical Issues related to conversion or reparative therapy" by visiting this page on the American Counseling Association's website. If you'd like to find out about how counseling can help you or someone you love, please feel free to email Tim or call him at 440.944.4746.
A: Yes.