Learn How To Cope With Stress And Anxiety
Learn How To Cope With Stress And Anxiety
FARMINGTON â The University of Connecticut Health Center is offering two six-week group therapy programs to help people cope with anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses, including the stress of having a chronic illness.
Two programs of the Personal Health Improvement Program will run weekly at UConnâs 10 Talcott Notch Medical Office in Farmington. One group will meet in the evening, starting on Tuesday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The second group will meet in the morning, starting on Thursday, March 3, from 10 am to noon. Both groups will be facilitated by Norman Andrekus, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in developing the mind-body connection through the study of Buddhist psychology.
Dr Andrekus employs interactive lectures, discussions and small group activities to help participants learn how to reduce stress and respond to everyday situations more effectively.
âParticipants will learn a mindfulness process through in-class instruction and practice, as well as by use of a workbook and tape,â he said.
The Personal Health Improvement Program is a clinically tested and proven way of reducing stress-related illness. The curriculum was originally created by Matthew Budd, MD, the former director of behavioral medicine for the Harvard Pilgrim Medical Group. Dr Andrekus has expanded this program using behavior change principles of cognitive psychotherapy.
âResearch shows that chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, ongoing headaches, insomnia, and depression can be related to everyday stress and moods. The skills learned in this program help participants learn to recognize their typical reactions to daily stress, and show them new ways to change negative patterns,â Dr Andrekus added.
âAnyone who is experiencing ongoing stress-related physical symptoms, chronic illness or other pain, discomfort or imbalance in their lives may want to take a serious look at this program. Though the program meets for only six weeks, we hope to give participants tools and resources they can draw upon throughout their lives,â he said.
Class registration is limited. For more information call 860-679-6700.