Unbound Posts Archive - Page 3 of 27

Toni Bell: Documenting Impact

19 November 2024

Greg Macek

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Saybrook instructor and documentary impact producer Toni Bell has found inspiration for her work in her family’s commitment to voting rights.

Film documentaries have long been an important medium for bringing attention to societal issues in fresh and engaging ways. Saybrook instructor Toni Bell, who teaches in the Transformative Social Change program, is a documentary impact producer who has throughout her life been surrounded by family who have demonstrated the power of the individual committed in communal action, even under dangerous circumstances.

Bell was born and raised in Georgia, one generation removed from Jim Crow. Her grandparents were sharecroppers. Her grandfather studied the Constitution so that he wouldn’t get tripped up by the white poll workers who would try to exclude Black voters by quizzing them on arcane details of U.S. history.

“My grandfather would test me on the Constitution and other political things at an early age,” Bell says. “It used to get on my nerves.” However, she came to appreciate his determination when she turned 17.

“When I got my voter registration card, he looked at it, and it was one of a few times I saw him tear up,” Bell recalls. “He believed in the promise of America, but he also wanted me to understand the reality of this country.” She once asked him why Congress didn’t make the Voting Rights Act permanent. He said, “Because they want to be able to take it away when they can.”

With this background, it is not surprising that a lot of Bell’s work as an impact producer focuses on the intersection of politics and race.

In fact, the first documentary she worked on, 2011’s “Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race,” is about the first Black mayor of Los Angeles. Her first role on the film was as production assistant and she eventually became the project’s archival researcher. More recently she was an impact consultant on a two-episode docuseries, “And She Could Be Next,” which follows the campaign of Stacey Abrams in her first run for governor of Georgia and Rashida Tlaib’s successful run for Congress in Michigan.

As a documentary impact producer, Bell’s goal is to put her films in front of groups that filmmakers want to inspire to action.

Of course, most filmmakers who make a documentary on a topic of social importance are hoping to make an impact, but Bell explains that impact producing centers around clearly defined goals for action. For example, for the “And She Could Be Next” impact campaign, there was a page on the film’s website called “Join the Movement” where viewers of the film could sign up for several possible actions, including hosting a screening, registering people to vote, or spreading the word about ways in which voters of color are being purged from voter registration rolls.

For several years, Bell worked at the International Documentary Association, which is based in Los Angeles. In addition to overseeing donor funding through fiscal sponsorship, she advised filmmakers in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from development to distribution. Through this work she learned about Doc Society, a nonprofit organization based in the United Kingdom that created the Impact Toolkit that walks documentary filmmakers through the necessary steps to create an impact campaign.

Deciding that she wanted to put theory into practice, she began working closely with Ari Mercedes of Looky Look Pictures, an impact film production company. Bell went on to facilitate workshops with Doc Society for committed documentary makers in Philadelphia, Texas, and Puerto Rico. Since then she has independently facilitated impact campaign workshops with filmmakers in Egypt and the Sudan.

For all the financial challenges faced and the hard work necessary, to produce, market, and distribute documentary films on a shoestring budget, Bell has found something in her work as an impact producer that is often lacking in even the big-budget documentary production companies.

“What I really appreciate about the impact campaigns that I’ve worked on is that there’s always been a really close relationship between the filmmaker and the film participant,” Bell says. “That’s not really considered normal in the documentary space.”

Bell believes this departure from the professional distance exhibited by most documentarians reflects the fact that impact filmmakers and the film participants are rooted in their communities and are the ones who have the solutions for the problems they were motivated to address.

“A lot of times they don’t have the capacity or the funds or the needed support to make those solutions happen,” Bell points out. “That’s where the impact campaign can add support and fuel to what those community groups on the ground are actively trying to do.”

For more information about the programs at Saybrook University, please fill out the form below.

How To Manage Stress During an Election Year Using Integrative Medicine

31 October 2024

Ian Morris

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This guide explores how to manage election-related stress and anxiety using integrative medicine, offering practical tips for identifying stress, understanding its effects, and finding relief.

As election season approaches, the surge of political debates, media coverage, and social media discussions can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. If not managed effectively, this stress can lead to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function.

That’s where integrative medicine comes in. During times of stress, integrative medicine offers a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, soul, and spirit. This approach is beneficial in helping individuals maintain balance and well-being during a stressful election season.

Integrative Medicine: A Whole-person Approach to Healing

Integrative medicine differs from Western medicine in its approach to patient care. Western medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating symptoms or diseases, as well as on emergency medicine and pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, integrative medicine emphasizes treating the whole person—mind, body, soul, and spirit. It recognizes that health is influenced by a wide range of physical, emotional, psycho-spiritual, and environmental factors and prioritizes preventative care.

“Integrative medicine and integrative health are more humanistically focused and relationally grounded,” shares Marina A. Smirnova, Ph.D., a full professor of Humanistic Psychology and director of the Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization at Saybrook University. “They capitalize upon co-facilitating favorable conditions and environments that optimize one’s healing, health, vitality, and well-being, helping the individual to thrive and live long and well.”

When it comes to managing stress, integrative medicine offers a holistic approach, combining conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies such as mindfulness, earthing, acupuncture, nutrition, and herbal remedies.

Mind-body medicine is a key component of integrative medicine and is closely related in its core philosophy, techniques, and practices. Integrative medicine often employs mind-body techniques to manage stress and improve patient outcomes.

Health care professionals and aspiring practitioners can expand their expertise in this field through specialized Mind-Body Medicine programs or Humanistic Psychology programs with Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization. Saybrook University’s Mind-Body Medicine and Psychology with Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization degree programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to implement these transformative practices in their lives and that of their communities.

Benefits of Integrative Medicine

There are many benefits of integrative medicine, including reduced side effects, enhanced mental health, and natural therapies. By addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms, integrative medicine leads patients to more comprehensive and sustainable healing. These patients often experience improved overall well-being, reduced stress, and better management of chronic conditions.

“No two people with the same dysregulation have the same experience,” says Cynthia Kerson, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Applied Psychophysiology Department at Saybrook University. “Integrative medicine practitioners are committed to understanding the psychophysiological aspects of the person. They have broadened their scope of interventions to identify the best way to support the remediation of the symptoms.”

By taking a personalized approach to health care, the effectiveness of treatment fosters a deeper connection between patients and providers, leading to more compassionate and patient-centered care.

Election Stress and Anxiety

According to the American Psychological Association, 52% of Americans surveyed in 2016 said that year’s presidential election was a “significant source of stress” in their lives. When this poll was repeated four years later, that number increased to 68%.

Election stress is the feeling of overwhelming anxiety that arises during an election period, particularly in the face of a contentious or highly polarized political environment. Dr. Steven Stosny, a psychotherapist, coined the term “election stress disorder,” which can be described as “stress and anxiety triggered by election news (that) spills into work, social, and family life.” While this type of stress is not officially classified as a medical disorder, it can manifest in ways that are similar to generalized anxiety.

Signs of election stress can include physical symptoms such as tension headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and an overall sense of unease. Emotionally, it may lead to feelings of fear, irritability, relationship difficulties, hypervigilance, and a constant need to stay informed, often by excessively consuming media which can exacerbate the stress.

Identifying election stress involves noticing these symptoms, especially if they intensify during election periods. You may find yourself constantly checking news updates and social media, feeling overwhelmed by political discussion, or even experiencing a drop in your overall mood and productivity.

Integrative Medicine Approaches To Stress Management

1. Mind-Body Techniques

In today’s politically charged environment, finding effective ways to manage stress and maintain emotional balance is more important than ever. Mind-body techniques offer evidence-based methods for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being during these challenging times.

Shannon McLain, Ph.D., a professor in Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University, emphasizes the value meditation and breathing exercises can have on whole-body health.

Mindfulness Meditation: This is a powerful tool for managing stress, particularly during the heightened tensions of an election year. By practicing mindfulness, you train your mind to focus on the present moment, helping to reduce anxiety and prevent your thoughts from spiraling into worry about the future. Through regular mindfulness practice, you can cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, allowing you to respond to stress with greater resilience.

Dr. McLain guides listeners through a mindful meditation to help manage stress during an election year.

Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises are an immediate and effective way to alleviate stress. Start by sitting comfortably and closing your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and hold your breath for a few seconds. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing all the tension from your body. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, focusing on your breath. This simple technique activates your body’s relaxation response, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and bringing a sense of calm.

To learn more about the science of breathing, check out Dr. McLain’s three-part YouTube series.

2. Aromatherapy

Arielle Dance, Ph.D., a Saybrook Mind-Body Medicine graduate, integrates aromatherapy techniques she learned at Saybrook University into her everyday practice. She uses aromatherapy in her office and starts staff meetings with meditation.

Essential Oils: Aromatherapy, using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, can be a simple and effective way to manage stress. Calming essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot effectively reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Practical Tips: To incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, you can use a diffuser to disperse the oils in your living space, add a few drops to a warm bath, or apply them topically after diluting with a carrier oil. Inhaling the scent of these oils or applying them to pulse points can provide immediate relief, making aromatherapy a convenient and accessible tool for managing election-related stress.

Five Additional Tips for Managing Stress

Make a personal commitment to implementing several acts of self-kindness daily. Dr. Smirnova shares, “Given the intensity of an election season, making a personal commitment to implementing acts of self-kindness may help with alleviating stress.” She suggests a healthy meal; an attitude of gratitude; a loving, open-minded connection with a friend or family member; a time to simply be (meditating, contemplating, praying, resting, and/or mindful walking); and generous time for a restorative and rejuvenating sleep.
Focus on what you can control. When you feel as though you have no control over a situation, such as the future state of the country, it can lead you to feel stressed. By focusing on the elements of your life that you can control, you can avoid worrying and take action. You can make sure you are registered to vote and encourage others to do so or volunteer for your candidate’s campaign.
Take care of yourself proactively. Dr. Kerson believes people dealing with election-related stress should embrace the integrative medicine philosophy of preemptive care. “It promotes proactive attention to the self to circumvent stress-induced physiological phenomena,” she says. “Don’t wait until it is too late to take care of yourself.”
Stay active. Regular activity can help relieve stress, tension, and anxiety caused during an election year. Taking a walk outdoors, joining a group fitness class, or doing yoga can reduce the harmful effects of stress.
Unplug. Staying informed during an election year is crucial; however, being constantly exposed to political content can take a toll on your mental health. Limit your time on social media, and stay connected with friends and family who will support you.

Managing stress during an election year is important for maintaining your overall well-being. The heightened emotions and constant flow of information can take a significant toll on your mental and physical health, making it more important than ever to prioritize self-care.

Remember, your peace and well-being are within your control—regardless of external circumstances. By embracing self-care and integrative medicine, you can maintain a sense of peace and inner calm, no matter what challenges an election year may bring. Empower yourself to prioritize health and stay connected to what truly matters.

Are you interested in knowing more about integrative health? Explore Saybrook’s Mind-Body Medicine programs, as well as Humanistic Psychology programs with CSIH Specialization.

Education Beyond Borders 2025: Bridging Health, Technology, and Cultural Horizons

16 October 2024

Mike Lepore

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The 2025 Education Beyond Borders study abroad program will allow students to experience South Korea’s cultural vibrancy.

Since 2016, the Education Beyond Borders study abroad program has brought learners together to cultivate a deeper understanding of the world. Born at the intersection of global engagement and cross-disciplinary collaboration, Education Beyond Borders was created for the institutions that make up The Community Solution Education System as part of a shared mission to prepare agents of change to serve a global community.

Available to current students and alumni, the program consists of an online course and culminates in a study abroad experience that gives participants the opportunity to engage with diverse populations around the globe. Joined by others from four colleges and universities across the U.S., participants will examine the topic of inclusion through the lens of several disciplines, including psychology, business, education, law, and humanistic health.

The inaugural Education Beyond Borders program in 2016 took participants to Berlin, Germany, to examine the topic of immigration and the country’s refugee crisis. Subsequently, participants traveled to Johannesburg and Cape town, South Africa in 2018 to examine the topic of identity. In 2019, studies on the concept of balance led to an enriching trip to Tokyo, Japan.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the program was fully virtual in 2020, connecting participants from institutions across the globe to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Well-being.

Why South Korea?

South Korea was chosen as the destination for EBB 2025 due to its unique combination of technological innovation, advanced healthcare systems, and rich cultural heritage. The country is known for its leadership in integrating technology into various aspects of society, offering valuable insights into modern healthcare practices and technological advancements. Additionally, South Korea’s vibrant pop culture, encompassing K-pop, film, fashion, and cuisine, provides a compelling cultural backdrop to enrich the learning experience. This blend of health, technology, and cultural vibrancy aligns perfectly with our theme of “Bridging Health, Technology, and Cultural Horizons,” offering participants a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Registration for Education Beyond Borders 2024 is open to students and alumni from The Chicago School, Saybrook University, Pacific Oaks College, and The Colleges of Law.

The importance of global experience

At Saybrook University, we believe in serving our global community. By examining identity through the lens of other cultures, learners cultivate a more dynamic worldview and improve their overall approach to service. Professionals with diverse cultural knowledge are better prepared to manage decisions with global implications—setting themselves apart as leaders in an evolving and complex international global workforce.

Learn more about Education Beyond Borders and register for the 2025 program.

Alumni Stories: Michele Kambolis, Ph.D.

15 October 2024

Mike Lepore

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Author Michele Kambolis, Ph.D., seeks to offer evidenced-based healing practices to heal women’s stress and anxiety.

“If you believe there are forces that guide us in our lives, this would be one of those moments,” says Michele Kambolis, Ph.D., of the circumstances that led her to the Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. program at Saybrook University. She had long wanted to pursue a doctoral degree but found most of the programs she was looking at fell into the traditional Western “reductionist and dualistic” model. Then one night, she says, “I woke up at one in the morning with this strong sense that there was something else that I was meant to be doing.” She noticed that a therapist whose writings she liked on social media was attending Saybrook University. Ten days later, Dr. Kambolis was beginning her studies for a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health. “It was exactly the right program at the right time,” she says.

Shortly after she graduated from Saybrook, Dr. Kambolis published a book titled, “When Women Rise: Everyday Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Body and Soul,” in which she sought to contextualize the stress and anxiety women face every day. The book provides evidence-based practices that women can internalize to heal and empower themselves in every aspect of their physical, psychological, and spiritual lives.

“I feel grateful for my time at Saybrook in that it provided me with the academic and research foundations to be able to create a book that is deeply founded in science but also accessible to those who otherwise may not have been able to receive the kind of treatments that they may have needed,” Dr. Kambolis says.

Through her platform, Dr. Kambolis intends to continue her writing, research, and speaking on the opportunities everyone possesses to harmonize their lives and awaken to their wholeness through the integrative practices that are the foundations of an education at Saybrook University. On a broader scale, she travels globally to support organizations, companies, and nonprofits in their efforts to bring mind-body-health practices to their communities. “In the long term, it’s important to me to be able to continue to do that outreach,” she says. “There are certain places or communities that really have very low access to this information and the treatments and practices that are so extraordinarily healing.”

Dr. Kambolis credits her experience at Saybrook, which she describes as “a humanistic university through and through” for providing the academic foundation for her work and a supportive peer group. “You feel that from the moment you begin the relationships that continue to grow long after you leave,” she says. “Whether you’re working with your peers, or learning through your professors, or diving into research, everything that you experience at Saybrook is imbued with humanism. It’s deeply heart-centered.”

Dr. Kambolis says she is proud to have raised two boys as a single mom and to have watched them learn their own life lessons. Her oldest son is pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology “There’s a natural transition happening,” she says. “We need to prepare a next generation of therapists and healers who can wisely navigate the challenges of our time.”

Currently working on her third book, this one on the transformative phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, Dr. Kambolis has a message to those who are entering the field. She says, “I would want them to know that when we commit our lives towards understanding ourselves well and expanding not only our minds but our hearts, our capacity to guide others with wisdom grows exponentially. So, continue to look inward, care for yourselves, and know that this world needs the gifts that you have to offer.”

For more information about the programs at Saybrook University, please fill out the form below.

The Hidden Burden: Creating a Social Justice Practice While Avoiding Burnout

3 October 2024

Mike Lepore

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Everywhere you look, social issues are in the headlines. Learn how you can commit to making a difference while avoiding burnout.

Turn on the news or open social media on your phone and there it is: American society, rife with issues of racism, gender inequality, and economic disparity. The world needs people who commit to addressing social justice, but altering mindsets, systems, and society as a whole can be grueling.

For those of us working toward a more just and equitable world, it’s crucial to actively recognize and mitigate potential burnout. By protecting your mental health, you will be better prepared to create and drive societal change through sustainable social justice efforts.

How to Incorporate Social Justice Work Into Daily Life

For many who seek to make a difference, the process can seem daunting. However, integrating social justice work into your life doesn’t require grand gestures or a complete lifestyle overhaul. It’s about making thoughtful choices and cultivating habits that align with your values.

In this section, we’ll break down how to weave social justice into the fabric of your everyday life. Consistent, small actions can accumulate to create a significant impact. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can make a difference in long-term, sustainable ways.

Educate With Credible Sources

The first step toward centering social justice in your daily life is to educate yourself about important issues using reputable sources.

Accuracy is key, as spreading misinformation can do more harm than good. In 2021, The Washington Post shared how the spreading of a trafficking conspiracy theory led to organizations having to reallocate resources in order to combat the false narratives spiraling in the media.

The takeaway? If you’re exposed to a topic for the first time on social media (or any other form of media), be sure to fact-check with credible sources to ensure its accuracy.

Turn Knowledge Into Action

Knowledge has power. Knowledge put into action changes the world.

Once you’re educated on an issue, act on it. Your actions don’t have to be time-consuming or a financial burden—they can be as simple as signing a petition, voting, or volunteering. Think about how you move through the world, and let your knowledge guide your daily actions. For example, where are you choosing to spend your money? What companies do you support financially?

If you’re looking to make a substantive change outside of your norm, join a larger effort such as Saybrook Serves. In this program, Saybrook University facilitates virtual and in-person community service opportunities to positively impact the community.

Social change comes from both individual and collective effort, and every action you take is a step toward long-term progress.

Speak Up

Our communities are shaped by each of us: how we interact with one another and what we allow as acceptable behavior. Change often requires courage.

Annette Anderson-Engler, Ph.D., interim department chair for Integrative Social Work at Saybrook University, says, “Embracing a humanistic perspective that supports social justice and anti-racism as a way of life builds up and preserves the human dignity of all people.”

If you see injustice in real time, act. Speak up for someone. Educate another. Spreading awareness is a key aspect of social justice work. The goal is not to “win” but to share understanding. Ground your communication in care for the other person and the community.

Protecting Mental Health to Create Sustainable Change

To create long-term change, you need a social justice practice that is sustainable—which means protecting your mental well-being.

A 2015 study found that 71.4% of individuals experienced a deterioration of mental health stemming from their social justice efforts. Unlike temporary bouts of fatigue, this often results in feelings of depletion and constant alertness that can even manifest into physical health issues, such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, and nutritional deficiencies. The perception that self-care is a privilege, rather than a necessity, creates a cycle of poor health.

Playing the long game can also be demoralizing for those doing social justice work. One of these study participants said, “I never feel that I’m doing enough … like the feeling you’re only scratching the surface of what needs to be done.”

These signs of burnout can easily lead people to withdraw from social justice altogether. To tackle these added stressors, use burnout prevention strategies.

How to Integrate Self-Care Into Social Justice Practice to Create Long-Term, Sustainable Change

First Self-Care, Then Societal Care

Social justice work is emotionally labor-intensive, so it’s important not to neglect your low-maintenance hobbies and activities. Self-care practices provide a reset during times of stress, decreasing the feeling of constant anxiety.

If you’ve been on a plane, you know the protocol is to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others. Apply that mentality to self-care to ensure burnout doesn’t subsequently harm yourself and others. Boundaries that maintain both social justice and personal efforts are key.

Seek Support for Mental Health

Whether your desired form of support is from mental health professionals or through your community, it is crucial to surround yourself with people who understand the unique challenges of social justice work. They can provide personalized strategies to manage stress while simultaneously combatting feelings of loneliness.

“Saybrook University allows ways for all people to participate in human dignity practices by working together,” Dr. Anderson-Engler says. “Through the building of more inclusive communities, Saybrook offers safe spaces to share stories about positive social change. Saybrook encourages the exchange of storytelling dialogue so that individuals may freely express their views of hope for humanity in an ever-changing world.”

Take Breaks and Practice Mindfulness

Prioritizing your well-being impacts both your personal health and your capacity for engaging in long-term social justice efforts. Identify when you’re experiencing the signs of burnout, and take breaks away from active efforts, social media, and other stressors.

You can also make your efforts more sustainable by adopting holistic practices to mitigate fatigue and burnout. Mindfulness practices—such as meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling—can be helpful in maintaining emotional balance. These practices can help activists stay grounded and present, reducing the risk of burnout.

Dr. Anderson-Engler endorses self-reflection to establish a strong sense of meaning,

“Small group work, specifically transformative mediation and peacebuilding practices are self-care strategies specifically suited for activists and advocates,” she says.

Try incorporating transformative meditation in your routine by checking out Saybrook University’s Mindfulness Moments podcast episodes, hosted by Mind-Body Medicine faculty.

Celebrate All Milestones

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, whether big or small. This could include minor achievements. For example, educating a family member on a social justice issue. It could also involve larger-scale accomplishments, such as advocating for policy changes. It’s important to remember your efforts aren’t defined by the immediate results. Recognizing progress can boost morale and reinforce the value of continued effort.

Saybrook Is a Leader in Driving Social Change. We Invite You to Join Us.

At Saybrook, we know that social change must happen at both the individual and collective levels.

We are committed to providing students with hands-on experience, giving them opportunities to apply their learning to real-world challenges. Through this application, students are given the foundation to take on sustained social justice efforts throughout their careers.

Explore how you can drive social change through our Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work and M.A. in Transformative Social Change programs.

Helping Those With Addiction as a Substance Abuse Counselor

11 September 2024

Mike Lepore

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Discover the importance of substance abuse counselors and how they impact those on the road to recovery from addiction. Substance abuse counselors, commonly referred to as addiction counselors, use their knowledge of psychology, social science, and counseling techniques to create comprehensive strategies to aid their clients to better cope without the use of alcohol or drugs

Saybrook University’s M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization is designed to teach students how to work with clients along their healing journey in various settings. One of the popular career outcomes of this clinical mental health counseling degree is a substance abuse counselor. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), indicating that the program meets the standards within the clinical mental health counseling field.

The State of Substance Abuse in the United States

In 2022, almost 49 million people in America aged 12 and older had substance use disorders from either alcohol or drug use. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol abuse has increased by 23%, and drug abuse increased by 16% for people who had already been using those substances pre-pandemic. Only one out of 10 people who need substance abuse treatment receives it due to the stigma around seeking help, lack of insurance coverage, and the unavailability of quality care.

What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Substance abuse counselors advise and support people with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Addiction counselors provide counsel to those struggling with addiction and utilize their holistic education backgrounds to identify stressors that trigger substance use and come up with a plan to manage those stressors. Due to the nature of the field, compassion, patience, and communication skills are important qualities in a substance abuse counselor.

Addiction counselors work with the patients, discussing their drug or alcohol history and evaluating the extent of the addiction. This helps the counselors create long- and short-term recovery plans for the patient while helping their family understand the impact of addiction and providing ways to support the patient.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

An addiction counselor may implement various approaches to substance abuse treatment and recovery, including individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention.

Different types of therapy techniques work in various ways to create a holistic therapy plan for those struggling with substance abuse. With the goal of creating a sustainable recovery for the client, each therapy technique adds benefits for working toward that goal.

Individual therapy: Increases understanding of the patient’s behavioral patterns to better manage triggers and coping mechanisms.
Group therapy: Reduces isolation a patient may feel while struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Group therapy also encourages a sense of teamwork to work together to build the group up during recovery.
Crisis intervention: Works to abate the intensity of the patient’s emotional, physical, and mental distress toward a crisis event or trigger.
Recovery plan: Includes long-term and short-term goals and strategies to help patients work toward and recognize progress, avoid risks, and maintain healthy behaviors.

How to Become an Addiction Counselor

Here are five steps to becoming a licensed professional counselor who specializes in substance abuse or addiction.

Visit the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) website to view the licensing requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
Pursue a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
Complete clinical experience (4,000 to 10,000 hours)
Revisit the NBCC’s website to schedule your state licensing exam. Depending on your state, you are required to take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or both.
Renew licensing every few years or complete 40 or more hours of continuing education every two years as required.

What Is the Average Addiction Counselor’s Salary?

The average annual salary for substance abuse counselors in the U.S. is $53,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

*Data gathered in 2023.

Outlook on Addiction Counselor Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the substance abuse and addiction counselor job outlook is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much higher than the average job outlook. This data was collected at the time of publishing.

Pursue Your Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree

The CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization at Saybrook University is designed to meet the educational requirements to become a licensed professional counselor after graduation and pass the licensing exam. For prospective students interested in becoming an addiction counselor, this master’s program offers a gateway to meaningful impact. Through valuable insights and guided exploration, students can start their journey toward professional counseling excellence for addiction recovery. Our graduates are equipped with the skills to become catalysts for positive change in the lives of individuals and communities struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

A Guide to Hospice Care Jobs

4 September 2024

T12 Titans

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Where compassion meets clinical expertise in health care lies a profound calling: end-of-life care careers, one of which includes the field of hospice. Hospice care is more than a job, it offers the chance to make a significant impact during the most delicate times of life.

Saybrook University stands at the forefront of preparing individuals for these fulfilling paths, with a special emphasis on integrating mind-body medicine into hospice care. More specifically, our Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care program is a holistic, person-centered, mind, body, and spirit approach to providing support, comfort, and care during the time leading up to a patient’s death. This mind-body medicine degree focuses on palliative and end-of-life care, overlapping interdisciplinary efforts to enhance the quality of life and symptom management during chronic and life-limiting illnesses, including processes for terminal diseases.

Let’s explore jobs in hospice care, how they play a crucial part in end-of-life care, and how Saybrook University sets its students up to apply evidence-based skills in this field. This specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care does not qualify graduates for licensure but rather prepares individuals to better tend to the psychospiritual needs of the chronically ill and dying. Graduates will need to independently pursue proper licensure or certifications for their elective field within hospice care.

Hospice Jobs: What It’s Like Working in Hospice Care

The field of end-of-life care offers a range of opportunities that are not just professions but callings that require compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. With the growing recognition of the importance of providing holistic, person-centered care at the end of life, the demand for skilled professionals in hospice settings has never been higher.

Hospice Counselor

Hospice counselor jobs are centered on providing the psychological and spiritual support to patients and their families needed to navigate the complex emotions that surface during end-of-life care. They employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at addressing grief, fear, and anxiety, facilitating a space where patients can express their feelings and concerns openly. Hospice counselors often engage in life review sessions and legacy projects, helping patients reflect on their lives and create meaningful memories for their loved ones. They also provide spiritual support, tailored to the patient’s and family’s religious beliefs, offering comfort during times of spiritual questioning or need.

In moments of crisis, hospice counselors offer immediate support, helping families manage acute emotional distress and navigate the grieving process. They employ therapeutic techniques to address grief, fear, and anxiety, ensuring a peaceful transition for patients. The Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care provides a holistic education for those seeking hospice counselor jobs. This overlapping education in palliative and end-of-life care equips graduates with the tools needed to engage patients and families in meaningful, comforting interactions that honor the individual’s life and journey. Further licensing will be required to become a professional counselor.

Hospice Counselor Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a mental health counselor is $53,710.*

*Data gathered in 2024.

Hospice Nurse

Hospice nursing jobs embody the role of a compassionate caregiver, meticulously managing the physical aspects of end-of-life care. Their day-to-day tasks revolve around symptom management, ensuring that patients remain as comfortable as possible by administering medications, monitoring their effects, and adjusting care plans in response to changing needs. Direct patient care is a significant part of their responsibility, involving routine tasks such as wound care, assisting with personal hygiene, and managing patients’ medical devices.

Beyond these duties, hospice nurses serve as vital educators who provide patients and families with critical information on managing symptoms at home, understanding the progression of illnesses, and making informed decisions about care preferences. The Mind-Body Medicine degree with a specialization in Contemplative End-Of-Life Care enforces a strong holistic understanding of patient needs and allows them to integrate compassionate care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient’s end-of-life experience. Hospice nursing jobs require acting as the main liaison between patients, families, and the broader health care team to ensure that care plans are comprehensive and respectful of the patient’s wishes. Our graduates understand the goal of palliative and end-of-life care is to improve the quality of life for the client and their family based on the client’s needs.

Hospice Nurse Salary

Hospice nursing jobs, specifically registered nurses working in nursing and residential care facilities such as hospice, have an average salary of $79.280 per year. *

*Data gathered in 2024.

Hospice Social Worker

Hospice social worker jobs offer critical emotional and logistical support, guiding patients and their families through the complexities of end-of-life care. They provide invaluable counseling services, helping families cope with emotional turmoil and stress. Their role extends into practical realms, assisting families in navigating health care systems, accessing community resources, and understanding myriad services available to them. Hospice social workers are instrumental in advance care planning, facilitating discussions around living wills, health care proxies, and the patient’s end-of-life wishes, ensuring these preferences are communicated clearly to the health care team.

Furthermore, hospice social worker offer bereavement support, preparing families for the grieving process and providing resources and support groups to help them cope with loss. Their work is profoundly influenced by principles of mind-body medicine, integrating behavior, exercise, relaxation, and nutrition to manage the patient’s health through their mind, body, and spirit. The Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care offers grounded, empathetic guidance through the bereavement process, and fosters a healing environment for families and patients alike.

Hospice Social Worker Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for health care social workers is $ 67,430.*

*Data gathered in 2024.

Saybrook University: A Beacon of Innovation in Hospice Care Education

Saybrook University’s Ph.D. program in Mind-Body Medicine, with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care, equips students to apply their education to a range of hospice careers that truly make a difference. Graduates will need to seek the career-specific licensing and certifications that may be required for that field within hospice care. This degree in end-of-life care integrates contemplative practices, evidence-based skills, and a deep understanding of the holistic needs of those at the end of life, and graduates are prepared to enter the field as compassionate, skilled professionals. Through innovative courses and a commitment to holistic, person-centered care, students are empowered to affect the lives of patients and their families.

Make a lasting impact while working in hospice care with a degree from Saybrook University. Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for those facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Apply today to become a leader in contemplative end-of-life care.

Alumni Stories: Jeremiah Pearcey, Ph.D.

30 August 2024

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While there are many different triggers for stress—health, money, work, family responsibilities, and relationships are a few of the most common, according to the American Psychological Association (APA)—cognitive psychologist Jeremiah Pearcey, Ph.D., believes social isolation and divisiveness are making people more sensitive and susceptible to all of them. Instead of medication or meditation, he therefore suggests fighting stress with a different kind of prescription: empathy.

“What you see right now in our country is an unwillingness to even consider somebody else’s experiences,” says Dr. Pearcey, a Saybrook University graduate who is now adjunct faculty in the university’s Mind-Body Medicine Department. “There’s no need to talk to other people or work things out with them because we’ve already made up our mind about who they are. Unless we can get back to empathizing with each other and not being so judgmental of individuals that we don’t know, we as a society are going to continue to feel deeply and chronically stressed.”

Raised to Relate

Dr. Pearcey’s passion for empathy is personal. Although he’s now based in Houston, Texas, he was born in Northern California and grew up traveling the world with his parents and four siblings.

“My dad joined the U.S. Air Force when I was 2, so I spent pretty much my entire childhood moving around,” says Dr. Pearcey, whose travels have taken him to 45 different countries. His experiences engaging with different cultures has a lot to do with his commitment to empathy. Equally influential, however, were his experiences as a mixed-race child in a white family.

“My mom, who is white, had me when she was 19 with my biological father, who is Black. She married my dad when I was 1, and he adopted me when I was 12,” Dr. Pearcey says. “That had a big impact on my life. Not because my family treated me differently, or because I experienced a significant amount of racism, but just because of the fact that I was different. I didn’t look like everyone else in my family, and that always caused people to pause. I picked up on that and became really sensitive to people’s perceptions of me—especially as I got older, and people started asking me why I don’t talk ‘Black’ or act ‘Black.’ My experience with racial stereotypes pushed me to try understanding myself and the world, and where I fit in.”

When his self-reflection made him more interested in understanding others, he decided to pursue a career in cognitive psychology. “I developed a mindset of trying to understand how other people think, and how those thoughts translate to behavior,” explains Dr. Pearcey, a combat veteran who followed in his father’s footsteps by spending 13 years in the U.S. Air Force. Because he and many of his friends struggled with PTSD because of their service, he decided to dedicate himself to understanding stress and helping people manage it.

Shrinking Stress

Dr. Pearcey has been promoting empathy as a stress management solution since 2021, when he established his own stress management consultancy, Corporate Stress Management Initiatives (CoSMI). As CEO, he offers enterprise education and training to corporate clients who want to help employees foster positive habits, better work-life balance, and increased mindfulness.

Typical of Dr. Pearcey’s clients is Harris County Public Health, which recently asked him to create a workshop about belonging and inclusion as a facet of stress. “We’re exploring how not belonging and not including people causes stress for those individuals, and how that kind of workplace stress impacts performance,” Dr. Pearcey says. “Empathy is at the core of that. Because in order to include somebody, you have to be willing to put yourself in their mindset.”

Another client is the Houston Police Department. “I’m working with them on conflict resolution, helping officers understand how their stress level impacts everyone they’re working with or dealing with,” Dr. Pearcey continues. “What I really want them to understand is that their ability to empathize with people can be the difference between somebody having a violent outburst and somebody working with them quietly to solve a problem. If you can’t empathize with someone because you’re judging them, it means you’re probably treating them differently. And when you treat someone differently because of how you perceive them, that causes them to reciprocate your negative behavior or energy. Things go back and forth like that until they finally escalate out of control.”

Whether one is a public health worker, a police officer, or just a regular person trying to live their best life, one’s inclination to judge instead of empathize creates chaos, Dr. Pearcey says. “People create their own stress through judgment,” he observes.

‘My Goal Is to Change the World’

Saybrook University has been pivotal to Dr. Pearcey’s journey. “Saybrook has been of the most integral facets of my current trajectory,” he says. “I think that’s because it fosters diversity of thought … When I came to Saybrook, I met a bunch of people with really diverse perspectives who had a lot of knowledge to share, and that really opened up my world. Immediately when I landed here, I felt like I belonged. It was a community of learners, practitioners, and people who wanted to make the world a better place. I never wanted to leave, so here I am seven years later, teaching as an adjunct.”

5 Impacts of a Transformative Social Change Degree

29 August 2024

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In the face of rising authoritarianism, political polarization, social inequality, discrimination, and worsening climate change fanning fires and deadly storms, those committed to improving social conditions in their own communities, much less the larger world, may wonder how to make an impact. That’s where Saybrook University’s Transformative Social Change program can play a vital role, as it prepares students to become policy and advocacy experts focused on the pressing issues of our time.

The program’s faculty members have broad expertise in the activist sphere, including community organizing, social media communications, conflict resolution, social movements, and policy advocacy. In addition to these tools for activism, the program supports students who are planning to teach at the university level in fields including sociology, peace and justice studies, education, and political science.

During their studies, Transformative Social Change students learn to research and advocate for change in a range of issues and later specialize in the area of their choice for their M.A. projects or Ph.D. dissertations. Below are some examples of how the program’s curriculum addresses areas of focus for advocates of social change.

The Rise of Authoritarianism

Totalitarianism is on the rise around the world. Countries such as Hungary and Venezuela, whose governments were democracies until recently, now hold elections for which the outcomes seem predetermined. In Russia and China, leaders solidify power and lengthen their terms. In many countries, including the U.S., an influx of migrants has inspired a nationalist response.

In a Saybrook University ethics course, the instructor and the student discuss at length the principles related to democracy, advocating for tangible processes by which those who are affected by governmental decisions have a voice in how those decisions are made. The discussions consider recent and successful examples of how unjust concentrations of power have been challenged in U.S. and global contexts.

An example of relevant research is a dissertation written by a Saybook University graduate that explores democratic processes within municipal meetings and how to use widely available new media technologies to expand democratic representation.

Political Polarization

Despite ever-improving means of communicating and gathering information, studies show American society is more polarized than ever. With a range of conflicting groups, divisions, and sources of tension, many are becoming more entrenched in their positions and less respectful of other views.

An important part of the Transformative Social Change curriculum is the Conflict Resolution course, which applies the theories of conflict to practice, including facilitating training sessions in which students learn how to respond constructively to conflict and how to facilitate dialogue across differences.

An example of relevant research on this issue is an M.A. project that considers possible means of better communication across the rural-urban divide.

Inequality and Social Justice

Rising income inequality is leading to a social justice crisis, and the Transformative Social Change program is educating its students to address this reality. The Social Systems Theory and Social Interventions course focuses on the theoretical and practical challenges to creating a more just, compassionate world in which each person and community has increased opportunity to live a life of dignity and to thrive. The Global Civil Society Activism and Social Change course addresses these on a wider scale.

An example of relevant research would be a dissertation exploring the effects of gentrification on broader community inequality and development.

Climate Change

At a time when the country and nations around the world are faced with a range of challenges, many international organizations view climate change as the most immediate and persistent threat to our society.

Saybrook University has a curriculum devoted to the issue. The Ecological Psychology and Community Organizing courses address climate change from a holistic perspective, including how people can approach the issue individually. Additionally, issues of climate change arise across the curriculum, including in the Ethics of Climate Justice and the Social Interventions courses, which explore how climate issues increasingly affect most efforts toward collective change.

An example of what this looks like might be a Ph.D. dissertation that addresses ways to educate high-school students about climate change to transform despair into hope and action.

Race, Gender, Equality, and Inclusion

In recent years, certain actors in American politics have sought to demonize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. At Saybrook University, efforts to expand opportunities for those who have faced discrimination because of race, faith, or sexual orientation are at the heart of our vision of a just society. Both the Race, Class, and Gender course and the Gender and Society course consider emerging theories and practices that address these issues at the individual, community, and systemic levels.

A dissertation presenting case studies on how to develop a racially responsive policing procedure for a community in the U.S. is an example of the kind of scholarship that might arise from this area of focus.

Pursuing a degree in Transformative Social Change begins with a commitment to making the world a better place, whether it be at the community, state, national, or global level.

Saybrook University Appoints Alumna and Social Justice Advocate Ellen Helms to its Board of Trustees

22 July 2024

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Saybrook University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Helms, Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. A distinguished Saybrook University alumna and advocate for social justice, Dr. Helms brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to transformative social change.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Helms to our Board of Trustees,” said Robyn Parker, Ph.D., acting president of Saybrook University. “Her exemplary work and her relentless pursuit of social justice makes her an ideal addition to our board.”

Dr. Helms holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, with a specialization in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University, which she earned in 2018. She also received a Master of Arts in Psychology from Saybrook in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Antioch University. Her extensive academic background is complemented by her work in liberation psychology, political activism, and justice-oriented philanthropy.

“Dr. Helms embodies the values of Saybrook University through her extensive advocacy work,” said Patricia Breen, Ph.D., chair of the Saybrook University Board of Trustees. “We look forward to her contributions as we continue to advance Saybrook’s mission of promoting positive social change.”

Dr. Helms has long been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom and justice. She is particularly known for her efforts to address and reverse the controversial political legacy of her grandfather, the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms. Senator Helms, who began his first U.S. Senate term in 1973, was a staunch opponent of abortion, and his Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion for more than 50 years.

“I am deeply honored to join the Saybrook University Board of Trustees,” Dr. Helms said. “Serving my alma mater in this capacity is a profound way to give back to an institution that has shaped my values and my commitment to social change. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to advance Saybrook’s mission and to support the next generation of leaders dedicated to humanistic values and societal impact.”

Driven by a strong sense of justice, Dr. Helms partners with Ipas, an international health organization that improves access to safe abortion and contraception in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through Ipas, Dr. Helms has helped to fund abortions in countries restricted by the Helms Amendment for more than a decade. She also supports Ipas in fundraising, lobbying in Washington, D.C., for the Abortion Is Healthcare Everywhere Act, and promoting global reproductive justice through various media efforts.

In North Carolina, where she resides, Dr. Helms supports efforts to restore access to safe abortion through partnerships with the North Carolina Democratic Caucus and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. She leverages her platform to promote reproductive freedom, believing that bodily autonomy and access to safe abortion are fundamental human rights.

“Dr. Helm’s appointment to the Saybrook University Board of Trustees reflects her deep connection to the university’s mission and her dedication to fostering environments that promote social justice and human dignity,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “Her diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to advocacy will be invaluable assets to the Saybrook community.”

Saybrook University is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit education system made up of six colleges and universities that uses shared infrastructure and collaboration to drive innovation and advance student outcomes. Since joining The Community Solution in 2014, Saybrook has expanded educational offerings to include more than 30 degree programs.

For more information about Saybrook University, please visit saybrook.edu.

About Saybrook University

Founded in 1971, Saybrook University is an online, private graduate university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The world’s premier institution for humanistic scholarship and research, Saybrook offers advanced degrees in psychology, mind-body medicine, organizational systems, leadership, and human science. For 50 years, Saybrook has empowered students to find their life’s work and achieve their full potential. Saybrook’s programs are deeply rooted in the humanistic tradition and a commitment to help students develop as whole people—mind, body, and spirit. Saybrook University is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit system of colleges working together to advance student success and community impact. For more information, visit https://www.saybrook.edu/.