Ross Phillips M.A., LMFT, CATC IV

I am a fan of Van Gogh. I realize I somewhat romanticized his mental illness as if it was the catalyst necessary to creating incredible works of art. This is the asylum in St. Rémy-en-Provence where Van Gogh was kept after cutting off his ear. This was his room with a view. After seeing the conditions up close and reading his doctors’ notes I have a much greater appreciation for the pain, confusion, chaos, delusions, and desperation he experienced until he took his life. I left here feeling sad and also grounded. I felt sad for VG and others suffering from mental illnesses. I felt grounded by being a little more aware of the need for empathy as a mental health professional.

I enjoyed participating in this spirited conversation about party drugs and the challenges families endure when a family member is addicted to drugs and alcohol.

I'm back from an intensive training on Brainspotting. This is a transformative therapy and is highly affective for trauma, anxiety, phobias, failure to launch, creative blocks, and much more. The following video is a very interesting example of how this can work. Feel free to contact me for more information on Brainspotting. http://grantland.com/featu/30-for-30-shorts-fields-of-fear/

I will be on Dr Howard Gluss' radio show "Engaging Minds" - 790 AM or www.kabc.com. The topic will be "Club and Party Drugs: Addiction and Rehab" as well as Addiction and the Family. Co-panelists will be Dr. Daniel Son, M.D. and Dr. Damon Raskin, M.D. Tune in from 8-9 pm.

http://www.goodtherapy.org//everyone-needs-help-from-time-

https://www.psychologytoday.com//3-specific-ways-helping-o