Treatments at the Octagon House

East Paris in Kentwood, Michigan, is the setting that nine mental health and other practioners have chosen for their work.

We eight, with a wide range of degrees and specialties, offer counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We have among us a clinical consultant, two wholistic health providers, psychotherapists and clinical social workers. Our various approaches are constantly evolving based on current research and our clinical experience.

In the peaceful, safe atmosphere of the Octagon House we guide our clients through personal exploration to healing and growth.

A place of Healing:

In the peaceful, safe atmosphere of the Octagon House we guide our clients through personal exploration to healing and growth.

How Does Therapy Work?

Please follow the link to read this article: Click here for more information.

Play Therapy for Children

Play Therapy has been accepted as a developmentally appropriate intervention for children experiencing a broad range of problems since the groundbreaking work of Virginia Axline in the 1940s. Play Therapy is "The systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." (Association of Play Therapy, Inc.)

Therapists use the curative powers inherent in play in many ways. They may employ the language of play to help children express what is troubling, when they cannot say their thoughts and feelings in words. Through play, therapists may teach children more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits. The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play sessions may provide a corrective emotional experience or serve to release the natural healing resources that lie with in the child. Play may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child.

Play Therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all of which make use of one or more of the natural benefits of play. All Play Therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children systematically address and resolve their own problems. Play allows them a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows them to express their true thoughts and feelings in ways that best suit their development level.

Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems, including: Post Traumatic Stress, Conduct Disorder, aggression, anxiety/fearfulness, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, impulsivity, low self-concept, reading difficulties, and social withdrawal. Play therapy has been used successfully with children whose problems are related to life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters.

Research suggests that it takes an average of twenty Play Therapy visits to resolve the problems of the typical child coming to treatment. Some children may improve much faster, while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve.


Stress Management Services Available at the Octagon House

Stress Management Sessions
Individual, group, or workshop stress management sessions are available for general stress management techniques. Workshops can be customized for your workplace. For more information, call Laurie Dix at 616-949-9006 or click here to send her an email.

Intrinsic Breathwork
Intrinsic Breathwork is conscious connected breathing, a continuous relaxed rhythm where the breath is circular, no pauses after the inhale or exhale. It can be very relaxing and soothing, bringing a deep sense of peace and connection.

Intrinsic Breathwork is also a very effective way to develop a higher state of consciousness. People generally use a quarter or less of their lung capacity, and can hold thoughts and feelings below the level of awareness by stifling their breathing.

We work toward being aware of emotional states and blocked energy in the body, learn to express feelings safely, and integrate them in a healthy way. We increase awareness of the decisions we have made throughout our life and how these have driven our behaviors. We then can choose something different which serves our higher good and the higher good of others. Instead of paralyzing us, our emotions become our ally, informing and empowering us. We essentially breathe out pain, and breathe in Life!

For more information, call Laurie Dix at 616-949-9006 or click here to send her an email.

QXCI Biofeedback
Quantum Xrroid Consciousness Interface is a state of the art biofeedback system based on over 20 years of solid research, developed by a former NASA scientist. If you are a person who is interested in improving integration of the body/mind/spirit, this type of biofeedback may be for you.

The QXCI, a highly complex, non-invasive therapeutic technology, energetically scans and harmonizes the body's stresses and imbalances. It uses space technology, quantum physics, Fourier mathematics and more to provide a "quantum leap" in understanding ourselves through reading and relaying of frequencies (from the body and to the body). Subtle shifts made during the session along with knowledge gained then prepare us to make changes. Reading of stressors not known before, increased awareness, and willingness to take responsibility for change is a major benefit of QXCI.

For more information, call Tricia Gosling at 616-949-9006 or click here to send her an email.

General Information About Stress

What is Stress?
There are both positive and negative types of stress that people experience. The positive form of stress is named eustress and often involves exciting changes in our lives, such as: marriage, a new job, relocation, having a baby, or starting your own business. Stress, which most people would describe as a negative experience, can often involve such issues as: difficult work situations, family problems or divorce, being overly busy, loss and trauma, or financial concerns.

What these two forms of stress have in common, though, is that they both elicit the same response within our bodies: increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Stress triggers these physiological signals, which are also known as the fight or flight response: our unconscious struggle to survive.

By learning and practicing various stress management techniques, we can essentially reverse the stress response and gradually convert it into a relaxation response. This process has been extensively researched, and there are many proven techniques to immediately reduce stress levels. With regular practice, we can make enduring changes and essentially inoculate our bodies against the effects of stress. Isn t it time to stop surviving and to start thriving in your life?

For more information, call Tricia Gosling at 616-949-9006 or click here to send her an email.

Here is a recent Washington Post article about the effects of stress on aging. "Scientists have identified the first direct link between stress and aging, a finding that could explain why intense, long-term emotional strain can..."read more ".

Signs of Stress
Stress can effect many areas of our lives, including relationships, physical health and well-being, emotional expression (or suppression), cognitive functioning and spiritual connection and life meaning.

Are you experiencing one or more of the following concerns?

• difficulty relaxing at any time
• considering or making major life changes/transitions
• feeling burned out, low energy, run down, getting sick frequently
• over-committed and/or overly busy
• tension in jaw, head, neck, back, or shoulders
(not caused by other physical problems)
• feeling fearful or anxious
• feeling inauthentic, bored, disconnected or resentful
• feeling unresolved about past trauma, abuse, or loss
• feeling deadened to emotion, experiencing no highs or lows
• feeling empty or without purpose
• wanting deepened spiritual connection
• wanting to stop suppressing emotions

E-mail us:

General Info info@octagonhousegr.com

LindaAdamcz lindaa@octagonhousegr.com
Andrea Baier-Petiet andreabp@octagonhousegr.com
Jan Cilla janc@octagonhousegr.com
Marie Gale marieg@octagonhousegr.com
Lynn Mack lynnm@octagonhousegr.com
Julie Mollan juliem@octagonhousegr.com
Samantha Price samanthap@octagonhousegr.com
Kimberly Stinson
Rebecca Thomas