Patrick Ward, PhD » Mental Health

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Patrick Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:21:38 +0000

Since the 1990’s “Asperger’s Syndrome” has gradually gained widespread attention. People hear this label, but in the general public it remains an enigma. The term “Asperger’s Syndrome” was first used in 1981, but refers to research by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger. In 1944, Dr. Asperger conducted research on a small group of boys that he observed to have atypical social and thinking patterns. As research and understanding of Asperger’s and autism in general expanded, Asperger’s Syndrome came to be understood as a form of high functioning autism. Continue

The Secret Power of Thanksgiving

Patrick Ward — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:55:23 +0000

There is a special field of research in psychology called “positive psychology” that studies the “science of gratitude.” Positive psychology has been around for a while, but recently it has gained credibility under the scrutiny of science. Scientists have made important discoveries about thankfulness. Research has actually shown that practicing thankfulness decreases depression and anxiety! Its all explained in a book by Robert Emmons called “Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier.” Continue

Don’t Take Life for Granted

Patrick Ward — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:32:08 +0000

Taking something for granted means that you assume it will always be there. On the whole it’s very easy to take several things for granted living in the United States; running water, telephone service, electricity, food on the store shelves and the like. Even other “developed” countries can’t always keep these services going like we do in the U.S. Because we consistently have so many amenities, there is an assumption they will always be there when we need them. So then if the electric goes off for several hours, we can panic and think we can’t survive without it – but before the electric went off we weren’t even thinking about electricity and how easy it makes life to live. Continue

How to Make Yourself Miserable

Patrick Ward — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:57:34 +0000

Long ago, the founding fathers who wrote the Declaration of Independence established a government that gave us the right to “…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This is great. Most of us exercise our right to live life in freedom. Some of us, however, seem to be in the pursuit of misery rather than happiness. Have you ever noticed that being happy is easier for some people that it is for others? The ease with which some find happiness has little to do with privileges and income, and a lot to do with attitude and perspective. Continue

Poll – Seen a Counselor?

Patrick Ward — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:08:44 +0000

Many people have previously seen a mental health counselor of some kind. Have you? If so, for what? (votes are confidential) Continue

FIRO for your Family

Patrick Ward — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:26:07 +0000

Based on research and experience, it’s not just Aretha Franklin that wants R-E-S-P-E-C-T, its every one of us! We are wired to be social. In social relationships, there is an essential human need to feel loved and respected. A theory developed in 1958 by Will Schutz really spells out these needs in practical terms. This model for relationships is called the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation, or FIRO for short. I have found this model to be very useful for helping people transform troublesome relationships into more satisfying ones. Continue

Resolutions 2009

Patrick Ward — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:11:24 +0000

With the arrival of the New Year comes an urge to make a new start with our lives. The age-old tradition of the New Year’s Resolution is a sign of the human drive for growth and improvement. Some criticize the practice of making resolutions, saying they just set people up for failure. Research shows, however, that people who make New Year’s resolutions are much more like to create positive change in their lives than those who don’t make resolutions! So I say go for it! Continue

Resolve to Be Positive

Patrick Ward — Thu, 03 May 2007 20:38:08 +0000

Happy New Year! Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? Making New Year’s resolutions is a very good idea. They really do work! Research by John C. Norcross has shown that compared to people who don’t make resolutions, people who make New Year’s resolutions are actually twice as likely to successfully change something in their lives. Whether you have resolved to get physically fit, quit some bad habit, or chosen not to make a resolution, let me suggest a resolution that will change your life. This year, resolve to develop a positive attitude. Continue