Book Review: "When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment" by Alec Pollard PhD, Melanie VanDyke PhD, Gary Mitchell LCSW, Heidi J. Pollard RN MSN, and Gloria Mathis PhD
When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment is an essential guide for families and loved ones of individuals struggling with mental health challenges, particularly those related to anxiety and OCD. Written by a team of mental health professionals with extensive experience, the book offers a compassionate, structured approach to helping families navigate the difficult terrain of supporting a loved one who is resistant to seeking treatment.
A Structured Approach to a Complex Problem
One of the standout features of this book is its clear, structured approach. Each chapter begins with a concise summary of the main points, allowing readers to grasp the key concepts before diving deeper. This format is particularly helpful for readers who may be overwhelmed by the complexity of mental health issues and need a clear, digestible path forward.
The authors provide a step-by-step guide that is enriched with helpful charts and examples, including a detailed presentation of a fictional family’s journey. This not only illustrates the process but also helps readers to see how the principles can be applied in real-life situations. The use of a fictional family is an effective tool, making the material more relatable and easier to understand.
Compassionate and Practical Guidance
One of the most admirable aspects of the book is its gentle yet firm approach. The authors skillfully cut through common thought distortions that families may unintentionally fall into, offering a perspective that is both compassionate and realistic. Rather than endorsing a “tough love” approach, the book emphasizes the importance of being firm and compassionate—striking a delicate balance that many families struggle to achieve on their own.
The authors introduce the concept of the “Recovery Avoidance Trap,” a common pitfall where families inadvertently enable avoidance behaviors in their loved ones. By addressing this trap, the book provides invaluable guidance on how to shift from enabling behaviors to supportive, empowering actions that encourage recovery.
Focusing on the Wellness of the Entire Family
Another significant strength of this book is its focus on the wellness of the entire family, not just the individual suffering from the disorder. The authors encourage a shift in perspective—moving from seeing the issue as solely the sufferer's problem to understanding the impact of the disorder on the entire family unit. This reframing is crucial, as it empowers families to take an active role in the recovery process and emphasizes the importance of their own well-being.
The book also addresses the delicate balance between accommodating a loved one's needs and enabling their disorder. This distinction is crucial for families to understand, as it can often be the difference between supporting recovery and unintentionally reinforcing harmful behaviors.
Practical Tips and Professional Support
The authors stress the importance of working with a mental health professional to tailor the approach to the specific needs of the family and the individual. They provide practical tips on how to screen for a therapist, ensuring that families find the right professional support for their situation. This guidance is invaluable, as finding the right therapist can be a daunting task for many families.
Applicability Beyond Anxiety Disorders
While the book primarily focuses on anxiety and OCD-related challenges, the principles outlined can be applied to a broader range of mental health issues. This adaptability makes the book a versatile resource for families dealing with various mental health challenges, reinforcing its value as a comprehensive guide.
Conclusion
When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment is an invaluable resource for families struggling to support a loved one who is resistant to seeking help. The authors’ compassionate, structured approach offers practical tools and insights that can make a significant difference in the lives of both the sufferer and their family. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, OCD, or other mental health challenges, this book provides a roadmap to recovery that is both realistic and hopeful.
The book’s focus on the wellness of the entire family, coupled with its practical advice and compassionate tone, makes it a must-read for anyone in this difficult situation. After having the opportunity to speak with the authors Alec Pollard and Melanie VanDyke, it is clear that their deep understanding and empathy shine through in every page, making this a truly essential guide for mental health professionals and families alike.
Happy Reading!
Bobbi
About The Authors
Alec Pollard, PhD, is the founding director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and a professor emeritus of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Pollard has a keen interest in studying and treating individuals with anxiety and emotional disorders, particularly those who are resistant to or have not benefited from evidence-based treatments.
Melanie VanDyke, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Named Missouri Psychologist of the Year in 2023, Dr. VanDyke has contributed extensively to the field through research articles and educational resources designed for professionals, patients, and families. She served as the principal investigator for the family well-being consultation research project and is a co-developer of the Family Well-Being Assessment (FWBA).
Gary Mitchell, LCSW, is a senior staff clinician at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. As a licensed clinical social worker, he specializes in treating children and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Mitchell is an original member of the Family Consultation Team at the institute and a co-developer of the Family Well-Being Assessment (FWBA).
Heidi J. Pollard, RN, MSN (1951-2024), was a co-developer of the Family Well-Being Approach (FWBA) and a consultant to families navigating the challenges of having a treatment-resistant loved one. She was an original member of the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, where she made significant contributions to family-centered mental health care.
Gloria Mathis, PhD, is the co-owner of the Mid-Atlantic Center for OCD & Anxiety in Columbia, MD. As a licensed psychologist, she specializes in treating OCD, anxiety disorders, and body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) disorders across all age groups. During her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Mathis received training in the Family Well-Being Approach (FWBA) from the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.
Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
NAMI offers education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They also provide a helpline for confidential support.
Psychology Today Therapist Directory:
This directory allows you to search for licensed therapists in your area, filtering by specialties, insurance, and other criteria.
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF):
The IOCDF provides comprehensive resources for those affected by OCD, including a directory of specialized therapists, support groups, and educational materials.
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