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Old practices, modern methods come together in new IOP program by Chris West Public Relations East meets West seems to be the premise behind a new program in the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) that blends ancient Eastern practices with modern Western methods of treatment.  “The Mind-Body Skills program was designed to introduce people to techniques in self-care via modern and ancient healing methods,” said Suzanne Smith, Mind-Body program facilitator.  “The program can also aid in easing chronic illnesses, reduce stress or simply educate people in methods that will allow them to take better care of themselves.” Smith, an outpatient therapist in the Institute of Psychiatry, has more than 20 years experience in psychiatric nursing. She was trained at the Center of Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, D.C. The center director is Jim Gordon, M.D. and clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and family medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He was recently appointed by President Clinton as the Chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. The various topics addressed include breathing, imagery, meditation, sound, music and body connection, genograms, body awareness, movement and the importance of self-care rituals. “The techniques we teach are meant to educate participants in the amount of control they have over their own bodies,” Smith said. “We teach a wide variety to allow them to determine which are best suited for them.” Smith said her job as facilitator is mainly to play the role of guide and listener. “Experiencing them is the key to these techniques, while the group is guided through the exercises, they must be allowed to explore the methods themselves to find what best works for them.” Though the basis of the program is educational, there is an amount of support afforded its members. “Participants do have the opportunity to share their experiences,” Smith said. “And the group provides an atmosphere that fosters change. For example, in a recent group of IOP employees were asked to draw themselves at the beginning of the sessions. All the drawings were work-related and showed the stress associated with work. In the last session, when the participants again drew themselves, none of the drawings contained work-related subject matter. They drew vacations and spending time with their friends and families. A significant shift had occurred where self-care activities were given priority in people’s lives.” “It’s not just a bunch of woo-woo ideas anymore,” Gordon states.  “The research is in. Emotional stress is known to be the contributing factor in at least 80 percent of chronic illnesses. We are finding that a whole range of mind-body techniques-very simple, safe practices-can reduce that stress and actually improve the course of disease. This means that each one of us has enormous power to affect our own health. Yet, we learn we have none.” The skills group meets once a week for 10 weeks, beginning in September. For further information regarding the Mind-Body Skills group, call 876-5164.