Advanced Behavioral Health

09/09/2025

🌱 Rising Strong: Lessons from Martial Arts on Failure and Resilience

In martial arts dojos across the world, a simple proverb is often repeated:

“Fall seven times, rise eight.” – Japanese Proverb

It’s a reminder that stumbling is not the end of the journey. True strength is found in the decision to rise again.

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, once said:
“The ultimate aim of martial arts lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
In other words, setbacks aren’t failures — they are opportunities to refine who we are.

Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, echoed this truth:
“Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”
Every misstep is a lesson, shaping our ability to adapt, grow, and find balance.

Bruce Lee offered another perspective:
“Don’t fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.”
Real defeat is not in falling, but in never daring to rise beyond our fear.

In mental health — just as martial arts — recovery is not a straight and easy path. It is a practice of rising again and again, even when the weight of anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts grows heavy. Each step forward, no matter how small, builds resilience.

“A master, as the proverb says, has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” Progress is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to keep moving despite it.

At ABH, we honor that journey. Like that of the martial artist, every client with whom we walk is learning the art of getting back up — stronger, wiser, and more prepared to face life’s challenges.

Live well my friends

08/09/2025

Alpha-Stim® for Insomnia: A Gentle, Non-Medication Option for Better Sleep
Insomnia can be exhausting—both physically and emotionally. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, the lack of restorative rest can affect every part of life. Over time, chronic insomnia can contribute to anxiety, depression, impaired focus, and physical health problems.

While traditional treatments—like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and medication—are effective for many people, there is growing interest in non-drug, non-habit-forming options. One evidence-based device gaining attention is Alpha-Stim®.

What is Alpha-Stim®?
Alpha-Stim is an FDA-cleared medical device that uses cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) to help regulate the brain’s electrical activity. It delivers a very low-level current through small ear-clip electrodes, helping the brain return to a calmer, more balanced state.

Research shows that Alpha-Stim can help with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and pain, making it a versatile tool in mental health care.

How Does It Help with Insomnia?
When we can’t sleep, the brain often remains in a heightened state of arousal—what some researchers call ‘hyperarousal mode.’ This can be fueled by stress, anxiety, or disrupted sleep patterns. Alpha-Stim works by:

• Increasing alpha brain wave activity – associated with relaxed wakefulness and the transition into sleep.

• Reducing overactive beta brain waves – linked to racing thoughts and mental overdrive.

• Promoting a parasympathetic nervous system state – helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest mode.

Benefits of Alpha-Stim for Insomnia
1. Non-Medication Approach – No risk of dependence or next-day grogginess; can be used alongside therapy, lifestyle changes, and CBT-I.

2. FDA-Cleared & Evidence-Based – Multiple clinical studies support its safety and effectiveness in improving sleep quality and duration.

3. Dual Benefit for Anxiety – Many insomnia sufferers also struggle with anxiety; Alpha-Stim’s calming effects can address both issues at once.

4. Gentle & Easy to Use – Compact and portable; can be used at home, in the office, or before bedtime as part of a calming routine.

5. Few Side Effects – Most people experience no side effects; mild dizziness or skin irritation at the electrode site is rare and temporary.

What to Expect
A typical Alpha-Stim session for insomnia lasts 20–60 minutes and is often done in the evening. Many people report feeling more relaxed within the first few sessions, though improvements in sleep may build over 2–3 weeks of regular use.

Alpha-Stim can be integrated into a comprehensive sleep plan that may also include CBT-I, sleep hygiene coaching, mindfulness or relaxation training, and stress management strategies.

Is Alpha-Stim Right for You?
Alpha-Stim is safe for most adults, but it’s important to talk with a qualified provider before starting. It is not recommended for people with implanted pacemakers or certain seizure disorders without medical clearance.

At Advanced Behavioral Health, we offer Alpha-Stim as part of our integrated approach to treating insomnia. Our team can assess your unique needs and guide you through safe, effective use.

Take the Next Step Toward Restful Sleep
If you’ve been struggling with insomnia and are looking for a gentle, medication-free option, Alpha-Stim may be worth exploring. Contact Advanced Behavioral Health today (256-945-7959) to schedule a consultation and learn whether this innovative therapy can help you finally get the restorative rest you deserve.

08/07/2025

"Day by day, what you think, what you choose, and what you do is inevitably who you become." - Heraclitus

07/23/2025

For those interested in this type of data:

WHR Dashboard

07/21/2025

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The Challenge of Thoughts and Acceptance by David R. Stephens

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ~Aristotle

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors, physical or mental, (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety these thoughts produce. People with OCD often find themselves caught in a relentless cycle where the mind generates distressing thoughts that compel them to engage in ritualistic actions, creating a significant impact on their daily lives.
The quote, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it," by Aristotle, resonates profoundly within the context of OCD. For individuals with this condition, the challenge is not merely the presence of these intrusive thoughts but the overwhelming urge to accept them as truth. In many cases, these thoughts are irrational / unfounded—fears of harm, contamination, or even moral failings. Through cognitive evaluation/restructuring, the mind learns to assess thoughts critically without yielding to them.
The struggle for those living with OCD lies in the perception of their thoughts as significant or dangerous, prompting compulsive behaviors as a misguided attempt to gain control or certainty. For example, someone with a fear of contamination might feel compelled to wash their hands repeatedly, even when they cognitively understand that the action is excessive. The thoughts that trigger these compulsions can create a significant source of distress, leading to avoidance behaviors and social isolation.
By applying Aristotle's wisdom, one can appreciate that educating the mind is an essential part of managing OCD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), aims to help individuals confront their fears without succumbing to compulsions. This therapeutic approach empowers people to entertain the thoughts associated with their obsessions without accepting them, fostering a healthier relationship with their mental processes.
Moreover, mindfulness practices can provide valuable tools for individuals with OCD. By cultivating awareness and acceptance of thoughts as mere mental events rather than truths that necessitate a reaction, individuals can begin to loosen the grip of their obsessions. This creates space for the educated mind to engage with thoughts without automatically responding with the compulsive behaviors that currently define their experience.
OCD can be debilitating, but understanding the nature of intrusive thoughts and reevaluating how we accept—or refuse to accept—them can pave the way toward recovery. Just as Aristotle suggested, cultivating an educated mind can empower individuals with OCD to recognize that not all thoughts need a response, allowing them to reclaim control over their lives. Through appropriate treatment and self-awareness, those affected by OCD can learn to navigate their thoughts, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life - rather than just existing, truly living!

Live well my friends!

07/10/2025

Life isn't about finding yourself Life is about creating yourself.
~GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

05/27/2025

The way some people view Exposure and Response Prevention - The only empirically valid therapy for OCD. There is power in laughter. If you have questions about laughter in OCD therapy, or would like to schedule an appointment for OCD, ADHD, or Insomnia, call 256-945-7959 other visit us on the web at abhmind.com.