Child's Play

Rays of Hope believes people do what they know to do until they learn to do something differently. Unfortunately many of the tools we learn to cope and survive are adaptive. We became hypersensitive to noise to flee from threats of harm. We learned to ignore the cues from our body so we do not stop functioning altogether. We keep our minds busy multi-tasking, thinking, and solving problems so we don't have to process hurts. We do not purposely learn these skills, we simply adapted and it helped us survive. But now that we did survive, these same skills are hurting us. When we are hypersensitive our body jumps creating injury. When we ignore the signals from our bodies, we create a pain crisis resulting in increased pain and stress and decreased function. The busy mind leads to a driven self, often sacrificing health, family, and well being.

Need New Tools

It is at this point of exhaustion, pain, and panic that many seek medical help. The medical model can indeed be of help. There are medical interventions that can bring relief. However, some find after pursuing medical approaches they are left with their panic, anxiety, illness, and pain. This is where the behavioral model can be of help. The medical model is passive in nature. The doctor does a procedure to you, gives you a medicine and you take it. In the behavioral model you become an active partner in your care. Because your pain, panic, illness, or anxiety has not completely gone away, it is up to you to work together with your medical team to manage your condition most effectively. But how do I do that? That is where the tools come in.

Need Big Tool Chest

Rays of Hope partners with you, at your pace, to empower and equip you to help you manage your condition so you can live a quality life despite having limitations. You have read by now key words Rays of Hope uses are equip and empower. The definitions will explain why. Equip means “to supply with necessities such as tools or provisions” The word empower means “to make possible” “to make practical.” We are passionate about giving you the practical tools you need to make it possible for you to live an abundant life despite having limitations. Sometimes the empowerment comes from having someone who has walked in your shoes listen with genuine empathy extend grace and hope to you. Then when you are ready, at your pace, partner with you to start getting your life back by building your tool box.

So what are these tools?

• Knowledge
• Awareness
• Relaxation
• Distraction
• Pacing
• Communication: internal and external
• Connecting (with life and others)
• Diet
• Laughter
• Emotional Management
• Taking Thoughts Captive
• Attitudes (about your illness)
• Sleep hygiene

Multi-System Problem Needs a Multi-Disciplined Multi-System Approach

Rays of Hope believes that a chronic illness affects every aspect of someone's life. Therefore, in order for people to experience true health and wholeness we MUST address every area of their life: physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual health. Failure to do so will keep people locked in the cycle of illness as their body will physiologically respond to the nonphysical affects of their illness.

People with chronic medical conditions have many needs. As medical and mental health professionals we must work together to help meet these needs. No one discipline is designed to adequately meet all the needs of the patient/client.