News Release

October 27, 2006

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Minimizing Stress and Anxiety for the Holiday Season and Beyond

Six-Week Program at UConn Health Center

Farmington, Conn. – Starting in mid-November, the University of Connecticut Health Center is offering two, six-week group therapy programs to help people cope with anxiety, depression and stress-related illnesses, including the stress of having a chronic illness. The class will also help people learn new approaches to handle holiday stress.

Two programs of the Personal Health Improvement Program will run weekly at the 10 Talcott Notch Medical Office in Farmington. One group will meet in the evening, starting Tuesday, November 14, through December 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The second group will meet in the morning, starting Thursday, November 9 through December 21 (includes one week off for Thanksgiving), from 10 a.m. to noon.

Both groups will be facilitated by Norman Andrekus, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in developing the mind-body connection through the study of Buddhism, yoga and behavioral medicine.

“The program will include concepts from Buddhist psychology which include the cultivation of skillful thoughts and a more wholesome attitude to cope with the anxiety and exhaustion of the holidays,” explained Dr. Andrekus of the Health Center’s Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Andrekus employs interactive lectures, discussions and small group activities to help participants learn how to reduce stress and respond to everyday situations more effectively.

The Personal Health Improvement Program is a clinically tested and proven way of reducing stress-related illness. The curriculum was originally created by Matthew Budd, M.D., the former director of behavioral medicine for the Harvard Pilgrim Medical Group. Dr. Andrekus has expanded this program using behavior change principles of cognitive psychotherapy.

“Research shows that chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, ongoing headaches, insomnia and depression can be related to everyday stress and moods. The skills learned in this program help participants learn to recognize their typical reactions to daily stress, and show them new ways to change negative patterns,” Dr. Andrekus added.

“Anyone who is experiencing ongoing stress-related physical symptoms, chronic illness or other pain, discomfort or imbalance in their lives, may want to take a serious look at this program. Though the program meets for only six weeks, we hope to give participants tools and resources they can draw upon throughout their lives,” he said.

Class registration is limited. For more information, including information about insurance coverage, call 860-679-6700.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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