Ami, as most friends call him, is the director of the Law-links of london sale Graduate Training Program (JD/PsyD) at Widener University and the author of Stress Management for Lawyers (now in its third edition, Vorkell Group, 2007). By profession he is a psychologist, teacher, and public speaker. I'm a lawyer who in early 1983, at age 3 2, was shoved into recovery for alcoholism and drug addiction (it didn't stick until mid- 1984). I practiced law from 1977 until I went to work for LCL-PA in 1990. Ami and I have different family and personal histories, educational backgrounds, career paths, and experiences helping lawyers in distress. Ami sees the world through the eyes of a clinician trained in recognizing and changing Links of London Charms learned thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I view life through a 12 Step pair of glasses supplemented by an informed layman's understanding of the influence of neurochemistry on how we think, feel, and act. Despite our differences, we share the same passion for serving lawyers in distress. Over the years we have collaborated on several continuing legal education programs. Our conversations were collegial and informative, although for a long time I struggled with reconciling Ami's talks on learned behavior with my knowledge of the role of neurology in causing alcoholism. Most 12 Steppers have an innate skepticism of psychologists when Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm comes to treating alcoholism. I'd always sneak into the conversation that therapy does not cure addiction and that the safest course for alcoholics is abstinence. However, in all other areas of our discussions regarding helping the distressed lawyer we were in full agreement. My Experience When Ami and I discuss what can be done to help lawyers in distress, we generally validate what we each know. For example, I function better when I keep a regular sleep routine (i.e., go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time with an average of eight hours per night). I feel better when I exercise, moderate my intake of caffeine and sugar, and don't overeat. I do my best when I avoid HALT - that is, getting too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. HALT throws off my body's chemistry, lowers my resistance to stress, and interferes with my ability to cope. Also, I use worrying as an early warning signal to work smart. I immediately list all of Links of London Dress Charm projects, deadlines, and priorities. I prepare a short todo list for each project; identify problems, scheduling conflicts, and where I need additional support; prepare a more detailed action plan; and then get to work.
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