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We offer coaching, seminars and workshops on family constellations,
learning disabilities, family secrets and
relationship health.
What are Genetic Disorders?
Genetic disorders refer to physical conditions caused by
mutations in a gene or a set of genes. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence
of a gene. DNA mutation can happen at any time. This risk is increased by
some chemicals and by ionizing radiation. Mutations cause genes to become
defective, and defective genes cause genetic disorders.
1. Chromosome Abnormalities
Segments of chromosomes are altered or missing. E.g. Down's Syndrome
and Turner's Syndrome.
2. Single-Gene Disorders
The protein product of a gene is altered or missing. E.g. cystic
fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
3. Mitochondrial Disorders
Mutations in non-chromosomal DNA located in
cellular mitochondria cause multiple copies of a single cell's cytoplasm to be
transmitted by the mother.
4. Multifactor Disorders
Mutations in multiple genes, often from environmental causes. E.g. some
heart disorders, diabetes and some cancers.
Example: Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that
allows organs to fill with mucus. This blocks the lungs and impedes
natural infection-fighting, eventually turning the body’s immune system
against its own tissue (see autoimmune).
It also impairs the ability to break down foods.
A child with cystic fibrosis must inherit defective genes from
both parents. About 1 in 30 people carry a single cystic fibrosis
gene. The disease only occurs when both parents are carriers.
The parents have a 25% risk with every pregnancy
of passing two copies of the defective gene to a child.
Emotional Complications
Emotions can affect the treatment. Emotional
difficulties may contribute to poor metabolic control - which
can cause further problems. Our coaching can resolve many emotional factors:
- Objections to a prescribed treatment
- Managing moods, emotions, beliefs and stress
- Relationships with family, friends and professionals
Relationships with families, friends and professionals
Relationships include differences and conflicts - conflicts
between people are not only common but usually a sign of health, if the
conflicts can be safely expressed. Conflicts and conflict management
are part of all relationships.
If you have a genetic disorder, metabolic imbalances can
manifest as mood swings. You may in each moment act as if your current emotion is
a basis for long-term decisions. You may seem normal, yet say horrible
things. You may announce spontaneous ideas as facts, or you may
respond to family, friends or partner as if to strangers.
We can coach and support
people to deal with strong emotions associated with drugs and medications; and
can improve the quality of relationships even through difficult times.
Consult your physician about any
opinions about medical symptoms, medical diagnosis,
medical treatment or medical conditions.
Managing Emotions, Beliefs and Stress
- Depression
- Survivor Guilt
- Death and Dying
- Stress and Trauma
- Relationship Diagnosis
- Anger, fear and sadness
- Fear of complications or shortened life
- Beliefs about cause, seriousness, treatment effectiveness
1. Anger, fear and sadness
Anger, sadness and fear are parts of
life. If people express these emotions as adults ... they can move on. If people
express these emotions childishly - they can create chaos within
important relationships. If people feel but do not express these emotions, they may experience unpleasant
body tensions which appear to damage health. We help people express
emotions appropriately.
2. Relationship Diagnosis (Suffering, Loneliness & Depression)
Our systemic coaching provides a space in which we can coach people to
change beliefs which prevent or sabotage change. Examples are:
- I want nothing to change (I am entangled)
- Nothing can change anyway (I lack motivation)
- I cannot make a decision (I cannot resolve conflicts)
- I sabotage myself (I limit my opportunities for happiness)
- I feel bad if I succeed (My family or friends do not succeed)
- I must stay in unpleasant states (I am traumatized)
- I follow toxic role models (I am inspired to fail)
3. Beliefs about Cause, Seriousness and Treatment Effectiveness
Beliefs about genetic disorders, their seriousness and the
effectiveness or prescribed treatment can assist or detract from medical
treatment. We can coach people to analyze their beliefs and
replace limiting or self-fulfilling beliefs.
4. Depression, Anxiety, Guilt & Shame
People with genetic disorders, and their parents, may suffer
from depression. In Soulwork Coaching, much depression is perceived as a
healthy response to an unhealthy environment or to chaotic relationships.
Often, the underlying issue is guilt or shame. If a person feels guilt or
shame, life may not make sense, which leads to depression. Most depressive
guilt and shame seem to result from:
Abuse, betrayal or abandonment
(violating trust; for example - abandoning a child) Relationship transferences (mistaking one person
for another; for example - perceiving a partner as a child)
5. Fear of complications or shortened life
Fear can be appropriate motivation to improve one's lifestyle to support
health. Fear can also paralyze you into acting as though death is inevitable and
nothing can be done. We offer emotional coaching for unpleasant emotions.
6. Stress, Anxiety &
Trauma
Emotional stress can disrupt metabolic control. Psychological trauma
can accompany or follow treatment, for example after surgery. The resulting
emotions can disrupt a person’s relationships, eating habits, exercise and
routines, and disturb treatment. Emotional needs are important components of
good health management. We can coach people to deal with the emotions associated with the risk of early death or with treatment.
7. Death and Dying
Many people diagnosed with genetic disorders
die prematurely. The family, helping professionals and friends may prepare a
person for this possibility - or they may avoid informing the patient. Other
difficult decisions include how much
psychoactive drugs (usually pain-killing opiates) to administer during a
person's final hours. Our systems coaching can assist and support
people to prepare for and experience the fundamental relationship between
life and death.
8. Survivor Guilt
People with life-threatening diseases often form close
communities; bonded by suffering and strong emotions. Survivors may
ask "Why should I live and not them?" Such a crisis may expose guilt
and self-esteem issues; and, if ignored, may result in chronic depression. If
family members or close friends die, we can help people find a renewed sense
of life.
Our coaching for people with genetic disorders can
include emotional, behavioral and relationship management. We support healthy behavioral
changes and increased knowledge and skills.
Do You Want Results?
Plagiarism is theft. Copyright © Martyn Carruthers 2005-2011
All rights reserved.
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