For many years now, I have provided written assessment and expert opinion to US Federal Immigration Court on behalf of client families of both US citizen and limited US resident status. Most of these families face deportation of the ‘primary bread winner’ who has limited status and acted unfavorably according to US laws and regulations. These are families who have limited resources, yet a strong back and a strong will to survive. In many instances, it is more ‘American’ in image and behavior than that I see of naturalized US Citizens who consider citizenship their ‘right’. Last week, a family of hispanic origin appeared in court with their small children to witness their father stand before the judge, an unknown future pending. Could he stay? Would he be deported immediately? Would the court case be suspended for up to another year? This turned out to be one of ‘lucky’ ones who had a competent lawyer, and the law on their side that day. I walked away from the court room in having provided my testimony to think, What a great privilege it is to work with those who have little in personal resource, yet everything in human spirit. We simply have the greatest country in the world, an America that welcomes all kinds and colors. I’m proud to be an American as we approach the 4th of July, 2012.

Some weeks ago, I received a call from a staff member at NBC Nightly News asking for my help in finding the thread of a story on suburban heroin use among young adults, particularly those of college age. I reflected for a moment on a CBS attempt to deal with a similar subject more than a year ago, and a producer who contacted me to help CBS produce a special on prescription drug abuse. I likened NBC’s interest to that of CBS, and suggested that they speak directly with outstanding primary recovery communities such as Mountainside in CT., and Four Circles in N.C., and Promises in Malibu in finding a “voice” of the suburban youth addict, and the families that suffer. In conversation after conversation, it became clear to me that the real concern here is of America – under -attack by a philosophy of a lack of identity, and community. Behind every drug abuser is a story of ‘who introduced whom’ to drugs, and a family that is simply left ‘baffled’. Brian Williams and his staff have certainly promoted this private, yet very much public concern to the forefront, but missed an important point. Families need to be ‘helped’ by finding Licensed Professional treatment practitioners (not educational consultants) who understand the family system and the individual’s diagnoses and necessary treatment planning. Dr Burdick knows the best programs and can find you that help. He has helped hundreds upon hundreds of families. Please contact us for your families’ continued health and production. Don’t wait — 877-571-2524.

4 CirclesAlways a joy to my clients doing well in recovery communities, and again, 4 circles doing “amazing” work. Thanks to Jack, Heather, Shane, and Meg for really helping to make my visit to Asheville a positive and productive one. North Carolina is one of those special places in the southeast that, well, “feels like home” and where people treat people with respect. 4 Circles mirrors that culture in treating their clients with compassion and humanity.

Probably the best thing about School Connections is the comararderie and openness in communication between schools and practitioners. In other conference venues in the “school business”, unfortunately, it’s more “business” than students fit-to-schools, and that is not the case here in San Francisco. Re-connecting with domestic and international partners like Shawnigan in BC, the Knox School in Saint James, Marvelwood in Kent, Ecole d’Humanite in Switzerland (and the list goes on) makes School Connections unique and refreshing in it’s approach to private education. San Francisco? Not a bad place to hold a conference, eh? Steve Blanchard, Carrie, and myself had a great time together and nailed down projects we’re collaborating on together. Hopefully in the future, some of these conferences will open up to parents who can see for themselves what is truly out there in the private school community. In the meantime, call on the professionals, and we can help find the correct solution, not just an opinion.

I have time to reflect on my flight back home to California from London. All of the goodness I experienced from meeting my new UK therapy partners is foremost on my mind. Clinical work is important, and innovative therapeutic work is most critical for both the US and the UK therapists in forming alliances to meet the more demanding needs of our client families. As one new friend Noel put it, “strategizing” the systemic changes in mental health service delivery is most critical; with my other new friend Barny underscoring the importance of building trusting relationships while breaking down outdated agency barriers. This morning before my flight, I took this photo of swans gliding on to a pond in the middle of Hyde Park that provides a visual of how mental health services can be provided when the building of strategic alliances is working positively. I am very pleased with my trip to London, and my meetings. I have come back with a renewed sense of what the world of international well being is to become, and how special is the work.