8 Health
Smoke Signals
In this day and age there are many reasons for going into therapy. It is an "in thing" for a few, a
neccessity for others, and it is also a way to work towards growth and self-understanding.
For whatever reason you have ,it is a decision you will have to make yourself.
Submitted by Anthony Gagliardo, MSW
Indian Child Welfare Investigator
Below is a tool called the SES, developed by Kevin Grold,
Ph.D. It will point out the major areas in your life that may
need improvement and ask you to do a self-evaluation. You
may discover issues that you did not know could be changed.
It is important to realize that there is hope - and with the
desire to grow, you can accomplish great things!
NOTE: This is not a standardized psychological test.
DIRECTIONS: Read each numbered sentence. Then write
down the number that feels most appropriate for you. If you
are unsure about the meaning of the sentence, then read the
. paragraph below the scale. If the question appears fairly
straightforward then answer it and then skip down to the
next question. Continue through all of the questions this
way. When you are finished, go back and thoroughly read
the paragraphs below the questions that interest you. Pay
special attention to the questions that received the lowest
scores.
1. How has your mood been lately, as
compared to your normal state?
unhappy average
910
very happy
Your mood is a good indicator of how things are going in
your life. If you find yourself upset more easily, more often,
or for longer periods of time then therapy may be of help to
you.
2. How is your sleep pattern?
12 3-
don't sleep well
-910
no problem sleeping
Your sleep pattern can easily be affected by your psychologi
cal state. If you find thatyour sleep pattern has changed and
you are sleeping too much or not enough insomnia) then
therapy can be of benefit to you. Recurrent nightmares;
.snoring, and sleepwalking, can also be signs of emotional
problems.
3. How much transition or change is
occurring in your life?
1 2-
major or several changes
-10
few changes
Any change, even seemingly beneficial changes can cause
stress in your life and upset your mental health. If you have
several changes at once, then this can be especially stressful.
If you find that you are having trouble coping with transi
tions in your life, then therapy may be of help to you.
4. How is your health?
health problems
excellent health
Your health can easily be affected by your psychological
state. If you find that you are becoming sick frequently or if
you are having headaches, or other aches or pains, therapy
may be beneficial. Your body may be telling you that you are
having trouble dealing with the problems of life.
5. How are your relationships with
friends, family, spouse?
1 23 4 5
very unhappy
-6 7 8 9 10
very content
Difficult relationships can be the source of a great deal of
emotional pain, especially if there is a friction which has
lasted for some time. If you find that you do not have enough
bonding with friends, or if any of your primary relationships
are unsatisfactory or painful then therapy may help you to
develop this part of your life in a healthy way. ;
6. Do you have trouble expressing your
needs and feelings and saying no when
you don't feel like doing something? Do
significant others report that you have
trouble expressing your feelings?
1 23 4 5 67 8910
trouble expressing needs assertive with my feelings
You may have been taught to put your own needs aside. If
you have trouble expressing your needs and wishes and say
ing no when it is appropriate, or sticking up for your own
rights and values, then seek out assistance to learn these
essential skills.
7. Have you noticed problems with your
memory?
1 23 4 5 67 8 910
trouble with memory perfect memory
Often times significant difficulties with your memory can be
a sign that there is something not right with your mental
health. If you find memory problems re-occurring, or getting
worse, then contact a therapist for an evaluation.
8. Do childhood memories cause you
any distress?
1 23-
yes unsure
no
Everyone has some childhood memories that cause distress,
but some people have memories that interfere with their adult
life. If this causes you distress, then talk to a counselor.
9. Do you accept the way that you look
and feel good about your body?
1 23 45 67 8 9 10
hate my looks feel good about my looks
There is a lot of emphasis on appearance in our society. If
you have trouble accepting yourself and the way that you
look, then seek out a therapist for help.
1 0. Are you taking time out for you?
1234 5678910
don't have time
self-nurturing
It is important to take time for yourself. If you neglect your
own needs then this can cause any problems you are having
to get worse. If you are not taking time for yourself, then a
therapist can help you to learn how.
1 1. Do you have excessive feelings of
anxiety, fear, or distressing phobias?
-2 34-
regularly
Whenever fears or anxieties become excessive, then it may
be time to bring in a professional to help you to deal with
these problems. A therapist's job is to help you cope more
effectively when feelings become excessively troublesome.
12. Are you having occupational,
school problems, or problems taking
care of your family?
12-
problems
no problem
Problems with your job or with school are usually a strong
indicator that a therapist can be of assistance. If taking care
of your family is causing you significant distress, or you are
having trouble in these other areas, or in. trying to juggle
responsibilities, then a consultation is highly recommended.
13. Are there any stressful situations
occurring in your life?
1 2-
high stress
low stress
The time to seek out a professional is when stress is building.
A therapist can be extremely helpful during times of crisis.
14. Are you or someone close to you
faced with a life-threatening illness?
12-
-910
yes
no
If you are facing a life-threatening illness then make sure you
get some professional support. If someone close to you has
a serious illness, then that can be very stressful and it is okay
for you to receive support. It may even help you to more
effectively assist the person who is ill.
1 5. How has your energy level been
lately compared to your normal state?
123-
large change
-910
little or no change
A significant loss of energy and interest in things that previ
ously made you happy, signals that therapy can be helpful.
Sometimes, even a large boost in energy, especially if this
feels beyond your control, coupled with a substantial reduc
tion in your need for sleep, can also signal the need for therapy.
16. Do you find it difficult to under
stand and express your feelings?
difficult
-910
able to express
It can be difficult to understand your own feelings. As a
result it can be even harder for you to express these feelings.
It can even be hard to allow ourselves to cry even when we
desperately need to. It is also common to have trouble ex
pressing positive emotions. If you have difficulties in any of
these areas, then consult with a therapist to learn new ways
of relating to your feelings.