CSI RESEARCH/ PUBLICATIONS

• CSI evaluates the effectiveness of our programs through research with professors and students from Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan universities
• CSI also engages in research to aid in the development of improved client assessments
• CSI publishes ideas and procedures for collaboration, counseling, and mediation

TOPICS: (see more information by scrolling down page)

• Model for Approach to School Safety
• Effectiveness of Youth and Family Treatment Program (OPTIONS)
• Effectiveness of Victim-Offender Mediation (RESOLVE)
• Local History of Countering Domestic Violence Activities
• Information on Women in Domestic Violence Abuse Treatment (AVERT)

Publication on Collaborative Approach to School Safety (2000)

AVC Model for School Safety Assessment, November-December 2000 issue, The Illinois School Board Journal, by Diana McCauley (CSI Education Consultant) and Carol A. Reitan (CSI President/CEO), pp 21-24. www.iasb.com

Research Publication on Effectiveness of CSI OPTIONS Program (2004)

Youth Violence:  An Exploratory Study of a Treatment Program in Central Illinois, International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Vol.48, Number 6, December 2004, by Julia Bozarth and Cheryl Gaines (CSI Counselors), and Sesha Kethineni and Lisa Blimling (Illinois State University), pp.697-719. www.online.sagepub.com

Summary

A research study at the Collaborative Solutions Institute (CSI), Bloomington, IL OPTIONS program has been published in the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology*. The study indicates that after OPTIONS treatment there was a dramatic decrease in violence of youth who in the past displayed threatening or abusive behaviors in their home, their school or the community.

According to the study, youth violence has become commonplace in our society. In the year 2000, there were 2.4 million arrests involving persons under the age of 18, many for violent offenses. Violent and aggressive youth are often placed in juvenile correctional facilities at young ages, often not receiving the treatment they need, thereby continuing their aggressive tendencies.

In response to youth violence, treatment programs have been created to intervene and stop the aggressive behaviors of youth. One such program was implemented in McLean County, Illinois by a local treatment provider, Collaborative Solutions Institute, who created the OPTIONS program. The program targeted and treated youth who were at risk of violent, aggressive, and/or criminal behavior. The program continues to provide individual and family counseling.

The three year research of the OPTIONS program included characteristics of 100 juveniles and their families to determine if program participation helped reduce the severity of violence while improving communication skills among program participants. Referrals came from law enforcement, juvenile court services, school resource officers, and parents. Program youth showed a dramatic improvement in communication skills while reducing their levels of dangerousness.

The study was authored by Julia Madden Bozarth, MA, MS, LCPC and Cheryl Gaines, MS, LCPC, President and CEO, both of Collaborative Solutions Institute, Bloomington, IL, in collaboration with Dr. Sesha Kethineni and Lisa Blimling of Illinois State University.

Collaborative Solutions Institute (CSI) developed the OPTIONS program to prevent and intervene in adolescent aggression, mental health issues and anger management. CSI works in the therapeutic field of violence intervention and mental health and continues state of the art research in facilitating and understanding the effect of violence, mental illness, conflict resolution and problem solving with individuals, families, community and corporate entities.

Research on Effectiveness on CSI RESOLVE program's Victim-Offender Mediation (2005)

Summary:

The Effect of Victim-Offender Mediation Programs on Criminal Recidivism, by Amy M. Rohalla, Illinois Wesleyan University, Spring 2005 was conducted on results of the program at Collaborative Solutions Institute, Bloomington, Illinois.  This study assessed the effects of victim-offender mediation on the offender's’ crime rates.  Seventy-six offender participants in the mediation program were included in the study.  Data was obtained using public access data from the McLean County, Illinois government website.  There was a significant effect in reduction of total crime as well as a significant reduction in major crimes (all crimes excluding minor traffic violations such as speeding) after mediation.  These results suggest that the mediation program had a positive influence on reducing criminal acts for offenders who participated ...for full research paper

Research on the History of Policy Development for Countering Domestic Violence (2006)

Summary

NOTE:  Two of the founders of Collaborative Solutions Institute (and presently active with the Institute), Cheryl Gaines and Carol Reitan, have been active in the domestic violence area from the 1970's to today

In this paper, by Anna Mae Bales, Intern, Illinois State University, Spring 2006, the reader will find the exploration of a community's evolution on the issue of domestic violence. The Bloomington/Normal area in central Illinois had taken a stance that domestic violence was a family matter, and nobody outside of the family should be involved. However, through the efforts of eight women, things began to change. They opened the eyes to many and the doors for others that felt the same way. People began to step up and prove to the community that domestic violence was a problem that everyone should be involved in. Programs were created for victims and later on abusers, police began to change their stance, and the States’ Attorney and court system improved prosecution. Through all this dedication emerged talented people who will not sit on the sidelines while women, children, and even men are being abused. During the course of three months data was collected by interviewing people prominent in changing domestic violence from private to public policy. Their interviews, found in appendix one through twelve, are the backbone of this research paper covering the 1970’s through 2002. ...for more of the research paper

Research on Women in AVERT DV Group Treatment Program(2006)

Conclusions from research project by Genevive Nehrt, Illinois Wesleyan University Intern with Collaborative Solutions Institute, Summer 2006

 There are a number of obstacles that face women who attend AVERT that may prevent them from coming to group sessions and thus finishing the program.  Currently less than half of the women who begin group therapy classes at AVERT will complete the program (44%).  A major hurtle that may impact a client’s ability to finish AVERT is the presence of children: less than half of the women with children were able to complete the program (45%).  Clients that attend the AVERT program are a diverse population, education ranges from the completion of middle school to BA degrees.  It’s interesting to note that there was a significant difference in the number of clients who completed and their education level.  Women who did not complete high school were more likely to complete the program (66%) than those who only completed high school (40%) and those who went on to further education (33%).  The employment of these clients also ranges from unemployed, to full time employment.  The employment level of the clients impacted their ability to complete the program: those who had full time employment or part time employment were more likely to complete than were those who were unemployed (23% with full-time employment completed the program and 43% with part-time employment completed the program while only 70 % of those unemployed completed the program.  Two more hurdles that may obstruct clients from completion are substance abuse problems and other mental health issues.  Of those clients who reported previous substance abuse issues a little over half did complete (53%) while those who were diagnosed with other mental health issues less than half were able to complete the program (44%).  The major difference between the clients who complete and those who do not is employment and education.  Those who have full-time employment but only a high school education are more likely to complete.  While those who are unemployed with at least a high school education are less likely to complete the program.  Overall the population of women that AVERT services is varied, but the many obstacles that face this group of women make completing the program more difficult, especially for those with a low income and other mental health issues to overcome....for total research project 

Publications on Disordered Eating

1.     

Announces

Eating Disorder Services in Bloomington

By Jim Strauss, L.C.P.C. and Julia Madden Bozarth, L.C.P.C.

DISORDERED EATING AND CHANGES THAT HEAL

When life seems out-of-control, extreme dieting, binge eating, and emotional stuffing with ‘comfort’ foods sometimes give us a strange sense of control. The problem is that the behavior we use for that sense of control can take on a life of its own and lead to serious eating disorders, obesity and health problems, or trigger depression and anxiety disorders. Eating behaviors can become as addictive as alcohol or pain medication. But, unlike alcohol or pain meds, total abstinence is not an option with food. We must eat to live. We all have eating habits. The good news is that habits can be changed. Better yet, eating habits can be changed in Bloomington-Normal with the help of counselors specializing in eating-disorders at Collaborative Solutions Institute also known as CSI.

Have you ever felt like the number on your scale runs your life? Do you judge your personal sense of success by what you weigh? Remember, numbers on a scale are not a value judgment. Disordered eating—as we prefer to think of it—may include rigid dieting, extreme exercise regimes, starvation/malnutrition and binge/purging behaviors, emotional-eating and comfort food over-eating. At CSI, we see the "big picture." Many people feel badly about themselves and use food to control intense feelings of low self-esteem, anger, shame, loneliness, sadness, frustration, anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Let’s face it; issues of weight can be overwhelming and lead to unhealthy motivations. Here at CSI, we understand the emotional needs that disordered eating satisfy. We also understand that motivation to change can fluctuate dramatically based upon the intensity of present stressors and depths of past wounds. It isn’t uncommon for us to see some people struggle with a combination of unhealthy coping behaviors. Our "big picture" approach evaluates other life-issues such as family of origin history, relationship trauma, and substance use, just to name a few, to guide clients towards changes that heal.

SUPPORT CRITICAL TO SUCCESS

Resistance to take the first step towards treatment and to stick with it is common. Often, it is the family member or trusted friend who is helpful in ensuring that someone who is ill gets the needed care. The following is a brief and accurate screen* to help determine if you or someone you know needs help:

STEPS TOWARDS CHANGES THAT HEAL

The good news is that treatment is available for disordered eating. Healthy weight can be restored. The sooner diagnosis and treatment begins the better the outcomes are likely to be.

CSI offers a comprehensive treatment plan for eating disordered clients involving therapy and counseling. We are located at 200 W. Front St., Suite 400A, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 828-2860.

2.

Visual images bombard our senses daily making it "normal" for us to despise our bodies. Media messages reveal the values our culture associates with thinness…power, control, wealth, popularity, sexual advantage…the list is a long one…and who is at greatest risk for absorbing these myths as truths? The answer, of course, is children, the most vulnerable among us.

A negative body image can have devastating consequences for teens or pre-teens. Fragile self-esteem and hormonal changes are a dangerous combination. It is a time in life to become aware of the wisdom of one’s developing body; it’s cycles and natural balances. Sadly, for many children, it is a time they choose to be at war with their bodies and have a consequential unhealthy relationship with food.

A "relationship" with food…what a though! Human relationship qualities such as trustworthiness, comfort, support, acceptance, etc., can somehow be unhealthily transferred to food. After all, food never talks-back, it delivers satisfaction and pleasure and is consistently reliable. Like a good friend…food is always there.

Likewise, negative attributes can also be applied. Food can be a way to prove a point, whether consciously or unconsciously. "I’m not going to swallow this anymore"…"I’m tired of being controlled…nobody can make me eat!"…"I don’t deserve to be well."

In our therapy practice at C.S.I., Collaborative Solutions Institute, we approach disordered eating as a symptom of a larger problem. Typically, it is never only weight that is the matter but a combination of emotional issues that may include struggles with power and control, shame, fear, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive thinking, substance abuse, or low self-esteem. We realize also that the family is suffering as a whole and the needs of one impact the others. The family system is in need of attention.

Parents can head off major problems later in their child’s life by beginning early to teach scrutiny of media messages and peer definitions of what is the "right" body image for "success". Emphasize inner qualities over outer ones, model good nutrition, exercise, and loving acceptance for oneself "as-is", imperfections and all. Avoid rigidly imposed diets that trigger serious problems of hiding, secrecy, shame and failure for not performing perfectly. Focus on moderation, not extremism…enjoyment not punishment. Exercise for fitness, not for guilt due to overindulgence.

Do you constantly make negative remarks about your own body appearance? Are critical remarks regularly made about other people’s appearance communicating disgust and disapproval? Remember, family influence weighs heavily among other contributing factors such as genes, the media and peer pressure. However, it is important to note that eating-disordered children can come from wonderfully loving homes with supportive involved parents .

Don’t be caught saying, "Why did I wait so long?" Early intervention and treatment is crucial to prevent serious medical problems resulting from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Don’t wait for your child to volunteer for help. Resistance is typically strong. Seek professional counsel on how to best approach your child, however, recognize that you may have to take them against their will. It is not unusual for a youngster to adapt to counseling once the "over-the-hump" experience of the fear of the unknown is behind them.

CSI offers a comprehensive treatment plan for eating disordered clients involving therapy and counseling. We are located at 200 W. Front St., Suite 400A, Bloomington, IL, 61701, (309) 828-2860.

3.

By: Jim Strauss, L.C.P.C., Collaborative Solutions Institute

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step! Likewise, initiating treatment for someone with an eating disorder first begins with a mental decision that something must be done! But what? How does help begin? What does a plan of action look like?

Partner with a professional counselor to get educated about how to best be equipped with knowledge. If it’s another person with the real or suspected eating disorder you are seeking to help, learn how to position yourself to increase the odds of being heard and responded to. If it is about yourself, go to that appointment equipped with your toughest questions about why you are unhappy about the way you look and feel. It is money well spent to have at least a single private face-to-face consultation with a counselor to clear the air about why anything should be done at all. Don’t delay. Take action rather than leave things to chance. There is far too much at stake health-wise to wait.

A professional counselor will evaluate the severity of the eating disorder and clarify the beginning steps to address the problems. The following are questions to expect in that process:

What is the personal reason advice is being sought now?

What is the weight loss/gain in number of pounds and how rapid?

What are the pros and cons of current situation?

What would be the advantages of change?

What are the best results you can imagine from making a change?

What encourages you in making you believe you can change?

What would you be willing to try?

What personal strengths do you have?

What are you thinking about your (anorexia / binge-eating / purging) at this time?

What is the unpleasant reality?

What lengths do you go to (lying / stealing) to protect your eating disorder?

Where do you think you should be at this point?

What is your belief in the possibility of change?

Placement in Proper Level of Treatment*

The following represents a collection of factors that contribute strongly to this decision:

Medical Complications

Suicidal risk

Actual weight versus healthy weight

Motivation to recover

Co-existing conditions (ex: depression, anxiety, substance-abuse, etc.)

Existing support and/or lack of structure

Impairment regarding care for self (Activities of daily living and beliefs about exercise)

Purging behavior

Environmental stress

Access to treatment

It is the client, not the counselor or the family who is responsible for choosing and carrying out change! When and if appropriate, a carefully orchestrated intervention can non-judgmentally facilitate change by validating where one is with empathy and connection. A counselor can be very helpful in facilitating this.

Finding points of agreement is more productive that getting de-railed about underlying fears related to food, money, and timing. Stay focused. There are several stages of preparation to enter treatment.

Help for anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorders are complex and likely long-term but don’t be discouraged. Weight restoration, improvement of motivation, mood, attitudes and feeling about food are all within reach. The first step of that journey may be a phone call away.

*Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders, American Psychiatric Association, Jan. 2000