In most cases, says Jonathan Berkowitz, a person cannot simply erase the cause of stress in his or her life. On the other hand, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, there are many reliable methods for stress relief. People can change the way they deal with stress both in short term and long-term situations, says Jonathan Berkowitz.
A valuable key to managing stress, points out Jonathan Berkowitz, is in the manner of one’s response. In the most elementary sense, says Jonathan Berkowitz, “response” to stress refers to the ancient “fight-or-flight” response. This primitive form of response, says Jonathan Berkowitz, is an instinct in all of humankind. When a stressor arises, explains Jonathan Berkowitz, the body produces an alarm response. The alarm response to a stressor, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, means that the body secretes hormones, like adrenaline, in preparation for conflict. This hormonal response, says Jonathan Berkowitz, tenses muscles and increases heart rate and blood pressure. However, Jonathan Berkowitz points out that modern life makes a lot of these ancient instinctive alarm responses obsolete. In most cases, says Jonathan Berkowitz, the alarm response simply turns into unhealthy stress.
Jonathan Berkowitz has several pragmatic suggestions for preventing stress from getting the best of a situation. According to Jonathan Berkowitz, it’s all about attitude. With techniques and practice, says Jonathan Berkowitz, anyone can learn to diffuse the alarm response. With knowledge of what makes a person stressed, notes Jonathan Berkowitz, he or she can regain control of situations that may have seemed unmanageable. By learning to respond calmly to stressors, says Jonathan Berkowitz, he or she can also formulate positive reactions. By learning to anticipate the things that cause stress, Jonathan Berkowitz believes that it’s even possible to prevent many stressful situations from happening.
As an example, Jonathan Berkowitz refers to a popular book, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” If a slow thorny commute to work is causing stress, says Jonathan Berkowitz, consider alternative ways to get to work. Jonathan Berkowitz recommends trying a carpool, leaving for work at a different time, even taking public transportation. Or, if you are stressed about your position or prospects at the job, Jonathan Berkowitz suggests a one-on-one talk with the boss. Often when a person faces their concerns directly, says Jonathan Berkowitz, they find that the worries were baseless. In reference to this idea, Jonathan Berkowitz quotes Tom Petty, who once said, “Most things I worry about never happen anyway.” Finally, if you feel like you are always in a rush or running late for appointments, says Jonathan Berkowitz, sit down and work out a new time management system. If you don’t have a system for managing your time, concludes Jonathan Berkowitz, that may be one of the reasons you’re so stressed.
About Jonathan Berkowitz
Jonathan Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1994. Following studies at the Long Island University, Jonathan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist in 1997. Jonathan Berkowitz earned a Masters of Clinical Social Work from New York University in 1999, and later was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In 2000, Jonathan Berkowitz was issued a Post Masters certificate in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy. Jonathan Berkowitz obtained Post Masters certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.
It was while Jonathan Berkowitz was studying at Queens College that he served in the Brooklyn Public Schools as a special Education Instructor from 1993-1994. Jonathan Berkowitz also served as a school Psychologist and Social Worker in Brooklyn with the Board of Education. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz did an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.
During 1999 and 2000 Jonathan Berkowitz worked as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York. Jonathan Berkowitz served as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during 2003-2004. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz offered his services as Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW to the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn, New York from 2002 through 2006.
During 2004–2005, Jonathan Berkowitz worked at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York as Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Jonathan Berkowitz currently maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey focusing on children, adolescents, couples, and families.
To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his services visit www.familiesheal.com.
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