Author: Dominick Flarey

Christian Ecumenism and One Church? Program for Christian Counseling Training Thoughts

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Ecumenism and One Church? Program for Christian Counseling Training Thoughts

This May, the Patriarch of Constantinople and Rome meet in remembrance of the historic meeting of Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagorus.  Mutual excommunications were lifted and a fresh breath of air entered into the lungs of the Church.   I say Church because in reality the apostolic tradition of East and West is one Church.  Despite the schism, the “two churches” share the identical apostolic tradition of faith.  While the faith is expressed differently, the two profess the same core beliefs.  They share the same sacramental system and core dogmatic beliefs.

There is great hope in this coming meeting in Jerusalem.  Both sides realize the error of the schism and understand that the fullness of Christ’s Church can only be accomplished via reunion.   Yet, grassroot prejudice, historical hate, and anti-Christian feelings on both sides create barriers.  Perhaps these barriers are greater than any dogmatic barrier?

From the Orthodox side, Andrew Estocin writes about this coming meeting in his article, What Orthodox Christians Can Learn from Pope Francis  .  The article is an excellent stepping stone for Orthodox to become re-acquainted with the West and its historical ties to the Patriarch of Rome.

He writes:

The world will be watching from May 24-25, 2014 as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Pope Francis welcome each other in Jerusalem to observe the anniversary of the historic encounter between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and the subsequent lifting of mutual anathemas. The main focus of the many scholars and reporters who will cover this event will be the elusive question of “Old Rome and New Rome” that is the question of unity between Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christians. However, hidden amidst all this media coverage will be a unique opportunity for Orthodox Christians to follow the example of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed memory and to meet the Pope of Rome again as if for the first time.

To read the entire article, please click here

Yet, Estocin fails in the very end to convey the hope that is needed.  After listing the many qualities of the Roman Pontiff and how Orthodox can learn from him, he then falls back into old habits, as he refers to the Orthodox Church as the church and how true ecumenism can never reject truth.  What truth regarding reunion is being rejected?

Is it the Filioque?   A Trinitarian Riddle at best?  Does the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father and the Son or just the Father?  Does it matter?  Is it dogma?  Does it affect  one’s salvation?  Or maybe he is referring to the issue of divorce?  Both Orthodox and Catholic believe in the permanent nature of marriage, but the Orthodox permit divorce due to infidelity.   This as well is scriptural based but is it really that big of an issue?  Each Church, before the schism, handled its own internal affairs of its members, so why would it matter if West followed on procedure and East follows its own procedure?   Maybe he is referring to the differences of Rite?  But is this not the catholic nature of the Church?  Many cultures and expressions but one truth?   The East already exists within the Catholic Church through the Eastern Rites and there is no issue.   So again, I ask what is the issue of reunification at the doctrinal issue?  The author of this article does not say.

Maybe the issues are more Ecclesiological?  Yet again, the role of the Roman Patriarch in the ancient Church as a first among equals was never debated.  In fact, theologians do not have issues with this ancient arrangement.  The sticking points become more apparent with the natural evolutions of the two traditions.  The Pope as the primary Patriarch in the West become more centralized while the Eastern Patriarchs remained more autonomous.   The dogma of Infallibility only emphasized a more greater centralization in the West at Vatican I.

Can the East accept a more centralized system.  The answer is no and they do not need to.  They must remember that the Pope is also the Patriarch of Rome and how he runs his church is a tradition within itself.  It does not reflect upon the administration of the universal Church but only the Western church.  As the successor of Peter, and first among equals, he does carry a special charism that is not repugnant to Eastern thought.   He has the special charism of Infallibility not to bully other Patriarchs but only in time of great need to unify the Church.  Usually clarity of issue was resolved via council in which the East historically partook in and would also today play a large role in a unified Church.

Infallibility is not even an issue since it has only been used twice!  Once for its official proclamation and the second regarding the Assumption of Mary, which the Orthodox believe and celebrate as well under the name, the Dormition.

Yes, if the two traditions can get by the non existent issues, then capturing the grass roots of people will be the final hurdle.  Something that has thwarted several other reunification efforts before.

What About Reunification in the West?

Since we are on the topic of reunification, what about issues in the West?  This is a greater problem because the two traditions labeled as Catholicism and Protestantism stand apart on a variety of doctrinal issues.  Since Protestantism is so diverse, each case needs to be looked at individually.

The Anglican Church which initially retained its apostolic roots was a Schismatic church under Henry XIII.   He remained a Catholic in thought, but refused to bow to the Papacy over an annulment issue over his marriage with Anne of Spain.   Under Elizabeth and Cromwell, the Church of England became Protestant.  However, it retained bishops.  In recent history, many Anglican ministers and bishops have become Catholic because of the issue regarding the ordination of women.   As long as the ordination of women exists in the Anglican Church, there will be no reunification with Rome, but there may be a handful of “Oxford’ type converts that may reunify with Rome.  Yet, while many will reunite with Rome, it will cause more division within the Anglican Church in England and its American counterpart, the Episcopalian Church.

Lutherans where the first to be labeled Protestant because they protested at the Diet of Worms.  Led by Luther, they sought to reform the Church and revitalize Scripture.  They renounced the priesthood, the papacy, the sacraments, except Baptism and the Lords Supper.   Luther, however, rejected the idea that the sacrament of the Eucharist was truly the Body and Blood of Christ but merely Christ’s spirit was present within the bread and wine.  Hence Luther’s doctrine of Consubstantiation came into conflict with the Catholic doctrine of Transubstantiation.  Other issues regarded salvation via faith or works.

In recent years, gaps in theology have greatly diminished between the Western Church and Lutheranism.   Many find the word game of salvation by faith or works to be obsolete.  Both traditions have affirmed that salvation is through faith in Christ and any good works are done through the grace of the Holy Spirit.   Both traditions realize that works are important but are merely reflections or fruits of faith.  True faith produces works.  Both traditions reject, the Pelagian ideal that man can earn his own salvation.

Since Vatican II, the Catholic Mass and the Lutheran Service is very close in practice.  Lutheran ministers wear a collar as do Catholic priests.  If issues regarding the Papacy, Sacraments and Scripture can be ironed out, then a possible reunification could happen.  This was not even a thought prior Vatican II in the 1960s!

The Calvinist rooted Churches of the Reformation era pose a larger challenge.  Calvinist rooted communities have a greater dogmatic divide with the Western Church.  There is a greater misgiving to venerate the saints, a stronger resistance to a priesthood and a greater push for “sola scriptura”.  Other dividing points regards the Eucharist.  The Eucharist in these circles is regarded as only a symbol.  Which is an even greater divide than what Lutherans propose in contrast to Catholic teaching.

American Protestantism has also created Christian communities that are even at a greater distance from Rome.  Clothed with ideals of democracy, these early communities found anything Roman to be foreign to the ideal of American life.   In fact, the early Nativist parties found the threat of the Papist to be a grave concern for American life.  The 19th Century in America is plagued with bias and prejudice towards the Catholic immigrant.  It is a great stain on the American dream of religious freedom.  Yet this is the environment and history that has led to division and false claims regarding the Catholic Church and the American Protestant.

At the grassroot levels, there are many Protestant Churches that are not only doctrinally at odds with Rome, but also personally.   The Baptist Church is a Church known for its great love of Christ and scriptural observance.  It is a supportive community and one that is proud to take Christ to the market place, yet the differences between Baptist and Catholic may never be reconciled in our age.  Some of this is due to misrepresentation, while some is also due to mutual prejudice.

Like the Baptist and other American Churches, the Non-Denominational Churches are among the most hostile towards Catholic doctrine.  I say hostile not to show contempt but portray the truth.  From a point of doctrine, there are disagreements regarding Scripture, the Papacy, the Sacraments, and Mary.

Again part is due to misunderstanding.  I am not condoning one movement over the other, but it is important to note that many Non-Denominational Christians were either brought up Catholic in the Post Vatican II Church and lost their faith, or were never Catholic and taught false ideas about the Catholic Church.  Among such false ideals that prevent unification is the fabrication that Catholics worship Mary and the saints, or that the Pope is the anti-Christ.   This type of vehement slander will never permit re-unification.

However, the Non-Denominational movement while sometimes misled regarding Catholic doctrine is still nonetheless a vibrant community within itself.  If one does not hold to the ideal of a hierarchy, the sacraments, or veneration of the saints, then this is a Christian community that lives and breathes off Scripture and the Holy Spirit.  Christ, as all Christians believe, is the center of their worship.   If anything, the Non-Denominational Movement has brought attention to the mainstream denominations the importance of spiritual vigor and the need of scripture in everyday life.

With so many issues, I cannot within the realm of reason, see reunification with most of Protestantism and the Catholic Church.   Christ wills all his Christian children to find union and share the faith, but one cannot practice a false ecumenism that tears at the roots of one’s belief.

Yes, Christ should be enough but how can a community celebrate Christ together, if they differ on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, veneration of Mary, and the need or lack of need of the sacraments.

In this imperfect world, I think we can only hope for an imperfect visible union.   We can share the common core beliefs of the Apostle’s Creed and share in the life of Christ at mutual prayer services.  We can work together in the service of the poor.

Most importantly, despite impartial union, we do share in one Baptism which is Christ.  This Baptism makes us all members of the Mystical Body of Christ.  In this way, albeit not perfect union, we still are part of the same Church in which Christ is the head.

So, I do believe we must hold firm to our particular beliefs and not sacrifice them.  Unlike the Orthodox and Catholic Church which can reunify, the West and Protestantism must find a common union in Christ which will have to be the glue that holds together an imperfect union but a union nonetheless via Baptism.

If you are interested in learning more about Christian Counseling or would like to take courses in Christian Counseling, then please review the program.   The program is for Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant alike.  It is Christian and focuses on core beliefs that all Christians can share.

The purpose of the Christian Counseling Program is not to pursue one denomination over the other but to share the common tradition of Christ and to take Christ to those in need.

If you have any questions regarding our Program for Christian Counseling Training, then please let us know.

AIHCP

How to Become an Anger Management Counselor and the Need For Anger Help

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How to Become an Anger Management Counselor and the Need For Anger Help

Learning how to become an Anger Management Counselor is an important answer to a worldwide problem of uncontrolled anger.   Anger as one of the classic Seven Capital Sins has plagued the passions of humanity since the dawn of time.   While an Anger Management Counselor does not hope to eliminate anger, he or she does hope to help clients control anger.

Anger has never been viewed as something evil in itself.  In fact anger has many benefits.  It allows a release of tension and stress that if not released could cause health problems.  It also has a communicative benefit of expression to others.  It allows others to know that a person is expressing great displeasure over an event.  Sometimes anger can also be a good and just emotion.  Whenever anger leads one to noble action against the evil deeds of others, then it helps society.   One should definitely feel anger at abuse of others or inhumane treatment of others or various animals.

Understanding that anger in itself is not an evil, a certified Anger Management Consultant looks to identify what causes anger in individuals and how to curb it.   While anger has many good points in its favor, the necessity of curbing it is still important.  Loss of control can lead to violence and death.  Loss of control can also lead to health issues related to blood pressure.   In some cases, even if the anger is justified it can lead to horrific events if not controlled.

Unfortunately, in many cases, anger is not even justified.  Due to drugs and alcohol, anger can lead to physical and mental abuse of a spouse, children, or pet.  These can lead to multiple domestic violence cases.  In these situations, families are broken and in some horrible cases, a spouse injured or killed.

Controlling anger, whether just or unprovoked, is a key element of Anger Management.  Anger Management looks to identify the stressors or causes of anger.  It teaches the person to identify certain things that can “set” one off.   

These stressors or irritants can be found at work, home, school or in some dangerous cases, while driving a car.  It is important that an Anger Management Consultant find the root of certain issues that erupt anger in others.  It is equally important for counselors to teach individuals how to react to these irritations in a healthy and safe way.

With proper identification and reaction to stressors and irritants, a person has a greater chance to handling one’s inner rage in a safe and healthy fashion.   Some ways to react are intellectual, while others are more deeper at the subconscious level.  

Proper intellectual reactions identify the problem and logically look at consequences before the emotion of anger can overtake.  Outcomes of actions are better analyzed.   The use of reason is key but in many cases, individuals need more help when the habit of anger is so powerful in their lives.

Some individuals are asked to breathe, or close one’s eyes and meditate on something peaceful.  Others are told to escape the situation and follow procedures for “cool down”.

A person with a severe temper is a threat to himself and others.  Anger Management Counseling is key in teaching these individuals the importance of controlling one’s inner rage and how to do it.  If you are interested in learning more about Anger Management, or would like to learn how to become a Anger Management Counselor, then review the program at the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.

The program consists of key courses that cover the basics of anger and Anger Management.  Dr Conte presents a variety of online lectures to accompany the text books that are needed to complete the courses.  All the courses are online and can be completed within the privacy of one’s own home.

After completing an online course, one proceeds to the next course until all course work is completed.  Once course work is complete, one can then apply for certification in Anger Management Counseling.  Certification lasts for four years until re-certification is required.  Among the re-certification requirements, one must complete sixty hours of continuing and academic education and also complete five hundred hours’ worth of clinical work within the field of Anger Management.

The Program in Anger Management is an excellent way for qualified professionals to be able to enhance their career and help others control their rage.  Qualified professionals include those with the academic background necessary or professional licensures necessary.  Academic requirements can be met through most undergraduate degrees in the social sciences.  Examples of these would include degrees in ministry, social work, psychology, counseling and health care.   State licenses in ministry, social work, health care or counseling can also apply towards any prerequisite.

Thank you for considering the American Institute’s Program in Anger Management.   It has all the necessary components and elements to help a qualified professional become successful and certified Anger Management Counselors.

If you would like to learn more, then please review the program.  If you have any questions, then please let us know.  In the meantime, please review and see if the Anger Management Program meets your academic and professional needs.

Enjoy the blog and good luck!

AIHCP

How to Become a Certified Hypnotherapist and What to Expect

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How to Become a Certified Hypnotherapist and What to Expect

Many individuals face cognitive and irrational fears and disorders.  They are tormented by phobias and fears that cripple them in their social interaction with others.  Some also deal with a variety of bad habits that are detrimental to their over health.   These individuals are in need of help and care but in many cases counseling or medical treatment cannot help them overcome their fears and habits.  It takes a re-wiring of the brain to help them overcome their issues.

Hypnosis can help many people overcome these habits and phobias.  It can help heal the mind at the subconscious level and allow one to overcome anxiety, fear and compulsive thoughts that once seemed unchangeable in one’s behavior.

With so many people in need, qualified professionals can become certified in Hypnotherapy and offer important services to individuals who need professional help in Hypnotherapy.   This alternative method of cognitive healing can sometimes be the last chance a person has in again feeling normal or overcoming a crippling habit.

A Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist does not magically alter someone’s mind with magic or tricks but through scientific methods of how the brain is understood to function.   It involves a peaceful setting and willing patient to allow the certified hypnotherapist to unlock the mind and communicate with the subconscious regarding any underlying issues.   While not all cases are successful, many people do find success in overcoming fears and bad habits through continued therapy.  In many cases, hypnotherapy can be used in conjunction with other alternative and holistic methods.  In addition to counseling, meditation, tapping and other trauma therapies can be used.  Of course some therapies can only be practiced by a licensed counselor.  Hypnotherapy does not fall under this category and can be utilized by a qualified and trained certified professional.

What Types of Problems Will A Certified Hypnotherapist Face?

A certified Hypnotherapist will face an array of cognitive issues in patients.  Some of these issues be fears, others will be compulsive rituals, and others may include bad habits.

Among the many fears, Acrophobia remains a very common one.   Hypnotherapy hopes to find the root cause of the trauma that caused the initial fear and reteach the mind the foolishness of such a fear.    The same principle can be applied to other fears such as heights, the dark, or fears of individuals such as clowns.  The number of fears is as numerous as the number of people but all illogical fears can be defeated with a determined individual who works with the hypnotherapist on his or her issues.

Among rituals, hypnotherapy can be utilized for many compulsive issues.   Repetitive rituals include such behavior that requires reassurance over and over unless the particular ritual is conductive in complete order.  This is closely associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Hypnotherapy hopes to calm the mind and the brain of the “noise” that clatters in the brain and forces these behaviors.  Many people seeking guidance may already be medicated and seeking counseling from other professionals.  As a certified hypnotherapist remember to treat only that which a certified professional can legally treat.  Also remember to ask patients if they are receiving other forms of treatment.  You may wish to contact the other caregivers to learn more about the patient.

Bad habits may be the biggest reason people seek out hypnotherapy.  People who overeat and are seeking a better diet, or individuals who are hopelessly trying to stop smoking are candidates for hypnotherapy.  In many cases, hypnotherapy can be successful for these individuals.  Again, it takes a determined individual who wishes to rid him or herself of the bad habit for the good of their own health.  In most cases, hypnotherapy may be their last hope of overcoming a smoking habit or losing the weight.  Hypnotherapy can offer the cognitive healing and skills to help patients overcome these challenges and again have a normal life.  You as a certified hypnotherapist can play a big role in a person’s life and a big difference in their overall health.

How to become a certified Hypnotherapist

If you are wondering how to become a certified hypnotherapist, then you should review the Hypnotherapy program at the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.  The program is for qualified professionals in the counseling or health care field.   An undergraduate degree or appropriate licensure is required as well.

Dr  Dominick Flarey, a certified hypnotherapist, instructs the courses.   The courses include core modules that cover the basics of hypnotherapy.   These courses are all online and require no travel or classroom interaction.   Except for the final course, all courses have an open book exam that is taken online.  After completion of each course, one receives a certificate in the mail for that individual course.

The first two courses, in addition to texts, requires the completion of a CD program in hypnosis.   In addition to audio guides, the program requires one to also submit a video or CD of the candidate conducting a session with a volunteer.  Each video or CD is evaluated by Dr Flarey and receives feedback.

If the candidate completes the required courses and practicum then they become eligible for certification.  Certification lasts three years.  One will receive in the mail, as in the case with the individual courses, a certificate.  This certificate, however, will not be folded but preserved for framing.  In addition, one also will receive a small plastic wallet sized identification card.  These cards also list the dates of certification and are very useful in interviews.

During those three years, a certified hypnotherapist must put in over five hundred hours of clinical work and fifty hours of academic courses in continuing education.   Upon completion of these requirements, one can then re-apply for certification in Hypnotherapy.

If you are still interested in how to become a certified hypnotherapist, then call the American Institute of Health Care Professionals for more information on the courses, program and certification.

In the meantime, thank you for your interest in the program and please continue to enjoy the blog and its various articles.

Health Care and Good Health and How to Become a Certified Holistic Nurse, Life Coach, Stress Manager or Meditation Instructor

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Health Care and Good Health and How to Become a Certified Holistic Nurse, Life Coach, Stress Manager or Meditation Instructor

Good health and exercise is the theme of the Twenty First Century.  People by the groves are seeking natural and holistic answers to health concerns and questions.  Exercise and fitness are also important elements to modern day life as people hope to cut off the fat and erase unhealthy eating and exercise habits.   With this need comes a demand for expert advice on all levels from nutrition and fitness professionals.

An array of professionals exist to meet these needs.  Licensed dieticians and other qualified professionals offer expert advice.  There are also an array of certified professionals in the health field that can help and promote health.  These professionals may be both licensed and certified or merely certified.  As a certified professional, one still meets a certain criteria of academic and professional excellence, but they are not considered licensed or regulated by the state.

These certifications are open to many health care professionals and health care degreed academics who have the skill sets and academic background to meet the needs of individuals.  Among many of these positions include certified Health Care Life Coaches, Holistic Nurses, Stress Management Consultants or Meditation Instructors.   These professionals are able to help people with a variety of issues surrounding everyday health concerns.  They can help people better cope with stress, reach goals, exercise better and eat better.   Since these issues deal with no specific or acute medical issue, certified professionals who are not licensed, but educated within the area can become sources of information.  

Qualified professionals can give their time and service on a personal level or at a corporate level.  In some cases, gyms and other health recreation centers will look for certified professionals in these areas.  Ultimately, the possibilities are endless.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a variety of certifications for health care givers who hope to enhance the health of their patients and customers.   These certifications can be found in health care life coaching, meditation instructor, stress management consultant, and our holistic nurse programs.   Those who qualify are either in the health care field or possess licensures in general health and physical instruction.   The certifications are useful in that they can enhance an already existing career in the health field and enable a professional to advertise his expertise in the certified area.

All of the programs are online and are divided into modules that consist of a text book and open book exam.   They are designed for working professionals with a desire for self-paced learning.  Of course, mentorship as needed is offered for all courses.  After completing each individual course, qualified professionals are eligible for three year certifications. 

Professionals seeking re-certification in any of the specialties must show clinical hours and academic hours in the field.   Usually clinical hours consist of five hundred hours and academic hours consist of 50 hours of continuing education.  After these prerequisites are completed, one can then re-apply for certification.

For each certification and individual continuing education course, one receives a certificate of completion with a stamped seal.  These are sent to those who complete the course. In addition to a certificate, one also receives a wallet size card with certification dates included.   This comes in  the mail in a certificate packet, usually ten days after certification.

If you are wondering how to become a certified Holistic Nurse, Health Care Life Coach, Stress Management Consultant or Meditation Instructor, then look no farther.  The online courses at the American Institute of Health Care Professionals offer the needed education for working professionals.

In the meantime consider how these certifications can impact your career.  They can increase your marketing diversity to other crowds of potential patients and amplify an already existing career.  Remember, a certification is not a licensure and is not under the direction of the state.  Hence it is designed to complement professional licensures or degrees.

Here is a short review of these exciting health related certifications.

Stress Management Certification:  This certification is designed for health care professionals who wish to help their clients manage stress.  It incorporates a variety of stress management strategies to help reduce stress and identify stressors.   Some of the strategies include hypnosis and meditation.  

Meditation Instructor Certification: This certification falls back upon a variety of meditative traditions to help health care professionals properly instruct the art of meditation.  Meditation and health are closely correlated realities and can be a great benefit to one’s patient.   The program teaches a variety of meditative practices and skills that an instructor can pass on to student.

Holistic Nursing Certification:  Unlike the first two certifications, this certification requires that one at least be a registered nurse.  Combining one’s previous nursing knowledge with new holistic and natural medication knowledge, one can then become certified as a Holistic Nurse.   A certified Holistic Nurse can take the best from both West and East and present a fully comprehensive nutritional supplemental plan for overall health.

Health Care Life Coaching Certification:  This program is designed for coaches, nutrition gurus and physical therapists.  As a certification it can supplement a licensed professional but if one is not a licensed dietician it does not give one the legal right to perform dietician duties.  It does permit one to recommend a variety of diets for overall health and also exercise regiments.   In addition to this, it helps one learn to encourage and propel others towards their life goals.   Half of this certification’s course work is taken with the CCMS while the other half is taken with AIHCP.

These certifications represent AIHCP’s ongoing patronage of mental and physical health and give qualified professionals the necessary academic skills to apply their talents and knowledge to those in need of a better life style.

If you are interested in learning how to become a certified  holistic nurse or any other health related specialist, then please review our program.   If you have any questions let us know .

In the meantime, enjoy the blog!

How to Become Stress Management Certified: Stress Lives in Chaos

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How to Become Stress Management Certified: Stress Lives in Chaos

Stress does exist in chaos.  It thrives in it and feeds off the chaos of everyday life.  Where chaos is rampant, stress has the ability to inflict itself upon individuals.  This is not to say organized people have no stress in their life, but it does show that on average, most organized people are in control.  When one is in control, stress has less of a chance of inflicting itself upon an individual.

One example is of a person who has his life together emotionally, spiritually and physically.   Unchecked emotions are a huge stressor.  A person who exists in emotional turmoil is far more inclined to experience emotional breakdowns and outbursts over unexpected stressors.  The constant state of emotional chaos leaves the person in a state vulnerable to this.   Some individuals are victims to emotional upheaval and are going through a natural phase of adaptation but others remain in this constant state and do not have the coping strategies or skills necessary to escape and adapt.

Of course spirituality and meditation can play a key role in helping people cope.  Whether dealing with an emotional issue or merely stuck in emotional chaos, a person who has the organization and time to pray, meditate or find some type of spiritual leisure has a better chance of rebounding and refocusing.   Again the key word here is refocusing.  Refocus is organization of mind and stress hates organization.   Also, meditation and spirituality can have a calming effect on the body.  It can reduce tension and allow the body and mind time to heal.

Physical health is also key.  A person with a routine of physical exercise is taking control of their physical wellbeing and finding some type of organizational plan to exercise.  The organization, the physical benefits and retreat from life can play large dividends in reducing the chaos of daily life and stress.

Another example is a person who is professionally organized.   Stress, again, loves chaos and disorganization.   If someone has a bad day and comes home to a messy house, their reaction is different than a person who enters a clean and organized home.  There is some sense of accomplishment, security and comfort in a home that is clean.   The term cleanliness is next to godliness cannot be under emphasized here.   Another example of professional organization is the work station.  A messy desk can produce a stressor of irritation, but an ordered work desk can allow the day at work to go smoothly and efficiently.

So How Can Organization Be Implemented?

Organization comes with a plan; A daily, weekly and monthly routine.  While one does not want to turn this into an obsessive compulsive ritual, a basic routine that is carried out to one’s best ability can help reduce stress by creating an environment conducive to order and discipline.   If one is already existing in an ordered atmosphere, a stressor has less ability to multiply and create a domino effect of chaos.

A daily example would include a checklist of spiritual, physical and professional needs.  As one accomplishes the goals of the day, one will naturally feel satisfied and also be occupied with what needs done.   If something should stressor should erupt that day, it is easier to contain it, instead of taking it home with oneself. 

Weekly checklists are also important.  They allow one to spread out duties throughout the week.  If one day becomes too stressful, then you have six other days to accomplish the goal.  This type of planning ahead takes pressure off the individual day.

Monthly checklists also apply the same principle.  While some things need weekly diligence others require monthly.  If one can plan and adjust these duties within a monthly window, then the stress of something not being accomplished maybe on week one, is not as devastating.  It is key to make reasonable duties with a fair timetable when making check lists that correspond with a day, week or month.

I would also encourage having a yearly set of goals.  If something needs done for the home or there is a company goal, then set it for a particular year.  The monthly goals should eventually put one in the position to accomplish the yearly goal.

Order also includes placement.   Certain stressors need to be organized to the particular duty.  Work stressors should stay at work.  Home stressors should stay at home.  While this is difficult, if one creates boundaries in every facet of their life, then stressors will have less ability to hitchhike from one area to another.  Of course, when major stressors strike this is near impossible—such as the death of a family member, but we are referring to everyday stressors.

Ultimately, stress management and time organization is a personal choice.   Certified stress management consultants will encourage order and placement of stressors, but it is up to the individual to implement the stress management keys.

If you are interested in learning more about stress management or wish to learn how to become a stress management certified and help others, then please review AIHCP’s program in Stress Management Consulting.

The program consists of core online courses for qualified professionals.  Each course includes a text and open book exam with mentor help as needed.  After completion of the courses, one can apply for certification in Stress Management.   The certification lasts three years and can be renewed.

Those wishing to recertify in stress management consulting can do so after providing five hundred hours of clinical work and fifty hours of academic education.

We encourage those wishing to learn how to become a stress management consultant to review our program.  Qualified professionals include anyone in the health and counseling fields as well as those in physical and meditative fields. 

In the meantime, thank you for your interest in the program and if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to ask.

Please enjoy the blog and stay stress free!

AIHCP

How to Become a Grief Counselor and Loss of Parent

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How to Become a Grief Counselor and Loss of Parent

The article below is about one year of grief after the loss of a mother.  The woman who is middle aged writes very candidly and open about her initial expression of pain to the very end of acceptance.

The utter devastation of loss is seen as she receives the call.   She laments over this loss through the following months almost lost as she tries to rediscover herself as a woman without a mother.   She lists the dreaded one years marks as well as holidays and birthdays and how she learned to adapt to this loss and allow the goodness of the world around here to sustain her.  She writes:

“Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of my mom’s death. That means I’ve endured many of the difficult “firsts” that grievers dread — first birthdays, holidays, and school events. This one-year mark also signifies that I’ve learned how to live in a world without my mom in it. And let me tell you, that’s no small feat.”

To read the entire article, please click here

I think all people are different to a degree, but react most the same way when loss arises.  The loss of a parent is definitely a difficult one.  I imagine it is almost as if learning to re-see the world in a different light and prism.

This process of adaptation and writing the next chapter in one’s life is not about forgetting, or not hurting, but transforming the relationship with the parent who has gone.  The new relationship takes time to form, but as the woman discovered, she was still a woman with a mother, but just in a different way.   She also learned in this transformation that since the relationship still existed, she could begin to breathe again and allow the love around her to help heal her.

This is no easy path, nor one that  anyone ever envies.  Yet for most, it is a path we must all travel.  While those who are enduring it, endure, many of us who have yet to are scared to even fathom it.  It is frightening and we would much rather deal with it when it comes, or in some bad cases, pretend it will never happen which can lead to a horrid grief reaction.

After one year, we cannot with certainty say where one should be emotionally.  To put all people on a time table of how they adapt to loss is bad counseling.   Yet a person should have some routine of a new normalcy.   One he or she may not yet  like, but one he or she is learning to get to know.  A new normalcy where he or she understands the circle of life and the fact that relationships never die but only change.

Those wishing to learn how to become a grief counselor need to help guide those who lose a parent, like the author of the article.  They need to help them through the grief process and let them experience it.  Of course, grief counselors need to identify unhealthy grieving patterns, but we should not discourage the grief of the first year for it plants the seeds for a new life where one is able to adjust with the pain and write a new chapter in their life that is not void of the loved one but presented in a new light.

I do believe after the first holidays and birthdays have gone, one is finally able to at least start to remember and celebrate the life the deceased parent and to enjoy their presence in a more spiritual manner.

All of our prayers go out to people who have lost their parents.  May they find peace and solace in their loss and realize that death is only a temporary divide and that the relationship while seemingly broken, is in reality still strong and existent but in a different way and level.

 

For those interested in how to become a grief counselor please review our program in Grief Counseling.  The program consists of four core courses.  After completion of those core courses, qualified professionals can apply for certification.

Certification lasts for three years and is renewed via clinical and academic hours via teaching, counseling, reading and continuing education in grief counseling.

Those who qualify for the program would include anyone with health care licenses or degrees.  Other qualified candidates include those with general social study degrees ranging from counseling to ministry.  Other professionals would include ministers, counselors, social workers, funeral directors, teachers, nurses, pastoral care givers and hospice.  Many professionals who earn certifications in grief counseling at the Academy of Grief Counseling are able to utilize their newfound skills for the good of others and one day also help themselves understand their own eventual grief and loss.

If you feel the call to this area of counseling, I recommend you pursue it. It not only can enhance an already existed career with options but also give one a great satisfaction in helping others overcome grief and bereavement in a healthy way.

If you still wish to learn how to become a grief counselor, then please review the program in full or give us a call so we can answer all of your questions.

In the meantime, please enjoy the blog and article!

Christian Counseling Training Program: “Sexual Atheism”

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Training Program: “Sexual Atheism” and Christian Moral Compass Regarding Sex Outside Marriage

Christians are losing their moral compass.  Eroding away at the core of Christian values is humanism and self gratification.  It comes in the way of mass media and an indifferent value of morals that bases the wrong of an action on the basis of injury.  If noone is hurt, then it cannot be wrong?

This type of moral indifference and mass humanism has led to the coining title “sexual atheism”.  Where Christians profess God in everything but sex outside marriage.  In their minds, God does not care about sexual sin.  The sin of Sodom us a distant memory.

As long as I give to the poor, care for others, read the bible and go to church, then all is fine.  God does not care what I do with others in the shadows at night.   This type of thinking has infecting many Christians.  The article below discusses it.

“The guy sitting across from me is a professing and practicing Christian. He drops by my office unannounced today to talk to me about his new online dating life. Specifically, he wants to talk about the over-willingness of Christian women he has encountered on several of his dates who want to jump right from a very public conversation and vanilla latte at Starbucks to very private whispers and physical exchanges between the sheets back at his place.”

To read the entire article, please click here

While it is human nature to desire, we cannot dismiss the evil of sexual sin.   A good Christian Counseling Training Program will acknowledge that we fall, but when we do fall, we acknowledge the sin and try not to sin again.   Sexual atheism does not even acknowledge or seek to change.

We must as Christians not allow our conscience to become lax or improperly formed but must be ever vigilant in our examination of conscience and acknowledgement of sin.  God understands the difficulty with the sins of the flesh, but he expects us to try and change inappropriate sexual life styles.    Are these not the words of Christ to Mary the prostitute.  He told her to repent and sin no more.  He easily forgave the sin but expected one to acknowledge and repent.

Counselors trained from a good Christian Counseling Training Program need to help their spiritual children form good and vigilant consciences that reflect scriptural teaching that mirrors the commandments of God.  The conscience should continue to patrol one’s moral actions and when one fails, to push within an acknowledgement of failure and repentance.

Secular Humanism rejects this premise and like the serpent promises one to be the god of their own sexual impulses.  Instead of giving to God our body as he intends us to use it, we seek to gratify our senses as our own god.  While it is easy to understand the nature of hormones and the sexual urge to reproduce, we can still focus on strengthening our will to fight temptation through fasting.

Atheistic Psychology denounces this type of sexual repression.  The reality is that sexual repression is not to be confused with a practice of virtue.  How can something that is noble and good be repressive to our overall health?  It is today and modern society that see sexual control as foreign, odd and out of place before marriage.  Yet they fail to realize the reason for sexual control and the downward trodden path the sin of lust leads to.  God understands our fallen state.  He is patient and compassionate but he also understands the danger of unchecked extremes.  This is why he has wisely taught us how to use the gift of sex for ourselves and our partner in the sacred state of marriage.

God also understands the integral part our sexual expression plays beyond mere pleasure but towards love and ultimately propagation.   Sexual promiscuity and unchecked desires lead to distorted views on sex and love as selfish means to one’s end-reducing the other person to an object.  It is also devalues the sacred nature of the act to mere pleasurable action no less sacred than a back rub.

Christian Counselors must not just teach something is wrong but why it is wrong and why God intended it to be utilized a certain way.  In this way the forming of conscience which is of the will can properly work in union with the intellect in decision making.  We must guard the youth from this new assault of sexual atheism.

We must also applaud the virtue of purity and not see it as a psychological act of sexual repression but a noble and true route to salvation where man controls his animal impulses and acts more like one made in the image and likeness of God.

If you are interested in learning more about our Christian Counseling Training Program, then please review the program at your leisure.

To become certified one must merely complete the required courses.  Qualified professionals can then become Christian Counseling certified. Christian Counseling Certifications last three years.  Re-certification involves academic and professional hours within the field.

Qualified professionals include ministers and licensed counselors.   Other qualified members can have general social science degrees including history, counseling, sociology, health care, psychology, theology and pastoral care.

Thank you for your interest in the blog and program. If you have any other questions regarding our Christian Counseling Training Program, then please let us know.

Spiritual Sloth and How to Become a Certified Christian Counselor

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Spiritual Sloth and How to Become a Certified Christian Counselor

Spiritual sloth is a deadly thing.  As one of the seven capital sins it can lead the soul to  many vices.  According to Pope Francis, spiritual sloth is also a threat to apostolic zeal.  It can strip the soul of the zeal and energy to not only care for itself but also one’s brother or sister in need.

Like any vice, we must be alert and aware.  Sloth can quickly make work on an industrious soul’s pray life and divert the soul’s attention to other worldly things or play on the body’s condition.  It can be as innocent as a day without a morning pray or sleeping in instead of going to church.  It can work its way into the soul and create a habit of sloth instead of isolated incidents.

This is why we must be vigilant in our spiritual hygiene.  We must care for our soul with regular doses of scripture, grace and the sacraments.   We must strive to force ourselves in moments of desolation to feel for God even if the reward of his presence eludes us.  I promise you, his presence is there but we are spiritually growing.

The article below has more on this subject.

“In his homily on Tuesday, Pope Francis lamented the many Christians who close the door to God’s grace out of spiritual laziness, urging them to instead receive healing from the Lord so they can spread the Gospel.

“This is the disease of sloth, the acedia of Christians. This attitude that is crippling the apostolic zeal, which makes Christian people stand still and at ease,” the Pope exclaimed in his April 1 Mass.”

To read the entire article please click here

Pope Francis is emphasizing the need for us to also remain industrious in our spiritual zeal for others.  We need to remain ever aware of the need of others and not allow this type of spiritual sloth to overcome us.  How many times do we sit in comfort when our brothers and sisters suffer?  We need to take time a week to help others, donate to others and bring the Gospel to others.  Spiritual hygiene is not just a personal goal but a social goal.  As Christians we belong to the Body of Christ which is a very social element.

Thank you for your interest in our blog.  If you have any interest in learning how to become a certified Christian Counselor, then please review.

Our program is excellent for ministers, lay apostles, church counselors, or spiritual advisers.  Counselors who wish to present the Gospel with counseling are also encouraged to review the program.

The program consists of core courses in Christian Counseling.  Once completed, qualified professionals can apply for certification.

If you have any questions on how to become a certified Christian Counselor, please let us know.  In the meantime, avoid spiritual sloth and remain spiritually industrious in your spiritual maturation.

Yeast Infections and What You Can Do To Treat Them.

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Signs of Yeast Infection and How to Treat It

 

Vaginal yeast infections affect most women at least once in their lives. Men may experience yeast infections as well, but this is not a common occurrence. The reason for this is that some amount of yeast is always present in the vagina. When the yeast begins to grow, infection is the result. If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, read on to find out how you can treat it easily and quickly.

Look for the Signs

Most women are able to spot the symptoms of a yeast infection right away, especially if they have experienced them in the past. These signs include soreness and extreme itching in the vaginal area. You may also notice a white discharge that is chunky, resembling cottage cheese. It may hurt to urinate, or to have sexual intercourse. These symptoms are most common in the week leading up to your menstrual period. The symptoms in men may be more subtle – a red rash that burns the tip of the penis. Women experiencing a yeast infection for the first time should seek a professional diagnosis because the condition could be a symptom of a larger health problem. The doctor will be able to pinpoint the cause of the infection, which may be the result of increased estrogen levels or pregnancy.

Treatment

Treating a yeast infection quickly is essential, especially because this condition can be passed back and forth from one partner to another. Fortunately, treatment is available over the counter for men and women. Antifungal tablets, creams, and suppositories are all available, and are most effective when used right away.

Prevention

You can prevent yeast infections by keeping the vaginal area clean. You should only use unscented soap when you wash, or you may irritate the area. It is also important that you wear cotton underwear that does not trap moisture. Additionally, never use deodorant sprays, or scented tampons that may encourage the yeast to continue growing. If you believe you have a yeast infection and are currently pregnant, you should see your John A. White M.D. Obstetrics office immediately. Do not try to treat the infection at home in this case. If you experience yeast infections on a frequent basis, consider speaking to your doctor about possible causes.

Fortunately, yeast infections are not typically serious, however, that does not mean they do not require swift treatment. Use these tips to help you should the situation arise. While the infection may be painful and irritating, the recovery time is relatively short, and can be treated easily.

Overcoming Grief and Also Learn More About Grief Counseling Training

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article “Grief and healing: Mom adds sandbox to baby’s grave so son can ‘play’ with brother”, by A. Pawlowski states

“A grieving mom’s thoughtful gesture for her toddler is prompting tears and an outpouring of support from parents who have lost a child.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

This article talks about the loss of a new born and how a family is coping not the traditional way of hiding or keeping it to oneself.

 

This family built a memorial to the infant and encourages the still young but older brother to visit the memorial.

Hiding grief has been a standard for many generations but the healthy expression and sharing of feeling is a natural way to heal and prevent abnormal grief from developing.

If you would like to learn more about grief counseling training, then please review our program.  Those qualified can become certified in grief counseling after completing the required courses.

#howtobecomeagriefcounselor

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