Author: Dominick Flarey

Substance Abuse Counseling Program: Bath Salts

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
A packet of the illegal drug bath salts
Substance Abuse Counselors should be able to identify this drug.

Substance Abuse Counseling Program: What are Bath Salts?

The article, “‘Bath Salts’ Act In The Brain Like Cocaine”, source: Medical News Today states

“The use of the synthetic stimulants collectively known as “bath salts” have gained popularity among recreational drug users over the last five years, largely because they were readily available and unrestricted via the Internet and at convenience stores, and were virtually unregulated.”

For the full article please go here.

A vial of bath salts
A small bottle of bath salts.

Because this drug can be purchases some what legally on the streets it is important that all substance abuse counselors know what it can do.   Bath salts are a dangerous drug and we need to prepare ourselves for its fallout.
If you are interested in taking a substance abuse counseling program, then perhaps you would like to visit our website.

Grief Counseling Training: Helping Parents Grieve

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief Counseling Training: Barry Kluger and Kelly Farley are champions in the pursuit to help parents grieve the loss of a child.

by: CNN
By Olivia Smith, Special to CNN
Access article: click here

There is no greater tragedy than the loss of a child. Barry Kluger and Kelly Farley are helping by their initiatives in the Parental Bereavement Act, a legislation to amend the Family Medical Leave Act to include time off for grieve in the loss of a child. This article provides the story and issues regarding this new initiative. The American Academy of Grief Counseling is very supportive of Barry and Kelly and their fine work. Please take time to review this article on CNN. If you are interested in becoming a grief counselor you may access info at this link: grief counseling training.

Pastoral Care and the Rights of the Dying

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Caring for the Dying and Their Rights

It is so common to speak about the dying and the  rights of the dying instead of to them.  They almost become the giant elephant in the room.  However, from a spiritual and ethical prism, the dying have rights that must be preserved and respected.  As people they have human rights and their needs, concerns and issues need to be met with compassion and professionalism.  In caring for the dying, we must remember these five rights.
The first rights of the dying is that they have a right to know as much of the truth that they can handle.  To purposely leave the dying patient out of the light of what is happening to their body is unethical and wrong.  Only when such knowledge can cause harm to a  patient should some information be disclosed with discretion and in possible dosages.  In some cases, as with children, every single detail is sometimes not needed in one’s discourse with the dying, while in other cases, the dying patient may well need or be able to handle the information.
The second right of the dying is they have a right to be free from suffering, pain and have hope for the future.  It is the duty of providers to provide the maximum comfort for the sick and dying as possible.  The dignity and spiritual nature of the person must be preserved in this final stages, even if for a simple hour.  Whatever can be done to alleviate suffering and provide comfort should be offered to the dying patient.
The third right of the dying that must be adhered to by pastoral care givers is the autonomy of the patient.  The patient has a right within his or her capabilities to participate in decisions.  This is even more helpful when one has a Advance Medical Directive, but even without, the patient’s right to engage in dialogue regarding procedures is imperative to his or her dignity as a human person.
The fourth right is a patient can talk about death when ready.  Many families like to ignore the ominous signs of death but if a dying patient wishes to discuss this important event in his/her life, then the family and providers should take the time to hear the concerns of the dying.
The final right of the dying patient is the right to express emotional feelings, complete unfinished business and the presence of any religious figures.  A dying patient may want to express regret, or forgive a friend, or call upon a priest.  These are imperative to the spiritual and emotional well being of the person and his/her journey to the next phase of human existence.  To deny these things is a gross case of spiritual neglect.
If you are interested in pastoral care, please review the program.
(Some of the information found in this article was from “Helping Grieving People-When Tears Are Not Enough” by J. Shep Jeffreys)
Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

The Pastoral Care Giving Provider as an Exquisite Witness

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

What is an Exquisite Witness in Pastoral Care?

In Pastoral Care, one crosses the line of just merely a provider but also a spiritual friend.  A friend who is there to comfort and reassure the spiritual and emotional element of a patient.  An Exquisite Witness is one who personifies this element of care of the dying.
From a defintion, an Exquisite Witness is a “health care, pastoral, or volunteer care provider  who enters the sacred space between two human souls-having the deepest respect for the yearning, seeking, and wishful hopes of the other to diminish the pain and survive in a new world after a loss.”
Beyond this, an Exquisite Witness is not judged by training but one’s willingness to care for other people and treat them with respect as they face the unknown of death.  St. Theresa of Calcutta comes to mind when one thinks of someone with such deep sancity and care for the sick.
Ultimately when it comes to witnessing, it is jouney where one does not pretend to have all the answers or cures but instead takes the time to sojourn with someone-to listen, observe and follow.
In Pastoral Care Giving, a witness also enters into three dimensions of care.  The first is the heart dimension.  Within the heart dimension, one finds the process of how old personal losses rise to mind when dealing with someone else’s current losses.  Sometimes these memories can affect the caregivers ability to properly witness.  The old memory haunts them so they avoid the current patient, or the old memory prevents the caregiver from focusing on the current pain of an indiviudal.  Caregivers must address the heart dimension of caregiving if they wish to properly care for the sick and dying
The second dimension is the head dimension.  This dimension is one’s knowledge of what grief is and how it applies to certain cases.  One’s experience and education are key elements to the head dimension.
Finally, the third dimension is the hands dimension.  This represents how the care provider acts and performs his or her duties for the patient.  It represents how the witness engages the grieving during their process of mourning.
These three dimensions are key to what we call an Exquisite Witness.  Hopefully as care givers we can all utilize our talents, as Mother Theresa, and help the dying find peace and solitude.
If you are interested in Pastoral Thanatology, please review the program.
(Information for this article was found in “Helping Grieving People-When Tears Are Not Enough” by J. Shep Jeffreys.)
Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

How Frequent Use of the Eucharist Can Help In Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Eucharist and Its Frequent Reception is Key in Counseling Spiritual Maladies

How can a counselor not recommend spiritual food for the sick?  Christian counselors should encourage the frequent reception of the Eucharist for their spiritual children to cure spiritual maladies they are treating.  In the Eucharist, Christ cures, forgives and brings new again.  The infusion of supernatural grace and actual grace to avoid temptation and sin are of instrumental value.

 Isn’t This Just a Catholic Thing?

On the contrary, this is a Christian ideal that transcends Catholicism.  The moment our Lord told his apostles at the Last Supper to do this “in remembrance of me”, he intended future Christians to break bread together for their spiritual well being.  On numerous occasions, Our Lord told his followers that they will need to eat of his flesh and drink of his blood to have life within them.  With these commands, one cannot dismiss reception of the Eucharist as a “Catholic thing” but a pivotal part of Christian life.  A pivotal part of life that not only is a social ritual for unity but also an individual experience with the Lord.  An experience that help heal spiritual maladies that plague one’s life.
Yes, obviously the Protestant Churches do not concur with the Catholic doctrine of Transubstantiation and even within Protestantism, there are differences among many if the Eucharist is spirituality charged or merely symbol,  but the spiritual power, even if symbolic, must carry grace.

With this in mind, can not all Christian Counselors concur that the Eucharist is an important spiritual food for their children?
From the Eucharist, whether one believes it is the body and blood of Christ or symbol, one cannot deny these advantages.
1. Christ commanded it for the spiritual survival of the soul
2. It flushes grace into the soul
3. It can give peace
4. It can give guidance
5. It can give unity
6. It can heal
7. It can protect one from evil
8. It can strengthen
So let reception of the Eucharist become a norm for Christians of all denominations.  Let all share in the unity of Christ as Jesus, the greatest counselor, comes into our souls and heals our spiritual disorders.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program.  If you would like to become a certified Christian Counselor, then review as well.

Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C, GC-C

Training in Christian Counseling: Sacramental Life of Reception of the Spirit

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Becoming Christian Soldiers of Christ

What a difference a few weeks make?  Scattered like sheep without a shepherd, terrified of the Jews, and cowardly hiding in the shadows, the Apostles and the close Disciples of Christ emerged to the surprise of the Jews as champions and soldiers of Christ.  They triumphantly preached the Gospel, suffered, and praised the chance to bleed for Christ.  A Peter who denied Christ would proclaim Christ and a Mark who ran in shame naked and in fear away from guards in the garden would become the lion of the gospel and roar.
What changed these men?  It was not Baptism because they were already baptized.  It was not their faith because they already believed in Christ.  Ultimately it was the reception of the Holy Spirit and the gifts and fruits that are given to the soul at Confirmation.  While Protestants may cringe at the thought of Catholic Sacramentalism, I would not heed fear of this and realize that both Catholics and Protestants believe the same thing but it is shrouded in different language and hundreds of years of mistrust.
As Christian Counselors we hope to re-introduce Christ to the fallen.  We look at baptized Christians who have fallen wayside and help re-energize their spirituality.  In Protestant circles, this is referred to being “Born Again”.  The Christian again finds his love for Christ and becomes recommissioned to preach the Gospel to the world.  The Holy Spirit fills the soul with a fervent love for Christ and a fearless purpose to face the world.
Catholics too experience a “Born Again” type experience through Confirmation.  As the Apostles first received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, so again, does the Holy Spirit come to Catholics during Confirmation.  The soul is given the gifts of the Spirit and the soul is turned into soldier of Christ.  The sacramental grace that is infused into the soul helps the person face Satan, the world and to preach the Gospel in the market place.
Christian counselors should utilize the grace of the Spirit in their sessions.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into both of you during counseling sessions.  The session should be moved by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
If one is not experiencing this presence then what is the purpose of Christian Counseling?  Christian Counseling is ultimately an intimate dialogue between a Spiritual Mentor and his Spiritual Son.  The meeting should be filled with the Holy Spirit and the giving of graces for particular needs.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Education or Training, please review the program.  Training in Christian Counseling is available for those who are qualified.
Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Holistic Health Care : Are These Foods Healthy?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Holistic Health Care Buzz Words

The article, “16 Most Misleading Food Labels”, by Danny Deza states

“Have you ever picked one grocery item over another because of the health claims on the label? You may have been duped. That’s because terms like fat free or all natural are often slapped on a food item that may not be healthy at all.”

For the full article please go here.

Hopefully you can now tell the difference between 100% multigrain and 100% whole wheat.   In holistic health care everything is “All Natural”.   Lastly you should always check the serving sizes as well.   When it says only 100 calories per serving, it might sound healthy but if the container has 5 servings then well you do the math.  When in doubt stick with an apple.
If you are interested in taking a holistic health care program then you should go to our site.

A Grief Counseling Program Can Help With A Tragedy.

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

How a Good Grief Counseling Program can Help Start the Healing.

The article, “In the Wake of Tragedy, How Do We Begin to Heal?”, by Shruti Eva Saini states

“As more details emerge from last night’s horrific shooting in Aurora, Colorado we’ll try to make sense of what happened. But we won’t be able to. How do you even begin to make sense of the nonsensical?”

For the full article please go here.

A grief counselor cannot be prepared for everything.   We are in fact only human.   We can however be there to help pick up and rebuild.
If you are looking for an excellent grief counseling program then you might want to visit our website for more information.

How A Stress Management Program Can Lose Weight

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
A sign that says "Stress Management"
A good stress management program could be the answer to losing those extra pounds.

A Stress Management Program Can Help You Lose That Stubborn Weight!

The article, “The Secret Ingredient to Stubborn Weight Loss”, by Mark Hyman states

“Emotional eating has become ubiquitous in our fast-paced culture, which honors quantity over quality, willpower more than pleasurable nourishment and the dollar more than humanity.”

For the full article please go here.

Managing stress should be a focus for everyone.   Eliminate it will help us mentally and physically.     They say, after all, be healthy in mind and body.
If you are interested in taking a stress management program then you should visit our site.

A Meditation Program Can Bring Excitement

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
A picture of several different yoga poses
Many people everyday use yoga as a form of meditation.

Find Excitement With A Meditation Program

The article, “Meditation Is Boring”, by Rupert Wolfe-Murray states

“Meditation is really simple, and you don’t need to join a class or read a heavy tome (but I would recommend this cartoon guide). Just sit down for 20 minutes and concentrate on your breathing; breathe deeply and listen to your breath, and let go of your thoughts.”

For the full article please go here.

It is easy for us to stereotype meditation as sitting on the floor with our eyes closed.   This practice might work for some but the true is meditation can be done in just about anywhere.   Next time you are in your car at a stop light, clear your head and focus on your breathing.   Yoga is another great way to meditate.    It helps clear your mind of thoughts through your focus on your poses and forms.    Meditation techniques are all around us.
If you are interested and taking a meditation program then you might want to check out our website.