Author: Dominick Flarey

Steps for becoming a drug abuse counselor

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

A drug abuse counselor can be a really great career choice for those who can handle it. These counselors make a big difference in the lives of many people, but the job does come with a lot of stress. If you are thinking about becoming this type of counselor, there is a lot of work involved before you can start applying for positions.

Step 1) To become a Drug Abuse Counselor, Go to college.

Man laying on the floor, maybe dead, from drug abuse
The ugly affects of drug abuse.

There are courses available at both community colleges and regular universities. Speak with a counselor about the goals that you have. They will put you in the proper classes that are needed in order to become a counselor. This will generally include sociology classes as well as a whole lot of psychology.
In addition to this, classes for health are also going to be required. Although psychology is a huge part of the counseling process, so is the body. It’s important for counselors to understand what their patients are going through. This includes withdrawal symptoms, how drugs affect the brain and more. Knowing this information can help with the approach to treatment.
Step 2) Volunteer.
Rehabs are always looking for people who want to volunteer. While you’re certainly not going to start off counseling people, you can get a feel for the environment. This can help you learn what different people do, how different patients are treated and which specialty area you enjoy the most.
Volunteering can also get your foot in the door for a job in the future. Becoming familiar with different people in the industry can lead to job positions after you are done with school. You’ll be a lot more comfortable in a rehab facility if you’re already familiar with the way it works.
Step 3) Find a mentor.
This is one of the toughest jobs out there because of all the mental stress it involves. Not only will you come in contact with people who have had serious drug problems, you will also come in contact with people who have gone through huge life changing events. These life events could be anything from someone being sexually abused to someone who always live in foster care. There are a lot of heartbreaking stories involved with people who are in drug counseling.
Having a mentor to coach you through the process will help out a lot. They can give you tips for how to deal with different situations so you don’t get too emotionally attached. This is really important if you want to maintain any sort of normal life outside of the job. A mentor can help prepare you for what is to come. They can give you insider information about the job that you probably won’t find under the description on applications.

a picture of cocaine with stop wrote on it.
Can you help counsel abusers to stop using?

Step 4) Finish your education.
If you want to become a drug addiction counselor it’s very important to finish your education. Once you have completed all the courses recommended by your counselor, it will be time for certification. Each state is different with their certification laws, so look into these to determine what you need.
Generally you are going to have to complete a written exam along with many hours on the job. This is where having an internship or volunteer job will really come into play and help you out. After you have all of this, it will need to be turned into the state. Within a few weeks you should know whether or not you were able to become certified.
Step 5) Find a job!
Once you are certified and have your education behind you, it’s time to start looking for a career. This could be at the place where you already volunteer, but other opportunities might also arise. Apply with as many places as possible so you have a lot of options just in case something else doesn’t work out.
If you want to continue your education, you could end up making a lot more money in the future. Some people are even able to open their own counseling offices when they have their master’s or PHD. There are a wide variety of classes available that will give you the education that is needed. What you do after you are certified it’s up to you what kind of drug abuse counselor you will be.
If you are interested in substance abuse counseling then you might be interested in our webpage.

Health Coaching News: Exercise Increases Lifespan

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
Young couple working out on a trendmill
Health Coaching suggests exercise can help lengthen your life!

Health Coaching professionals are always stating the obvious about exercise.   It is good for your heart.   It keeps you trim and fit.   It helps to lead to a better diet.  Now they are adding something new to the list.   Exercise can add years to your life.   For a list of the best exercises health care coaches suggest, check out this article:

Health Coaching News: Exercise Increases Lifespan

The article, “Exercises That Can Add Years To Your Life”, Source: Huffington Post states

“Working out isn’t only about how you’ll look in that bikini. Getting — and staying — in shape boosts heart health, helps your skin and improves your sleep, to mention just a few of the healthy perks.”

For the full article please go here.

These health coaching tips are easy to do as well.    It could be as simple as parking further in the back of the lot then walking to the store or taking a few flights of stairs.   Health care coaching to better your life ultimately starts with your personal commitment to a healthy, better you.   If you want to learn about health care life coaching or becoming a health care coach, you might want to visit our site.

Holistic Nutrition for Summer Time Grilling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
a picture of burning hot coals
HCA’s are produced by flame ups that occur when fat from the meat hits the hot coals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you mix holistic nutrition with all of the fatty, unhealthy options associated with summer grilling?   With such summer time favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers, is it possible to have a holistic diet that works?  Believe it or not but many of the lean meats we grill can be healthy for us.   The problem lies not with the cuts we grill but the grilling.   When we grill our food over an open flame this causes char to form on the meat.   This is what is bad about grilling.  An excellent article has more:

Holistic Nutrition for Summer Time Grilling

The article, “Anita’s Healthy Tips”, by Anita Capizzi states

I love it when the warm weather begs us to cook outdoors and enjoy the longer days by having dinner on the patio. That means making sure that the grill is in working order and ready to use. Whether you favor charcoal or gas, how you grill can have health consequences.”

For the full article please go here.

How do we combat the format of HCA’s?  There are several methods discussed and they all involve the same strategy; stop the open flames from touching the meat.   If you can do that then you will have no problem fitting holistic nutrition into your summer time fun!   If you want to learn more about holistic health care, you should check out our website.

The Christian Family and It’s Inherent Rights

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family: Attacks from the World

The Christian Family serves as a beacon in the turbulent sea guiding others to the light of Christ.  It is blessed with an apostolic mission to preserve and preach the doctrines of Christ.  It is the Church in miniature.  It is of no wonder then that Satan would hope to destroy it.  Christian counselors, the church and the state have an obligation to defend the family from such onslaughts. 

Social pressures from beyond devalue the family.  Instances on the acceptability of divorce are widespread in the news and tabloids.  A desensitization has begun that numbs society to the lack of the binding nature of marriage. Beyond this exists the culture of death that promotes abortion , or other ideals that attempt to distort the nature of the conjugal act between man and wife.

If the attacks of the world do not come from social outlets they can also originate from the state.  Governments throughout the world, and in some cases even in America, hope to wedge themselves into affairs that do not concern them.  Issues of sex education arise as the state deems itself the authority to inform children of such sacred mysteries without parental consent.  Other agencies hope to strip parents of their inherent and God given right to educate their children.  Home Schooling has emerged as a counter revolt against the secularization and infestation of various heresies found in public schools.  Christian counseling should always champion these rights of the parents over the rights of the state in the raising and education of the child or children.

Sometimes the interference of the state goes beyond mere bureaucratic irritation but involves belligerent state interference.  In communist countries, the right of the parent and family to procreate is limited and in some cases, women and men are forced to become sexually sterilized.  Such satanic originated influence cries to God for justice.  The very nature of the family is assaulted by the government in these situations.

Christian counseling, the church, and the state need to become champions of the family.  Through the good advice of Christian counselors, families can understand their inherent rights and begin to show the fruits of their sacred union.

If you would like to become a certified Christian Counselor, then please review the program.

 

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

The Ideals of the Christian Family and Matrimony

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Christian Family and Marriage

The Christian Family as the first cell of society finds its conception in marriage.  It is interesting to note that even at the purely social level, marriage formed a social constraint for the formation of society and the bringing of order at the micro level.  Yet this natural social evolution had deeper yearnings at the center of man’s soul.  The yearning for spiritual communion took this merely social institution to a level that also satisfied the spiritual and theological needs of man.  Within the spiritual structure of humanity, the Mystical Body of Christ found marriage also as its most intimate cellular level where a man and woman took a vow before God to love each other and remain faithful.  Through this intense love, two became one and an unbreakable bond was created that transcended the societal order.  

This sacred institution received it distinctive Christian mark via Christ at the wedding feast of Cana where in Catholic theology, it became a sacrament.  Protestant theology while not proclaiming the institution as a sacrament, nevertheless, shares a common belief that marriage is sacred and carries a serious bond.  Christian counselors find themselves in difficult situations when attempting to preserve these bonds of matrimony.  Various marital issues erupt that threaten to tear the very fabric of the union.  With such a heavy burden, Christian counseling must establish first and foremost the sacred nature of matrimony.  With this ideal in place, issues of finance, career, children, infidelity, or other selfish motives can hopefully be overcome.
In addition to dealing with an already existing Christian family, Christian counselors also deal with soon to be Christian families.  A Christian counselor during premarital or pre-Cana sessions, must evaluate the maturity and spiritual lives of the man and woman who are to marry.  During these early sessions, one should become acquainted with the future spouses and review their spiritual, financial and career goals.  While love is important, it is imperative to illuminate possible differences prior to vows and to help the future couple understand the problems they may face.  Other issues of importance include faith, the raising of children and ideas on what marriage is. 
Most importantly, the counselor must emphasize the theological importance of the sacrament and ascertain if both parties understand the bond that will exist.  Obviously after various sessions, the counselor becomes more aware of the couples maturity, understanding of marriage and if their goals correspond.  During this period of time, the couple may also become more aware of any differences they may have previously dismissed.
Ultimately in the end, it is the couple’s love that will define the marriage. If true love exists, all problems can be overcome, especially if the couple dedicates their union to God.  Men should emulate St. Joseph, while women emulate Mary.  The couple should to the best of their abilities imitate the ultimate paradigm of the Christian family; the Holy Family.
If you would like to become certified in Christian Counseling, please review the program.

Religious Counseling through the Teen Dating Years

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family and Dating

As adolescents grow, they finally begin to notice the opposite sex.  As parents and Christian Counselors, we should not shun this natural progression of life, but we must guide it.  It must be nurtured and kept within the natural limits of God’s plan or it will become overcome with lust and distorted by the evil one.  In this regard, Christian dating is essential to preserving purity and taming lust.  Religious counseling is very important during these teen years.
Christian Spiritual Counseling should avoid extremes in this natural curiosity of the other gender.  Sex should not be 

painted as evil but it should not be illustrated either as a viable option before marriage.  A strong moral theology should be taught to children in the pre-adolescent years that avoids vivid detail but simultaneously presents a sacred view of sex, marriage and the other gender.  Unfortunately, modern society is very counter-productive to the good work of parents via television, internet and movies.  The occasion of sin is strong and parents must be as vigilant as ever. It is during these formative years that children need to be not only taught about morality but also must be shielded from impure influences.  Parents should not allow their children to become to comfortable with the other sex in play and visits.  Natural barriers of awkwardness between boys and girls are good things especially prior to the explosion of hormones during puberty.
During the early stages of one’s teen, parents should allow more freedom but only at a limited basis.  If your child is between 13 and 16, interaction with the other sex should be limited to group functions and supervised studying only.  It is also extremely important to become aware of who are the friends at these functions.  Parents should also monitor dress as to avoid impurities of mind when their children attend these events.  Finally, a parent should be on the looking out for the signs of smoking, drugs and alcohol.
During the later years of High school, parents should relinquish some of the chains and pray that their moral teachings have given root.  This does not mean that full freedom should be granted but 17 to 18 yr olds should be permitted to date alone without supervision.  While this is debated, I feel one needs to eventually trust a young adult.  However, time frames and rules should be laid down that require prohibitions on drinking, hours beyond midnight and checking in times.
For adults beyond the parental reins one should consider a few things for choosing a mate.  While many people focus first on physical looks and financial means, the most important element that sustains the relationship is faith.  If dating is only leading one towards sexual occasions of sins, then maybe the person should consider a new relationship with another person that may bear good fruits.  This is not to dismiss physical attraction and falling in love but in one’s early adult phase, it is only to easy to become acquainted with multiple “friends” and become sexually promiscuous.
Christian Counseling can only lay the seeds for pure relations.  As a parent we can control much in the formative years but not everything.  Ultimately it is the hope and goal that our children are raised with the faith and have the morals to make good decisions in the later teens and early twenties that will last them a life time.  This is the goal of any Christian Counselor or parent when it comes to dating and the eventual consummation of dating into marriage.
If you are interested in the Online Christian Counseling Certification Program, please review it.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C
 
 

What is Holistic Health Care?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Holistic health care is when a doctor or practitioner looks at a person’s whole body versus their current condition. This is in contrast to traditional health care, where only a specific portion of the body is examined. Holistic care examines each specific person and determines exactly what is affecting the person’s whole being. The mind, body, spirit and spiritual aspects of a person are all examined with the idea that specific illnesses can be cured naturally, rather than treated with medicine. Once the various problem areas are cured, the illness will be cured too.
Natural

Bunch of veggies in a basket
Holistic Health Care in a basket!

Holistic health care does not include the various medications a traditional doctor would prescribe. Instead, holistic care believes in balancing the mind, body and spirit by utilizing natural herbs. These herbs, accompanied by a change in the person’s diet, help to fix the imbalance inside of the body. Since there is a source for all symptoms, this has proven to be a very effective method in curing people’s ailments.
Since herbs are natural they will not cause any adverse side effects, unlike those seen in various medications. The idea is that nature, along with all of its nutrients and vitamins will work together to heal the patient. However, if a doctor can not find a cure for a patient, they will recommend medicine or a surgical procedure if needed. Unfortunately, there are times when a patient has waited too long and Western medicinal practices might be the only way to ensure that they will be cured.

Holistic Health Care

The doctors who provide holistic care often have their own areas of expertise. That is to say that there are holistic dentists, dietitians and general practitioners. However, there are many other areas of specialties that a holistic doctor may recommend. Some of these areas include:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture was developed in ancient China and utilizes needles in its practice. These needles help to open up the flow of energy throughout the body. This essentially helps the body balance its internal energies. When these energies, or qi, are blocked, they are said to cause diseases or other ailments.
Applied Kinesiology: These practitioners study the body’s muscles to provide feedback about the energy in the body. The feedback will indicate areas of the body where pressure or stimulation should be applied. Once applied, the body’s natural energy can flow normally which helps the body return to a balanced state.
Chiropractic: Chiropractors are widely used throughout the world. These doctors are recommended when there is a misalignment of a vertebrae in a person’s back or neck. These misalignments are believed to stop the flow of nerve impulses throughout the body. When these nerve impulses are allowed to flow freely, they enhance the body’s healing process.
Dentistry: Holistic dentists use non-toxic materials to repair the teeth of their patients. The mercury found in normal dentistry materials is actually toxic to the body. Holistic practitioners believe that healthy and strong teeth are vital to the health of a person’s body.
Reflexology: Reflexology is the use of pressure to a person’s hands and feet. These areas, when targeted, help promote blood circulation and relaxation. This assists the body’s transition into a normal and balanced state.

Woman laying on a bed having reiki done to her.

Reiki: Reiki is a practice where a practitioner transfers their energy from their palms into their patient. This energy that is transferred helps the recipient’s body naturally heal itself and be restored to a state of equilibrium. The areas that are targeted are aligned with the body’s chakras in an effort to help them open up and send energy through the patient at the same time.
These types of care, along with herbs and a proper diet, are used to help the energy inside the body flow uniformly. Holistic health care is a growing field that has seen the increased use of massaging, breathing and relaxation as well. Holistic nurses often teach relaxation classes to clients. When the body is in a harmonious state, the body will start to heal itself naturally. The holistic healing process is said to be more complete than Western methods because it finds and cures the root causes of a problem. Once the root causes are eliminated, the body will be back to a harmonious state of being. As the study of the body’s internal energy progresses, holistic health care will expand even further.
For more information please go to our website.

Bunch of vegatables in a basket
Natural Holistic Health Care is what you eat!

Christian Counseling and Modernism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling and Modernism

Counseling the doubtful is true when it comes to Modernism.  Unlike other isms that exist outside of the Church, Modernism originates from within the Church itself.  With this in mind, many followers become confused because of clergy or other teachers who support Modernistic ideals.  Hence when Christian Counseling people who are infected with Modernistic ideology it is important to have a clear understanding of traditional Christian concepts.
So what is Modernism?  Modernism was a philosophical movement at the end of the 19th and early 20th Century that hoped to marry the ideals of science with theology.  It wanted to modernize Christianity with new concepts of belief regarding Scriptural interpretation, the divinity of Christ and how God interacts with his creation.  The movement stemmed from within the Church and was quickly condemned by Church authorities.  Still, the movement survived and haunted the Church till the present day.  Whether during a sermon or at a lecture hall, the ideas of Modernism can be found. 

With these things in mind, Christian Counselors need to be aware of this heresy and its basic tenets.  Christian Counselors must also understand the correct orthodox theology and be able to articulate the truth to someone who is in doubt.
Christian Counseling can become an oasis of truth for many people.  This is especially important when we live in an era of Church history when the truth can even be distorted by those we trust most.   As Christ warned, there will be ‘wolves in sheep clothing’.  With this in mind, Christian Counselors should face the challenge of Modernism and present sound and true doctrine regarding Scripture and the divinity of Christ.
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling program and have a sincere objective to preserve and teach the truth of Christ, please consider and review the program and see if it fits your educational or professional needs.  Our program for Christian Counseling Certification is based on core courses that must be completed prior to certification.

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

Christian Counseling Certification Program: The Gift of Children to the Christian Family

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Family: The Gift of Children
The child in marriage is the ultimate sign of reciprocal love between man and woman and is the ultimate gift to the Christian family.  It is the Trinitarian completion of the triangle of love that exists within the intimate circle of the family.  This outward sacramental manifestation of their love is a blessing from God.  It is one of the primary purposes of marriage and the conjugal act itself.  As Christian Counselors, we sometimes come across situations where we must advise in matters of rearing of children and in other cases comfort in cases of loss.  Other situations involve the frustrations couples can experience when attempting to conceive.  These and many other issues become sensitive issues in Christian Counseling.
Ultimately the gift of children in marriage fulfills many innate needs of man.  First, the biological and evolutionary drive to reproduce one’s genes to the next generation.  Second, the gift of children is a spiritual extension of oneself.  One’s legacy does not only exceed one’s life time but one’s memory and traditions are carried onward from generation to generation.  Not only is one’s physical attributes given but one’s ideals, religion, traditions and values are also carried on through one’s offspring.  Third, emotionally one is given something to cherish.  There is no greater love between parent and child.  These needs of caring are reciprocated as the parent cares for the child in his youth and returned as the child cares for his parent in the later years.

Theologically, the blessing of children is also a partaking and sharing in the creation of life.  As the married couple shares their intense love, God blesses this action with his presence.  God at the moment of conception touches the couple with the simultaneous creation of a soul.  A full human person, matter and soul at that moment come into existence becoming the ultimate manifestation of the couple’s love.
The blessings of children are indeed a great gift from God.  This is seen throughout Scripture as the Old Testament Patriarchs are blessed with fertility; Stories that reflect the extreme joy of conception from Sara to Elizabeth and even Mary’s own unique conception of Jesus portray this.  The joy of conception is revered within Christian circles and should be a time of great joy.  Religious Counseling should emphasize this joy and contradict the society of death that finds conception and children to be a hindrance to one’s materialistic life.  Instead Christian families should boldly declare to society that children are a blessing and not an inconvenience. 
In conclusion, Christ said let the little children come to me and that to enter into heaven, one must become like a child.  How could a family not want to be surrounded by such innocence?
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling Certification Program, please review it.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C
 

St. Ignatius and Meditative Prayer

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

St. Ignatius and Methods of Praying

St. Ignatius had a detailed methodology on meditative prayer in his Spiritual Exercises.  Within his methodology one can find the primary elements of prayer which include adoration, contrition, petition and thanksgiving.  However, more emphasis is given on adoration, contrition and thanksgiving than petition.  Petition correlates with the will of the Father and the not the individual will. 

Contemplation is found in the second method.  When one is praying a particular prayer whether it is the Our Father or Hail Mary, one is to remember to reflect on the meaning of each word during a one hour session.  If one dwells on one word longer and it takes up the whole hour, then one should continue the next day on the next word.  One is to not rush the images and meanings that come to one from the Holy Spirit during this deep contemplation.
Finally, St. Ignatius while promoting freedom of thought nevertheless finds value in ritual prayer.  While praying ritualistic and written prayers, St. Ignatius emphasizes that one should employ the rhythmic functions of the body during prayer.  As one recites a word, he or she should reflect between breathes on the meaning of the word. In this way, the prayer is said within a reasonable time but with deep reflection in a meditative state.
Christian Counseling and Spiritual Counseling should emphasize these methods of prayer.  Whether the pray encompasses one or all four of the purposes of prayer, each prayer can reach higher states of union with God by the methods suggested by St. Ignatius.  Through these relaxed contemplative states, one can reap a higher spiritual yield while in communication with God.

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