Author: Dominick Flarey

The Mystical Body of Christ and Christian Suffering

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Suffering and the Mystical Body of Christ

While Christianity offers a unique view on the redemptive qualities of suffering, Catholicism’s theology 

expands it to even a more social level. Catholicism’s ideals of suffering extends to the individuals ability to unite his suffering with Christ in a redemptive fashion. It is important to note that as isolated offerings these sufferings can mean nothing without the sacrifice of Christ and in correlation with it. However, while these sufferings can help one gain merit in the next life, they can also be applied to other souls in need of grace. This is the social nature of  Christian suffering in Catholicism.

This social element is a unique Catholic theology because it incurs the existence of Purgatory. The Mystical Body of Christ is composed of the Church Triumphant in Heaven, the Church Suffering in Purgatory and the Church Militant on Earth. In Catholic theology, the souls in heaven can pray for the souls on earth and in purgatory, and the souls on earth and can pray to the souls in heaven for guidance as well as pray for the souls in Purgatory in need. The souls in Purgatory cannot help themselves. Albeit saved by the blood of Christ and forgiven for sins committed on earth, they still need purged of self love–a self love not worthy of Hell but not worthy yet of the Beatific Vision. Through their suffering, they are cleansed of this final self love. In many ways, Purgatory can also represent the suffering one rejected on earth. The souls in Purgatory rejoice in their just punishment and burn for union with God–and through their suffering, it becomes more intense and perfect. Souls on earth can aid the souls in Purgatory through offering of their own suffering. The Church Militant in this way offers the ultimate gift of love for the souls of Purgatory and the complete social nature of the Body of Christ is manifested. 
Of course, Protestantism, under Martin Luther denied the existence of Purgatory.  First, this stemmed from the abuses of the Catholic Church in selling indulgences.  The Catholic Church at that time faced corruption at all levels.  Through this, the horrible practice of Simony took place where religious favors were sold.  Martin Luther, justly, condemned this action, but also questioned the very existence of Purgatory itself.  He felt there was no middle ground after death but only Heaven or Hell.  This led to a theological debate that went well beyond the offense of Simony but to a whole theological revolution of idealology that would separate Catholics and Protestants. Despite these theological divisions, Christian Counselors, of all Christian denominations, should point out the redemptive nature of suffering in one’s trials and tribulations. Belief in Purgatory is not a pre-requisite for that nor should be. One should offer their crosses to Christ for their own salvation and tie their suffering and grief in union with Christ for the greater good.

If you are interested to learn more about Christian Grief counseling, then please review.

By Mark Moran, MA

Christian Suffering and the Stigmata: Mark of Love

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Suffering and the Stigmata

The stigmata emphasizes the unique character of Christian grief and suffering and is a ultimate sign of reciprocal love between creator and creation. While defying the rationale of the mind, this miracle of the wounds of Christ is a reality given to some of the most special saints in Church history. From the wounds of St. Francis to Padre Pio to the mere thorn wound of St. Rita, this mystical form of suffering is a Stigmata; a beautiful bond of love that is manifested to a very select few. This miraculous gift from God reiterates the idea of redemptive suffering. As in Christ’s death came life, so through suffering will come joy in Heaven. In everyday life, Christians are called to carry their cross and offer up their sufferings in union with Christ. The stigmata is a more extreme version of this that comes from an intense burning love. In many ways the one who suffers stigmata suffers for his own sins and that of the worlds tying their love with Christ who is the high priest of Calvary. The person who experiences stigmata loves Christ so deeply they would undoubtedly carry the cross for him if they could. They may even beg Christ not to suffer for them. Such intense love is only returned by Christ who voluntarily suffers for those he loves despite their protests because he knows only through himself can mankind be redeemed. In this love, we thank Christ but feel intense sadness in his suffering. The stigmata gives joy to those who receive it because they can suffer with their beloved.

This is the essence of Christian suffering–the gift of self for others and ultimate redemption
For those wishing to take Christian Grief counseling courses, please review.
By Mark Moran, MA

Program in Christian Grief Certification: Christian Grief and Scripture

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Grief and Scripture
Below are some verses from Scripture that illustrate the redemptive nature of  Christian grief and suffering when put in union with Christ. Christ through his death brought life to the world, and through his death resurrected. The theme within Christianity values suffering because it can bring forth good and eventual spiritual and physical resurrection.

1 Peter. (4:12, 13) Dearly beloved think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you; But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy
Again in Scripture we confirm this:
Rom. (8: 16-18) For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also: heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us.
The key phrase in this refers to that as we suffer with Christ, we shall also be glorified with Christ.
Again, Peter points this out
1 Peter (2:19-21) For this is thankworthy, if for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if committing sin and being buffeted for it, you endure? But if doing well you suffer patiently: this is thankworthy before God. For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.
The Book of Timothy also points this out
2 Tim. (2:11-12) A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.
In addition, Scripture asks us to accept our crosses not only willingly but with joy
Col.( 1:24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church

As we are called to accept suffering, we are also called to suffer with and for Christ 

as seen below

Philipp.( 1:20) For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him
Gal. (2:19) With Christ I am nailed to the cross
In conclusion, Christian Counselors should emphasize that one should accept the crosses of this world and unify their sufferings with Christ who as the ultimate example, showed one how to magnanimously accept one’s crosses.
If you are interested in Christian Grief Certification, please review the program in Christian Grief Certification

Christian Spiritual Counseling and the Roaring 20s

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Education Courses: 20S-30s and Christian  Spiritual Counseling

When Christian Spiritual Counseling, one will find that the age group they counsel for will determine many of the issues that commonly become important during sessions. Each age group psychologically has a mental list of needs, achievements, and goals. If those goals are not met, certain age groups react to these “failures”. It is important as a counselor to see the common themes that pertain to each age group and to guide each patient through their age related dilemma. In the end, all ages should reflect on Christ.

The age group pertaining to the 20 and 30s is a particular age group I would like to address today. I want to point out their needs and problems that can occur when their needs are not met. As one will see this is an emerging age of self identity and self independence that will set up the future success of the person. However as a Christian spiritual counselor, remember not to get too caught up in the secularist checklist of success. It is important to also regulate the spiritual growth during this time period.
The major challenges facing this age group are competency and independence. In regards to competency, they are searching for a variety of skills that will help them interact in society as professionals and people. At the college level, a variety of intellectual and academic skills and world views are being processed. Also at a spiritual level, many are coming into contact with other religious and spiritual views for the first time. Abilities regarding interaction and apologetics become central to their development. In many ways, the foundation of adolescence will crack or remain firm. How strong is the self identity of the individual as these skills are developed? As a Christian spiritual counselor, you want to help develop skills but protect the Christian seed of faith.
The second challenge is independence. For the first time, the young adult is experiencing his own place of residence or first job. Without parental control, the young adult will experience freedoms and choices never dreamed of before; moral decisions, business decisions and personal decisions will all become the responsibility of the person, not to mention the everyday chores that once mother and father did for them. The young adult will undoubtedly learn many lessons in these formative years but hopefully the seed of the Christian faith will keep them somewhat on the road of goodness. As a Christian counselor you want to teach the young adult that with every choice comes consequences. In addition to this, you will want to aid them with coping strategies, building identity, and helping them developing self sufficiency. In addition , young adults need vocational guidance in regards to the single life, marriage and possible ministry.
As a Christian counselor it is important during this years to give support to these young people. They need educational, vocational and spiritual guidance. Help them cultivate their dreams and give them ways to achieve those goals with good planning. As a Christian spiritual counselor who deals with this age group, you are not laying a foundation, but providing direction and helping the foundation bear fruit. In many ways these years will determine if the seed of faith sprouts or decays. Hence the importance of good spiritual mentorship is critical.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Education Courses, please review the program.

Mark Moran, MA

Substance abuse and the effects on the brain

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Substance abuse can have many different effects on the human body.   It is never positive and has lasting effects on the brain.   A new study shows that cocaine, while it gives the user a quick rush, it can slow your brain down in the long run.   It is important that young people receive

The article, “Cocaine Brain? Cognitive Decline Tied To Chronic Use Of Illicit Drug”, Source: Huffington Post states

“Regular cocaine users often experience early cognitive decline and brain atrophy, and the new findings show how these users are, indeed, actually losing gray matter in their brain much faster than people who don’t take the drug.”

For the full article please go here.

Struggling with an addiction to drugs is a horrible thing to go through.   The need for trained substance abuse counselors to combat these addictions and help those trapped by them is ever growing.   If you are interested in substance abuse counseling, you should visit our site.

10 Questions about Adult ADD

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

There are millions of Adult Americans suffering from Adult ADD.  Adult attention deficit disorder is not well known.   Many people have never heard of it.   Hopefully by reading this post and review the article you can help spread the information.

Adult ADD: 10 Important Questions.

The article, “Adult ADD: 10 questions, expertly answered”, by Laura Flynn McCarthy states

“Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not only for children. About 8 to 9 million American adults, and as many women as men, have ADD.”

For the full article please go here.

If you know anyone who suffers from Adult ADD and you want to learn more please visit our Attention Deficit Disorder counseling website.

Christian Grief Certification: Part III

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Marian Grief as a Integral Part of Christian Grief

As a Counselor regarding grief, it is not only worthwhile to have a deep knowledge of Christian 

traditions of grief, but also a pious form of spirituality for oneself. The following articles will look at some of the Christian traditions on grief surrounding Christ, his mother and church traditions. They should not be seen as particular to any one tradition but should be accepted and practiced universally since they all encompass core ideals of Christian theology.

The tradition of the Seven Sorrows of Mary at first seem very Catholic from an Evangelical view, but such Marian devotions should not be seen as Catholic but Christian. The emphasis on this is twofold. First, the Seven Sorrows of Mary are scriptural. Second, Mary as the mother of Christ played a pivotal role in humanity’s salvation. She was not the instrument of salvation but her sacrifice of her son played a more central role than any person ever created. With such a sacrifice in mind, Christians should give her a special reverence and role within Christianity that transcends the mere person. She was the Mother of God and in that regard, if Christ followed her instructions in his first miracle, perhaps Christians should also seek her guidance that ultimately leads to her son. Ultimately, despite misconceptions in some Protestant circles, Catholic theology has always taught that devotions (not worship) to Mary ultimately lead to Christ.
Below are the Seven Sorrows of Mary:
1.The flight from Egypt and Herod
2.The prophesy of Simon
3.Losing of the child for three days
4.Seeing our Lord carry his cross
5.Standing at the foot of the cross
6.Holding our Lord’s body
7.Sealing of the tomb
The pains of Mary are worthwhile to meditate upon because they not only help us become closer to God, but they also teach us how to handle grief in this world. Mary’s ultimate sacrifice of her son is equated to the most intense grief this world can ever give a parent; the death of their child. Mary courageously shows us how to deal with such traumatic grief. Her grief is a story from Jesus’ first steps to his final breath. Throughout her entire life, she was haunted with the inevitable death of her son. One only needs to marvel at the Pieta by Michelangelo to better understand the grief of a parent who loses her child. Such rich meditation should never be wasted or left to the side with grieving parents, especially within a Christian counseling session for such issues of grief. Christianity gives people these traditions as gifts for us to better emulate Christ, his mother, and the saints and to face the trials of everyday life. In the end, we are not alone in grief, Christ and his mother shared theirs with us. For that we should all be thankful and always remember that sacrifice.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Certification or Christian Grief Certification, please review both programs.

By Mark Moran, MA

Christian Grief Traditions: Part II

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Other Traditions of Christian Grief

As a Christian Counselor regarding grief, it is not only worthwhile to have a deep knowledge of Christian traditions of grief, but also a pious form of spirituality for oneself. The following articles will look at some of the Christian traditions on grief surrounding Christ, his mother and church traditions. They should not be seen as particular to any one tradition but should be accepted and practiced universally since they all encompass core ideals of Christian theology.

Universal to all Christians is the written tradition of Scripture. Scripture is filled with lamentations, poetry, stories, and historical narratives on the nature of suffering. In the Old Testament, the Book of Job takes center place, while in the New Testament, the suffering of Christ. While the Old Testament does supply a rich theology on suffering, most of the traditions within Christianity regarding suffering stem from the New Testament with a central focus on Christ.
The passion narratives come from the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Ironically, John’s gospel contains the least information of the passion despite his presence at the cross. Many contend this was due to the grief that erupted with every sentence he wrote concerning our Lord’s passion. Yet from these narratives on Christ’s death and other oral traditions, a host of devotions have emerged that center around the suffering and grief of our Lord. Since, we have already discussed the Stations of the Cross, we will look at three other devotions to Christ that emerged from both oral and written tradition.
The first tradition is a Catholic tradition. The Rosary, a Christian prayer involving a sacramental composed of a crucifix and beads for each prayer, has a whole mystery dedicated to the Passion of Christ. This second mystery is known as the Sorrowful Mysteries. The five decades of the sorrowful mysteries focus on the following sufferings of Christ.  
1.The Agony in the Garden
2.The Scourging of the Pillar
3.The Crowning of Thorns
4.The Carrying of the Cross
5.Crucifixion of Christ
These sacred mysteries give the person time to meditate and thank Christ for his ultimate sacrifice, but meditation on these mysteries go beyond the rosary but are also found in individual devotions to particular aspects of Christ’s suffering and death. A second tradition involves meditating on the final words of Christ on the cross. Derived directly from Scripture, the Christian can reflect on Christ’s final moments on the cross that share his love, compassion, and great sorrow. These final seven last words of Christ can be found in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John, with some coinciding and some found only in John. Below are the last seven words of Christ on the cross.
1.“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”.
2.“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise”.
3.Jesus saw his own mother, and the disciple standing near whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son”. Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother”. And from that hour, he took his mother into his family.
4.Around the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice, saying “Eli Eli lama sabachthani?” which is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
5.“I thirst”.
6.“It is finished”.
7.“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.
A third pious tradition of reflection for Christian Counselors and their clients in grief are
“The Five Wounds of Christ”. Within this tradition, the nail holes, the crown of thorns and the piercing of the side of Christ are meditated upon by the faithful. In particular, saints and mystics from various orders and times have established individual prayers and pious traditions for the particular wounds of Christ. In addition to this, many of these mystics have also experienced the miracle of Stigmata which in some cases has left the saint with all five or at least one of the wounds of Christ. St. Francis of Assisi is a classic  example of this miracle. Some saints have also experienced other wounds of Christ that are not listed traditionally as the five wounds of Christ. Another wound of Christ is his shoulder wound. The shoulder wound of Christ has a following of Christians who meditate on the extreme pain the cross caused Christ’s shoulder as it dug deep to the bone in his shoulder. Such pious traditions are also materialized with various relics such as the true cross or the Shroud of Turin, where pilgrims can visually see the instruments of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Such meditations within Christianity should not be seen as morbid, but instead should be seen as an act of thanksgiving and reparation for sins. The purpose of the traditions is to give the soul visual stimulation for repentance and thanksgiving for the great gift Christ gave to us.
These Christian traditions of grief are instrumental sources of spirituality for counselors and their clients. They can be instrumental in healing and help those in crisis realize that they are indeed loved by Christ. The traditions of Christianity and suffering should be seen as tools to help the soul grow and accept one’s own crosses.
Please consider becoming a certified Christian Grief Counselor

By Mark Moran, MA

Christian Grief Traditions: Part I

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Grief and the Stations

As a Christian Spiritual Counselor regarding grief, it is not only worthwhile to have a deep knowledge of Christian traditions of grief, but also a pious form of spirituality for oneself. The following articles will look at some of the Christian traditions on grief surrounding Christ, his mother and church traditions. They should not be seen as particular to any one tradition but should be accepted and practiced universally since they all encompass core ideals of Christian theology.

The Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrow originated in the Holy Land, although any modern version resemblance did not come into being until the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries under the Franciscan Order. Later that century, the tradition began to flourish and they could be found in Catholic Churches.
The Way of the Cross to this day remains a Catholic tradition that any Christians can share and participate in during Lent. It presents a way one can meditate on the passion of Christ and offer reparation for their sins.
Below is a list of the stations.
1.Jesus is Condemned to death
2.Jesus Accepts His Cross
3.Jesus Falls the First Time
4.Jesus Meets His Mother
5.Simone of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
6.Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
7.Jesus Falls the Second Time
8.Jesus Consoles the Holy Women
9.Jesus Falls the Third Time  
13.Jesus is Taken from the Cross
14.Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
15.Jesus Rises from the Dead (Newly Added, but not included during Good Friday Service)
This rich tradition leads the faithful with Christ via the long upward trek to Calvary. While the death of Christ was a historic incident and from our temporal existence a past event, one should remember, God as a being exists outside of time, and if we walk this walk and offer our tears, and thanks, Christ himself hears us—even if that sad day happened 2000 years ago. With that mind, as Christian counselors and Christians in general, one should walk the way of sorrows at least once a year during Lent—whether Catholic or Protestant.  If you are interested in Christian Grief Certification, please review the program.
The Christian Grief Counseling Training consists of core courses that qualified professionals must take to become certified

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

Child Grief and ADHD Counseling with Depressed Children

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression in children and ADHD Counseling

 
Childhood and adolescent depression has increased dramatically in the past several decades.  Some blame the sensitivity of children combined with the increased violence and use of video games.  Others look to the increased use of drugs and alcohol in the parents that may have genetically affected their children.  Others point to a mixture of problems, such as manifestations of ADHD and point out that ADHD counseling or other psychological counseling is needed to deal with the depression.
Symptoms of depression in children are very similar to those of an adult suffering from depression.  The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – IV addition) lists the criteria for adult depression and depression in children as the same.  Although the criteria are the same, children often do not have the vocabulary to talk about their feelings and may express them through behavior instead of words.  Younger children with depression may act out their depression with phobias, separation anxiety, ADHD, or somatic complaints (body problems). 
Depression in children can be observed via external signs.  The child can become sick or be less spontaneous and have less energy in their normal daily activities.  Young children may become tearful or irritable and become self-destructive. Depression in children in their adolescent years will exhibit academic decline, disruptive behavior and problems with their friends.  The adolescent’s grades will fall along with a decline in less after school activity.
These symptoms are merely the manifestation of the problem.  To rectify and help the child, one must  in addition to identifying the depression understand its root causes.  Causes of depression in children have not been conclusively defined.  There are factors such as stressful life experiences, inconsistent parenting and a negative view of the world.  Depression in children is also associated with a family history of mood disorders and the existence of other psychiatric conditions.  Some feel that children inherit a predisposition to depression and anxiety but environmental triggers are necessary for manifestation.
Treatment of depression in childhood does not have a cookbook technique.  The treatment must be tailored to the history of the family, the needs of the child and the risk versus benefit.  Often psychotherapy is employed first and medication is supplemented if improvement is minimal. 
Regardless, identifying the symptoms and understanding the causes are critical for a parent with a child who is depressed.  Counseling is imperative for the overall mental health of the child.  Through this child grief counseling, the child can eventually overcome the depression and the situation at home or school can be rectified.