Faith when radicalized can become unhealthy. Religion is a good thing for humanity. Even if not spiritual or religious, religious values helps create moral boundaries of good nature between people but when it is distorted it can become dangerous and a cause for war. Many use this as an argument against religion but the reality is religion is good but like anything, it can become corrupted by evil.
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling
Sojourning requires walking with the bereaved and sharing in the journey. It involves empathy and compassion. It involves taking an active part in helping the person heal and making it a personal goal and desire for oneself.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
Hypnotherapy is a very misunderstood holistic therapy. With many images of stage hypnosis, it is no wonder many doubt its effective nature, however this is farther from the truth. Hypnotherapy under the guidance of a qualified professional can help one through deep trance and relaxation face past phobias, traumas and correct bad habits.
True hypnotherapy is holistic tool to help with emotional healing. Please also review AIHCP’s Hypnotherapy certification
The article, “What is hypnotherapy really like?” by Suzanne Shenderey looks at the true nature of hypnotherapy and how it has helped many people. She states,
“Hypnosis as a healing tool has been seen in many cultures for centuries; ancient relics from Egypt depict something similar to hypnosis. Recounting the history of hypnosis in his book, Hidden Depths: The Story of Hypnosis, Robin Waterfield describes practices resembling the trance state used by Aboriginal Australian, Native American, and Hindu cultures. But in reality, these practices bear little resemblance to my work.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Hypnotherapy Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Hypnotherapy.
Holistic approaches to health include an entire mind and body approach. These approaches look for less intrusive ways to resolve health issues both acute and chronic. Holistic psychotherapy is another type of holistic care that looks to help individuals overcome trauma and anxiety
Holistic therapies treat the whole person. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Specialist Program
The article, “What Is Holistic Psychotherapy?” by Ashley Olivine looks closer at the nature of Holistic psychotherapy and how it works. She states,
“Holistic psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that is based on the ideas of holistic psychology that the biological, psychological, and sociocultural components of each person come together to form the whole person. With this approach, all areas of a person and their life are considered and treated together. The idea behind this humanistic approach is that the individual pieces that make up each person cannot be separated. The holistic mind-body relationship includes the physical body interacting with the external environment, and the role of the brain in processing and interacting with the physical body and external environment.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Specialist Program. Qualified nurses and healthcare professionals can earn a four year certification by completing the required independent study courses. The program is online and open enrollment.
Spirituality and a healthy life style coincide. Many who do not have a faith or religion may seem skeptical but the reality is when one places merit in a higher system beyond oneself, then one can find a variety of physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. Those who belong to a religion, or aspire to a certain individual spiritual path all can find the same benefits for overall health. Even those who follow no creed or spirituality can find value if they place themselves under a code or meaning of life itself. However, in this blog, we will only deal with spirituality itself.
In defining spirituality, this blog defines it as a personal and individual journey of any type of faith or metaphysical belief. Those who are also religious and follow a code also have their own unique spirituality but are also religious in nature. Religious individuals may not be very spiritual but socially active in their church or community or they may be very spiritually privately and also very religious and faithful to an established dogmatic code. All of these religious and spiritual journeys while unique all aid in a better out look in life itself and can help with physical, mental and emotional help. Some individuals may be only spiritual or religious, while others may possess both, but ultimately, the tying to a higher belief system beyond oneself has multiple benefits.
Spirituality is an important factor to health. Please also review AIHCP’s Spiritual Counseling Certification
Frankl, a holocaust survivor remarked that suffering without meaning is unbearable, but once meaning is given, suffering can transcend. In such a fallen world, meaning is given to suffering when one is spiritual or connects to a code higher than oneself. Erick Erickson also emphasized the importance of spiritual development as a step in life as well its importance with dying. Those dying who attribute to a higher end than themselves can find more meaning in their suffering, as well as can activate within the body, the ability to heal itself in some cases. Recovery itself has a greater ability to occur. This is not to dismiss true miracles, but there is a true mental connection between mind and body for those with positive mindsets and their ultimate recovery.
Spirituality and overall health are deeply connected not only when sick but throughout life itself. The connection to a higher code or higher being or deeper connection can be very beneficial for people on many fronts.
On the outset, a higher meaning in something, leads to a better out look on life. Behind life is meaning and that meaning can guide one spiritually in understanding reality. Greater happiness and peace can come to individuals who have a paradigm structure of existence. Although those paradigms can be challenged when disaster strikes and cause world view challenges, many fall back on their faith, beliefs, or spirituality and find solace. Hence, spirituality is able to help individuals be more happy with life itself due to an overall direction and understanding of it, as well as a system to deal with stressors and problems.
For many, this spirituality enhances social connections and helps one improve existing relationships. Spirituality helps one see the needs of others and enhances compassion and gratitude in life. It helps prevent selfishness and self absorption and focuses on creating an overall balance in life. This naturally leads to a multitude of life long benefits.
The immune system is strengthened when one exists in a positive mindset. While multiple factors play into health, one aspect is spirituality. The body is better able to function when in higher spirits and able to recover and heal. Meditation and mindfulness are all spiritual practices that can ease the body and allow the immune system to function without additional strain and also release the necessary hormones for self healing.
Spirituality can also help prevent possible depression. With deeper connections in life, one is more attune with self and balanced. Hence spirituality can help prevent or minimize depression. It can also help one who is experiencing depression. Again many factors come into play, but the positive nature of spiritual life can be critical to mental health.
A connection to something-whether deity, belief, social view or type of paradigm is important to life meaning and also health itself
Obviously spiritual people or individuals at least connected to a higher code than themselves have a unique way to view the world and understand it. The importance is not so much whether the world view is correct or incorrect but that the person believes it. This belief has potential to unlock various healing abilities in the body as well as help the person face everyday problems. Everyone experiences stress but how one deals and copes with stress is key. Spiritual individuals have a better success rate of dealing with stress due to world view and belief. This in turn leads to a calmer life that does not activate the body’s stress response. With the body not in fight or flight mode or experiencing chronic stress, there are better healthy outcomes in regards to sleep, heart health, and blood pressure. Stress kills but spirituality can limit the dangerous effects of unneeded stress.
While there are numerous factors to health itself, one cannot dismiss the importance of spirituality and merely toss it to the side. Life meaning is key to direction in life and maintaining an overall balance in life itself. Connection to something more than oneself and its benefits are no secret. For the most part, a healthy spiritual life or connection to something bigger than oneself is essential for a better world view and healthier physical, mental and emotional life.
Please also review AIHCP’s Spiritual Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Spiritual Counseling.
AIHCP also offers a Christian Counseling Certification.
Christianity has always held that the body will rejoin the soul. The eschatological state of humanity is the next life where the body and soul reunite after the final judgement. It is interesting from Scriptural references, what this life will be like and the many joys one can experience. The eschatological life and union with God is what pushes one in this fallen world to find meaning.
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling.
Helping comfort those through grief is the primary role of the grief counselor. Walking with one through grief though is even deeper. It is in many ways a type of ministry where one helps the individual understand their grief but also show the empathy needed to help one emotionally deal with it. It is a partaking and sharing.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Grief can become complicated when things go wrong in life. Prolonged grief and depression are very similar and can sometimes be misdiagnosed. Learning to cope with grief and find the counseling one needs can help individuals overcome grief in a healthy way.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling
Addiction plays out within the body and the mind and it can cause very distressing symptoms. Fortunately, drug addiction can be treated once the person finally accepts the reality he or she is addicted and takes the steps to regain one’s life. Understanding addiction is key for recovery. Addiction counselors can help teach individuals what addiction is and how to better cope with it. It is hence critical to have a complete understanding how addiction controls the body and negatively affects the brain and its functioing.
Addiction has multiple negative effects on the body and mind. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification
The article, “The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body” by Laura Dorwart looks closer at how addiction affects the brain and body. She states,
“If you’re experiencing drug addiction, you’re not alone. Drug addiction is common, but it’s also preventable and treatable. The earlier you seek help and inform yourself about the effects of drug addiction, the faster you can achieve long-term recovery.”
“The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body”. Laura Dorwart. January 24th, 2022. VeryWellHealth
Substance Abuse Counselors and other mental health care professionals can help. To review the entire article, please click here
Commentary
Addiction can be defined as a pathological condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It is a state of profound psychological dependence on the substance or behaviour, and results from dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward pathway in the brain. The condition is characterized by habituation to certain behaviours or substances, leading to maladaptive patterns of consumption and a propensity to continue use despite associated negative outcomes.
Addiction and the Body
The effects of addiction on the body can be multifaceted and far-reaching. Physically, individuals who are addicted to substances may experience an array of deleterious physiological implications, such as changes in their autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, metabolism and immune function. Moreover, addiction can lead to a variety of cardiorespiratory conditions due to prolonged substance abuse. Additionally, addiction has been linked to various neurological impairments and psychological dysfunctions including depression and anxiety. Studies have demonstrated that long-term use can cause structural and functional changes to various organ systems such as the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the gastrointestinal system.
When one attempts to push away from a particular substance, withdraw can occur as well. Addiction and withdrawal are phenomena involving the dysregulation of homeostatic systems in an organism resulting from an interplay between environmental stimuli and physiological states. Specifically, addiction is a maladaptive response to conditions in which an individual continues to engage in a behavior despite potential consequences, whereas withdrawal is the physical or psychological symptoms that occur when ceasing such behavior. The underlying mechanisms for these processes remain elusive, however proposed theories focus on potential neural pathways associated with the reward system and positive reinforcement.
Addiction and the Brain
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite adverse consequences. Neurobiological research suggests that addiction exerts its influence through alterations in the reward circuitry of the brain, which involves multiple neurotransmitters and reward pathways. These changes occur through a process of neuroadaptation whereby drug-induced stimulation of the reward system results in an increase in neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity.
Addiction impairs the functioning of different neural circuitry within the brain. It is characterized by an inability to control the use of drugs or other substances, despite the negative consequences associated with its use. Neurobiologically, addiction is thought to be caused by alterations in dopamine neurotransmission in reward pathways which may lead to a dysregulation of these systems and impairments in cognitive functioning.
Overcoming Addiction
The process of overcoming addiction is typified by the individual engaging in a series of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional interventions that are aimed at altering the maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors associated with their substance use. This includes developing healthier coping skills to manage cravings, triggers, and other environmental cues that may lead to relapse. With appropriate psychological support, individuals can learn to recognize and modify negative thought patterns that can underlie problematic substance use.
Once an individual begins to notice a trend, they can seek help to free themselves from the addictive process. Usually this results in understanding the numerous negative effects of the particular addiction on one’s personal relationships, finances, and overall health. No addiction can be overcome until one consciously chooses to make an effort to change and become better. Those with better support groups and stronger coping abilities find better success in this endeavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest itself in many forms and have dramatic impacts on the individual and those around them. While it may be difficult to break free from addiction, there are resources available to help those suffering. It is important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition with the right support and guidance. Every person battling addiction deserves understanding and compassion, as well as respect for their courage in addressing this difficult situation.
In addition, addiction has severe and long-lasting physical effects on the human body. This includes an altered brain chemistry, organ damage, and even changes in physical appearance. These effects can be counteracted by seeking professional help, abstaining from drugs or alcohol, and participating in healthy activities. Taking care of one’s physical health should be a priority when dealing with addiction. It is important to remember that recovery is possible and it starts by taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling Training. Through this training, qualified professionals can better be equipped to help individuals deal and cope with addiction.
Additional Resources
“Causes of Addiction”. Psychology Today Staff. Psychology Today. Access here
“Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts”. June 2018. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Access here
“How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction”. Nora Volkow, MD. July 2020. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Access here
“Understanding the Science of Addiction”. Richard Friedman, MD. April 20th, 2022. Weill Cornell Medicine. Access here
School shootings are a parent’s and community’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, the wave of these national tragedies continue to rise and answers are still yet to be found on how to stop the senseless killing of children and teachers in schools due to mentally unstable individuals with guns.
The facts are alarming. The “Sandy Hook Promise” organization lists a variety of horrific gun and children related facts. Overall, each day 8 children die from gun violence and are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Unfortunately, despite the alarming number of school shootings, many could be avoided. In 4 out of every 5 shootings, at least one person knew beforehand or could have prevented it through proper vigilance and acknowledgement of the warning signs. Many of the attackers showed signs in the weeks before the attack with as many as 75 percent of individuals noticing the alarming and threatening behaviors. Finally, 68 percent of the time, most of the firearms were taken from the home due to improper storage of the weapon or parents did not believe the child knew where the gun was stored.
School shootings are a national pandemic that causes intense grief to parents, families, students, teachers and communities
This leads to two alarming trends. First mental health and second gun safety and laws. Better mental health care is required for youth as well as facilities to care for those exhibiting abuse, drug use as well as bullying. Secondly, better gun control laws without restricting freedoms need to be in place to protect children and schools. Yet, with political tug of war in Washington, little traction has been made, much less real solutions due to extremes that cannot reach common sense solutions.
The frightening reality is that shootings occur, children die and families deal with immense grief. Grief Counseling and trained grief counselors has risen due to these traumatic events. Families and victims need counseling from professional counselors, as well as certified grief counselors who can help with the local school district in helping teachers, staff, families and students with their grief and its processing.
In understanding a school shooting and its impact, it needs to be clearly classified as a traumatic event. PTSD is definitely a possible short term and long term lingering effect on many students and staff. This is especially made worst, since it was a human caused evil that baffles all logic and sense. Individuals are left with survival guilt, death imprint and imaging that is difficult to be associated into the mind due to the extreme graphic visuals.
Traumatic events can trigger PTSD and complicated grief such as depression. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training
In counseling, all of these issues will be difficult to address and many may seek avoidance but the incident will continue to haunt. Until the loss and trauma is discussed in a healthy way, then and only then can grief healing take place. Following this though is the grieving process itself which can lead to complicated grief itself and depression due to the horrific nature.
Parents losing children, classmates losing friends, teachers losing students and communities being scattered suffer both individual and collective grief at various levels. All parties need help in processing the loss and caring for each other in healing and preventing anyone from being left behind. Support groups, individual counseling and helping others adjust to life after such a horrific event are parts of dealing with the crisis and part of the process of grief counseling.
Memorials, remembrance, social action and community outreach can help some heal, but the scars will always remain visible and apparent. Sandy Hook is only one sad reminder of these events in recent American history and continue to haunt so many more.
As grief counselors, it is not the purpose necessarily to find answers because there are no true answers to complete evil and trauma. Instead, it is the purpose to help others overcome trauma and find some balance in life. To try to help the loss find a place in the narrative of a person’s life and where that person will go in the future. Such tragic grief and loss usually does not end well though and it should not because it is so horrific, evil and traumatic. Love has been uprooted and painful loss inserted. It is a life long practice to learn to cope with the loss that will forever haunt everyone involved in such needless chaos.
Learning to help those through such difficult events is a process for qualified professionals. Grief even traumatic grief is unique and every student or teacher will react and recover within their own paradigms. Some may be prone to PTSD, while others will deal with naturally grieving and process it. Others may be extremely guilty and have more vivid death imprints. Others will be traumatized more due to relationships that were deeper. This involves a long process of vetting, questions and determinations to see who is highest risk to PTSD and complicated grief reactions.
If you would like to learn more about Grief Counseling or would like to become a certified Grief Counselor then please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
