Author: Dominick Flarey

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Companioning and Sojourning

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief Counseling looks to help a person through grief.  Grief can sidetrack life due to the adjustment period it takes to react to loss.  It is not something to be seen as pathological or unnatural but part of life. How well one can adjust and cope is critical.  Most times, individuals adjust from grief, but recovery itself is something that never comes.  One does not recover from grief but learns to live with it.  While some enter into pathological states due to loss with Prolonged Grief, or worst, Major Depressive Disorder, most are able to navigate the troubled waters of loss and adjust.  This adjustment though comes with its own pain and emotional cycles.

Grief Counselors who are also licensed counselors can help not only those experiencing grief and loss in normal grief reactions but also pathological, while those who are not licensed are permitted to help those deal with basic human loss.  In all cases, grief counselors are there to listen and help.  Grief Counselors need to be good sojourners and companions in grief.  This is a very pastoral view towards grief counseling and is beneficial in helping someone deal with a loss.  It does not look to follow a mere clinical plan but instead to walk with the bereaved.

Sojourning one through grief is a pastoral service of family or ministry. It is about walking with the bereaved and listening and being there. It is not about fixing but witnessing the present and the loss itself.

 

A sojourner is one who walks with someone in grief.   Friends, family, religious or ministers and rabbis can partake down this path with anyone.  Professional counselors can also take upon this very important role.  A key ingredient in any sojourner is empathy.  One needs to have the ability to feel the pain of others and to allow one to share one’s pain with oneself.  Sojourning or companioning one through grief is not so much about assessing and analyzing one’s grief but more so listening and being present.  This type of healing does not look for time tables but instead looks to help individuals by being present in the moment.

A sojourner or companion has a variety of qualities in how they help others.  They are empathetic and full of love and patience.  In this patience and love they help others express their grief by listening.  They do not attempt to share grief stories but they listen to the emotions of the person.  They grant permission to be angry or cry in this safe place.

Sojourners do not look to have the answers but look instead to help one find one’s own answers.  They do not use terms such as  “I understand” or “You need to do this” but instead listen and react to the emotional state of the person.  The person leads the discussion, not the counselor in these cases.

Companioning or sojourning involves being present for the pain but maybe not having the ability to take the pain away.  It focuses more so on the spirit than intellect and walking beside one not leading one.  In many cases companioning looks respects the disorder of grief and does not seek to immediately find order.

Those who look to help others through grief utilize a companion model or a traditional treatment model.  Instead of focus on returning a person to pre-loss status, sojourning respects the now and transformative process of grief.  There is a new normal due to the loss and no return to the pre loss is possible. Sojourning does not look to eliminate grief symptoms but instead values the expression of grief as an important process of the grieving cycle.  In doing so, healthy continued bonds with the deceased is encouraged and not seen as pathological.  Quality of care is not determined by how well grief is managed but how well it was expressed and how well the bereaved was able to express and communicate.

When helping one through the grief process as a sojourner and comforter, one should help the person be honest about his or her feelings.  It is important not to be shocked at what is said but more so to give a person the permission needed to express even angry feelings.  The counselor should not look to fix the situation but merely listen and be present.

Being present is one of the key elements in sojourning for it entails listening and accepting the present situation of loss.  Counselors can follow a few tips as well.  While emotionally listening, avoid touching. Hugs can sometimes help but as counselors, not pastors or family, it is important to keep distance because those in grief can misunderstand intentions.  When asking people to discuss their loss,  sometimes it is difficult to start and they may need guided.   Sometimes mirroring what they are saying can be beneficial.  This allows individuals to hear what they are saying and to reflect on it.  Ultimately let them know that their emotions are natural and expected and they have a right to grieve no matter what others may say or do.

Grief Counselors can help guide individuals through the process of loss. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Empathy, patience, listening, time and gentle guidance are critical to helping people express and go through grief.  It cannot be seen as something mechanical or sterile with steps or procedures.  Instead one needs to see the messiness of grief and the power of listening through sojourning.

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program than please review 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 as  Grief Counselor.

Related Texts

The Unwanted Gift of Grief by Tim P. VanDuivendyk

Companioning the Grieving Child by Alan D. Wolfelt

ADHD Consultant Program Article on ADHD and Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

ADHD and alcoholism can coincide.  ADHD can lead to many frustrations and for adults, drinking may be an escape.  It may also be escape due to damaged relationships because of ADHD behaviors.

ADHD can lead to addiction issues. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic needs

 

The article, “Adult ADHD Could Put You at Risk for Alcoholism” by Matt LeCompte discusses how addiction can enter into the sphere of a ADHD person.  He states,

“People with ADHD may be more prone to having trouble sticking to scheduled meetings, fighting the impulse to have a drink, and adopting healthier lifestyle habits like going to bed early and a healthy diet. Getting a handle on ADHD, therefore, is the best way to fight potentially associated substance abuse issues.  The condition is typically treated with medication designed to help with focus and impulse control. Therapy may also be a part of treatment, structured in ways to help with planning and problem-solving skills, and managing other symptoms.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting 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 as an ADHD Consultant.

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Prolonged Grief Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

When loss occurs, acute grief is the result.  The process of mourning the loss takes time but eventually leads to a state of integrated grief, where the loss still stings but one is adjusted to the loss in a healthy way.  When this adaptation does not happen, complicated grief can occur and higher levels of professional help may be needed.  Grief Counselors who are not licensed counselors can help with the acute grief phase, but if one finds themselves falling into complicated grief, then they should seek licensed counseling.  Some licensed counselors may also be Grief Certified, which is even better.

Prolonged Grief Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are different but closely related. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Prolonged grief disorder persists and sometimes can be confused with major depressive disorder.  It takes a very astute clinician to watch the details and understand the how one can easily fall into the other.

The article, “Bereavement and Depression” by Abigale Clark looks closer at grief, loss and depression.  She states,

“Clinicians must carefully distinguish between grief, PGD, and MDD. A disorder that can occur when the natural grieving process is derailed, PGD is a painful and debilitating condition that can last for years in the absence of PGD-focused treatment. For PGD, the treatment of choice is either providing evidence-based PGD therapy or making a referral to a grief specialist. The aim is to provide support for healthy lifestyle and activities while also treating potential co-occuring conditions. If a bereavement specialist is not available, grief-informed clinical management can be enormously helpful.”

To read the entire article, please click here

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 as a grief counselor.

 

Pet Loss Grief Support Program Article on Issues Surrounding the Loss of a Pet

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Dealing with pet loss is difficult for many people.  Many individuals go through multiple steps and phases of grief.  Some deal with certain aspects of the loss itself.

Losing a pet is never easy. Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification

 

The article, “5 Themes in How People Deal with Pet Loss” by Arash Emamzadeh looks at 5 particular themes of loss pet owners may lament in their mind.  He states,

“Unfortunately, these relationships sometimes end abruptly or tragically—such as when a pet dies or a helper animal has to be put down. As with any major loss, a period of suffering and grief is expected. But grieving the loss of a pet presents its own challenges; one such challenge is the lack of agreed-upon burial rituals and the problem of disenfranchised grief (grief not socially acknowledged or mourned publicly).”

To read the entire article, please click here

Pet loss can be a difficult time for a variety of reasons.  It is important to never dismiss this loss in others but to fully understand the impact of the loss on each individual

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support 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 Pet Loss Grief Support.

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Article on the Four D’s of Malpractice

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Malpractices are difficult cases but they do have clear cut definitions.

Physicians and caregivers when they deviate from certain standards of care and when damage hence results, it is important to understand the law.  Legal Nurse Consultants help various firms in these cases.

Legal Nurses play a key role in malpractice cases. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to nurses looking to become certified Legal Nurse Consultants.  Legal Nurse Consultants play a key role in this litigation process

Grief Counseling Program Article on Grieving Styles

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief is unique and reactions to grief and loss differ from person to person.  Knowing family and friends is important in understanding how they grieve and react to loss.  If we understand grieving patterns of family then we can better accompany them through grief and know when the time is to say or not say something.   Due to the subjective reactions to loss, many multiple reactions can occur and no one can ever be completely sure of how someone will react.  Still, there are certain ways the human species reacts to loss to give some blue print or guidance.

We are all familiar with the stages of grief, the reactions and phases one go through.  We also know to limit grief to mere stages that go in order is wrong, but instead, grief while having various emotional reactions can have a unpredictable set of reactions in any order.  Individuals experience grief in waves, oscillations, and in steps forward and steps back.  The common emotions of numbness, sadness, anger, guilt and denial are the primary ones we see in the grieving but how these emotions are expressed differ from person to person.

Some grievers are extroverts and find healing and energy from without, while others grieve from within. A proper balance is sometimes needed.

 

Some individuals are extroverts, while others are introverts.  An introvert will seek solace and quiet to dwell on the grief, to find the inner healing needed.  Unfortunately, sometimes extreme introverts can seek to escape other human companionship and fall into isolation.  Extroverts on the other hand cope and deal with grief through finding healing and energy from without themselves and seek counsel and discussion with others.  This can be healthy but if without any inner balance can be fruitless in finally healing oneself.   Balance is key.  Avoidance of extremities in either introvert or extrovert behavior is important for ultimate healing.

Grieving styles still can differ in the way the individual thinks, acts, or feels.  Some individuals are more cognitive, others more emotional and others more pragmatic.  Sometimes how one reacts to grief is totally stereotypical and gender assigned.  For example, saying only women will reactive emotionally is a blanket statement that is not true.  Many men may be emotional as well, while other women may be very pragmatic in their grief reaction.  It is important in grief counseling not to type cast a griever but to sojourn with the bereaved and see how their unique reaction grief surfaces and how they cope.

Cognitive grievers think through grief.  This can be good and bad.  Again balance is key.  Cognitive individuals can cope better via reframing negative situations into positive ones, as well as look for cognitive answers through media and books to find solutions.  They may also be more clear in their thinking during a loss.  These benefits can be counter balanced though with individuals who express pain through pessimism or obsessive compulsive behaviors.   Some may also become argumentative in their expression of grief or even suppress emotion.

Emotional grievers utilize emotion as the primary coping mechanism.  In  healthy fashion, they release sadness or anger and feel better.  Releasing emotion is key in coping but also releasing negative stress from harming the body.  However, on the flip side of the coin, emotional grievers can also become too depressed or sad and cease to be able to function.  They may also unable to cognitively understand the process of grief itself.

Cognitive grievers can utilize thinking to cope with grief but overthinking can also be an issue

Pragmatic grievers or those who feel the need and call to act also have benefits and disadvantages.  Those who are more pragmatic look to actions that can resolve situations.  They can also utilize hobbies and work to help them go through the grief itself.  They can also more easily utilize exercise to release negative emotions.  However, hobbies and busy work help one but also emotionally harm by ignoring the loss and trying to hide from it.  Many of them avoid talking about their grief and can become angry at those who wish to discuss the loss.

What one can see from these types of grief styles is that one there is good and bad that can come from each style but a better solution is a more balanced reaction to loss that allows one to think, feel and act as necessary.  Again, we cannot impose certain standards on others, but if coping over a loss is becoming pathological, then one may seek to question one’s particular grief style.

Ultimately it is key for families going through grief to understand each other’s grieving styles and to be there for each other the best way they know how.  In doing so, individuals can better heal at their own way and own pace without emotional damage.

Grieving styles should incorporate thinking, emotions and action. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program

 

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program then please review it and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a grief counselor.

Sources and Other Reading

The Unwanted Gift of Grief: A Ministry Approach by Tim P. VanDuivendyk

Meditation Instructor Program Article on Yoga Positions for Headache Relief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Yoga has an ability to help calm the mind and body. In calming the body it can help the body relax and be free of various aches and pain. Certain yoga poses are designed for even more headache and migraine relief.  Learning to utilize them can be very helpful.

Yoga can help alleviate stress and help muscles relax to reduce headaches. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management and Meditation Instructor Programs and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.  The programs are online and independent study and are open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Stress Management Consultant or Meditation Instructor.

Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification Article on Mental Health and Hypnotherapy

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Many individuals turn to hypnotherapy as a alternative option for a variety of mental health issues.  Phobias, past trauma, breaking bad habits and any bothersome issues can be addressed in hypnotherapy.  Qualified professionals can help individuals with hypnotherapy in these areas.

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with various mental issues. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification

 

The article, “How Hypnotherapy Can Improve Your Mental Health” by Nehita Abraham looks at the multiple ways hypnotherapy can help individuals mentally.  She states,

“One of the most popular uses of hypnotherapy is to manage phobias and fears. Perhaps you had a traumatic experience with objects or situations like getting bitten by spiders during your childhood years. Since then, seeing even a picture of a spider already causes you to panic, feel anxious, sweat, and experience heavy breathing. Another instance is your constant fear of large crowds due to an awful experience you had in the past.  ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical 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 Clinical Hypnotherapy.

 

 

ADHD Consulting Certification Article on ADHD and Homeschooling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Homeschooling has its drawbacks and benefits.  There are many benefits with a parent patient enough to teach an ADHD child.  Homeschooling has an appeal to many because it ensures one on one attention and sometimes children with ADHD can benefit from this.

Homeschooling can offer some unique advantages to an ADHD child. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification

 

The article, “Homeschooling Your Child with ADHD” by Kimberly Drake looks at the benefits of homeschooling for an ADHD child.  She states,

“Homeschooling is not a new phenomenon, yet more parents and guardians are considering this option to educate their children.  For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), shifting to home-based learning may offer certain advantages over the traditional school environment. This might be especially true if public or private school isn’t meeting their needs.”

To read the entire article, please click here

ADHD can be challenging and for some homeschooling may be a benefit to help their child receive the direct care and attention and environment they need to succeed.

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting 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 as an ADHD Consultant.

EFT Certification Program Article on the Basics of EFT

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT has many similarities with acupuncture.  They share a similar concept in the movement of energy throughout the body through various points.  Unlike acupuncture, EFT utilizes merely the tapping of these points with a finger to help move negative energy associated with mental trauma or emotion.

EFT is similar to acupuncture but also utilizes affirmation. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program

 

The article, “EFT tapping: how to use the acupressure practice to deal with anxiety” by Alice Porter takes a closer look at EFT.  She states,

“One alternative method that has been developed to try and address this is EFT (emotional freedom techniques) tapping. Tapping combines acupressure techniques with a focused affirmation practice that work together to interrupt negative thought patterns in the brain. It involves activating pressure points by physically tapping on certain parts of the body, such as the collarbones and the top of the head.  ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The EFT program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as an EFT practitioner.