Hypnotherapy for Remembering a Traumatic Event

Hypnotherapy for remembering a traumatic event

When some people experience a traumatic event, they repress that memory far back in their mind so they don’t have to think about it. This can result in not even remembering the trauma for most people. Unfortunately, repressing a bad event in the back of the mind can result in a lot of future problems. Each person is different, but the mind normally works in similar ways for most people. Hypnotherapy for remembering a traumatic event can be very useful.
Suppressed memories could manifest themselves into making an adult obese, untrustworthy or even a criminal. Sometimes traumatic events can subconsciously change the way a person thinks, which is why these issues arise. There are a lot of people who walk around having absolutely no idea that they had a traumatic event happen in their past. Getting help is important for anyone that wants to recover from issues they are having in the present.

 How Hypnotherapy for Remembering a Traumatic Event Works

When someone goes to therapy like this, otherwise known as regression therapy, they will be put in a relaxed state. This isn’t like hypnosis that is seen on television when someone has to walk around and act like a chicken. The Hypnotherapist will gradually work up to accessing different memories. This works much like a tape recorder does since most memories will be played back with vivid detail. The patient will still be awake and able to respond, but they will be accessing different parts of their memory.
Normally these memories are huge events that happened during childhood. This could mean being raped, being abused, having a family member die or a number of other things. The therapist is going to ask questions that will lead to the patient remembering these things from their past. Sometimes it can be too much for them to handle; which means it could take several sessions to fully get the entire story. When the patient is woken up out of the relaxed state, they will be able to remember all the memories they pulled from their past.

 How Hypnotherapy can help Someone?

This therapy can help people navigate through their past and find out why they act the way they do today. For example, some people who are dangerously obese eat their feelings because they were raped in the past. Instead of dealing with the emotions of being physically abused, they repressed all of them and started eating. Normally this is a gradual weight gain that is obvious from right after the abuse happened. This is just one example of how trauma can affect someone without them even knowing it. There are a lot of other ways this can affect each individual and change their life. In fact, many serial killers have pasts that involved traumatic events. These events and not dealing with their emotions are what make them so violent and unhinged.
Being able to work out feelings with a therapist is extremely important. Once all the memories have been brought to the conscious mind, they can start to work themselves out. The therapist is going to work with their patient to determine what needs to be done. It is going to take many sessions for most people to come to terms with the events that happened in their past. Talking out these things can make a big difference with the way someone acts in the present and future. Most patients end up shedding a lot of tears and feeling relief by letting these memories come to surface.
Therapy can result in a person having a better attitude, not being violent, quitting certain behaviors and so much more. The patient is able to talk out memories and feelings, which is probably something they weren’t able to do in the past. The therapist is going to ask a lot of questions and become an active role in their life. Having a safe space where the patient can talk about their trauma is extremely important when it comes to the healing process. After the emotions from the past have been worked out, the future can become a lot brighter. It does take a while to re-build, but it can be done with the help of a therapist. Without hypnotherapy it might be impossible for some individuals to remember any trauma at all.
Interested in learning more, click this link: Hypnotherapy

Legal Nurse Consulting: Expert Witness

Legal Nurse Consulting: The Nurse as Expert Witness

Exploring The Nurse As An Expert Witness

It is not unusual for an attorney to utilize a nurse as an expert witness when the malpractice issue involves another nurse. There was a time when the attorney would have sought this information from a physician, but times have changed, and many states have ruled that expert testimony about a nurse should come from a nurse. The need for expert nurse witnesses is growing, and the job is not as easy as some might expect. The requirements to be an expert witness are many, and the job responsibilities are even more demanding once received. Let us explore the journey to becoming a nurse as an expert witness.

 The Nurse

The registered nurse is a highly sought after profession that involves providing personal health care to patients in a wide range of health care applications. To be a nurse one must complete the educational requirements necessary for specific specialties and degrees. There are various levels of credentials that can be earned in nursing that cover some 200 areas of certification. The more credentials a nurse have the better should they desire to become an expert witness.

 The Nurse As An Expert Witness

Some believe that an Expert Witness Nurse must be credentialed as a Legal Nurse Consultant. However, the two are not necessarily the same. The legal nurse consultant may well be an expert nurse witness. But, conceivably, any nurse may serve as an expert witness in a malpractice case and deliver an expert opinion.  An expert witness must maintain all of their existing credentials, qualifications, and be clinically active at the time of testifying. It is best if the nurse is certified, and current on the most recent procedures and related information. The basic mission of the expert witness is to conduct a review of the case and decide if the case should be pursued.
Should witness testimony be required from the nurse, they would utilize their experience, training to provide a scientific and technical opinion on whether or not there were deviations in the heath care standards surrounding the issue involved. Some malpractice areas where the expert witness nurse might be required include falls, misuse of medication, bedsores, or any deviation in the nurses function of adhering to applicable health care standards.
The expert witness is often used to show that the patient was not protected because a colleague administered substandard care. They may also determine if charts were accurately filled out, and to report incompetence by the nurse involved in the issue.

 The Role Of A Nurse As An Expert Witness

The expert nurse will review all records associated with the medical issue in question, and then provide their professional opinion to the retained attorney, as to whether or not the given case should be pursued. This requires a great deal of research to ensure the expert can see all aspects of the case clearly. In most cases the expert will review the Administrative Code of the Board of Nursing for the state in which the issue occurred. Any pertinent information discovered by the expert witness should only be provided to the attorney on the case.
Many states ask that a Certificate of Merit be filed by the expert witness. This will be used by the state to determine if the case should be pursued. The expert will either need to deliver a written or oral report on their opinion. They may need to gather information involving the relevant standards regarding the issue in question. All information must be handled with care. Court decisions have been decided all too often because paperwork was mishandled or filing dates were not met. The expert must be prepared for extensive questioning on the stand in reference to their credentials and professional opinion.
It can easily be determined that the responsibilities of an nurse as an expert witness is not easy in any form or fashion. These expert witnesses can earn a lot of money for their efforts, but they develop a sound reputation for honesty, and sustain the credentials to back up their testimony. Whether they work for the defense or the prosecution, it is imperative that their homework has been done. A malpractice decision may very well rest on the expert opinion they provide.
Registered Nurses may learn more about doing expert witness work as well as legal nurse consulting by access information: click here.

Legal Nurse and HIPPA

Legal Nurse Consulting Corner

HIPPA Privacy Rules In Simple Terms

HIPPA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This act, which was passed into United States law in the year 1996 under the mandate of President Bill Clinton, is intended to do several things at the same time. HIPPA is a very complex act that can seem inaccessible and difficult to understand to patients, entities and even some physicians. HIPPA privacy rules for health care are simply, when it comes down to it, a federal law used to protect patients from their information being used or released without their consent to other entities. This article discusses issues related to HIPPA as a review for practicing legal nurse consultants.

What Is Covered Under HIPPA

All your medical charts, your medical history, any conversation you might have with a medical professional, your billing information and any information on your insurance company’s computer systems are all protected by HIPPA from being shared to anyone unless it is necessary to do so.

When Is It Necessary?

When it comes to your care, if you are ever in an emergency, HIPPA allows for your medical history and information to be shared. Your information can be shared with your family or other caretakers, but you can stop this by putting a request in writing. Health professional are also allow it to be shared for billing, to protect the public’s health (if they think you might have an infectious or highly contagious disease, like the virus that causes SARS) or for the police to make reports on wounds. Doctors are not allowed by law to share any of this information with your employer and the information cannot be given to third parties that would use it for marketing or advertising.

Who Is Governed by HIPPA?

Not all health organizations that you are involved it will answer to HIPPA. Doctors, hospitals and insurance companies will, but if any other companies have your information like the place where you purchased life insurance, your employer, your school or even state agents, they do not have to abide by HIPPA.

What Are You Entitled To?

You can see your health records whenever you want, but you must submit a written request to get this done. You must say how you are going to use this information and who is going to see it. You may be charged for copies of your records.

What is a HIPPA form?

Health care providers need to inform patients how their information will be used and could possibly be shared. Health care providers must also ensure that the patient is always aware of his or her rights. This would usually be done in a HIPPA form. This is a document written in simple and straightforward language and it should ensure that the individual knows of his or her right to complain about any information being shared regarding medical records.

What Constitutes As A HIPPA Violation?

You might be accidentally violating HIPPA if you show your own medical records to a friend after having obtained them. Doctors and health insurance companies might be committing one if they are discussing your condition verbally or in a written form without your consent. A good indication of a HIPPA violation is if your medical records have been accessed too many times – this can happen due to curiosity and patients with very rare conditions are particularly vulnerable to this type of HIPPA violation.
Since its start, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) has been a rather controversial law. Although many patients like the protection it provides, it can be difficult for physicians to make the right judgment calls when they do not have all the information available to make a difficult decision. There can be a court summons of someone’s medical records, but this is a complicated and very long process that hinders how effectively doctors can do their job.
It has also affected some medical researches because they are no longer allowed to look at statistical data on medical charts to provide a historical sample of significance in their studies. This means that doing a historical study of a particular type of disorder or disease could be near impossible.
Additionally, HIPPA is very complicated and it can be quite difficult to follow. That is why many people in the health industry need to have extensive training when it comes to it. Many legal nurses are well versed in HIPPA and provide consultations to health care organizations regarding the many issues involved in the Act. They also provide staff education and training seminars related to HIPPA issues. To learn more about legal nurse consulting, access here.

How To Deal With Grieving Children When A Pet Dies

Pet Loss Grief

The final ending of life is death. This concept may be easy to grasp but its effect may leave people devastated. The bond between children and their pets are unique and special. For a child his pet may provide companionship, love, entertainment, friendship etc. A child may consider his pet to be the closest living thing with which he can share his secrets, emotions, thoughts and such other feelings. Pets for children may be a perfect example of unconditional love, affection and loyalty. Children generally spend a lot of time with their pets, like playing with them, going for a walk with them, sleeping with them, watching television with them and so on. When the beloved pet of a child dies the special bond that they shared is broken and the child does not know how to tackle the situation. This article offers some suggestions for how to deal with grieving children when a pet dies.
Parents may ask how to deal with grieving children when a pet dies? The reality is there is no definite answer to this question as different children may react in different manner, depending upon the depth of the relationship that they shared with their pets, their age, and personality. A child on the death of his pet may feel sad, guilty, depressed, lonely, angry, betrayed and anxious, all at the same time. Such a situation is very tough for a child to handle and parents must provide the utmost support, understanding and sympathy.

 Feelings of Grief

In order to comfort their children parents should not give them false hopes, or try to replace the old pet with a similar looking one. The death of the pet may be a good time to reveal the true facts about life. The example of changing seasons can be a good way to make a child understand about life and death. The spring season can be compared with birth and winter season with death. Small children at first may not be ready to accept the truth and they may ask numerous questions. It is very important to answer these questions with patience and honesty.

After the death of their pets some children may exhibit drastic behavioral changes like getting angry regarding trivial matters, isolation from friends and family etc. Parents should note these changes and take time to talk with their children. Children should be encouraged to speak about their emotions, to express their fears and sorrows. Criticizing or judging a child for his reactions may not give favorable results. Grief is the natural outcome of the death of a loved one; therefore children should not feel ashamed to cry as it is a natural process to vent such feelings.

Parents must involve their children and ask for their suggestions regarding the funeral or memorial service for their pets. Family members and friends can write special massages regarding the good moments that they had spent with the pet. The child whose pet has died can be encouraged to write a good bye letter to his pet. It is very essential to make the child realize that the pet was loved by the entire family and everyone is sorry about the loss. Parents often have video recordings of special times that their children have spent with their pets. Showing such recordings can bring back the sweet memories which can be comforting for the child.

 Strategies to Deal with Pet Grief

Drawing pictures of the pet, placing a headstone at the site of burial, planting small plants in memory of the pet, donating money to charity for animals etc. are activities that a child can do in memory of his dead pet. Children may have their own ideas of what would give peace to the spirit of their dead pet. Parents should not ridicule should ideas. As a way of comforting their children parents can also share their stories of how they reacted to the death of their favorite pet or how they dealt with the situation.
Time is the biggest healer and this is the foremost point that should be considered while answering the question of how to deal with grieving children when a pet dies. With time the child will learn to live without his pet but the memory will always stay. Sympathy, love and compassion of parents can quickly heal the wounded heart of a child who has lost his or her beloved pet. To learn more about pet loss grief counseling, access here.

What Is The Difference Between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? This is a common question that most of us ask while seeking options to better our health and our lives in general. Although these two terms sound just about the same, each stands for an entirely different meaning, with the common relationship between the two being that they both refer to ways of altering the state of the mind. So, what exactly is the difference between these two terms?
The Difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
The simplest way to go about expressing the actual difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy is by defining them. The definitions provide a hint for the different meanings of these two terms in relation to the mind and consciousness.
To start with, hypnosis is simply a consciousness state where your mind becomes receptive and open to suggestions. It is a state of mind that most of us go through on a daily basis, for instance when daydreaming, when watching a movie, or when you fall asleep while reading a book!
Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is a therapy form whereby a hypnotherapist and you both apply the hypnosis technique to try and identify your false beliefs with an intention of changing them so that you may move on in life.
Using a garden analogy to explain the difference in the above definitions, hypnosis is like sowing the seed and watering it so that it can germinate and grow in to a healthy plant. Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is like weeding the garden so that you can remove any unwanted plants, the weeds.
What do each of these techniques do?
With hypnosis, there is an induction process, just like the process of sowing a seed, where you move in to a state of consciousness and through positive affirmations and suggestions, you change the things in your life that you are ready to change. You can get in to this conscious and relaxed state yourself or through the help of a therapist. The end result is a relaxed mind, a pleasant feeling, and openness to thought and behavioral changes.
Though not a substitute to professional medical and health care but a complimentary procedure, hypnotherapy is used to help people improve their lives through a number of ways. These include simple stress reduction and relaxation, helping individuals to withstand and manage pain, helping with trauma, coping with medical procedures, reducing functional disorder symptoms and the general well being of a person. It is a therapy option used to help people cope with emotions and trauma.
Who practices these techniques?
Anyone can go through hypnosis without the assistance of a second party. It is a relatively simple technique that can come in to play even when one is doing the simple daily activities like watching movies or reading books, with better effects being achieved if it is practiced consciously. However, a person who practices hypnosis on others is called a hypnotist.
With hypnotherapy however, you need the help of a hypnotherapist, who is a trained person to assist others with this technique. Besides hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist usually has certifications and qualifications in some other professional training like mind science, counseling and therapy.
These qualifications allow a hypnotherapist to provide very in-depth inquiries and consultations before the actual therapy sessions so that they can tailor the most appropriate care procedures for a particular patient. Actually, most of these hypnotherapists work together with physicians where they receive referrals for patients who need such care.
Good to note here is that hypnosis should not be confused with the kind of hypnosis employed in entertainment, otherwise called stage hypnosis. This discussion focuses on the therapeutic hypnosis that helps a person to improve on a certain area of their life by clearing their mind and concentrating on activities and a mindset that may lead to possible solutions to their problems, which is more like meditation.

Are these techniques right for you?
Truth be told, hypnosis and hypnotherapy have had their share of controversies. However, they have been proven, time and time again, to produce much better results in resolving some disorders and diseases. For instance, hypnotherapy has been shown to be more effective than medication at treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These methods are safe, side effects free, and if anything, they lead to a better sleep and a more relaxed you.
To answer the question of what is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy, we can simply conclude that it is the approach and the intended purpose, with the basics being almost the same. For information on hypnotherapy courses, access here.

What is a Living Will?

Legal Nurse Consultation

One of the most difficult things that a family member can go through is having to make a important medical decision regarding a loved one who is unable to speak for himself or herself. The stress of making such a decision in a hospital or nursing home can be overwhelming to those making the decision. Additionally, if there is any disagreement within the family about what course of medical action to take regarding the loved one, the situation can only become worse. The living will can help relieve some of the burden in difficult times when a difficult medical decision is required.
The living will is a type of advanced health care directive used to instruct medical personnel about what measures to take on a patient who is incapacitated and unable to make informed decisions about his or her healthcare. Two other forms of advanced health care directives include a power of attorney and a health care proxy. The various directive forms work alone or in tandem to provide instruction to doctors and nurses. It is important not to confuse a living will with a living trust, which is a form of estate planning that distributes a person’s assets after his or her death. This information is brought to you by our legal nurse consultation post on our blog.
It is essential to have a living will because it informs medical personnel and your family of what kind of medical treatment you want in case you are unable to speak for yourself. This can include instructions for what you want to happen in the event of an accident that leaves you in a permanent vegetative state or instructions how to handle your medical care if you have a terminal illness which progresses to the point of you being incapacitated. A living will should be written by a lawyer to ensure that it is legal and will serve its purpose if the need arises.

Understanding the Living Will

A living will generally describes the types of treatment you desire in the event you become incapacitated. For example, if you are in a vegetative state after an accident or other medical event, a living will can instruct your doctors whether or not to keep you alive through the use of ventilators, feeding tubes or other medical means. Other treatments often described in a living will include whether to administer pain relief, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or provide hydration.
The living will only becomes effective if a doctor certifies you as being terminally ill or otherwise permanently incapacitated. For example, if you have a heart attack and are unconscious laying in a hospital, but expected to recover and regain consciousness, your living will does not come into effect. You will still receive life saving medical treatment even though your living will stipulates that you do not want life prolonging medical procedures. That is an important distinction and essential to understand. A living will only comes into effect if you are terminally ill, in a permanent vegetative state or permanently mentally incapacitated.
If the situation ever arises where you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself, but your medical condition is not terminal or permanent, you should use a health care power of attorney or a health care proxy. Either one of these documents allow you to provide a third party, usually a family member or close friend, the legal authority to make health care decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to express your wishes.
Being proactive and having both a health care proxy and the living will is both a responsible and loving thing to do. It removes the burden of making extremely difficult decisions from your family members if and when the time arrives. You do not need to be terminally ill to have the living will.

Creating a Living Will

To set up the living will and health care power of attorney, consult a lawyer who specializes in these documents in the state where you live. But before you consult with a lawyer, talk to your doctor about the different scenarios when a living will might be needed and what your options are for each scenario. It’s important to make an informed decision now, so your wishes are known in the event the living will becomes effective. Each state has slightly different variations in terminology and living will laws so a lawyer’s help is crucial. Additionally, once your living will is written, keep it in a safe place. Make sure your doctor and the person you select to have health care power of attorney know of its existence. Your living will does no good to you if nobody knows that it has been written. For more information on health care directives, you may want to consult a legal nurse consultant.

How to Write a Grief Sympathy Letter or Note

 Dealing with the Grief of Others

A sympathy letter is a formal and sincere way of sending your condolences to a grieving family member, friend, or colleague. It is usually sent or emailed during the first few days after the death of an individual. Sending a sympathy letter is a great way to empathize and give comfort to a person who has just lost a loved one.  Dealing with grief is a challenging journey. Those who grieve are generally very appreciative of the notes of condolences they receive.

 How to Begin the Letter

A grief sympathy letter often opens up with the writer acknowledging the death of the person. The writer may do this with lines such as “I am so sorry to hear of your loss,” or “I was shocked to hear about X’s death.” If the writer is writing on behalf of a group or company, he or she may write something like this: “I am writing on behalf of Y company or X’s friends to express our condolences for X’s passing.”  These lines not only serve as an appropriate opening for the letter, but also set the tone for the entire sympathetic theme.

 Acknowledge the Loss

After acknowledging the death of the person and the loss of the grieving party, the writer then expresses sympathy in the succeeding sentence or paragraph. The writer may say “Please find comfort in the love and good memories we have of X,” or “I want to express my sincerest sympathy for your sad loss.”  In this part of the letter, the writer condoles with the grieving party and offers words of comfort to the bereaved family.

Share Wonderful Memories of the Deceased

A sympathy letter should also have a few lines about the deceased person as described by the writer. These lines usually enumerate the good qualities that the writer admires and will miss about the deceased. The writer may say, “X was such a sweet and hardworking colleague, and I will miss him dearly,” if the deceased was a colleague, or “X was a sincere, loyal, and trusting friend,” if the deceased was a friend. In the next line, the writer shares a wonderful memory of the deceased to the grieving party. This is an opportunity to highlight the good qualities of the person who has passed away. The writer may cite how he or she met the deceased, their friendship, working relationship, or how the late person spoke affectionately about his or her family.

How to End the Letter

Grieving families will appreciate hearing words of love from just about anyone, particularly from people they know. This may be as simple as words of encouragement. One rule of thumb, though- never make any offer that you can’t fulfill. Some lines that writers can use for this part are, “If there is anything that I can do, I am just a phone call away,” or “Don’t hesitate to call me up if you need anything from me during these tough times.”  As a closing line, writers may end their letter with phrases such as “love,” “truly yours,” and “affectionately yours.”
Here’s a sample of a short but sincere sympathy letter:
“I am saddened by X’s death. No words are adequate to describe just how special a person he was. He always had kind words to say about everyone in the office. He also often told us how he loved you and his children. If there’s anything we can do for you, just give us a call. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. Sincerely, John.”
Oftentimes, when one is faced with a friend who is grieving, it is hard to know what to do. Knowing how to write a formal sympathy letter can help one organize one’s thoughts and feelings in a coherent manner. For someone who is mourning the loss of a loved one, reading a simple sympathy letter is sure to make the loss a little easier to bear.
If you would like to learn more on how to become certified in grief counseling, then please review.

How Stress Management Therapy Can Help

Stress Management Therapy

Stress management therapy in it’s various forms, has the potential to do a lot of good in people’s lives. This is because stress can adversely effect our overall health for long periods of time, and have a large detrimental impact on our health during the course of our whole lives.
Many illnesses and ailments can be traced back to stress as a significant underlying cause. Increased stress levels can be a contributing cause or exacerbating factor to heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, frequent colds and many other illnesses.
Not only does stress effect us physically, but also mentally. The symptoms can limit people’s lives by causing them to avoid situations where triggers for their stress might arise. If an individual suffers from anxiety attacks or panic attacks, this can lead to them avoiding public places and becoming prisoners in their own homes.
Stress management therapy may not completely cure all the symptoms, or the underlying causes of the stress factors for everyone, but it can help people get to a stage where the effect of stress on their lives is diminished to levels where it is minimal. This will mean the impact on their lives from stress is vastly reduced, and both their physical and mental well being can improve dramatically.
It can encompass many types of proven techniques to help people suffering from stress to control and reduce the amount of stress they feel.

Stress Therapy Interventions

Relaxation therapy is one of the main forms of stress management therapy. This can help individuals feel relaxed in their normal daily lives, but it can also give the individuals a set of techniques that may help reduce their stress once the symptoms have been triggered. When a person feels a panic attack or an anxiety attack starting to occur, they can use relaxation techniques to head-off the problem before the symptoms culminate into a full-on attack.
Just as emotional stimulation can cause these attacks, there are relaxation techniques that can help manage them and prevent them from becoming a problem.
As mentioned earlier, these therapies do not only help at the time of the attack, but also help the patient be more relaxed during the course of their daily lives. A person who is in a relaxed state of mind is far less likely to suffer from these attacks. Relaxation therapy helps people reach this state of mind by simply teaching them how to relax. It sounds very simple, but during modern living we often forget how to relax. These therapies can give a person techniques to practice at home to help them maintain a relaxed and healthy state of mind.
There are many different therapies that come under the umbrella of relaxation therapy, some will be of far more benefit to one individual than to another, so different techniques can be used to tailor relaxation therapy to the individual.
Aversion therapy can also help. Some people self-medicate with various substances to help them cope with their stress. Aversion therapy helps them by forcing the mind to associate the addictive substance with a negative stimulus.
Therapy which uses a positive stimulus to help someone associate that with desirable behavior can also help. This is similar to aversion therapy in the way it works, but rather than a negative stimulus being used to prevent undesirable behavior, a positive stimulus is used instead to reinforce desirable behavior or feelings. This can help the mind change the way it feels about the triggers of your stress, and associate them with something pleasant.
Hypnosis can also help, this causes the mind to be “reprogrammed” on a subconscious level, which can both reduce stress and reduce the symptoms and frequency of the attacks themselves.
There are many more techniques that can be used. All of them can help a person manage their stress to prevent it becoming a problem. Some people turn to a pharmaceutical solution for their stress, this can help but it is only a short-term fix. It does not teach people how to manage their stress. Prescription drugs also often have serious side effects that can cause problems in other areas of your life, as well as health problems.
A comprehensive program to help people with their stress, is the best solution to the problem. If you suffer from anxiety attacks, panic attacks or other forms of stress, stress management therapy can make a major positive influence on your life.  To learn about stress management education courses, access here.

What Is The Need For Pastoral Care Of the Dying?

Pastoral care of the dying is a special type of counseling by chaplains, pastors or other religious leader to dying persons and also their friends, families and relatives. The pastor or the chaplain provides comfort, hope as well as assurance during a time of uncertainty. We all know that death is the ultimate conclusion to our earthly life and it is a phase that every living being has to go through some day or the other.
However embracing one’s own natural death or accepting the loss of a dear one is much difficult and so in such a situation we turn to religious teachings and religious leaders to find solace. The subject of death, both physical and theological has been the center of attention in the Bible. The main essence of pastoral care of the dying is showing spiritual love for fellow humans and forms an integral part of Christian teaching.
For a professional person who provides emotional and spiritual support to the dying it is very important to have a proper understanding and realization of thanatology. A person who is in his death bed looks to the chaplain or pastor for spiritual assurance and company to overcome loneliness and fear. The pastor or chaplain should help the dying person to communicate with his loved ones. The minister should also help the dying man to reflect on the quality of life that he has lived and at last prepare the person to face the final transaction of leaving the earthly body. The duty of the minister or pastor does not end here as he also needs to act as a pillar of support for the dear and near one of the dead person. The pastor can also help the bereaved family members to make various arrangements like burial, funeral planning etc.
The question of when to call for pastoral care of the dying may arise in our mind. There can be no single definite answer to this question. Pastoral care of the dying can be called for when a patient is informed of having some serious illness like cancer, AIDS etc. This type of help can be called for if a patient is in his death bed or is worried about some surgery that is going to take place in the near future. Pastoral care of the dying can be called for if the family member of a patient who is seriously ill wants spiritual guidance and support.
In the western countries pastoral care ministers constitute the health care departments of most hospitals so patients as well as their families can easily ask for their guidance. Different people have different point of view regarding death. Some view death as an unwanted intruder that hampers the natural process of life while some view death, suffering and pain as integral and unavoidable aspects of living life and a suitable ending to the journey of life. The view of a person regarding death is largely molded or shaped by different factors like social customs, religious faith or belief, cultural background, personal way of thinking etc. People who believe in the existence of God or are followers of Christianity generally call for pastoral care when they or some of their loved ones are nearing death.
For a dying man and his family a pastor or chaplain is not only a spiritual bridge with God and after-life but also a social supportive agent. When a man nears death his opinion of life can greatly change, all the materialistic things that seemed very important to him at one point of his life may then seem to be of no great importance. The person may feel a great desire to purge himself of all the sins that he has committed in his life time and so getting pastoral care for the dying can be of great help. In such critical situations friends and family of a dying man feel very close to the pastor. They start relying on the pastor for his guidance and help. The pastor may be requested to give his opinion regarding crucial matters like family, medical, moral and ethical issues. Many people believe that religious faith can work miracles where medical science fails and so they can call for pastoral care of the dying during such situations.

Grief Counseling – What is it and how can it help

Grief counseling is in high demand today. The loss of someone close to you is a painful experience and can create many emotions such as anger, shock, sadness and guilt. Within this period, you may feel as if these emotions may never let up and come to an end. Loss is a tough thing to handle but it is something that most of us will have to face several times within our lives. These feeling are often categorized as grief and you may find it challenging to move past this phase alone. For such instances, it is recommended that you seek grief counseling.

 What is grief counseling?

Grief counseling is a type of theory that focuses on a person or people suffering from the feelings of grief and helps them get through their feelings. Often, grief counseling takes place with a group of people as opposed to individually as working through this process with loved ones will often help this process. The most common reasons that require grief counseling come after a death of a loved one; however it is not uncommon for people to seek this form of therapy after a divorce, the loss of a job, or the diagnosis of a serious disease, such as cancer and more. In any of these situations, grief counseling works to help that person or people cope with their emotions.

 Grief counseling in groups

As mentioned, grief counseling often takes place in a group setting. This is because the involvement of your peers, who can better understand what a person is going through, will minimize the feelings of isolation that is prevalent among grief stricken people. An added benefit is also that your friends and family will be able to stay with you outside of the sessions, something that a counselor is not able to do.

 What are the goals of grief counseling?

The main intent of this therapy varies depending upon the person and situation. The end goal is to best help that person recover emotionally from the particular situation. This form of counseling does not attempt to change what that person feels they want or need, however they do attempt to console and support that person as they are dealing with their intense emotions. More often than not, the simple act of talking about the situation will go a long way in helping a grief stricken person recover. For this reason, a therapist’s main intent is to accompany that person and encourage them to talk about what is going through their head. Getting that person to talk about it and having someone listen and converse with them about is the main role of a grief therapist.

 I am suffering from grief, how will counseling help me?

When a person looses someone close to them, or they go through an emotionally intense situation, they will often receive a lot of attention from their friends and family. After a few weeks, however, those people will be ready to move on with their lives even though that person may not yet be ready to. This is where grief counselors play an important role. Today, most of the theory behind grief counseling is based on the work of Elizabeth Kubler Ross, a famous Swiss psychiatrist who was able to identify the different stages of grief that a person will go though. Her findings showed that grief is not a straight line process and is not easily understood by the people who are not also going through the same feelings. This makes it difficult for a grieving person to find the full support they will need from friends and family members alone. Grief therapists are trained to work with and identify the stages of grief that a person may be going through and is better able to walk them through the entire process over the course of several weeks or months.
If you are suffering through feelings or grief, or know someone that is, it is important to seek some form of grief counseling as it is the best way to get through your emotions in the most healthy way possible. It is important to surround ones self around loved ones and continuous communication between the two parties will go a long way in helping that person recover from such emotions. You may also consider learning more about grief and strategies to deal with it. There are online grief counseling courses you can take to expand your knowledge in this area of specialty care.

Child Grief and Bereavement Counseling

Everyone deals with death in their own way, but children are a bit different. Most young children really don’t understand death, even those who do can have a hard time dealing with their feelings. It’s important to make sure kids are getting the care they need during a time when they lost someone close to them.

Child grief  and bereavement counseling is something that any parent should seriously consider. This is a great solution since most kids don’t want to talk to their parents or other family members about their feelings. Most parents don’t even know what questions to ask to make sure their child is dealing with their feelings in a healthy manner.

 How Counseling can Help Children through the Grieving Process

Professionals have the educational background to help children deal with this sort of situation. Each child is going to grieve differently depending on their age and experience with loss in the past. If a child doesn’t feel like they have support they could end up keeping their emotions bottled inside, which could have really dire effects in the future. When kids have a third party to talk to they will be able to let their emotions out and talk about what they are dealing with on the inside. At first these visits might be difficult if the child is resistant, but in time they will get better. Some kids might end up speaking freely; it varies from each different person.
Counselors are going to ask questions to the child that do not scare them. Their main goal is to get an idea of what is going on in their head. The answers that the child gives will help the counselor tailor their questions and conversation for the appointment. Professionals do understand that each child is different, so they don’t handle each one in the same way. When a kid feels comfortable with someone, they will be more encouraged to speak with them about what is going on. No matter what type of death is being dealt with, a child needs to speak with someone about it. Child grief counseling can make all the difference with how someone grows up and deals with other situations. When parents aren’t able to get a child to talk, counseling is a great option to consider. This is a sensitive subject that many parents are uncomfortable dealing with since they aren’t sure what they should do or say.

 What Children Will Learn by Going to Child Grief Counseling

Losing a parent, grand parent, sister, brother, or other family members is going to be really difficult for any child. When they go to see a professional counselor they can actually come out of the experience a lot stronger than they were before. This can help them deal with death in the future, since it’s inevitable. Most kids will cry and talk about their feelings, but they need to have a well-rounded idea of what death is and how it will change their life forever. A counselor will be able to explain what death really is and help them learn tools for dealing with grief. A child needs to know that it’s alright to cry and that they should talk to someone about their feelings. When they know that it’s alright to let their feelings show, they are less likely to bottle them up inside. If they don’t feel comfortable talking with a family member, a counselor is a great alternative.
Some tools that can help any child grieve include: to be honest about their feelings, realizing that death is a part of life, crying is good and memories can help out a lot. Children can easily learn how to cherish memories and feel good about them instead of feeling sad. Some kids end up keeping a journal filled with their emotions while others find a friend they can talk to. Either of these are great to have when it comes to grieving. These tools are going to help any child deal with death instead of constantly feeling depressed.
Child grief and bereavement counseling is something that any parent should consider for their child. This will give their son or daughter a safe space where they can talk with someone about what they are feeling. They will learn tools that help them feel better about the situation. Although it’s a sensitive subject, it has to be taught to kids to give them a brighter future.

The Role Of A Nurse Educator

The role of a nurse educator is growing in importance today. A nurse has several different imperative roles in today’s health care system, one of which is to inform patients and their families of the diseases that they are faced with. A step above that is a nurse educator. This nurse is using all of their clinical experience and skills to properly prepare their students. They also do a great job of mentoring and teaching fellow nurses who may be new or have less experience. A nurse mentor leads a very active and fulfilling life as they are both informative and emphatic.
Nurse educators are traditionally in charge of structuring, implementing and revising the type of educational materials that fellow nurses receive. This material fits a wide range of uses, from a more academic and scholarly feel to a more concentrated and specific approach for individualistic issues. Nurse educators are often a great sounding board for issues that arise for another nurse that they may be unfamiliar with and have not dealt with in the past. Nurse educators are the keys to assuring quality and factual based content is taught to the entire department.

 Practice and Goals

Because health care is such a diverse and constantly changing field, it is important that those in this position are comfortable with constantly learning and growing. New information and changes in procedural patterns are inevitable so a nurse educator must be willing to easily adapt. Being a leader is usually at the forefront of a nurse educators job. They practice in all type of health care facilities and are generally working with fellow nurses and patients alike.
A nurse educators primary goal is to create a set of curriculum and material that is all encompassing and helpful for their students. Because of their involvement in teaching and being of service to fellow nurses, future nurses and patients, nurse educators often experience a high level of job satisfaction. They take pride in their role of helping another person learn, grow and ultimately succeed in the nursing field. Being of service to others is why many people become nurses in the first place, this just adds to that principle by helping and encouraging others who have that same deeply engrained belief.
There are tremendous benefits for those who choose a career as a nurse educator. The medical field is one of the most stable markets because certain ailments are inevitable. So no matter how badly the economy is doing, surgeons, doctors and nurses will still be around to take care of the sick and dying. Because of this, nurse educators will also always be needed. Another huge benefit of choosing this particular work as a career is the cutting edge technology and information that will be available to you. Wouldn’t it be great to be one of the first people to know about a certain procedure? What about being able to read information about a unique and rare disease? These are the types of things nurse educators do on a daily basis.
Nurse educators are always learning something new and interesting. They are apart of an ever changing and growing workplace that is perpetually knowledge based and intellectually stimulating. Usually nurse educators work in a specific field of study. They often have specialties similar to those that doctors have. These fields can range from cardiology, family health, pediatrics and much more. A general comprehensive background is necessary but usually whatever concentration you are most familiar with is the one you teach. The type of qualifications needed to become a nurse educator usually require a master’s degree but there are some exceptions to this rule.
As a nurse educator you are also entitled to a pretty flexible schedule. Many choose to teach just part time in junction with their other work. Whether that be clinical work or actually working in hospitals directly with patients. Assessing the learning and knowledge of nurses is also a duty that many nurse educators carry out. Making sure that the nurses in the field and those who deal with patients every single day are well informed and knowledgeable is imperative to the quality of care that the patients receive.
There are many different things that nurse educators do but one of the most important is that they are there to teach, answer questions and to really listen to their students and patients. The role of a nurse educator is an important one and those who are willing to do the job are needed. To learn about becoming a nurse educator, access here.

Spiritual Counseling: Rediscover Your Inner Power

By: Zendra Marks

What is Spiritual Counseling?

Spiritual counseling considers the soul, instead of the body and mind, as the commencing point for the sense of your true self. It has an enhanced view of life, acknowledging that this world is often confusing mystery. It considers self-belief systems, universal and personal energy systems, karmic interplay, instinctive psychic realities, subconscious states of mindset, spiritual theology, metaphysical experiences, spiritual existence and higher self-cosmic relationships.
Spiritual counseling views why life is instinctively personal and why individuals want to develop their own distinctive, graceful relationship with it, naturally and without forcefulness. As the soul is considered as the beginning point, consciousness comes from the heart, while not overlooking the head or brain, and from this heart space care for the blessed interdependence of all living existence comes to the surface.

 What does Spiritual Counseling involve?

Spiritual counseling involves a process where one person reevaluates who he or she feels about and themselves and about other persons. Care for self and care for others is the primary concept of the personal and combined growth. As the spiritual counseling is holistic, there is no separation and division, no dichotomy between individual or collective opinions and response, all is fundamentally correlated. Spiritual counseling brings about a realization that life experiences grow into the supreme tool, with the incorporation of personal problems and personal venture. The main objective of taking spiritual counseling is to convey themselves and their own world with long cherished wisdom, spiritual consciousness and personal realism using integrity.
Spiritual counseling involves the process of developing consciousness of a spiritual identity. It does so by reminding the fact that all the human beings are more than their personalities and their problems.
It gives faith in oneself so that people have within themselves the knowledge and understaning to make the right decisions in life.
Spiritual counseling also ensures that people have faith in their potentials. That means each situation has a prospect of growth for them.
It enables people to have belief in the journey which indicates human lives haves some deep meanings.
Spiritual counseling also makes people realize that that all people are in fact spiritual beings.

  Why might one seek out a Spiritual Counselor?

A spiritual counselor helps people to learn how to handle the challenges of daily life in relationship with the spiritual world. Most of the people are accustomed to thinking of themselves as alone in the world. People tend to think that they need to figure things out on their own, and fight for survival.
After spiritual counseling, people would begin to understand that spiritual togetherness is real. Then they would start to see that life can be different. They will learn that they are not alone, because everyone belongs to one world – but during the times of stress or difficulties they may forget this. That is why spiritual counseling is so important, as the long years of habit can be difficult to undo all by oneself.
A Spiritual counselor helps people to meet the challenges of life from a new consciousness of collective existence. It offers support to be a whole person – the soul and spirit, emotions, mind and body, and the practical life here on the Earth.

 What are the qualities of an expert Spiritual Counselor?

A spiritual counselor needs the cross cultural consciousness, a deep understanding around spiritual sphere and other matters of spirituality. They are well aware of, and they are devoted to a spiritual passage in their own lives as well as the lives of others. By concentrating on their deep inner relationships, forming an open connection and a unique mindfulness state, they produce a holding and blessed space for the individual and collective growth of their clients.
Finally it can be said that the divine journey can be delightful and arising, however it can also be demanding, frightening and solitary. Anyone might have the spiritual experience; however holistic self-consciousness is a completely different thing. Spiritual development best happens at the point while the soul is strong enough to take a little bewildering.
As a result, spiritual counseling can be a great tool to rediscover the potentials one have and find greater meaning of the life. However, as it deals with the deep consciousness of the mind and soul of a person, an experienced and qualified counselor can make things much easier and comfortable. To find out more about spiritual counseling and to preview online courses, you may access here.

What is Crisis Intervention Counseling?

Crisis intervention counseling is short term counseling that addresses emergency situations for people in crisis. A counselor will either speak to a person on the telephone (emergency hotline situation) or face to face, but it is better for people in crisis to have the one on one counseling, which allows the counselor to get a better gauge of the client’s demeanor.
It is difficult for a counselor to deal with a crisis over the phone because they cannot read the client’s body language or see the expression on their face; however, hotlines are important because they are a means in which to calm a person down and stop them from taking drastic and irreversible action.

There are many situations that can be considered a crisis for people. These could include:
• A woman who has been beaten once or repeatedly by her spouse. She takes the opportunity to call a crisis line while her partner has left the home, or possibly while he is pounding on the door to try to get to her and hit her again. The counselor can offer telephone support while contacting 911 and dispatching them to the address, if the counselor can manage to extract that information from the client;
• Someone who lives with a person who has a drug or alcohol problem, and they need someone to speak to because they do not know what to do about the problem;
• A person who has lost their job and is facing financial problems, including foreclosure, debt collectors and bankruptcy. Perhaps this person is unable to train for a new job and has no other prospects for employment;
• A teenager who is being bullied at school and is either terrified to go to school, or is thinking of taking their life;
• A man has just found out he has terminal cancer and has two weeks to live. He is unable to tell his family about the situation and needs to speak to someone about it. He is worried about his family and how they will get by in the future without him.
While it is not the role of the crisis counselor to “fix” the problem, they do have an obligation to provide support and explain to the client that the feelings that they are experiencing are completely normal. It is also important to point out to the client that the situation is temporary and that the crisis will eventually pass.
Crisis counselors can help their clients to develop certain skills that allow them to better cope with a situation. By open dialogue and careful discussion, they can help the client to explore various solutions to the problem while helping them to deal with the stress and think in a more positive way. The problem in a crisis situation is that people have complete tunnel vision, and they forget that there are other aspects to their life that are positive.
When a person is suicidal, they are only thinking of the current situation and how to get out of it. They are probably not thinking very clearly, and they are certainly not considering the effect that their death would have on others around them, such as guilt and remorse. The counsellor would point out all of those things to the client and help them to think of other ways to work through the situation.
People in crisis can learn skills that give them the ability to recover from their situation, but it is up to the crisis counselor to provide them with the guidance and resources to accomplish this. One important aspect of the process is for the counselor to have the client face the crisis head on, and try to move past it. The longer that the situation is prolonged, the less chance that the client has of dealing with it. Sometimes it may be necessary for some sort of confrontation to take place in order for the client to move on with their life. This can be very frightening and difficult, but the counselor is there to assist with the process.
If there is a cycle of behavior that continues to lead to crisis, it is up to the counselor to encourage the client to recognize and change that behavior. One very good example of this would be a drug or alcohol addiction and the cycle of destruction that goes with the addiction. The client is routinely causing extreme emotional pain to those around them, but they refuse to take responsibility for their part in the crisis. The counselor works with the client to break those cycles and heal the pain between the client and their family members and friends. To learn more about crisis intervention, click here.

Learn to Meditate

With life becoming more busy and hectic these days, it is important to take the time to care for yourself, center your body and your mind and your spirit, and the best way to achieve this is when you learn to meditate. Meditation is the process of clearing your mind of all thoughts and clutter, and relaxing into a state of clarity.
Many of us are constantly on the go, with work, children and activities outside of the home, and we tend to get extremely stressed out which has a very negative impact on our body. The body is designed to withstand a certain amount of stress; however, when we are under “attack” from every angle, our bodies can start to give in to the effects of stress. This makes us more open to disease and illness, and it is simple to avoid this by learning meditation techniques.
There is no big secret to mediation, and if you want to learn to meditate, you simply need to have an open mind. There is a certain spiritual aspect to this activity which you will tap into even if you are not the least bit spiritual. You need to find a space in your home that is quiet and well ventilated where you can sit alone for as much time as you need without being interrupted.
All that you need to do is sit in a quiet area, in a comfortable position, usually on the floor with your legs crossed. Closing your eyes, you will deep breath for several seconds, up to one minute. You will then tense up your body and then allow it to relax, letting the tension leave you with the breath you exhale as you relax. While you have been concentrating on your breathing, you can now just put that aside and let it happen naturally. You will simply think of one single thought and nothing else. Some people smile when they are meditating, while others may weep. It is a state of complete relaxation that is time you take for yourself.
If you want to learn to meditate, you must practice each day for as much time as it takes for you to feel relaxed. Taking this time for yourself will allow you to feel more peaceful and give you a much more positive outlook on life.

 Benefits of Meditation

There are so many benefits to meditation, and it is free and takes less than 20 minutes per day. Your body will reap many wonderful benefits from this practice, including:

• Increased blood flow and a slower heart rate;
• Slows down the aging process;
• A known cure for headaches and relief from migraines;
• Weight loss benefits and the normalization of your weight;
• A significant reduction in free radicals, reducing damage to tissues;
• Beneficial and lasting changes to the electrical activity in the brain;
• A significant decrease in muscle tension
• Lowers your consumption of oxygen;
• Can improve and speed up post- operative healing;
• Decreases perspiration (for those who sweat excessively);
• Can dramatically improve your immunity.

The brain is an extremely powerful organ, and when you learn how to relax it and provide it with much needed rest, it can use that reserved energy to heal other parts of your body. Stress increases the presence of free radicals and speeds up the aging process. This is why people who are under intense stress all of the time just look that much older.
In addition to the physical changes you will experience when you learn to mediate, you will also find yourself with more confidence, a greater ability to focus and concentrate and better moods. When you are in a better and more positive state of mind with good moods all of the time, you will simply feel like participating in life more. This is why mediation is a good solution for people who find themselves susceptible to depression.
Meditation can also help you to develop your creativity if you are artistic, help you to retain more (memory), help you to develop your intuition and help you to feel rejuvenated. You will gain the ability to react more effectively to stress, instead of absorbing all of the stress, you will be able to redirect it and expel it through meditation.
If you are person who worries a lot, meditation can help you to deal with your worries and fears. By centering your thoughts and focusing on yourself and positive things, you will be able to dispel all of the negative feelings and replace them with peace of mind and happiness.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder is a behavioral pattern characterized by hyperactivity or hyperkinesias of brain activity resulting in inattentive and impulsive behavior. Officially, Attention Deficit Disorder is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), but commonly people use the term A.D.D. to refer to the disorder.
Typically A.D.D. is a psychiatric disorder diagnosed and treated in children. This is important because it is a developmental disorder that can have unhealthy effects into adulthood. Many people that have been diagnosed in childhood with A.D.D. tend to lead chaotic lifestyles and become much disorganized at times. Most of these symptoms go untreated which can lead to unhealthy choices such as reliance on non-prescription drugs and impulsive behavior, especially under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It remains unclear how many adults are diagnosed with A.D.D. because many people were not diagnosed as children. It is known however that boys have A.D.D. three times as much as girls according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It’s also known that A.D.D. crosses all ethnicities and countries in about the same numbers.
The causes of A.D.D. are still relatively unknown, but the Professional Group for Attention and Related Disorders have noted that scientific studies show that the disorder is genetically transmitted and result in a chemical imbalance and deficiency in neurotransmitters. A study completed by the National Institute for Mental Health concluded that the rate that the brain uses glucose, its primary source of energy, is lower in children with A.D.D. Although it is not officially known the direct cause, a number of detailed studies have shown A.D.D. is not environment based, and therefore not caused by parents or teachers.
What are the symptoms of A.D.D.?
The three main signs of Attention Deficit Disorder are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While usually focused on a child’s behavior, these signs can apply to adults as well.
Inattentiveness
– Does not pay attention to detail and make careless mistakes in schoolwork or menial tasks.
– Does not listen when directly spoken to.
– Does not follow through with instruction and fails to finish schoolwork or assignments.
– Has difficulty organizing tasks
– Easily distracted by small stimuli
– Forgetting tasks in a daily routine
Hyperactivity
– Fidgets with hands and feet
– Talks excessively
– Always “on the move” to do something new
– Restlessness in adults and excessively running and movement in children
Impulsiveness
– Often intrudes and interrupts
– Acting before thinking
– Difficulty waiting one’s turn
– engaging in risky behavior
It is important to note that most people experience these symptoms from time to time. Some people many exhibit this behavior consistently. It does not mean these people have A.D.D. People including parents and teachers, should not be making any diagnosis themselves. Those concerned with the potential of the disorder should seek a medical professional.
How is A.D.D. treated?
Standard treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder are medication and counseling.
Medications
Medications are only prescribed when diagnosed by a doctor. If needed, a doctor will prescribe either a stimulant, non-stimulant, or anti-depressant based on the person’s condition and medical history. As with any medication there can be side effects but with A.D.D. medications they are rare if taken properly.
Counseling and Social Training
There are various types of counseling available to treat A.D.D. sufferers and their family members. These include family therapy, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, parenting skill training and social skills training. All of these treatments tend to be successful as it involves all members of the family working with mental health professionals.
Support Groups
These can be a great source of comfort for parents or adults with A.D.D. to bond and sort out issues affected by the disorder. Fears, concerns and other problems can be addressed in a compassionate environment where everything can be voiced and no one feels alone.
Attention Deficit Disorder is a real concern for parents with children that excessively display the signs of the disorder. At a crucial developmental stage, this disorder can have lasting effects. It’s important to seek a mental health professional if the behavior is unmanageable.

Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis Explained

If you are curious about hypnotherapy and hypnosis, wondering how they work, this article will give you a basic understanding of the subject and enable you to decide whether it’s for you.
Hypnotherapy is an effective method of resolving some psychological problems and assists in personal development. As the term suggests, hypnotherapy is a combination of hypnosis and therapy. Hypnosis is used to induce relaxation and make the mind more receptive to therapeutic suggestion. It is not associated in any way with stage hypnosis which has different aims.

 Is Hypnotherapy for You?

People who choose hypnotherapy are seeking to change the way they feel, think, or behave. They may wish to lose weight, quit smoking, be more confident or perform better. They might want to develop particular personal qualities or change unhelpful patterns of behavior, which they see as necessary to move forward in life. If this strikes a chord, hypnotherapy may well be for you.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Having a clearly defined goal is the first stage in the process and provides the direction your therapy will take. If, for instance, your goal is to be more assertive it should include how you will feel, and the ways in which your life will be different, once you have achieved it.
Hypnotherapy can be used to overcome the blocks to achieving your goals, in a number of ways. It builds self confidence and esteem, can help you change limiting beliefs, and resolve underlying issues. The roots of any block lie beneath conscious awareness. Hypnosis enables access to the unconscious mind so therapy can be applied to the problem at this fundamental level.
The therapeutic process may involve direct or indirect suggestion, visualization or imagery, story-telling metaphor and a range of other techniques designed to bring about psychological change.
Hypnotherapy re-programs your mind and modifies feelings and behavior in alignment with your goals and wishes. The internal changes produced then need to be grounded in real-life situations for the process to be complete. If your goal was to lose weight, you will need to weigh and measure yourself, and buy smaller clothes to know how much lighter and slimmer you have become. If your goal was to overcome your flying phobia, you will need to experience a flight to know you are now a confident air traveler.

 What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness experienced as deep relaxation with a focused awareness. It is induced by shifting the activity of the brain from the left, more logical side, to the right side. Here the unconscious mind can be accessed, and creative solutions to problems sourced. This shift can be achieved in a number of different ways including the use of relaxing music, descriptive imagery, rhythmic phrasing, suggestion, or plays on words to induce the hypnotic state.
While you are in hypnosis you may have useful insights or recognize truths which help you change in the way you desire. However, healing can take place and problems be resolved without you being aware of such processes.

How is Hypnotherapy Delivered?

There are three ways to receive hypnotherapy. You can visit a qualified therapist who tailors the therapy to your individual and specific needs. You can buy and listen to hypnotherapy audio recordings which deal with your particular problem. The therapy content is necessarily generalized to suit the majority of users, but it can still be effective. You can also learn self hypnosis and apply your own therapy.

Will it work for You?

Hypnotherapy has much to offer as a tool for healing and personal development. If you have a clear goal, are motivated to change and willing to try something new, you have the ideal conditions for it to work for you. This may be the life-changing catalyst you are looking for. You may also search out hypnotherapy courses that you can take from a qualified provider of education.

The Role of The Legal Nurse Consultant

Whenever some medical-related litigation cases occur, it is often the job of the legal nurse consultant to work hand in hand with attorneys to be able to review and evaluate the case. They usually deal with medical and nursing malpractice, personal injuries or almost any medically-related case which calls for a sufficient medical knowledge from the field. But before anything else, perhaps you might be wondering what these legal nurse consultants are and what they tend to do for a living. To provide insight into their practice, let us take some time to understand this practice specialty.
A legal nurse consultant is a registered nurse and will be the one to perform such tasks as critical analysis of clinical and administrative practice and deal with any other healthcare issues. They act as the bridge between the medical and legal system. They often possess professional insight in both health and medical aspects and legal guidelines at the same time. However, you have to take note that these consultants are nursing experts and not merely paralegals. That is, they specialize more on the field of nursing and health care and are often considered to be experts in these fields.

 What are the roles of a legal nurse consultant?

There are indeed a lot of important roles of the legal nurse consultant. To provide you with a deeper understanding of the various important roles that a legal nurse consultant plays, let us review them.

1. Reviewing and Researching Medical Records

Medical records are among the most important things to consider in any medical-related case. As legal nurse consultants, it is their responsibility to review and research medical records which are relevant to the case. This will help in determining the type of medical negligence as well as to identify any medical records which might possibly have been missing or else tampered. The medical records in turn will also provide the legal nurse consultant additional knowledge regarding the type of service being provided to the client. They will often develop time-lines for the incident of care in question so that attorneys may better understand the process of care and determine issues of negligence.

2. Investigation and Thorough Analysis of the Case

It is very vital for a legal nurse consultant to make several investigations and analysis of a particular case. Being a case investigator, there are in fact a lot of services which a legal nurse consulting should be able to provide to his/her clients. These may include such services as the investigation of any fraud within the government funded agencies and also researching whether or not the victim is applicable for compensation and claims. They particularly focus on standards of care related to the case they are working on. They provide expert analysis on defining the appropriate standards of care and assisting the legal team to identify the types of testifying experts to call into the case for deposition and trial testimony to support allegations of deviations from standards of care.

3. Expert Witness Testimony

Attorneys frequently hire legal nurse consultants to provide actual expert witness testimony. In such cases, the legal nurse will provide a deposition and actually testimony in trials. In these cases, the legal nurse may only testify to deviations from standards of nursing practice and not issues of medical standards of care. They may be retained to provide testimony for either defendants or plaintiffs. Their testimony can be invaluable to the outcomes of such cases.

4. Deposition and Trial Consultant

It will be somewhat challenging for an expert attorney doing all of the tasks themselves regarding a particular case. That is why retaining a legal nurse consultant can be extremely beneficial. Legal nurses assist in the preparation of depositions for trial. They assist attorneys in developing appropriate questions to ask in depositions related to the medical and/or nursing aspects of the case. They are frequently seen with the attorney’s team in the court room during a malpractice or personal injury trial.

5. Research and Education

One of the primary roles of the legal nurse is to conduct extensive research for the legal team. Along with this role they also function as primary educators for the legal team. They will review and study many sources of standards of care and then educate the team on how the standards related to the case in question. They teach the legal team the meaning of important medical terms related to the case as well. The legal nurse is the health care expert on the team and her/his knowledge and research and teaching abilities are central to the legal team pursuing a litigation or a defense.

Where do they Practice?

There are many areas that legal nurse consultants practice in today. Some include the following:
In their own practices as independent contractors
In legal firms
In hospital risk management departments
In personal injury and malpractice insurance organizations
In nursing education and staff development
In government agencies
In firms specializing in trial consulting
In legal research departments
The role of the legal nurse consultant isn’t just an ordinary practice. It is a high-level practice that merges the legal world with the health care world. Over the years more and more registered nurses are choosing to enter this specialty practice. While the stress in this position is very high, the rewards and economic benefits can be excellent. Do you want more comprehensive  information about legal nurse consulting? Access here

CASE MANAGEMENT in NURSING

Case Management in nursing is an evolving practice specialty. The role of nurses in case management is to supervise and coordinate healthcare for patients with long-term illnesses. Such patients require long-term therapy and careful planning of all aspects of treatment. For instance if there is a patient suffering from cancer , the nurse who is assigned the role of the nurse case manager must arrange for doctor’s appointment, drugs, radiation, surgery or chemotherapy. A nurse case manager usually works in a specific practice specialty such as cancer, pediatric or cardiovascular disease.
Among the goals of case management nursing is to coordinate the care of patients. Since there are other specialists involved such as therapists, surgeons and other doctors, a nurse in case management will coordinate and keep the records of all their activity while updating the patient accordingly on the progress. According to the health problem at hand, the nurse can also decide what the other specialists should examine the patient so that there is collaboration of efforts by all. The nurse also ensures that all the procedures performed on a patient are at the highest level, increasing the chances of the expected outcome. In so doing, all the resources are used efficiently without any wasted or over usage of care resources.

Case Management in Nursing

The role of the nurse in case management can be defined in 3 basic ways, or a combination of any, according to the individual hospital setting as follows:

Quality Management

In larger hospitals, this aspect of quality management may be separated from the normal case management. The nurse is assigned the role of ensuring that all the services provided are of high standards. In smaller hospitals though, the finances may not allow for separation of duties and the case management nurse does all the work involved. The nurse is responsible for the general quality of health care being delivered, and can also assist in the risk management office when legal matters arise during a patient’s treatment.

Utilization Review

This type of case managers review different elements of the various hospital systems, guided by the terms of the hospital or the insurance company that is in charge. Prompt service delivery as well as adequate and safe utilization of the service is also a responsibility under this docket. The nurse is specially of essence in relation to insurance, because he/she approves and certifies acute and non-acute admissions. This information is then passed on to the insurance company under which the patient is covered. The nurse uses what is known as ‘InterQual Criteria’ which is a standardized method of identifying diagnoses, probable complications, procedures required and the timelines during which to account for a shifting diagnoses.
The Utilization Review nurse coordinates with the quality manager physician to administer high quality services to the patient. For instance if the patient has improved and no longer needs acute care, the nurse can consult the QM physician to see if the patient can be transferred to outpatient care or other suitable services. Before making a decision, the physician will review the patient’s chart, current situation and discharge plan. If in agreement the recovering patient can be moved to a lower level of care. To qualify for a post of Utilization Review Manager nurse, a three-year experience in  an acute hospital setting is advisable.

Discharge Planning

The role of this nurse in case management is to coordinates all the elements of admission or discharge of a patient. According to the InterQual Criteria, this nurse deals with the high risk patients with chronic diagnoses such as complicated pneumonia or stroke. The nurse combines all the available social and financial services to come up with a viable and safe discharge plan. A discharge planning nurse can cover up to forty patients at a time depending on the individual hospital policy. It is ideal however to have no more than twenty patients. Past experience together with assessment abilities are used to review the patients current situation, medical history and family support before formulating a discharge plan. A discharge planner should be familiar with Medicare guidelines, InterQual Criteria as well as fees for service items that enable a patient to be given a different level of care. These are some of the important things that should be known.
Nursing case management is a growing practice specialty. Many registered nurses are taking advanced case and care management programs to increase their knowledge and skills to practice in this area. As health care continues to reform, we will see this nursing specialty increase in demand and in importance.

Holistic Nursing

Holistic nursing is a type of nursing in which the care and wellness of the patient as a whole being is provided. This means that the nurse will provide healing for the full body and not just one part that regular nurses may attend too. This type of nursing encompasses the full body and all of its functions including the body, mind, spirit, relationship and environment. A holistic nurse is an instrument of healing for the patient and they will ensure that the patient is being treated from all aspects including the inner and outer body. The mind and spirit will also play a large part in the therapeutic healing that a holistic nurse will provide.
Holistic nursing has been around for many years but was first recognized as a valid nursing practice in 2006 by the American Nursing Association. The training for a holistic nurse is similar to that of a regular registered nurse in addition to having training of other types of therapies that may be experimental. These can include several types of complimentary alternative modalities such as acupuncture and aromatherapy. The training of this type of nurse will also involve understanding the connectedness of the body, mind, spirit and environment and it’s effects on a patient’s health and well being.

 Holistic Nursing and the Body-Mind Connection

One of the most important aspects of being a holistic nurse is understanding your patient and the way that their body and mind interact with each other. This is one of the most important aspects of understanding what types of treatments will best work for the patient. They will also ensure that the basic care and medical procedures are completed and used to ensure that the patient is receiving the best care and attention that they need in addition to offering healing and care for the mind and consciousness. It is a well documented fact that healing and health is entwined and an important part of the healing process is believing that the treatments in which you are receiving will work for you. This is why a holistic nurse takes the time to get to know her patient’s body, mind and soul. They will use many alternative therapies in a patient’s care like the use of water therapy.
Nearly all types of patients and diseases can benefit from the care of a holistic nurse. They take the level of care and attention to their patients back to the first days of medicine. They offer the attention and understanding that a lot of doctors these days do not have. They also provide the patient with someone that understands what they are going through and is there to lend a calming hand to them during the treatments that they are receiving. Holistic nursing is available for all types of patients including children and the elderly.
But it is not all alternative therapies and understanding that this type of nurse provides. They also understand and administer all the normal aspects that a registered nurse would do for a patient. The level of care that they provide is half alternative methods such as water therapy and understanding the patients needs and half approved medical care such as setting bones and taking vitals and updating patients charts. There is a balance of medical and alternative methods that you will receive from this type of nurse and they are on the same level as receiving care from a registered nurse. They just provide some added alternative therapies like acupuncture that may also aid in the wellness of a patient. Some of the more common therapies that they will use are massage, water therapy, acupuncture, meditation, relation and exercise therapies.

Integrative Care

Providing both medical care and alternative therapies for patients makes the job of a holistic nurse the overall best type of care for any patient. No matter if the disease is new or in a well advanced stage the level of care that is provided will help to calm the patient and keep the spirit of the patient intact. This is one of the most important parts of being a holistic nurse. A holistic nurse not only treats the body but also treats the mind and the consciousness by offering other ways to administer medicine and care to their patients.
If you are thinking about becoming a holistic nurse it is important that you understand to be successful it is vital that you have the right mindset. This will include high levels of patience, understanding, a great bedside manner, and great organization and critical thinking skills. To learn more about holistic nursing, click here.

Substance Abuse Addictions Counseling

Prescription drugs when misused can cause serious addiction problems.  Please also review AIHCP's Substance Abuse Counseling CertificationThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Substance Abuse Addiction Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Stress Management Consulting

Companies need to help employees succeed with better stress management in mind.  Stress kills output and companies should seek to limit stress as much as possible for their employees

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Stress Management Consulting. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Spiritual Counseling

pray togetherThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Spiritual Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Pet Loss Grief Support

Children need help grieving pets.  Please also review AIHCP's Pet Loss Grief Support

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Pet Loss Grief Support. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Pastoral Thanatology

Palliative Care addresses serious illness at any phase.  Please also review our Pastoral Thanatology Program and see if it matches your professional goalsThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Pastoral Thanatology. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Nurse Patient Educator

young african nurse helping senior woman with medical formThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Nurse Patient Educator. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Meditation Instruction

Consider becoming a certified Meditation Instructor and bring the health and benefits of meditation to multiple clientsThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Meditation Instruction. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

American College of Legal Nurse Consulting

Nure next to a scale and gavelThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Legal Nurse Consulting. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

American College of Hypnotherapy

two heads full of gearsThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Hypnotherapy. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Holistic and Integrative Health Care

Please also review our Holistic Nursing Certification for nurses and see if it meets your goals and needs

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Holistic and Integrative Health and Nursing Care. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Health Care News

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the latest health care news from around the world. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Health Care Life Coaching

Wellness goals can be reached with life coaching help. Please also review our Healthcare life coach programThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Health Care Life Coaching. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

American Academy of Grief Counseling and Program in Grief Counseling

Prolonged Grief Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are different but closely related.  Please also review AIHCP's Grief Counseling CertificationProgram in Grief Counseling

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Grief Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

In the meantime, please review our program in Grief Counseling and see if it matches your educational and academic needs.

Practice of Grief Christian Counseling Blog

Practice of Christian Grief Counseling Blog

Many church candles in yellow transparent chandeliers

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Christian Grief Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

American Institute of Funeral Service Associates

Grieving and funerals during COVID face challenges for the bereaved to properly express themselves. Please also review our Funeral Associate CertificationThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of funeral servicesOur blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Forensic Nursing Specialty Practice

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Forensic Nursing. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

 

Crisis Intervention Counseling

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Crisis Intervention Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Trying to recover from PTSD can be delayed over distortions about the event. Licensed counselors through Cognitive Restructuring can help individuals find the truth to move forward. Please also review AIHCP's Crisis Intervention Program

 

Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Education Program

lonely sad girl on the dark beach

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Education Program. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

To become certified by the Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Education Program, one needs to take the core courses.  Those qualified can become certified. Certification lasts three years and must be renewed.

Also keep in mind, the program is for certified grief counselors who wish to make child grief a specialty area.

American Academy of Case Management

Nurse Discussing Records With Senior Female Patient During Home VisitThank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Case ManagementOur blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Attention Deficit Consulting

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Attention Deficit Consulting. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Christian Spiritual Counseling

Christian Spiritual Counseling Program

Thank you for visiting our AIHCP web blog. This category of the blog focuses on the specialty practice of Christian Spiritual Counseling. Our blog provides our visitors and professional members and students an ever expanding platform for related articles, information, discussions, event announcements and much more. We invite your participation by posting comments, information, sharing and authoring for our blog. Please visit us often and be sure to book mark us!

Christian Spiritual Counseling is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on Christian morals and theology to handle personal problems.  The Bible and Christ are the sources to this type of counseling.

To become certified in Christian Spiritual Counseling at AIHCP, one must be qualified as a minister, in ministry, or have the proper academic background.  After completion of the courses, one can become certified.

In the meantime, if you have any questions please let us know.  Enjoy the blog!

Children and Pet Loss

Pet loss is painful for anyone but it can be especially confusing and painful for children.  Children have different levels of understanding regarding death and it is important to relay to children the reality of death in a straight forward but sensitive way.  Hiding the death, or trying to shield the child from the reality of death is not a good way to help the child process the loss.  Instead it is important to share with the child what occurred and the how to properly grieve the loss.

For many children, the loss of a pet is their first experience with death. Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification

 

Losing a pet can sometimes be a child’s first experience with death.  Whether simply a goldfish, it can provide an excellent learning opportunity.  While more painful, losing a cat or dog, it can equally help the child understand the reality of life and death.  The article, “Talking with Kids About the Loss of a Pet” by Hilary Lebow looks at ways to help children better cope with the death of a pet.  She states,

“Each child processes grief differently. Though it’s painful, the loss of a pet can be an important opportunity to help children learn how to handle difficult experiences. A combination of talking about the death and closure activities can help you and your child heal.”

“Talking with Kids About the Loss of a Pet”. Hilary Lebow. May 18th, 2022. PsychCentral

To review the entire article, please click here

Understanding children’s perception of death

Before discussing pet loss with your child, it’s important to understand their perception of death. Children, especially young ones, may not fully understand the finality of death. They may not realize that their pet will never come back, or they may not understand that death is permanent. It’s important to be patient and understanding when talking to your child about death, and to use age-appropriate language that they can understand.

It’s also important to note that children may have different reactions to death depending on their age, personality, and previous experiences with loss. Some children may become sad or tearful, while others may be confused or angry. It’s important to be prepared for a range of emotions and reactions from your child, and to offer them support and understanding throughout the process.

Honesty is the best policy: How to talk to your child about pet loss

When explaining the death of a pet to your child, it’s important to be honest and straightforward. Use clear and simple language that your child can understand, and avoid using euphemisms such as “put to sleep” or “passed away”. While these phrases may seem gentler, they can also be confusing for children and may lead to misunderstandings about death.  Sometimes saying a pet went away is not enough information because the child has a difficult time understanding why the pet cannot come back.  This is why helping children realize that death is a permanent state is important in helping the child cope with the loss properly.

 

Honesty is the best policy when discussing pet death with a child

 

In many cases, the loss of a pet is the first experience of death for a child.  Whether it is a simple fish or as difficult as losing the family dog, the event is a learning experience for the child.

It’s also important to give your child the opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused, and that you are there to support them through the process. Encourage them to talk about their memories of the pet, and to share any thoughts or feelings they may be having.

Explaining death in an age-appropriate way

When discussing pet loss with your child, it’s important to use age-appropriate language and explanations. Younger children may not understand the concept of death, and may need simpler explanations such as “Fluffy’s body stopped working and she can’t come back”. Older children may have a better understanding of death, and may benefit from more detailed explanations about the body and how it works.

It’s also important to be prepared for questions that your child may have about death and dying. They may ask about what happens to the body after death, or about what death feels like. Be honest and open with your child, and answer their questions to the best of your ability.

Dealing with grief: Coping mechanisms for children

After the death of a pet, children may experience a range of emotions including sadness, anger, and guilt. It’s important to offer them support and understanding during this time, and to help them find healthy coping mechanisms to deal with their grief.

Encourage your child to express their feelings through writing, drawing, or talking to someone they trust. You may also want to consider seeking out support groups or counseling services for children who are struggling with grief.

The role of rituals and memorializing in the grieving process

Rituals and memorializing can play an important role in helping children cope with the loss of a pet. This can include creating a memorial or tribute to the pet, such as a photo album or a special piece of art. You may also want to consider holding a funeral or memorial service for the pet, where your child can say goodbye and share their memories with others.

Helping your child understand the cycle of life and death

One way to help your child cope with pet loss is to help them understand the cycle of life and death. Talk to them about how all living things have a beginning, middle, and end, and how death is a natural part of life. You may also want to talk to them about the concept of an afterlife, and about how their pet may still be with them in spirit.

Supporting your child through the grieving process

As your child works through their grief, it’s important to continue to offer them love and support. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and memories, and to express themselves in healthy ways. Offer them comfort and reassurance, and let them know that you are there for them no matter what.

When to seek professional help

While grief is a natural part of the grieving process, some children may struggle with it more than others. If your child is experiencing severe or prolonged grief, or if they are having difficulty functioning in their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A counselor or therapist can help your child work through their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Those with certification specialties in Pet Loss Grief Support can play roles in helping one better cope with the loss of a pet.

Conclusion: Remembering and honoring the life of your beloved pet

Honoring and remembering the pet will help the child cope and grieve is his own way and help him commemorate and remember the life of the pet in a positive manner

 

Losing a pet can be a difficult experience for both children and adults. However, by being honest and supportive with your child, you can help them understand and cope with the experience. Remember to use age-appropriate language and explanations, encourage your child to express their feelings, and offer them comfort and support throughout the grieving process. And most importantly, remember to honor and remember the life of your beloved pet, and the joy and love they brought to your family.

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

Additional Resources

“How to cope with the death of your pet”. The Humane Society of the United States.  Access here

“An Age-by-Age Guide to Explaining the Death of a Pet to Children”. Rachel Sokol. April 23rd, 2023. Family Education.  Access here

“6 Family Friendly Ways to Help Kids Grieve After Pet Loss”. Meredith Gordon Resnick L.C.S.W.  July 9th, 2015. Psychology Today.  Access here

“When a Pet Dies, Helping Children Through the ‘Worst Day of Their Lives’”. Juli Fraga.  June 8th, 2017.  The New York Times.  Access here

The Four Temperamants and Anger

Temperaments dictate a person’s personality and also how they interact with other individuals.  Temperaments can be dominant, passive, outgoing, or more sensitive.  A person’s personality overall is far more broad than a temperament and includes many more types of traits.  Personalities are more likely to change over time while a temperament is far harder to alter.  Temperaments form at a young age and remain a constant.  Individuals can still alter their temperament, but this takes serious time and effort.

One’s temperament plays a key role in how one responds with anger. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification

 

A temperament also plays a large role with how one responds to anger and rage.   Individuals who are naturally more laid back obviously will control anger and emotion far greater than someone who is more dominant or emotional.  How temperaments affect one’s anger is key.  This is why it is essential for individuals to understand their own temperament to better regulate their own emotions.  Anger Management techniques emphasize understanding one’s own temperament to better access one’s proneness to rage.

The article, “Temperaments: Which of the 4 Types Are You?” by Toketemu Ohwovoriole looks at the four temperaments of choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic.  The article also helps one determine what temperament they may possess.  Ultimately, since human beings are so unique, they may have different temperament traits intermixed with one temperament the more dominant one and another far less manifested.  The article states,

“Human beings are diverse and complex individuals. No single person fits squarely under one particular type. However, you are likely to exhibit behaviors associated with one style primarily; this could be referred to as your dominant temperament. You may also have less prevalent behaviors that belong to other temperament types.  For instance, a person may exhibit behaviors that come across as moody, stoic, and reserved, which are characteristically melancholic but can also be dominant and assertive, which are characteristically choleric.”

“Temperaments: Which of the 4 Types Are You?”. Toketemu Ohwovoriole.  March 14th, 2023. Yahoo News.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

The concept of the four temperaments dates back to ancient Greece, where physicians and philosophers believed that our personality was determined by the balance of bodily fluids or “humors.” The four temperaments were named after these bodily fluids, which were blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. The theory was that an excess or deficiency of any of these fluids would result in a particular temperament.

Over time, the four temperaments evolved into a psychological concept that described our inherent characteristics. The four temperaments are sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Each temperament represents a unique set of traits and characteristics that influence our behavior, emotions, and social interactions.

History and Background of the Four Temperaments

The earliest known mention of the four temperaments was by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who described them in his medical works. He believed that our temperament was influenced by the balance of bodily fluids and that each temperament was associated with a particular bodily fluid. The four temperaments gained popularity during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where they were used to describe the characters in literature and art.

In the 20th century, the four temperaments gained a new interpretation through the works of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst. Jung believed that our temperament was determined by our innate psychological preferences, such as the way we perceive and process information. He also developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a tool that helps individuals identify their psychological preferences and personality type.

Understanding the Four Temperaments

Sanguine Temperament

The sanguine temperament is associated with the bodily fluid blood and is characterized by a lively and outgoing personality. Sanguine individuals are sociable, talkative, and optimistic. They enjoy being around people and are excellent at making new friends. They are also creative, imaginative, and have a good sense of humor.

However, sanguine individuals can also be impulsive, disorganized, and have difficulty focusing on tasks. They may struggle with deadlines and may have difficulty following through on commitments.

Choleric Temperament

The choleric temperament is associated with the bodily fluid yellow bile and is characterized by a driven and goal-oriented personality. Choleric individuals are confident, assertive, and decisive. They are natural leaders and are excellent at making quick decisions. They are also ambitious, competitive, and enjoy taking risks.

A choleric temperament is more prone to impatience and frustration.

 

However, choleric individuals can also be impatient, argumentative, and may struggle with anger and frustration. They may have difficulty listening to others and may come across as insensitive.

Melancholic Temperament

The melancholic temperament is associated with the bodily fluid black bile and is characterized by a sensitive and introspective personality. Melancholic individuals are analytical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. They are excellent at problem-solving and can see things from multiple perspectives. They are also empathetic, compassionate, and have a deep understanding of human emotions.

However, melancholic individuals can also be moody, anxious, and may struggle with self-doubt. They may have difficulty making decisions and may experience analysis paralysis.

Phlegmatic Temperament

The phlegmatic temperament is associated with the bodily fluid phlegm and is characterized by a calm and peaceful personality. Phlegmatic individuals are easy-going, relaxed, and have a laid-back attitude. They are excellent at maintaining social harmony and avoiding conflict. They are also patient, empathetic, and have a good sense of humor.

However, phlegmatic individuals can also be indecisive, passive, and may struggle with procrastination. They may have difficulty taking action and may need external motivation to get things done.

Discovering Your Temperament

Understanding your temperament is essential for personal growth and development. There are several assessments and tools available that can help you identify your temperament type. One of the most popular tools is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on their preferences for perceiving and judging information.

To better manage one’s anger, it is key to know one’s dominant or primary temperament

 

Other tools include the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, which categorizes individuals into four temperament types based on their communication and social styles, and the Enneagram, which categorizes individuals into nine personality types based on their core motivations and fears.  In discovering one’s temperament, one can better access how anger plays a role in one’s life.

Applying Knowledge of Your Temperament in Personal and Professional Settings

Once you have identified your temperament type, you can use this knowledge to improve your personal and professional relationships. For example, if you are a sanguine individual, you may need to work on your organizational skills and focus to improve your productivity. If you are a choleric individual, you may need to work on your listening skills and emotional intelligence to improve your interpersonal relationships.

In the workplace, understanding your temperament can help you communicate effectively with your colleagues and improve your teamwork skills. For example, if you are a phlegmatic individual, you may be an excellent mediator and peacemaker in conflict resolution situations.

Conclusion – Embracing Your Unique Temperament for Personal Growth and Success

In conclusion, understanding your temperament is essential for personal growth and success. By identifying your temperament type, you can gain insight into your personality, behavior, and social interactions. You can use this knowledge to improve your personal and professional relationships and achieve your goals. Embrace your unique temperament and use it as a tool for self-improvement and personal growth.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consultant Certification program to help others learn how to better manage their own anger

 

Anger is a natural emotion.  Those who are more prone to it through their temperament need to be aware of this.  Through awareness of temperament, individuals can better manage themselves and anger.  Knowing thyself is always key!

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to help others manage their anger.

Additional Resources

“Is There an Angry Personality?”. Steven Stosney, PhD. November 30th, 2020.  Psychology Today.  Access here

“Anger and the Four Personality Type Strategies”. Gina Barreca. 16Personalites.  Access here

“Anger Issues: Nature vs Nurture–Why Does it Matter?”. Bernard Golden. October 8th, 2018.

“Why Am I So Angry?”. Erica Cirino. March 30th, 2023. HealthLine.  Access here

 

Christian Counseling and Qualities of a Christian Marriage

God created marriage as a bond between man and woman.   He blessed the ideal in Eden with Adam and Eve and Jesus Christ further blessed it at Cana.  It is hence a sacred institution.  In marriage, the unity of the Trinity is reflected in the deep love between man and woman during the conjugal act with the creation of child; One love but three persons.   When marriage is defiled, then God’s plan is defiled.  Divorce, infidelity and disrespect of spouses degrade and reject the Divine plan of love found in the sacred vow.

Maintaining a healthy relationship that includes mutual respect is necessary for a healthy marriage.  The sacred vocation and vow requires effort and respect on part of both the husband and wife.  Yet like all relationships, a life long commitment can be difficult especially in modern society and its throw away mentality.  Instead of fixing things, modern society looks to replace.  Unfortunately, marriage is treated the same way.

Keeping something pure and maintaining it takes time, commitment and effort.  It is critical for spouses to work with each other as a team towards a common end but it also involves mutual respect and handling anger, crisis, division, loss, and pain.  The grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony fueled by the Holy Spirit can help couples reach this difficult goal but it takes prayer and a constant effort of consecrating one’s marriage to Christ.  Christian Counselors, Pastors, Marriage Counselors and other therapists can help guide couples to a long and fulfilling marriage but many couples need additional help in identifying issues and conflict resolution.  In identifying key aspects of a healthy relationship, the article, “Counseling Tips For A Healthy Relationship” by Henry Smith identifies four key elements.  Smith points out respect, encouragement, listening and goodness to each other as key points.  Regarding respect, he states,

“Respect between partners is an essential aspect of any healthy Christian marriage. Christian marriage counseling can provide valuable tips and advice on cultivating and maintaining respect. One important tip is always to consider each other’s feelings and emotions. Couples should open up lines of communication with one another, ask questions respectfully, be actively empathetic to each other’s points and perspectives, work together on issues, and trust each other’s judgment. ”

“Counseling Tips For A Healthy Relationship”. Henry Smith. March 22nd, 2023. TechBullion

To read the entire article, please click here

Obviously within Christian marriage, the first key is identifying the permanence of the institution.  Individuals who are prepared in Pre-Cana or other Church services in marriage preparation can help individuals cherish their vow and the sacred nature of it.  Secondly, Christian Counselors, Pastors and Marriage Counselors need to reinforce the illustration of Christ and the Church as a symbolic example of husband and wife.  The husband loves his wife, as Christ loves the Church, even unto death, and the wife is obedient and respectful to the husband, as the Church is to Christ.  With such a connection and mutual relationship, neither ever crosses any lines in regards to dominance, abuse, or ridicule.  This creates a perfect harmony.

The fruits of a good relationship are children, stability, good example, fostering of the faith and glorification of God through one’s vocation.  The union, even if children are never conceived, still provide the couple with intimacy, love, support and unity with each other.

One learns that all love, whether romantic, or that of family or friends is a love that is selfless.  Love is hence patient and giving and exists for the happiness of the other.  Love in marriage is no different.  Love never fades but remains a constant.  In looking to fulfill a more perfect marriage, couples need to look no farther than the love of St Joseph and Holy Mary.  The Holy Family is the perfect example of love.  St Joseph remains a role model for all husbands and fathers and Holy Mary remains a role model for all wives and mothers.

The Holy Family remains the paradigm of Christian Marriage. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

 

Characteristics of a Healthy Christian Marriage

A healthy Christian marriage is characterized by several key traits that are essential for building a strong and lasting relationship. These include:

Prayer

Couples need to pray together and put their relationship in the hands of Jesus and Mary and Joseph

 

A family that prayers together, stays together.  Families and marriages that center around prayer, mass or church, or prayer before meals, strengthen the family together. It further protects the family from secular and demonic sources that will look to tear the family apart.  The family as the building block of society is crucial to society’s success.  Fostering the laws of God and a prayerful life and sending that message out to the world is one of the primary vocations within marriage.   This is how the family itself becomes a discipleship and church within its own right.  Hence families that have a strong devotion to God and pray together and create great change for the world and share Christ with it.

Trust

Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and Christian marriage is no exception. A husband and wife should be able to trust each other completely, knowing that they are committed to each other and to God.

Communication

Effective communication is essential for building intimacy, resolving conflicts, and making important decisions together. Husbands and wives should be able to communicate openly and honestly with each other, expressing their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and loving manner.

Respect

Mutual respect is crucial for maintaining a healthy Christian marriage. Husbands and wives should treat each other with dignity, honor, and kindness, recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses and valuing each other’s opinions and perspectives.

Love

Love is the hallmark of a healthy Christian marriage. Husbands and wives should show love to each other in tangible ways, such as acts of service, quality time, and physical affection. They should also be committed to loving each other unconditionally, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.

Communication in a Christian Marriage

Communication and intimacy are crucial to a Christian marriage

 

Communication is one of the most critical aspects of a healthy Christian marriage. Effective communication involves more than just talking and listening. It requires a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives, feelings, and needs, and a commitment to resolving conflicts in a loving and respectful manner.

One of the keys to effective communication in a Christian marriage is to create a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel heard and valued. This involves setting aside time for regular communication, listening attentively to each other, and avoiding criticism and defensiveness.

Another essential aspect of communication in a Christian marriage is prayer. Praying together can deepen intimacy, foster spiritual growth, and provide a sense of unity and purpose. It is also an opportunity to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in the decisions and challenges of life.

Financial Management in a Christian Marriage

Financial management is another critical aspect of a healthy Christian marriage. Money can be a significant source of conflict and stress in any relationship, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and stewardship.

One of the keys to financial management in a Christian marriage is to establish a shared vision and goals for money. This involves setting a budget, saving for the future, and giving generously to others. It also involves being transparent and accountable with each other about finances, avoiding debt, and making wise investments.

Another essential aspect of financial management in a Christian marriage is to seek God’s guidance and provision. Trusting in God’s provision can help reduce anxiety and stress about money and free up resources for more meaningful pursuits.

Conflict Resolution in a Christian Marriage

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, including Christian marriage. However, how couples handle conflict can make all the difference in the health and longevity of their relationship.

One of the keys to conflict resolution in a Christian marriage is to approach conflicts with a spirit of humility and grace. This involves seeking to understand each other’s perspectives, acknowledging each other’s feelings, and working together to find a solution that honors God and each other.

Another essential aspect of conflict resolution in a Christian marriage is forgiveness. Forgiveness involves letting go of past hurts, extending grace to each other, and seeking reconciliation and restoration. It is a powerful tool for healing and strengthening relationships.

Intimacy in a Christian Marriage

Intimacy is a vital aspect of a healthy Christian marriage. It involves more than just physical intimacy but also emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intimacy. Intimacy is a gift from God that is intended to be enjoyed and celebrated within the context of marriage.

One of the keys to intimacy in a Christian marriage is to prioritize time together. This involves setting aside time for regular date nights, weekend getaways, and other activities that promote closeness and connection.

Another essential aspect of intimacy in a Christian marriage is to be intentional about meeting each other’s needs. This involves being attentive to each other’s love languages, expressing physical affection, and creating a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel valued and cherished.

Roles and Responsibilities in a Christian Marriage

Roles and responsibilities are an essential aspect of a healthy Christian marriage. They provide structure, order, and clarity to the relationship and help each partner to fulfill their God-given purpose and calling.

One of the keys to roles and responsibilities in a Christian marriage is to understand and embrace each other’s unique strengths and gifts. This involves recognizing and respecting each other’s differences and working together to achieve common goals.

Another essential aspect of roles and responsibilities in a Christian marriage is to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Praying together, studying God’s Word, and seeking the counsel of wise mentors can help couples discern their roles and responsibilities and fulfill them with joy and purpose.

Challenges and Solutions in a Christian Marriage

Marriage is permanent and a sacred vow before God. Christian marriage must emulate the Trinity in love

 

Christian marriage is not without its challenges. Couples may face a variety of issues, such as infidelity, addiction, infertility, and conflict with in-laws. However, with God’s help, these challenges can be overcome, and the marriage can become even stronger and more beautiful.

One of the keys to overcoming challenges in a Christian marriage is to seek God’s guidance and provision. Prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers can provide comfort, wisdom, and support during difficult times.

Another essential aspect of overcoming challenges in a Christian marriage is to seek professional help when needed. Christian counselors, pastors, and mentors can provide guidance, accountability, and practical tools for addressing specific issues and building a stronger marriage.

Conclusion: Striving for a Healthy and Godly Christian Marriage

In conclusion, a healthy Christian marriage is a beautiful and powerful testimony to God’s love and grace. It is built on a foundation of trust, communication, respect, and love, and reflects the image of Christ and the church. By following biblical principles and seeking God’s guidance, couples can build a marriage that honors God and fulfills their purpose and calling. May we all strive for healthy and godly Christian marriages that bring glory to God and bless our families and communities.

Christian Counselors can  help couples find solutions and joy in their marriage.  Christian Counselors usually are pastors or spiritual directors with an understanding of applying Christian and Biblical principles to real world problems.  Christian Counselors can hence bring God back into someone’s marriage.  Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification 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 Christian Counselor.

Additional Resources

“The 7 Commandments of Christian Marriage”. Ron Edmondson.  March 20th, 2019.  Crosswalk.  Access here

“7 Important Responsibilities of a Christian Wife”. Lesli White. Beliefnet. Access here

“7 Marks of a Godly Husband”. Lesli White. Beliefnet. Access here

“Practical and Biblical Christian Marriage Advice”. Mary Fairchild.  April 29th, 2019. Learn Religions.  Access here

Abuse In Relationships

Abuse occurs in relationships too commonly.   Physical abuse receives the most recognition due to the danger to women, but abuse in relationships occur mentally and emotionally as well.  Both genders are equal culprits in how they treat their significant other.  Emotional abuse goes unnoticed for many years and can add a mental price on the other person.  It is important to identify mental abuse and find solutions to end it via better boundaries, counseling or leaving the situation.  Of course if physical abuse occurs, it is critical to remove oneself immediately, find help or call the police.

Abuse in relationships can be physical and emotional. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification

 

AIHCP also offers an Anger Management Certification for qualified professionals seeking to help others deal and cope with anger.  The Anger Management Program is online and independent study.  If interested, then please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The video below looks at anger and abuse in relationships and how to identity it but also looks into why abusers abuse both emotionally and physically.

Please review the video below

What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical Hypnotherapy plays a role in improving mental health.  Those with anxiety, depression, various phobias, or bad habits can all find help with hypnotherapy.   Clinical Hypnotherapy is considered an alternative therapy and can supplement ongoing treatments.   Most certified hypnotherapists are behavioral and mental healthcare professionals of some level and with certification in Hypnotherapy can offer professional and beneficial care to individuals seeking treatment.

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with a variety of mental issues. Please review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification

 

While hypnosis can sometimes be confused with stage hypnosis and a variety of Hollywood misconceptions, true clinical hypnotherapy remains a legitimate and alternative therapy for millions of individuals facing mental road blocks in life.   The article, “What Is Hypnotherapy? A Complete Guide to Hypnosis Therapy for Health” by Lauren Bedosky takes a comprehensive and closer look at hypnotherapy.  In her article, she looks at how hypnotherapy works and the many issues it can help treat.  She states,

“Entertainment media often paints hypnosis as a magic trick where a hypnotist controls a person and puts them into a trance. But hypnosis is not just for fun. In fact, it’s a major component of hypnotherapy, a form of psychological therapy that may help reprogram the mind and is a complementary approach sometimes used to support the treatment of a myriad of health conditions. Let’s dive into what hypnotherapy is, how it works, and its potential risks.”

“What Is Hypnotherapy? A Complete Guide to Hypnosis Therapy for Health”. Lauren Bedosky. May 22nd, 2023. Everyday Health.

To read the entire article, please click here

 

What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help individuals overcome various issues and challenges. During a hypnotherapy session, the individual is guided into a trance-like state where they are more open and receptive to suggestion. This trance-like state is achieved through relaxation techniques and focused attention.

It is important to note that hypnosis is not a form of mind control and individuals cannot be forced to do anything against their will. Hypnosis is simply a tool that can be used to access the subconscious mind and help individuals make positive changes in their lives.

Understanding the Science behind Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been used for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that researchers began to study the science behind it. Studies have shown that during a hypnotic trance, the brain experiences changes in activity and blood flow. The brainwaves slow down, and the individual enters a state of deep relaxation.

In this state, the subconscious mind is more accessible, and individuals are more open to suggestion. This is why hypnosis can be so effective in helping individuals overcome various issues such as anxiety, phobias, and addictions.

Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy can provide a wide range of benefits, including:

1. Overcoming Anxiety and Stress

One of the most common reasons individuals seek out hypnotherapy is to overcome anxiety and stress. Hypnosis can help individuals achieve a state of deep relaxation, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

2. Breaking Bad Habits

Hypnosis can also be effective in helping individuals break bad habits such as smoking, overeating, and nail-biting. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help individuals identify the root cause of their habits and make positive changes.

3. Improving Sleep

Hypnosis can also help individuals improve their sleep by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. By achieving a state of deep relaxation, individuals are more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

How Clinical Hypnotherapy Works

During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist will guide the individual into a state of deep relaxation. Once the individual is in a trance-like state, the hypnotherapist will provide suggestions to the subconscious mind.

Clinical Hypnotherapy is very different than the perceived Hollywood version of stage hypnosis

 

These suggestions can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and can help them overcome various issues and challenges. For example, if an individual is trying to quit smoking, the hypnotherapist may suggest that they no longer have a desire to smoke.

Common Misconceptions about Hypnotherapy

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding hypnotherapy. One of the most common misconceptions is that hypnosis is a form of mind control and that individuals can be forced to do things against their will.

However, this is simply not true. Hypnosis is a tool that can be used to access the subconscious mind, but individuals are always in control and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.

Choosing a Qualified Hypnotherapist

If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, it is important to choose a qualified and certified hypnotherapist. Look for a hypnotherapist who has completed a formal training program and has experience working with individuals who have similar issues and challenges.

It is also important to choose a hypnotherapist who makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, and it is important to work with someone who you trust and feel comfortable with.

Types of Clinical Hypnotherapy Sessions

There are several different types of clinical hypnotherapy sessions, including:

1. Traditional Hypnotherapy

Traditional hypnotherapy involves guiding the individual into a trance-like state and providing suggestions to the subconscious mind. This type of hypnotherapy can be effective in helping individuals overcome a wide range of issues and challenges.

2. Regression Hypnotherapy

Regression hypnotherapy involves guiding the individual into a trance-like state and taking them back to a specific memory or event from their past. This type of hypnotherapy can be effective in helping individuals overcome trauma and emotional blocks.

3. Parts Therapy

Parts therapy involves guiding the individual into a trance-like state and speaking directly to different parts of their subconscious mind. This type of hypnotherapy can be effective in helping individuals overcome internal conflicts and achieve inner peace.

What to Expect during a Hypnotherapy Session

During a hypnotherapy session, you can expect to be guided into a state of deep relaxation. You will be fully aware of your surroundings and in control at all times. The hypnotherapist will provide suggestions to your subconscious mind, and you may experience a range of sensations such as tingling, warmth, or heaviness.

After the session, you may feel relaxed and calm, and you may notice positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors over time.

Success Stories from Clinical Hypnotherapy

There is a high amount of success utilizing hypnotherapy. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification

 

Clinical hypnotherapy has helped countless individuals overcome various issues and challenges. Here are just a few success stories:

1. Overcoming Anxiety

One individual came to me struggling with severe anxiety. Through hypnotherapy, they were able to access the root cause of their anxiety and make positive changes in their life. They now feel more calm and confident in their daily life.

2. Quitting Smoking

Another individual came to me wanting to quit smoking. Through hypnotherapy, they were able to break their addiction and no longer have a desire to smoke. They feel healthier and more energized than ever before.

3. Improving Sleep

Finally, I worked with an individual who had been struggling with insomnia for years. Through hypnotherapy, they were able to achieve a state of deep relaxation and fall asleep more easily. They now wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

Conclusion

Clinical hypnotherapy is a powerful therapeutic technique that can help individuals overcome various issues and challenges. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help individuals make positive changes in their thoughts and behaviors. If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, be sure to choose a qualified and certified hypnotherapist who makes you feel comfortable and at ease. With the power of hypnosis, you can transform your life and achieve your goals.

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists can help individuals find peace from a variety of mental issues.  Ranging from anxiety to phobias to learning how to quit bad habits, certified hypnotherapists can help individuals find peace through non invasive and alternative ways.  AIHCP and the College of Clinical Hypnotherapy offer a four year Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification for qualified professionals.  The program is online and independent study and open to those seeking to help others through the power of hypnotherapy.  Please review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification and see if the program matches  your academic and professional needs.

 

Additional Resources
5 Potential Health Benefits of Hypnotherapy. Lauren Bedosky.  May 22nd, 2023. Everyday Health. Access here
“Hypnosis”. Cleveland Clinic.  April 1st, 2022. Access here
“Hypnosis”. Mayo Clinic.  Access here
“Is Hypnosis Therapy Real? Here’s How It Works”. Michelle Brooten Brooks.  March 23rd, 2022. VeryWellHealth. Access here

Sleep Meditation

Sleep is critical to success in life.   The necessity of the brain and body receiving the required hours of sleep can sometimes be forgotten in a fast paced world.  Deadlines, more work, squeezing things in late at night, and burning oneself out at “both ends of the candle” can lead to multiple issues.  Individuals who suffer from lack of sleep can encounter health issues and at work lose focus and concentration. In addition, lack of sleep is a big reason for accidents both behind the wheel and at work.

Sleep meditation can help individuals with insomnia and anxiety fall asleep

 

It is thus extremely important to find the right amount of sleep but many even when they try can find it difficult.  Individuals who suffer from insomnia or anxiety may have a very hard time falling asleep.  Hence Meditation is an excellent way to find sleep.  The article, “4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It” from HealthEssentials and the Cleveland Clinic takes a closer look at the importance of sleep and how different forms of sleep meditation can be utilized to aid in sleep.  The article states,

“Sleep meditation is a practice that helps prepare your body and mind for sleep. Especially if you have anxiety or insomnia, it can be hard to just jump into bed and fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. According to Dr. Young, stress, pain and anxiety are the most common factors that can interrupt our sleep and keep us awake at night.”

“4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It”. May 12th, 2023. HealthEssentials. Cleveland Clinic.

To read the full article, please click here

Among the sleep meditation forms suggested include gradual muscle relaxation, controlled breathing and visualization.   One is bound to discover one type of sleep meditation form to help and in addition there are other things that can enhance meditation through teas, herbs, or sounds.

 

Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries, but only recently has it gained mainstream popularity as a tool for improving sleep quality. Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on a single point, such as your breath, a word, or a sound. By focusing your attention, you can quiet your mind and reduce stress, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

How Meditation Can Improve Your Sleep Quality

Sleep meditation and focused breathing can help one find the sleep they need

 

There are several ways that meditation can improve your sleep quality. First, meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, which are two of the most common causes of sleep problems. When you meditate, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s relaxation response. This can help you feel more relaxed and calm, making it easier to fall asleep.

Second, meditation can improve the quality of your sleep. When you meditate, you increase the amount of slow-wave sleep you get, which is the deep, restorative sleep that your body needs to repair itself. Slow-wave sleep is also essential for memory consolidation, so getting enough of it can help improve your cognitive function.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of Meditation for Sleeping

Several studies have shown that meditation can improve sleep quality. In a 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that mindfulness meditation improved sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep disturbances. Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that meditation improved sleep quality in patients with insomnia.

Different Types of Meditation for Sleeping

There are several different types of meditation that can be helpful for improving sleep quality. One of the most popular types of meditation is mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Other types of meditation that can be helpful for sleep include body scan meditation, which involves focusing your attention on different parts of your body, and loving-kindness meditation, which involves focusing on feelings of love and compassion.

Tips for Beginners to Get Started with Meditation for Sleeping

If you’re new to meditation, getting started can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Start small. Begin with just a few minutes of meditation each day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend meditating.
  2. Find a quiet, comfortable space to meditate. This can be a spare room in your house, a park, or even your car.
  3. Use guided meditations. There are several apps and websites that offer guided meditations specifically for sleep.
  4. Be patient. Meditation is a skill that takes time to develop. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away.

How to Incorporate Meditation into Your Bedtime Routine

Please review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional needs

 

Incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Here are some tips for incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine:

  1. Meditate at the same time every night. This can help your body develop a sleep routine.
  2. Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.
  3. Try a body scan meditation. This can help you relax your body and prepare for sleep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Meditating for Sleeping

There are several common mistakes that people make when meditating for sleep. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  1. Trying too hard. Meditation is about relaxing, not trying to force yourself to fall asleep.
  2. Getting frustrated. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, don’t get frustrated. Instead, try focusing on your breath or a word.
  3. Giving up too soon. Meditation is a skill that takes time to develop. Don’t give up if you don’t see results right away.

Additional Tips to Improve Your Sleep Quality

In addition to meditation, there are several other things you can do to improve your sleep quality:

  1. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This can include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
  2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bed. These substances can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.
  3. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality.

Success Stories of People Who Have Improved Their Sleep Quality with Meditation

There are countless success stories of people who have improved their sleep quality with meditation. One woman, who had struggled with insomnia for years, started meditating before bed and found that she was able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Another man, who had been taking prescription sleep aids for years, started meditating and was able to wean himself off the medication.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Meditation for Sleeping and How to Get Started

Do not allow insomnia and anxiety to steal the sleep you need. Instead learn more about sleep meditation and see if it works for you

 

In conclusion, meditation is a powerful tool for improving sleep quality. By reducing stress and anxiety and improving the quality of your sleep, meditation can help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. If you’re new to meditation, start small and be patient. With time and practice, you’ll be able to unlock the power of meditation and improve your sleep quality for good.

Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor 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 Meditation.

 

 Additional Resources
“Why Is Sleep Important?”. NIH.  March 24th, 2022.  Access here
“Why sleep is important”. APA. October 2008.  Access here
“The Importance of Sleep”. Shamard Charles, MD. January 10th, 2021. VeryWellHealth. Access here
“3 Ways to Meditate for Better Sleep” Kirsten Nunez.  January 13th, 2020.  Healthline.  Access here
“Guided Sleep Meditation: How to Get Started”. Arlin Cuncic. September 21st, 2022. Access here

 

LGBTQ Diversity and Grief Video

Different minority groups share different social traumas and collective grief.  The LGBTQ community is no different in experiencing its own pain and suffering in the world.  The collective grief that is shared within the community when a night club is shot up not only resonates within their community but also causes trauma and fears of other hate crimes that can be perpetrated against them.

LGBTQ groups suffer a collective type of grief. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Diversity Certification

 

Individually, they face uphill battles within their families, churches and communities.  Many are discriminated against by family members or potential jobs.  Some lose parents or siblings over their identity.  Others face issues within their faith as moral questions take central stage.  Along with marriage rights and civil rights, the grief of having an alternative life style can be over bearing.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Diversity Certification.  The program is a sub certification for those already certified as Grief Counselors.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to better meet the diverse grief experienced by minority groups.

 

Please review the video below

The Christian Church Fathers

Christ stated that the Church would last till the end of time and that the gates of Hell would not prevail against it.  After the Apostles and early Disciples left their legacy and imprint upon Christianity with their own writings, most found in Scripture, and their own lives, Christianity struggled under persecution but later emerged as the official religion of the Roman Empire.  Various Councils were called that settled heretical disputes and Church Fathers answered the need of the people with concise writings and guidance.  These writings still are a great treasure within the deposit of faith and while not inspired like Scripture carry heavy weight and truth in the faith.

The Church Fathers defended and guided the faith. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

 

Christian Counselors have sources upon sources of spiritual writing on dogma, biblical exegesis , moral instruction and spiritual guidance from the Church Fathers.  The Church Fathers lived in the post apostolic periods in which Christianity suffered persecution in the 2nd Century , blossomed in the 4th Century and continued to grow through the early ecumenical councils of the Church.    Another term for the Early Church Fathers are the Apostolic Fathers.  These early bishops and leaders of Christianity were either young men at the time of the Apostles, or indirect students of the Apostles successors.  Many of these saints faced persecution at the hand of Pagan Rome.  The tradition of great Church Fathers continued at Nicaea where the Nicene Creed was formulated as a basis for the Christian faith.  The the Nicaean Fathers modified the Apostle Creed to further reinforce the orthodox teaching of Jesus’ divinity against the Arian Heresy.  From the 4th Century onward, great Church Fathers would emerge along side powerful early ecumenical councils that would form the identity of the Christian Church and preserve it from a multitude of errors ranging from Nestorianism to Monophysitism and other critical issues that plagued the early church during the ecumenical age.

These writings for the defense and explanation of the faith are a rich resource for priests, pastors, spiritual directors, pastoral caregivers and Christian counselors.  It is hence important to have some idea how to find these resources and know who these men were in relation to Church doctrine and Church history.  The study of the Church Fathers is referred to as Patristics and involves a mixture of history and theology that show the growth of the faith and its articulation of basic dogmas.  The seeds laid by the apostles were merely the beginning of the faith and the Church Father’s mission was to preserve but to also help grow the faith.  This involved reactions to their current times, both social and theological.  Many of the writings clarify teachings of the faith and defend it from heretical views regarding the nature of Jesus Christ and the titles of Mary, His mother.  Through their defenses and the coinciding councils, the faith grew and gave greater explanations about the dogmas that were handed down by the apostles.

The 8 Pillars and 2 Lungs of the Church

A person who is a Church Father must meet a few requirements. They must have lived within the first 8 centuries, wrote  orthodox writings, possessed sanctity and be approved by the Church.

From the extensive period of the 2nd Century to the 5th Century, 8 Church Fathers were given notable recognition by both the Catholic and Orthodox Church and are seen as the post apostolic pillars of the faith.  Their standing and defense of the faith leave them with the titles of Doctors of the Church and of course great defenders of the faith.  In the West, there is St Gregory the Great, St Augustine of Hippo, St Ambrose and St Jerome.  In the East, there is St Athanasius of Alexandria, St Gregory of Nazianzus, St Basil of Caesarea and St John Chrysostom.   All of these saints and Church Fathers played large roles in the early centuries in defining Christian doctrine against heresy and leading the Church in times of trouble and danger.

They clearly illustrate the 2 lungs of the Church, both Western and Eastern, and their importance transcends not only their geographical center but also the entirety of the Christian faith, both then and now.  For instance, Gregory the Great, was not only a Pontiff of the then unified Church, but also a defender of the city of Rome against barbarian invasions.  St Augustine, remains to this day as one of the greatest Christian writers revered in East and West, and Catholic and Protestant circles.  His work, the City of God, is a Christian classic and his defense against the heretic Pelagius helped maintain orthodoxy within Christianity regarding grace.  St Athanasius stands as fierce defender of Christ against Arianism and finally, St John Chrysostom is responsible for the beauty of the Eastern Liturgy.  St Jerome was responsible for the first translation of Scripture into the Latin language.

The Latin Fathers

In the West, including Augustine, Gregory, Ambrose and Jerome are the Latin Fathers who wrote in Latin.  Notable names include St Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, Tertullian, Cyprian of Carthage, and St Polycarp.  Both Ignatius and Polycarp are said to be disciples of St John the Apostle.  The Epistle of St Clement is the earliest epistle of any Church Father (96 A.D).

The Greek Fathers

St Athanasius defended the faith against Arianism

 

In the East, including Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil, Athanasius, and Chrysostom are the Fathers who wrote in Greek.  St Justin the Martyr, St Irenaeus of Lyons,  St. Clement of Alexandria, St Cyril of Alexandria, and Origen.

Utilizing these Sources in Christian Counseling

First of all, the lists above are only a sample of the many Fathers.  It is imperative that Christians not neglect these rich and powerful resources for their own spiritual renewal but also for a better understanding of the Christian faith and its dogmas.   Christian Counselors can utilize these sources easily by becoming acquainted with the numerous Fathers and their writings.  There are numerous texts created which collects their most famous exerts as well as resources both online and in libraries where individuals can read the entire work itself.  Of course, like Scripture, most of these are translated from Latin or Greek so it is important to find a reputable translation.

St John Chrysostom is the Father of the Eastern Liturgy

 

The wisdom of the Early Church Fathers may not be inspired as God’s Word but they carry heavy authority in dogma and teaching.  They provide explanations about the faith and answer numerous questions as the faith grew and developed.  Many heresies today are repeat versions of the ancient heresies.  If one possesses a strong knowledge of the Church Fathers, one will recognize unorthodox doctrine and better be equipped to refute it.

Christian Counselors can also find wisdom in the writings of the Church Fathers and apply it to sessions and guidance of their spiritual children.  St Augustine is a great example of a soul who lost his way but later found the grace of God and converted his immoral life style and became a great saint.  St Athanasius illustrated perseverance to the truth, as he was multiple times chased from his See by heretics who denounced the divinity of Christ.  These individuals were not only great writers and defenders of the faith but many of them were also very holy individuals who one can emulate in one’s own spiritual life.

All are called to discipleship and the Early Church Fathers are excellent examples of what it means to be a disciple after the time of the Apostles.  They teach that all Christians are called to preserve the faith and defend it for their respective generation so that future souls may inherit the faith unsoiled and pure as it was handed down by the Apostles from Christ.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification 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

Additional Resources

“Church Fathers”. Wikipedia.  Access here

“AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO READ AUGUSTINE’S BIG BOOK, THE CITY OF GOD”. David George Moore. December 4th, 2018.  C.S Lewis Institute. Access here

“Who are the “Fathers of the Church” and why do they matter?”. Phillip Kosloski. February 2nd, 2018. Aleteia.  Access here

“5 Books to Read by Church Fathers”. Gavin Ortlund. July 27th, 2020. Christian Living. Access here

Grief on the Brain

Grief effects the whole entirety of the human person.  The emotional aftershocks of a loss are so emotionally devastating that the after shocks rock the brain and in turn physically rattle the body.  Individuals who lose a person they loved hence experience a total reckoning as the body looks to readjust and recalibrate to the loss itself.  When this occurs, the brain itself is rewiring itself with neuro pathways to associate with the loss and initial unprocessed and raw feelings.  These raw feelings  surge from the amygdala and trigger a variety of neurochemicals within the brain that deal with the loss and pain of someone dying.

Grief and loss have a staggering effect on the brain. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Like stress, the flight or fight response is activated which increases the heart rate, raises blood pressure and produces cortisol to deal with the stressful and painful trauma of losing someone.  This of course gives more free reign to the amygdala over the reasoning area of the pre-frontal cortex.  This is what leads to more emotional outbursts, less reason, less memory, and less concentration itself.  In reality, the brain and its entirety of parts is in some way responding to the loss itself.

The article, “How does grief affect the brain?” by Joe Phelan looks at the many issues associated with the brain’s reactions to loss and the after effects upon the human body.  The article is strongly based off Lisa Shulman, a Neurologist who studied extensively the effects of grief on the brain.  According to Shulman,

“The amygdala [the brain’s center for emotions], deep inside the primitive part of the brain, is always on the lookout for threats,” Shulman said. “When triggered, it sets off a cascade of events that put the entire body on high alert — the heart speeds up, breathing rate increases and blood circulation is increased to the muscles to prepare to fight or flee.”

“How does grief affect the brain?”. Joe Phelan. January 8th, 2023. Live Science

To read the entire article, please click here

Grief Work

Helping the brain heal is what grief work is all about.  Grief work helps re-create new neuro pathways that can associate other connections with the deceased that are not only associated with the death itself.   The brain, evolutionary, will long the absence of a loved one.  This is critical for survival, so naturally it takes time to create new neuro pathways that are beyond simply mourning and trying to find the one who is no longer present.  The yearning is a direct result of this and until adaptation manifests and new neuro pathways with new experiences are paved, then one remains in deep grief.

Rewiring one’s neuro pathways in relationship to the loss involves grief work and reconstructive narratives of one’s life

 

When Pro-Longed Grief occurs or more severe grief due to trauma, complications can occur which can keep the brain trapped in acute grief.  The unprocessed and raw emotional pain, similar to memories and sensations in PTSD, are not processed into long term memory.  This can lead to longer grieving periods until the information and memory is properly processed, stored and new neuro pathways allow for different connections with the deceased.

It is hence a sad tragedy when grief literally kills one of a broken heart.  When things are not processed, adjustments not made, the constant chronic state of fight or flight can produce extra stress on the heart and blood pressure itself.

Reworking Neuro Pathways

Meaning reconstruction is key in helping rework neuro pathways in the brain that associate the loss in a new perspective but also allow memory to properly be processed within the brain.  This helps prevent intense emotion that oscillate with more frequency and intensity in the early stages of the brain from continuing to do so many months later.  Meaning reconstruction also helps create a new narrative regarding the deceased, re-establishing a new relationship not found in the temporal world.  It also helps connect the loss with the present and future, as if chapters within a book.  The past chapters of the person’s life and the deep connection with parent or spouse are still integral parts, but those relationships are adjusted and understood in new ways of the person’s next chapters.

Ways to begin to carve out new neuro pathways include journaling and memorializing.  Through these two grief works, one is able to remember and honor.  The words on paper can help the person adjust and the new memorials can help them cherish the past but also strengthen the bond in its new form.  Grief work is tough but throughout, the brain begins to form new connections and grief leaves its acute stage and enters into a far less disruptive force.

Does this mean the loss goes away?  The sense of loss never leaves.  The connection in the brain and memories can trigger intense emotion, but these triggers are natural and not pathological as in cases of PTSD or depression.  As long as love once existed, then the loss will always have meaning and tears can emerge at a moment’s notice.  This is not bad but is the result of an emotional scar of losing someone very dear and special.  It is to many individuals a sign of their undying love and reminder of the value of the person no longer present.

Conclusion

To understand more about how grief effects the brain, please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training

 

Grief has a profound effect on the soul, mind and body.  It takes time to adjust to it without ever truly healing. However, like all wounds, despite the scar, one heals.  Retraining the brain so one can again emotionally function is the aspect of grief work.  Adjustment is essential and new neuro pathways are key to that adjustment.  With so many false ideas about grief and myths regarding it, individuals can grasp in the chaos of loss longer than they need to.  Grief Counselors can help individuals suffering from the trauma of loss and help guide them through the difficult process.

Please also review The American Academy of Grief Counseling’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.

Bibliography

“How does grief affect the brain?”. Joe Phelan. January 8th, 2023. Live Science

Additional Resources

“How your brain copes with grief, and why it takes time to heal”. Berly McCoy. December 20th, 2021. NPR. Access here

“How grief rewires the brain and can affect health – and what to do about it”. Michael Merschel,  March 10th, 2021.  The American Heart Association. Access here

“What Does Grief Do to Your Brain?”. Traci Pedersen. May 6th, 2022. Psych Central.  Access here

“How Grief Changes the Brain”. Sophia Dembllng. August 18th, 2022. Psychology Today. Access here

 

 

Behavioral Health and Stigma

When someone is physically ill, they consult with a physician.  When someone is wounded they go to the emergency room and receive the necessary care and bandages.  Yet, for whatever reason, when someone is mentally ill or mentally wounded, individuals ignore it, or seek no professional care for these types of wounds or illnesses.   Individuals may consider wounds to the mind and soul as inferior, or since they cannot be seen, not worthy of medical attention.  Others may be embarrassed or see mental wounds as the wounds of weak people.  Culture has created the image of the tough minded person who never sheds a tear or allows anything to bother and has glorified this type of person as attractive and admirable.  In addition, culture looks at mental sickness and associates it with crazy.  The stigma of crazy and psychotic associated with mental wounds wards off individuals from seeking help for fear of ridicule in social, professional and family settings.

Mental Health is many times forgotten because of self image and stigma associated with it

 

All of these issues and stigmas leave mental health as something is neglected and forgotten for many.  Yet, while invisible, mental health is a serious issue for millions of Americans.  With rising shootings, mental breakdowns, and uncivil rest, mental illness is a serious issue in America.  Millions suffer from depression, anxiety, or other unresolved traumas that haunt them.  Instead of seeking the professional guidance they need, they instead hide, neglect, ignore, or push through the mental situation.

False imagery of strength, stigma associated with mental illness and neglect of mental health as opposed to physical health all play three key components for mental health neglect.  It is hence important to recognize mental health as a pivotal part of human health and to recognize emotional wounds as deep and painful as physical wounds.  Stigmas about mental health tying it together with psychotic or crazy need to be removed and individuals need to find the counseling and medication they need to find healing and peace with the mental issues they may face on a day to day basis.

The article, “Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness” from the Mayo Clinic Staff takes a closer look at stigma and the problems it can cause with mental health.  The stigma is not only an external issue found in society but also a self imagery stigma that many possess itself.  The article states,

“Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that’s thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.”

“Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness”. Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. May 24th, 2017.  Mayo Clinic

To access the full article, please click here

Overcoming Stigma in Mental Health

Overcoming stigma with mental health starts first with oneself.  It involves dismissing past archetypes of what a strong person is or is not.  For example, the old image that men should not cry is an older image that associated all males must be strong and never show weakness or tears.  This type of image can cause intense emotional damage to a man who is experiencing the mental wounds of depression.  Individuals who experience issues with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, unresolved trauma, or PTSD need to understand that what they feel is natural and involves an invisible wound that is no less real than a physical wound.  Seeking help does not make one weak, it merely shows one is wounded.  If one is limping on the side of a road after a car accident, one openly seeks assistance.  Seeking the same assistance for mental wounds is no less a necessity.

It is important to dismiss past stigma and images of mental health and instead treat mental health like any physical wound

 

Many may also fear losing a job, or being discriminated or mocked or bullied over seeking help.   This type of behavior, while becoming less, is still prevalent in today’s society but as more and more public figures emerge who acknowledge their inner wounds, the more recognizable these things come.  Instead of mockery, individuals are applauded for showing the strength to ask for help and seek treatment.

Treatment is key, but also is support.  Individuals can find common ground with others who suffer from the same mental issues.  Instead of isolating and self doubting one self, support groups are a great way to find strength and support and the discovery that such issues are not just existent within oneself.   Through support, fear, shame and anxiety over mental health can be dismissed, as well with stigma.

Most importantly, one learns to understand that identity is never equated to condition.  Simply because one suffers from say, Bi-Polar Depression, does not equate one as a sad person but a person who experiences a condition that needs treatment itself.

STIGMA

Removing stigma and becoming more aware is a cultural and social necessity.  Within mental illness, there exists a personal, public and institutional stigmas that can hamper one from seeking and eventually overcoming mental illness.

Within the personal arena, individuals can see themselves as dangerous, incompetent, weak or to blame for their condition.  This all leads to lower self esteem, self doubt and an overwhelming feeling of failure and helplessness.

Within the public sector, there exists within society a feeling that individuals with mental illness are dangerous incompetent, weak or to blame for their very condition as well.  This can lead to employers being wary to hire individuals with mental illness history or open opportunities to these types of individuals.

This translates within the institutional level, where there exists intentionally or unintentionally a prejudice against those who are mentally ill.

Support groups can help individuals see common issues faced and help individuals find strength in recovery

The answer is to make mental illness more public.  To explain what certain conditions are and for individuals of power or place in society to claim their issues and show their strength.  In essence, it is critical to turn the story from one of fear and weakness to one of admiration and strength.  It is important for society to show solidarity, the same as society does for those who suffer from cancer or other physical diseases.  It is also important for society to show compassion for those who suffer from mental illness instead of dismissing it.

Better Words

Instead of saying demeaning, dismissing or detrimental words to those who open up, individuals need to be more encouraging in their words.  Phrases such as it could be worst, should be replaced with thank you for opening up to me.  Other phrases such as deal with it, snap out of it, be happier, we all been there, or you caused this should be replaced with how can I help, I am sorry this must be tough, I am here for you, how are you feeling, or how can I help you?

“Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness”. APA. August 2020. APA.  Access here

 

Conclusion

Mental health is health and needs addressed. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications

 

Mental health should be valued and equated to physical health but social stigmas can prevent those seeking help or feeling the importance of finding help.  Whether its poor self image, or fear of intimidation or ridicule, society has to become better in supporting those with mental health issues and encouraging their strength to come forward and ask for help.  With so many mental health issues in the United States, it is important to address mental health and remove stigmas.

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral health certifications for qualified mental health care professionals.  The programs include Grief Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Stress Management, Anger Management, Spiritual and Christian Counseling, as well as programs such as Clinical Hypnosis and EFT.  The programs are online and independent study and offer professionals an opportunity to earn a four year certification in their discipline of choice.

Bibliography

“Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness”. APA. August 2020. APA.

“Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness”. Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. May 24th, 2017.  Mayo Clinic

 

Additional Resources

“What is mental health stigma?”. Lois Zoppi. November 10th, 2020. Medical News Today.  Access here

“How We Can Change the Stigma Around Mental Health”. Eleesha Lockett. October 26th, 2022. Healthline. Access here

“Understanding (and Getting Past) the Mental Health Stigma”. HealthEssentials. June 2nd, 2020. Cleveland Clinic.  Access here

“What Is Stigma?”. Ashley Olivine. February 10th, 2022. VeryWellhealth. Access here