Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Certification Article on Parent and Child Grieving

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

When a family loss strikes, parents and children grieve together, however, both grieve differently.  Bad grieving habits can leave the children forgotten or left to wonder.  It is critical to share positive grieving habits and also understand the needs of the child during the period of loss.  Children grieve differently than adults so it is also critical to understand how children process loss.  Parenting and grieving at the same time is one of the most difficult situations because the parent is trying to recover while help one’s child.

It is hard to grieve and parent at the same time. Please also review AIHCP’s Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Training Program

 

The article, “How to cope with grief when your kids are grieving, too” by Dr Ashwini Lal reviews how parents can grieve and help their children grieve.  She states,

“Children, as they are going through the developmental process, will naturally have a different grief experience than adults. Depending on their age, children will need guidance with respect to the grieving process.  Talking openly with them is a good way to model that it is okay to discuss grief and emotions. Their grief can be intermittent, meaning that you may notice they feel sad one moment and the next they are playing joyfully with their friends.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program and also for those already certified in Grief Counseling, AIHCP’s Child and Adolescent Grief Counseling Certification.  The program is designed for certified Grief Counselors and other qualified professionals.

 

Grief Counseling Training Program Article on Employee Bereavement

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Employees are not machines.  They experience loss and grief.  When loss and grief occurs, it can transfer over to the workplace.  Production and other aspects of work are affected when employees grieve but employers and corporations owe more to their employees than a pay check but a true investment into their overall well being.  In doing so, employers should take an active interest in their employees when they lose someone.  This is why bereavement policies are so key.

A grieving employee needs help from coworkers and employers. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program

The article, “4 Ways To Support Yo

ur Employees Who Are Working Whilst Grieving” by Sheree Atcheson looks at how employers can better help bereaved employees.  She states,

“If you are in a management or leadership position, I am confident that you will have had to deal with at least one person grieving whilst working in your entire career. 2020 has likely increased this number substantially, depending on where you are based and what the death tolls of the pandemic look like in your region.”

To read the entire article and review the 4 ways to support an employee, please click here

Employers can play a critical role in helping their employees adjust to loss by making the workplace less daunting and being flexible the first week.  This kind act not only is humane but also mutually beneficial for the professional output.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program 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 Grief Counseling

 

 

Grief Counseling Certification Program Article on Grief and Adaptation

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grieving is a process that no one every recovers from.  There is no recovery from grief.  The grieving process hence itself is not a recovery from grief but an adaptation to life without it.  One cannot adjust magically but must deal with the process one day at a time.  There are no shortcuts.

Grief is a process of adaptation not recovery. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program

 

The article, “Make Space for Grief After a Year of Loss” by Gianpiero Petriglieri states,

“Grief is the personal experience of loss. Mourning is the process through which, with help from others, we learn to face loss, muddle through it, and slowly return to life. ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Grieving is a long process indeed.  One needs to accept the reality and work through it one day at a time.  There is no true time table because there truly is no recovery.  Grief instead is a series of adaptations that teach us how to learn to live with the loss.  It does become less painful in time, but the pain can always be found if one searches deep enough and that is ok.  In fact, the price of love is grief because if the loss meant nothing, we would recover.

To learn more about grief counseling or if you would like to become certified in grief counseling, then please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and allows qualified professionals to earn a four year certification in Grief Counseling.

Tips for Healthcare Workers Wishing to Hone their Fitness

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

woman exercising By Lucy Peters

Compared to other professions, staff in some healthcare professions (for instance, nurses) have a six times higher prevalence of back pain. Tasks such as transferring patients and operating in awkward postures can cause lumbar tissue damage and back pain, but this is only one of many health risks associated with the health profession. Employees working in healthcare can also face high rates of stress and tiredness owing to factors such as long working hours, shift work, and working in times of risk (as is the case during the global health crisis). How can physical activity help quell stress and pain and reduce injury and how can healthcare workers ensure they get the recommended number of minutes of exercise per week?

Exercise Reduces Pain and Stress

As stated in a study by Ann-Kathrin Otto and colleagues, published in the journal BMJ, the efficiency of ergonomic training and exercise when it comes to reducing pain, is well-documented. Previous studies have shown that moderate exercises (including cardiovascular and stretching exercises) reduce musculoskeletal problems, boost muscular strength, and enhance cardiovascular fitness among nursing staff. Research published by the Mayo Clinic shows that employees in medical centers report high levels of stress. Of the many natural modes of quelling this stress, just a few found to be particularly effective include general physical activity, mindfulness-based activities such as yoga, and time spent in nature.

Exercise and the Immunity

A 2020 study by researchers at the University of Bath found that regular, daily exercise benefits one’s immunity, even during tough times. It helps the immune system “find and deal with pathogens, slowing down changes that happen to the immune system with aging.” Equally important is diet. Certain foods strengthen the immune system. These include healthy Omega-3 fats, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and probiotic and fermented foods. When you eat is equally important; the gut has a memory and when it is expecting food, it ramps up the activity of immune cells to attack incoming ‘bad bacteria’. Sticking to regular meal times ensures these cells are able to exercise their function.

Exercise at Work

Over 50% of employees report that they have little time to exercise because of their busy work and home lives. As stated in a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, one solution is to include more activity at work. In one study, ‘treadmill workstations’ – in which employees were made to work while walking, significantly increased fitness levels and BMI measurements. Another study assigned participants a mandatory activity of middle-to-high intensity workouts for around 2.5 hours a week during work hours. These incentives clearly need to be offered and organized by work organizations, but what can you do if your place of work does not adopt programs that boost employee fitness?

Individual Efforts

The key to making the most of the little time you may have is to do as much as you can. Did you know that running for just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%? Official recommended guidelines stipulate that all individuals should complete at least half an hour of moderate intensity exercise every day. The good news is that these 30 minutes do not need to be continuous. That is, you can complete 10 minutes on your way to work, 10 minutes at lunchtime, and 10 minutes at the end of the day. You can also embrace activity in small but significant ways – including taking the stairs instead of the lift when you can. For extra health benefits, engage in vigorous activity (think cycling, jogging, or interval training) for half an hour at least three times a week. Vigorous exercise is particularly effective because it improves the efficiency of your heart and lungs, and more oxygen is delivered to your muscles.

Even if you are very inactive, becoming slightly more active can help you reap big benefits in terms of fitness and pain reduction. At the very least, aiming for around 30 minutes of moderate activity per day can help strengthen your cardiovascular system. So, too, can finding practical ways to be more active – including walking while working when possible, stretching throughout the day, and taking advantage of work breaks to be more active instead of taking a sedentary pause.

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consultant Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Different Types of Meditation and Their Key Differences

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

During the Covid-19 pandemic we have all had a lot of time on our hands as well as a lot of new sources of stress! Some of us have turned to meditation as a way to remove stress from our lives or at the very least learn to live with it. There are several different types of meditation and not all of the are the same. Each with a unique skill set all their own. They range from prayer based meditation to the Hindu form of Raja Yoga.

Mindfulness and meditation both have unique qualities that lead to healthier lives. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Certification

Transcendental Meditation, Centering Prayer Meditation, Guided Meditation and Raja Yoga should give us enough options to try something a little different in the new year. If you are Hinduist, Buddhist, Christian or Atheist; there is something for everyone! If you are interested in learning more about the types of meditation available to you then you might want to visit our Meditation Instructor Certification Program page.

 

 

 

Funeral Associate Certification Article on The Psychological Importance of Funerals

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Funerals are a critical social practice.  The service and social structure of it serves more the living than the dead, although many cultures incorporate religious and spiritual traditions and rituals to it that are important in their view to the soul. However, today we are only looking at the importance funerals play for the living as a social transitioning into acceptance of the reality of death.

For many, a funeral is critical in accepting the reality, but it is also a social convention where neighbors and loved ones can all share in the loss of a loved one, and not only grieve but celebrate the life of the departed.  This is critical in healing for the bereaved.

Funerals allow individuals to accept death and socially receive the support in their grieving process. Please also review AIHCP’s Funeral Associate Certification

 

The article, “Psychologist On Why Funerals Are Fundamental To Processing Grief” Mary Louise Kelly looks closer at the importance of funerals to the bereaved.  She states,

“Funerals and the rituals that go along with mourning that loss are really fundamental to a number of processes. They’re fundamental to how we mourn, to how we grieve, to how we reinforce social ties, to how we expand the social safety net in times of vulnerability and loss. And more fundamentally, they reflect what it means for us to be human and for us to love and for us to connect.”

To read the entire article, please click here

With Covid and the pandemic, it has been difficult for many to properly say goodbye to their loved ones.  Funeral restrictions have prevented this critical process of grieving.  No doubt it will also leave numerous psychological scars for years to come for those who were unable to properly say farewell to their loved ones.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program but also AIHCP’s Funeral Associate Certification.  Programs are designed for working professionals and provide a four year certification.

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grief and the First Year

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

When dealing with grief, it takes time but it brings about change.  Change comes gradual though and it can take time.  One cannot rush the changes grief brings about in a person as the person learns to exist without the loved one and form new relationships with others.

Learning to to live with grief and adjust to the new normal takes time and is a long process. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “In the first year of grief, walk the perimeter” by Michael Chancellor, the first year of grief is examined.  He states,

“I often tell my clients it takes a year to get a sense of the loss we have experienced. I compare it to a person who has purchased a piece of land and walked out the perimeter before he agreed to the purchase. He does that to become familiar with the land he is planning to purchase.  Grief is like that. It takes a year to walk out the perimeter of our loss. What happens in a year that is so important?”

To read the entire article, please click here

Grief is a life long journey.  There is truly no recovery but adaptation to the loss.  A new balance of accepting the loss and living with the new.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification to learn more about the nature of grief and also to help others learn to cope with it and make a healthy transition.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

ADHD Consulting Certification Article on ADHD and Self Image

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Kids and teens with ADHD can low self imaging.  The ADHD can contribute to the low self image.  It is important for parents to understand ADHD and also know how to help the child reshape his or her image.  Building confidence in ADHD kids is an important task of the parent and will lead to better adult behaviors.

Self image and confidence is critical for ADHD children. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification

 

The article, “Q: My Teen Thinks His ADHD Makes Him ‘Worthless.’” by Sharon Saline reviews how parents can help their children with better imaging while coping with ADHD.  She states,

“To help him build self-worth, confidence, and resiliency, notice and validate any efforts your teen is making toward anything, whether in school, with friends, with hobbies, or when at home. Help him notice the positive events and small victories in his days. Beginning to focus on the positive can help your teen feel like he’s in control, especially at a time when so much change is outside of our control.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting 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 ADHD Consulting.

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Post Partem Depression and Fathers

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Post partem depression is a serious issue for mothers.  However, many people do not know that it fathers can also suffer post partem depression.  This more rare occurrence does happen and can affect men.

Man staring into the distance
Fathers can also experience depression after the birth of a child. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Postpartum depression for dads – it’s a thing” by Armin Brott discusses how this can occur for men.  He states,

“Although postpartum depression in women is widely acknowledged and studied, researchers have only recently admitted what plenty of new dads already knew: it affects men too—in fact, as many as one in four new dads experience the kinds of symptoms you mentioned (plus others) in the days, weeks, and even months after the birth of a child. Unfortunately, men rarely discuss their feelings or ask for help, especially during a time when they’re supposed to “be there” for the new mom.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Men express themselves differently then women and may not receive the help they need.  They might even feel embarrassment and bury their feelings during this difficult time.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The Grief Counseling Program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

Give Your Mood a Boost with this Holistic Healthcare Guide!

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Doctor holding a green apple in his hand. To paraphrase the old adage, we are what we eat! What we put in our bodies has a positive or negative effect on our health, both physically as well as mentally. So it is no surprise that certain foods can give our moods a booster shot! From common sense to holistic healthcare advice, the foods listed on the link below could help lift us up or send us crashing down! Here is the link to the original article:

From Yahoo News
By Ruben Castaneda, Angela Haupt

As Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Indeed, what we eat (and drink) affects more than just our waistline and cholesterol numbers.

For the full article please click here

 

As the article states eating foods like oranges, grapefruits, spinach, to foods like seafood and walnuts can have a big impact on our emotional and mental well being. It also outlines the importance of avoiding overly sugary foods, highly caffeinated drinks  or artificial sweeteners as they can have a negative impact. Perhaps we should practice a little holistic nutrition and reach for an orange with a side of walnuts instead of a 3rd cup of coffee and a butter cream frosted cupcake for that late afternoon pick me up? It could be the boost our mood needs!

For more information on holistic nursing health care or if you are interested in pursuing an education in holistic nursing please visit our website.