Grief Counseling Training Article on Breakups

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

One type of grief and loss that is dismissed by many are breakups.  Many people shout “get over it” or “you barely knew her or him” or even, “it is time to meet someone now”.  These types of losses can be disenfranchised for many.  With so many breakups throughout the country, people are constantly grieving the loss of a boyfriend or girlfriend.  It is a difficult adaptation for those in more serious relationships but even the smallest relationship can leave one upset for weeks

Grieving a breakup can be difficult for many people. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training

 

The article, “Grief After a Breakup: Three Things You Should Know” from Whats Your Grief  reviews some ways to better cope and what to expect.  The article states,

“Breaking up is really hard to do. Most of us know what it’s like to suffer a broken heart. Many of us know how complicated it is to separate two lives intricately intertwined. Being that we’ve all probably experienced some form of breakup grief, we know stressful, ongoing, and overwhelming this experience of loss can be.”

To review the entire article, please click here

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

Clinical Hypnotherapy Program Article on Hyponsis

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Hypnosis is growing quickly in the United States as an alternative non evasive way to deal with stress, grief, trauma, bad habits, and past fears.   It is far more than a mere trick but a tool with multi dimensional levels that looks to heal and help the sub conscious mind.

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a useful way to help the mind heal or overcome bad habits and fears. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification

 

The article, “Hypnotherapy Benefits Are Real—but What Is This Ancient Technique, Exactly, and Should You Try It? ” by Julia Savacool looks in detail about the process of hypnotherapy and its many uses.  She states, 

Its resurrection as a legitimate tool for mental and physical healthcare in recent years coincides with a better understanding of how to use hypnosis together with other treatments to improve people’s well-being. “Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness,” says Willmarth. “It is not a therapy in itself, but it’s a strong adjunctive technique that takes any other therapeutic technique and makes it better. If you take behavioral therapy without hypnosis and compare it to therapy with hypnosis, you’ll see the patient has better outcomes when hypnosis is included.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independently paced for qualified professionals seeking certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy

 

Christian Counseling Certification Article on Spiritual Direction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Spiritual direction is key to Christian formation.  Individuals no matter the age require guidance in morality, coping, spirituality, and challenges.  A spiritual director is usually clergy, but some can also be lay people who become a spiritual father or mother to you.   Their guidance is important in every phase of life as the Christian grows in the faith.   If you do not have a spiritual director, it is wise to find one.  It is not something that one randomly chooses, but something the Holy Spirit guides one to.  The mentor and the learner find each other.

All Christians need spiritual direction. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

 

Usually a spiritual director has knowledge of your life and past.  He or she is able to guide one through troubles because of this knowledge because of this unique knowledge.  This is why randomly choosing someone and expecting them to know you will not produce the best results.  It is something that is not forced but naturally found due to mutual spiritual attraction of need.    If one becomes a member of a church, or one meets a new pastor, it is not prudent to choose this new person you work with as your spiritual advisor.  There should be a natural divide.  This is why priests or pastors do not at times have spiritual directors who are common to their work unless the bond is far older before they met professionally or in ministry.  Of course, a spiritual bond may develop but if no spiritual bond is present, this person should not be one’s spiritual director.

So in essence, a spiritual director has a bond with you but also is equipped with the wisdom to help you develop in the faith and face problems.  They should not be random persons you meet merely due to their position as a priest or pastor.  With Christianity, this mentor can be a elder, or a trusted friend within the faith, or also a long known pastor, or in Catholicism, a priest who also hears one’s confession but also knows you and has a spiritual bond.

Merely talking to someone about your issues does not make one your spiritual director, but it is a reciprocal spiritual bond to help spiritual parent and spiritual child grow.

The article, “Spiritual direction: What is it, who needs it, and why?” by Mary Farrow looks at why Christians need a spiritual director and the importance of spiritual direction.  She states,

“Spiritual direction instead focuses on a relationship with God, Cleveland said, which is “not a problem to be solved, but something to be discovered and deepened and celebrated. A lot of times people are looking for something else…so sometimes we have to really reorient someone’s thinking – are you looking to deepen your relationship with God through prayer and discernment?”

To read the entire article, please click here

Hence spiritual direction is more than confessing sins or seeking God’s forgiveness but is a process of spiritual growth.  It involves discernment and other ways to help a person progress spiritually through the world.

If you would like to learn more about Spiritual Mentorship and Spiritual Direction, please review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification.  The program is online and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification is Christian Counseling.

 

EFT Practitioner Program Article on EFT Schedules in One’s Day

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

EFT is an important way to reduce stress, cope with issues, and heal past trauma.  After learning how to apply this therapy it is important to implement it into your daily routine and utilize it.  The benefits of proper utilization will help one throughout the day and week when properly applied consistently.

It is important to schedule EFT therapy throughout the day. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner Program

 

In learning how to consistently utilize EFT in one’s daily routine, the article, “How To Work EFT Into Your Well-Being Routine — Morning, Noon & Night” by Marianna Giokas looks at ways this can be accomplished.  She states,

Tapping is an excellent way to start off your morning on a good note and set positive intentions for the day. I often use it prior to my meditation practice because it also helps me clear and calm my mind in preparation for meditation. Here are some examples of setup statements you can use as you tap in the morning”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner program.  The program is online and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in EFT.

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.