Grief Counseling Certification Article on Chris Haws and Telegrief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The article below is from Chris Haws, founder of Telegrief.  Online assistance is critical for individuals facing depression during quarantine.   Online assistance and appointments are also a wave of the future for many in the mental field.  Chris Haws discusses the vital importance of online communication for mental health.

TELEGRIEF

One of the frequent  characteristics of grieving is that people isolate and withdraw from their everyday lives.  They need time to think, time to reflect and time to cry.  They need to assess this new reality – a reality without that much loved spouse, partner, parent, child, sibling or friend.  Some people find it easier than others and can re-engage with the world in their on time and at their own pace.  In every case, the support of a professional grief counselor can be invaluable during this transition from acute, agonizing, pain to a new way of living that integrates the grief and the sorrow of the loss into an ongoing, meaningful and even joyful existence.  People can and do learn that it’s OK to laugh – and love – again.

Isolation and grief are not a good mixture. Chris Haws offers online services for the isolated through Telegrief.

 

But what if the isolation is imposed by circumstances beyond the grief sufferer’s control?  Circumstances such as the current Covid-19 pandemic that is forcing everyone to “lockdown”, “shelter in place”, and “self-isolate”?  It’s tough enough for people with busy lives to lead, mouths to feed and families to raise.  Throw the emotionally shattering experience of a bereavement on top of all that and the result can be devastating.

Fortunately, although hugs and literal hand holding can be comforting, the grief counselor’s principal job is to listen.  And having listened, to gently guide the sufferer out of the darkness of their pain towards the brighter world in which their grief is not denied or suppressed, but is integrated into the next chapter of a purposeful and satisfying life.

And that’s why remote counseling works.  Whether by phone, or using one of the new video linking technologies, counselors can still listen and interact with their clients just as effectively as they can in face to face sessions – and, paradoxically, sometimes even more comfortably.  Clients can sometimes be more “themselves” when they don’t have to tidy the house or dress up before the counselor arrives, or take the bus or get in their cars to travel to a distant consulting room.

Prompted by Covid-19, but building on prior experience with an international clientele that is scattered across the country and around the world, that’s why psychologist and grief counselor Chris Haws has created “Telegrief”.  Clients can interact remotely with Chris using whatever technology they choose, and the results are already proving to be remarkable.  If you or someone you know are in need of counseling for a recent bereavement, then go to telegrief.com and check out what Chris Haws is offering.  As he says “It’s your call”.

Chris Haws is a British born Psychologist and Counselor based in Northwest DC who specializes in bereavement and grief, substance abuse and recovery, and personal development and mindfulness.  For over three decades, his writing has appeared in print, radio and TV around the world.  He is the founder of “Telegrief” and can be contacted at telegrief.com  

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

Anger Management Consulting Program Article on Anger Response

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Reacting immediately to anger is an impulse that needs to be avoided.  It is natural to respond to emotion but we need to question our anger sometimes.  We need to understand what makes us angry and why.  In doing so, we can identify logical responses versus illogical ones and how to respond to both and in what degree.  Triggers are key in identifying to help maintain composure when anger presents itself.

What is your anger trying to tell you and how can you better control it? Please also review our Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your professional goals

 

The article, “Here’s what your anger is telling you — and how you can talk back” by Lauren Schenkman looks at the nature of anger and our response.  In particular, he looks at the importance of Anger Management.  He states,

“While a blast of rage may inform us of a threat — even if it’s just to our reputation — it’s the thoughts we have following it which determine how we respond. That’s why strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, which teach people healthier thought patterns, can be so successful.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Anger Management Consulting Program and see if you meet the prerequisites to become a certified Anger Management Consultant.  The program is online and independent study.  Many can take the courses as well for educational purposes but others who qualify may also wish to take the courses leading to certification.  Please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

EFT Training Program Article on EFT and Anxiety

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT has a unique ability to help others with anxiety.  Anxiety due to unresolved trauma or other issues can be removed from the person through tapping.  Energy that is negative to oneself can be worked out through the tapping protocol.  A certified guide can teach one how to utilize this holistic method to overcoming anxiety.

EFT professionals can help one learn how to control anxiety through EFT
Please also review our EFT Training Program

 

The article, “What is EFT tapping? Here’s what you need to know about this anxiety-reducing method” by Brianne Aileen states,

“The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a self-help practice designed to aid the release of negative emotions and physical pain—and you don’t even have to schedule an appointment to do it. We connected with certified EFT practitioner Jackie Simek to learn more about this Traditional Chinese Medicine method and how to use EFT tapping for your own needs”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our EFT Training Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

ADHD Consulting Training Article on ADHD Coping

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

One of the biggest ways to combat ADHD is actually acceptance of the state of mind.  Learning how the ADHD mind works and the best way to deal with issues that arise is important.  What works best for an individual with coping strategies or ways to circumvent ADHD is important.  Creating one’s own plan, own habits and own ways to counter balance ADHD is critical to success.

Learning how one’s ADHD brain works is the best way to cope with ADHD. Please also review our ADHD Consulting Training Program

 

The article, “Why ADHD Self-Awareness is the Key to Effective Action, Change, and Progress for Each of Us” by Susan Laskey looks at how individuals can create their own way to counter balance ADHD.  She states,

“So what unlocks real change and progress? Recognizing (not resisting) our ADHD differences — and embracing our true selves. The more we understand ourselves (self-awareness) and appreciate the way we are (self-acceptance), the easier it is to maximize our strengths and create workarounds where needed (the power of possibility and choice!).”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our ADHD Consulting Training and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  Qualified professionals can utilize this certification to help others cope and plan coping strategies to deal with ADHD.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on Addiction and Self Isolation

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Addiction is a powerful thing even during normal times.  Isolation and quarantine can make addiction even harder.  Lack of social support, counseling and being around other people can make one turn towards addicting things.  Instead of connection, the person returns to addiction.

Self isolation is very difficult when dealing with addiction. Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program to learn how to become certified

 

The article, “Managing Addiction Recovery During Self-Isolation” from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials takes a closer look how one can manage addiction during self-isolation.  The article states,

Managing addiction recovery can be difficult at any time but the recent coronavirus pandemic has made doing so even harder. Besides affecting in-person meetings and appointments, current quarantine rules have also put extra strain on those struggling with recovery. But that doesn’t mean any efforts are hopeless. Understanding what triggers can add stress to your situation can make dealing with current circumstances easier. And it’s also important to know how many ways you can still receive the support you need.

To read the entire article, please click here

Identifying triggers is a key part of managing oneself during self isolation.  Being able to ward off the feelings of need is also key.  This is easier said then done but the article above hopes to give a few ways to make it less difficult.  If you would like to become certified in Substance Abuse Counseling and would like to help others, please review AIHCP’s program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

Anger Management Consulting Certification on Anger and the Pandemic

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Usually war, disaster or tragedy unite, but the COVID 19 pandemic has managed to divide the country.  On one side there are citizens who are obeying restrictions and social distancing and on the other side, there are individuals who are openly defying the restrictions.  This dangerous mentality adds to the division that display political fault lines simply by wearing a mask or not wearing one.   This also fuels an already uneasy political landscape between Trump and the Democratic Party, and for that matter most mainstream individuals.   The response to the disaster has only enraged more as everyone looks to point the finger.

Covid19 pandemic has led to political divide instead of unity against the virus. Some minority groups see the fight against the virus as a campaign against their rights. This has led to political anger between maskers and non maskers

 

This unrest and fear across the nation has led to increase signs of political anger.  Protests and armed open carry as a sign of intimidation towards others who support  science and the medical field is perplexing.  While the shut downs have hurt everyone economically, the irrational response of anger out of fear has engulfed the nation.  Individuals demanding their rights over the inconvenience of regulations imposed by the the state are becoming more and more angry.   They are channeling their anger of  not wearing  mask into a political movement against state control and a secret agenda.

Others in response are becoming increasingly angry with the absurdity of not wearing a mask or questioning the apparent danger of the virus.  This has led to conflicts and showdowns between maskers and non maskers.  Without good leadership in Washington, which is constantly sending mixed signals, individuals are becoming even more angry.

It is unfortunate that political divide and anger has even poured into the medical and scientific realms where safety against the virus is now questioned.   As this continues, individuals must keep their calm.  Wear the masks, keep distance and do not allow anger to overwhelm oneself when seeing someone who blatantly disregards safety due to their misdirected and unsound anger.  Two angry minds do not solve the problem.

Protests against the economic shutdown are spread across the country. This fueling of anger from the political field makes fighting the virus more difficult

 

However, fear has not only engulfed the social sphere but also home life.  Again where families should come together, one is discovering cases of domestic violence.   New schedules, unemployment frustration, cabin fever, and enforcing pandemic rules are a stress on families.  Many families are also gripped with fear and that fear can turn into outbursts.  This is even a more dangerous situation in households where domestic violence is already an ingredient of everyday life.

Overall, many Americans are acting calm outside and inside their homes, but as a nation, we collectively must remain calm.  One cannot allow fear of the virus, anger over the situation and stress of new guidelines to lead to conflict and confrontation.  It is far easier to become emotional but if everyone follows the guidelines, ignores the fringe minority, and works together as a family and community then this crisis will slowly go away.

Homes in quarantine with a history of domestic violence also face anger issues.

 

Wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing can help protect families from infection.   If everyone tries their best, then spread can be minimized.  As the country starts to re-open, new challenges will emerge and new cases, but everyone must not allow fear, stress and outside noise distract them from the task at hand.  This is going to be a long war on the virus and if the correct mindset is adopted, we can limit fear, reduce false expectations and face challenges with a sound mind.

Anger is something we do not need added to the already volatile situation.  Frustration over the situation is understandable but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into an anger that makes one  become enemies with one another or take political agendas over science and medical advice.

While dealing with these issues, please also review our Anger Management Consulting Certification Program.  The program is great for individuals who deal with anger issues or professionals seeking to become certified in the area of Anger Management.  Qualified professionals can become certified and the program is online and independent study.  The program leads to a four year certification which can be renewed every four years.

Please also review our Anger Management Consulting Certification Program and see if it meets your professional and academic needs

 

In the meantime, remember to stay calm, follow medical advice, and face the crisis one day at a time.  That is the best way to deal with the anger that is surrounding everyone due to this crisis without allowing it to enrage yourself.

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification Article on Pet Grief and Guilt

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Losing a pet, especially a dog is a big loss.  People should not feel guilty in sharing their grief.  The loss can be as painful as losing a family member and should not be shelved away or not discussed as secondary to a human life.  This type of disenfranchisement can hurt individuals grieving their pet or dog.  It does not permit them to grieve and discuss the loss and how it has affected their lives.  It is important to recognize pet loss in a person’s life.

Losing a pet, cat or dog is a big loss. It is like losing family. Please also review our Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your professional goals

 

The article, “My Beloved Dog Just Died. I Don’t Know How To Grieve Without Feeling Guilty.” by Ann Gorewitz discusses her grief and guilt for grieving her pet.  She states,

“Our pets’ lives have value ― they matter! ― even though society often trivializes our relationships with them. And though I feel like I’m not supposed to grieve Cassie’s death as intensely or profoundly as I do ― especially during a pandemic when so many other truly awful things are happening ― her life and the loss of it is momentous to me, and maybe more so because of COVID-19.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

ADHD Consulting Article on Modifications Before Medicine

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Children with ADHD sometimes need medication but medication can hold a myriad of side effects as well as a life long dependency on a pill.  Modifications and coping strategies can limit the need for medication or remove it.  It may not be the first step but it can lead to improved outcomes over time and remove the need for medication.

Before medication, various modifications should be done to see if a child can cope with medications. Please also review our ADHD Consulting Program

 

The article, “The question of medication: Life modifications might be an option for children with ADHD” by Ed Condran looks at modifications for children in regards to ADHD.  He states,

“There is no doubt some children need medication to quell their impulses and home them in on schoolwork, but why is it that comparable countries around the world have far fewer children on ADHD medication? What should parents do when they suspect their children’s lack of attention could be a problem in school?  Before visiting a physician, parents should take a look at their child’s actions and environment. Examine their diet, activity and sleeping patterns. If a child is exhausted, it impacts their attention span”

Hence beyond coping strategies, there can be a variety of ways one can learn to reduce the behavior. To read the complete article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting program for professionals seeking certification.  The program is online and independent study.

 

Addiction Counseling Training Program Article on When Is One Too Much?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

It is a matter of luck for many that some may drink alcohol and never become addicted.  For many it is a matter of a genetic predisposition.  Some can simply put down a drink and never have one again without any physical symptoms.  Others while not physically addicted can become mentally addicted through habit and the ability to walk away is likened to walking away from a bad habit.  When we see individuals, physically addicted or not, drink, we still can determine if one drink is too much or not.  One does not need to be addicted to misuse a drug, but for some, when can we truly state it is an addiction?

What separates a fun night out from addictive behavior? Please also review our Addiction Counseling Training Program

 

Like a computer game, or gambling, drugs can be addictive to our behavior, beyond just the physical addiction.  One out of habit needs to drink.  Whether its always after work, or to go to a night club, if one cannot abstain from a drink, then it is a sign of some dependency, either physically, mentally, or out of bad habit. For some it takes less time, but those who face greater addictions, it can be a big issue.

Hence defining what is an addiction for one and not the other can be difficult.  Many people exist in the state of need but only need in certain situations.  This still can pose an issue, even if it is only here and there.  It is also an issue, if one is not enough.

The article, “Alcohol Use: When is it an Addiction?” from the South Florida Reporter states,

“The problem starts when we’re unable to control our urge to drink, even if it doesn’t present a threat to our social life, work, or health status. This is where we need to make a clear distinction between alcohol use, abuse, and alcoholism, which are related but not the same issues.  Alcohol abuse is a disorder when a person can’t stop drinking even if it causes problems at home or at work. Alcohol abusers are prone to drinking and driving, even if they are aware of the dangers of such behavior.”

While there are so many clear cut definitions of alcohol abuse and addiction, it is sometimes the more subtle ones that tilt between social norm and addiction.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Addiction Counseling Training Program.  The online and independent study program and help train professionals to help others face substance abuse and addictive behavior.

Healthcare Case Management Article on Chronic Care

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Chronic care for those recovering from heart failure need a variety of social aspects that go well beyond the office visit at the clinic.  Care involves also touching base with family care givers and the promotion of better healthy lifestyles and a fulfillment of diet and medical plans necessary to recovery.  Case Management plays a big role in watching the overall recovery effort and helping the chronic condition become better.

Care beyond the clinic for heart failure patients is important. Better diet and follow through on medical plan are also key. Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Program

 

The article, “Chronic Care Must Account for SDOH Needs, Family Caregivers” by Sara Heath states,

“Nearly 6.5 million people across the country have been diagnosed with heart failure, a disease that can be manageable with medications for some time but hinge on an ideal set of living circumstances to help the patient thrive. Central to that are the social determinants of health, or social factors that affect a patient’s ability to achieve wellness, and family caregivers. Both factor deeply into the patient journey and demand more attention going forward, AHA wrote in its two policy statements.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review the American Academy of Case Management and its Healthcare Case Management Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.