Stress Management Certification: De-stress your workplace

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Minimizing stress needs to be engineered into an organisation’s DNA. To start with, align employer and employee perspectives on what causes stress Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.business-standard.com

Good article about stress management and how one can destress their workplace to optimize productivity and also strengthen work relationships.  Our Stress Management Program can help you become certified.

Please review our stress management program and see if it matches your academic and professional needs.

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Adolescent painkiller abuse a big problem for small towns, rural areas

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Adolescents who live in rural areas and small towns and cities are more likely to abuse prescription painkillers than adolescents who live in large urban areas, according to sociologists.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.sciencedaily.com

Pain killers are a serious issue for children.  The addictive nature of pain killers has ruined many people’s lives.  This is why it is so important to regulate these pain killers in appropriate way and for parents to also watch over prescribed pain killers in their homes

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s substance abuse counselor program then please review and see if training to help others is something you would like to do

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Supporting a Grieving Child: The Importance of Modeling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Readers with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or any child-age friend or family member, I want you to envision the following scenario: You are flipping through the television channels with your young friend sitting nearby.  The child is playing but he or she looks up whenever something attention grabbing appears on the tv.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.whatsyourgrief.com

Excellent article about grief counseling for teens and younger children.   If you are interested in child and adolescent grief counseling training then please review this article as well as review our certification program for grief counselors who wish to specialize in the area of child grief.

Please let us know if you have any questions and enjoy the article

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Most Addicts Are Victims Of Abuse: Substance Abuse Counselor Program

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Local News – Most addicts ‘are victims of abuse’

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.gdnonline.com

Sad reality that most addicts and substance abuse issues stem from abuse.  The abuse can cause many mental injuries that lead people to drugs and misuse of them

It is so sad that individuals of physical or sexual abuse are not given the help they need to overcome the trauma of abuse.  Instead they turn to drugs to hide their pain.  Substance Abuse Counselors can help.  You can also become a Substance Abuse Counselor and help.

If you would like to become a substance abuse counselor then please review the program

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Grief Myths: Illustrated

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

A few weeks back we published a post called 64 Myths About Grief that Just Need to Stop.  Today, I’m going to illustrate a few of these grief myths because my brain is too fried right now to compose complete sentences. Anyways, sometimes it takes a good stick figure to drive the absurdity of certain thoughts …

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.whatsyourgrief.com

Good article about grief myths.  This article is good for those grieving and grief counselors who wish to truly understand the nature of grief.

If you would like to become a certified grief counselor then please review the program and see if it matches your educational and professional needs

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The Psychology Of A Near-Death Experience

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Psychology Of A Near-Death Experience

If you have ever met anyone who has had a near-death experience – or if you have ever experienced this phenomenon yourself – you know that it changes you forever. Psychologically speaking, it is nearly impossible to “go back” to looking at life and death the same way as you did before, and often you feel driven to find out why and how this can happen and if it has happened to others as well.

Despite an ever growing body of research studies that focus on phenomena of this type, as well as an expanding library of books (both research and memoir-based) on the topic, it is clear scientists and human beings still have much to learn about near-death experiences. How they happen, when they happen, why they happen – all of these questions are still very much open for insight and exploration.

However, there are certain psychological impacts of a near-death experience that have now been identified. In this post, learn what psychological studies have to say about near-death experiences (often called simply “NDEs”). Also learn about five of the ways having (or even hearing about) a near-death experience can impact a person psychologically.

 

Dr. Jung and NDEs

In 1944, famous psychologist Dr. Carl Jung experienced a near-death experience. Not only did Dr. Jung report experiencing many of the same events that experiencers today report, but he then returned from the experience to incorporate his newfound awareness of the afterlife into his groundbreaking work in the field of psychology. One of the concepts that came out of this period is his assertion that the “unconscious psyche” of an individual believes in “life after death,” even if the conscious individual may not.

 

What Psychological Studies Say About NDEs

According to Psychology Today, NDEs absolutely do happen. In fact, research shows that there is much similarity in how they happen and the sequence of events that occurs as well.

 

Here is the common sequence of events that many experiencers report:

 

– A feeling of hovering or “floating” slightly above the physical body, and at the same time being able to see the body below (which researchers find similar to reports of “out of body” experiences).

– The visual sensation of a light, which is often very bright and pervasive.

– Some sort of review of life-to-date, which is often visual.

– A visual or physical sensation of moving through a tunnel.

– Feelings of peace, joy, pleasure, unity with all.

– Seeing beings, sometimes known and sometimes unknown.

– An awareness of having moved beyond life (“being dead”).

 

Today, researchers are able to link these experiences to specific neurological functions and even specific parts of the brain that control these different functions, most notably the left temporal lobe, which seems to control an individual’s sense of body-awareness.

 

As well, interruption in the REM cycle sleep stage, which occurs in some individuals but not in everyone, is thought to account for some of the feelings of “floating” above the body, since REM interruption causes what researchers call “sleep paralysis.”

 

Researchers that have explored a possible link between low oxygen levels and NDEs have not found a link there, but there does seem to be a possible link between low blood sugar levels and NDEs.

 

5 Ways NDEs Impact a Person Psychologically

The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) has assembled extensive information and qualitative research (stories)

 

1. People report that having an NDE changes their life forever.

IANDS reports that people near-universally report that having a near-death experience changes them in some fundamental way from that point forward. Many report feeling less fear, more love, more connection and no more fear of death. Often experiencers have a greatly enhanced ability to experience love, joy, wonder and acceptance for self and others.

 

2. Interpretation plays a huge role in how an NDE changes a person.

Psychology Today reports that personal interpretation plays a huge part in exactly how having a near-death experience will change a person. Personal feelings of faith (or lack thereof) often seem to shape the actual NDE experiences, including seeing religious figures or angels or simply interpreting what they see in light of what they do or don’t believe.

 

3. The review of life-to-date puts old wounds and questions into perspective.

For people whose NDE experience includes what researchers call a “life review,” or what many moviemakers call “life flashing before your eyes,” these people report a positive effect and often some significant healing from past hurts or old questions being resolved. In this way, NDE experiencers report that the NDE itself functioned sort of like a psychological technique called “psychodrama” where the person gets to revisit or even replay the past in service to resolving old issues.

 

4. The NDE experience itself can sometimes be faith-changing.

For some experiencers who previously did not have any faith in an “afterlife” type experience, whether religious or secular, they report the NDE experience changes their beliefs about what happens after death. Often, experiencers who previously believed nothing happens after death now report that they feel like life continues after death.

 

5. The NDE often prompts greater interest in spiritual matters.

Because of the life-changing, profound impact of the NDE on those who experience it, many people report resolution of psychological conflict between “conscious” beliefs about life after death and what they have experienced during the NDE (a la Dr. Jung – see above). This not only allows these experiencers to experience more peace but prompts a more open interest in and attitude towards learning about both psychological and spiritual matters as it may relate to their own NDE experiences.

 

Near-death experiences are clearly fascinating and the field is still wide-open for additional research to be done. Psychologically speaking, the two universal findings to date are that NDEs are documentable, viable phenomenon worth studying further and that NDEs have a profound psychological impact on those who experience them.

 

Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Legacy Headstones, a leading ohio-based headstone manufacturer and vendor.

 

Please also review our Grief Counseling Program

 

5 Technological Innovations Revolutionizing Modern Healthcare

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

5 Technological Innovations Revolutionizing Modern Healthcare

The vast improvement in healthcare that patients have experienced within the past 50 years can be attributed to the development of new technologies. From performing procedures without cutting a patient open to significantly reducing recovery times, these technical marvels have done amazing things. They have even allowed doctors, surgeons and dentists to treat untreatable problems. As technology continues to propel healthcare forward here are five unique applications developing technologies have in the field of healthcare.

Robot-Assisted Surgeries

Robot-assisted surgery aims to make the hands of surgeons steadier, reduce surgery times, and improve the overall outcome for the patient. Robot-assisted surgeries have steady hands while working in ways that human surgeons could only dream of doing. This leads to a surgery time that is about 50 percent shorter than conventional surgeries. The best part of these surgeries is that the patient has minimal risk to complications because the procedure is confined to a smaller area with less exposure to contaminants. This results in a quicker recovery period for patients in some cases.

Efficient Dental Drills

Many people dread the dentist’s office because they fear the discomfort and pain that is commonly associated with these procedures. They fear sitting in a scary dentist’s chair while someone drills at their sensitive teeth for hours on end. The good news is that drills are becoming exceedingly more efficient. Companies like Richards Micro-Tool are giving dentists access to drills made of more durable materials designed to be more efficient. This results in quicker procedures with significantly less pain and better long-term results.

Micro Blood Tests

Drawing blood has been an essential part in diagnosing the health status of a patient, but it seldom one patients enjoy. Given that blood tests tend to test for incredibly specific things, the amount of blood needed for standard tests like the complete blood count (CBC) test is minimal. Smart businesses have begun developing micro blood tests, which use about 0.1 percent of the blood that a conventional CBC uses. The result is less lab work and less blood drawn, which means that the typical blood test becomes more affordable and feasible.

Stem-Cell Procedures

Stem cells are the tabula rasa cells of the body. They can be shaped to fulfill almost any function with the right type of stem cell. One particularly useful area stem cells currently sign is when it comes to reconstruction and plastic surgery. Doctors can use it for everything from breast enlargement to recovering areas where cancer and radiation have destroyed structures in the body. These procedures are made possible by the technology that enables doctors to extract and then introduce these cells into the body of a patient.
Engineered Organ Replacements

The most stunning advancement technology has brought medicine is the ability to grow replacement organs outside of the body. There are three main ways of doing this: by using a scaffold of cells obtained from a cadaver, by printing cells using a 3D printer, or by growing them by utilizing DNA and the right environmental conditions. Some of these replacement organs are already available. Ears, noses and other simpler body parts have been engineered on a common basis. More complex body parts, such as the heart or kidneys, are currently still in the process of being tested inside of laboratories.

As technology continues to advance, so too will medical care. New procedures will develop, untreatable diseases will be treated, and conditions that were once a death sentence may be cured. Miniaturizing technology, clever engineers and persistent doctors will be the driving force in developing new technologies that cure today’s biological problems

 

Rachelle Wilber
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber

 

 

If you would like to learn more about healthcare technology or would like to become certified in a healthcare area then please review our programs.  Our Healthcare Certification Programs are designed for working healthcare professionals who are looking to diversify their career with new and exciting certifications.

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4 Rare and Often Undiagnosed or Misdiagnosed Mental Illnesses

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Certifications for Counselors and Four Rare Mental Illnesses

According to the American Psychological Association, people suffering from mental illnesses are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed upon admittance to an emergency room. Underdiagnoses and misdiagnoses can also occur when an individual visits a primary care physician who is unfamiliar with the specific criteria of lesser-known mental illnesses. Here are four rare mental illnesses that often fall under-the-radar.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a mental illness in which a parent of a child (or the child of an elderly parent) exaggerates, causes, or lies about their child’s illness. They may do this by giving them pills that cause diarrhea, withholding food and medication, purposefully causing infections, and faking laboratory results. Unfortunately, the parents’ lies are often so convincing that the attending physician never suspects Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Orthorexia Nervosa

Mental health care professionals who approach psychology from both a natural and social perspective understand how prevalent eating disorders are in Western society. However, when evaluating a patient who’s suffering from the symptoms of a negative calorie eating disorder, even a professional with a psychology bachelor’s or master’s degree may misdiagnose the patient with anorexia or bulimia when they actually fit the criteria for Orthorexia.

 

Orthorexia is a disorder in which someone focuses on eating foods that are “pure” and “healthy” until it turns into an obsession that rules their daily life. Symptoms include anxiety when eating food prepared by someone else, self-loathing, and putting one’s diet ahead of family, social, and work-related commitments. Ironically, this obsession can lead to an unhealthy diet in which the individual stops eating nutrients deemed unhealthy based on poor evidence.

Capgras Syndrome

This delusional disorder occurs when an individual believes that someone they know has been “replaced” by an imposter. In emergency rooms, Capgras syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as atypical psychosis. However, it is actually strongly tied to neurodegenerative disorders, brain injuries, and schizophrenia.

Diogenes Syndrome

Diogenes syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as a hoarding disorder. Both illnesses are characterized by an inability to get rid of useless items, including trash and organic waste. Unlike traditional hoarding, however, the symptoms of Diogenes syndrome also include an inability to take care of one’s self, extreme social isolation, and apathy. It’s usually diagnosed in senior citizens who have been unable to recover from a stressful life event.

 

In order to get the clearest diagnosis, it’s important for an individual to disclose their symptoms as accurately as possible. This means describing one’s mood, how the symptoms have changed one’s daily life, and how one pictures their ideal life. When the most details are described, the physician will be better able to pinpoint rare and commonly under-diagnosed illnesses.

 

 

Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote.

Please also review our various certifications for Counselors below.

If you would like to learn more about Grief Counseling, Stress Management, Anger Management, Crisis Intervention or Spiritual Counseling then please review our various certifications for Counselors that are offered by AIHCP.

Grief Healing: Pet Loss: When A Pet Goes Missing

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.griefhealingblog.com

This is a horrifying nightmare for pet owners.  Most of us have experienced it. I have with my Siberian Huskies and it puts a pit in your stomach.

The anticipatory grief, the imaginary scenarios all dance in our minds.  It can be sometimes an unresolved issue.

I recall, one time we actually found a stray Siberian Husky and as Husky people took him in.  We put out ads, notified individuals in the community yet he was never picked up by  an owner.  I cannot imagine the pain of the owner, but the husky who recently passed lived a happy 6 years with us, his new family.  This is best scenario we can dream of when we lose a pet, but the scary dreams are always there

If you would like to learn more about pet loss grief counseling then please review

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In Defense of the Grief Selfie – What’s Your Grief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Once upon a time, many moons ago, Eleanor wrote an amazing post about self-portraits.  In that post, in case you missed it or failed to commit it to memory, she said: There was a time when I didn’t have the words to describe my grief even privately. In those early days the only tool I …

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.whatsyourgrief.com

Intriguing article about the psychology of selfies and how grief can play a role in selfies and how they can help the griever overcome certain aspects of grieving by shedding one’s skin so to speak.

If you would like to learn more about our bereavement counseling certification, then please review our program.

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