ADHD Consulting Specialist Program Blog on ADHD Misdiagnosis

ADHD is one of the most common over misdiagnosed mental issues in children.  It is easy to misdiagnose due to the multiple symptoms and the differences in its appearance from person to person.  With this in mind, it is important to receive a very accurate diagnosis regarding ADHD.  Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Specialist Program

ADHD is commonly misdiagnosed. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “Why ADHD Misdiagnoses Can Be Common” By Stephanie Wright takes a closer look at ADHD and misdiagnosis.  She states,

“Sometimes, doctors don’t get an initial diagnosis right. Being your own health advocate can help ensure you get the correct diagnosis, critical to receiving effective care.  If you’ve been correctly diagnosed with ADHD, it’s going to be OK. Though stigma still exists, society has come a long way in awareness and acceptance of mental health conditions.  You don’t need to hide your symptoms. Your local health office is a safe space to seek help for your mental health condition — whether it’s ADHD or something different.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Specialist 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 as an ADHD Consultant Specialist.

Grief Counseling Certification Blog on Alan Wolfert’s Ten Touchstones

Going through grief is a difficult transition.   With so many erroneous philosophies surrounding grief, it can even be more difficult to navigate emotions and cope with the pain.   It is important to understand how grief affects human beings and how human beings need to react to grief itself.   Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program.

Grief can be a difficult journey. Sometimes support groups can help individuals process and cope with grief in helpful ways. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program

 

Many contend grief is an unnatural state, or that one must restore balance in life and forget the past.  Others believe grief is in step by step stages.  Others believe grief should be kept from others and never expressed.  All of these ideas can lead to complications within the grieving process.  Many individuals due to misinformation need external help to learn how to grieve and cope properly.

Support is key in grieving as well as Grief Counseling.  The rule of thirds dictates that one third of those one knows will be indifferent to one’s loss, while another third will actually be counterproductive to the grieving process, and the final third will be helpful and compassionate.   The more support one has the better they can cope with the loss but many need help.  Grief Support Groups offer the aid some need to better heal.

Alan Wolfert, an expert in grief, lists ten key touchstones to grieving.  These touchstones are utilized in his guide for support groups.   The touchstones provide a good outline to dictate the course of the meeting outlines in helping others come to grips with loss itself.  Many of the elements found in other grieving models are found in these touchstones but again the touchstones are not to serve as a chronological time line to healing but a check list to measure healing.

In this blog, we will briefly review these ten touchstones.

The first touchstone deals with opening oneself to the presence to the loss.  Denial is one of the first reactions to loss.   Hence it is important to open oneself to the reality of loss and acknowledge the event and start to process it.  Various emotions will emerge, but the process is key in healing.  It is also critical to understand the nature of grief.  Grief in itself is the price of love.  The two are forever interwound with each other.  Understanding that grief is not temporary but a life long journey is important.  Love is forever hence grief and loss of that love is forever.

The second touchstone deals with dismissing false misconceptions of grief.  A support group can help others dismiss bad grieving habits and false ideas.  So many false ideas about grief exist in society.  Many of these false misconceptions and myths damage healing itself.

The third touchstone involves embracing the uniqueness of one’s grief.  Grief is very unique.  Due to this, losses vary from individual to individual.  Some losses are greater than others.  Other losses have greater bonds.   Some losses also depend on one’s ability to cope.  Secondary losses can occur which can make the primary loss even more difficult.   Hence all loss is unique because each bond is unique.  It is important for the bereaved to understand the unique nature of his or her personal grief and what challenges he or she will incur.

The fourth touchstone is exploring the feelings associated with loss.  So many times, emotions are hidden.  Some emotions are considered distasteful.  It is important to accept all forms of emotions within a healthy manner.  Anger and sadness should not be dismissed but embraced and properly understood within the grieving process.

Touchstone five deals with understanding the needs of mourning.  This touchstone correlates with many grief theories regarding recovering.  First, one must acknowledge the loss.  Following this, one must embrace the emotions, remember and commemorate the deceased, develop a new relationship, find new meaning and let others help in times of sadness.  These are key elements in adjusting to the particular loss and becoming whole again.   One does change through grief but through proper grieving , one is able to change in a healthy way that adjusts to the loss and allows one to exist but still remember.

The sixth touchstone is understanding that grief does not make one crazy.  Many individuals hold tight to older traditions, dream of the deceased, or may even see the deceased.  While in grief, these types of fixations on the deceased are not pathological.  Missing someone is not crazy.  The manifestations of missing someone should not be dismissed as crazy.  Individuals must understand that is natural for these things to occur during the grieving process.

The seventh touchstone deals with nurturing oneself.  In grief, it is easy to forgot oneself.  It is easy not to care for oneself or attend to things that are important to oneself.  As one heals, it is important to care for oneself. It is important to try to find a smile, or beauty in things.  This may be difficult, but self care should not feel guilty.  Many who grieve, feel they must grieve forever or they will betray the one the love.  Grief should not be a punishment but a transition.

The eighth touchstone involves reaching out to others.  Many individuals see this as a sign of weakness.   These individuals may hide their grief.  Others may see it as a sign of weakness to ask for advice or cry before someone.  As social beings, it is important to seek help when hurt.  Emotional hurt is no different.

The ninth touchstone is discovering that grief is about reconciliation not resolution.  There is no end to the loss itself.  The loss is forever hence the separation is forever.  There will be no resolution or new self void of the past.  Hence it is important to understand that one must become reconciled to the loss.  One must be able to accept it and live with it.  This means living with it in a healthy way, but it does not mean, the pain will magically vanish.  One still can at times experience the pains of loss but be completely adjusted and reconciled to the new reality.

The final touchstone is appreciation of one’s transformation.  This does not mean one forgets the deceased and is happy to be changed, but means one is happy he or she experienced the grieving process and now can in a healthy way enjoy the adjustment while still remembering the deceased.  The transformation shows change and growth and understanding.  These are good things to be thankful for.

Wolfert’s Ten Touchstones can direct grief support groups. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

These touchstones serve as an excellent source to guide Grief Support Meetings.  They can help individuals through the maze of grief and find proper healing and transformation.  It allows the bereaved to experience emotion, learn about the grieving process and have the support and tools to reconcile and transform from the loss.

If you would like to learn more about Grief Counseling, then please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.

 

Resources and Sources

Understanding Your Grief” by Alan Wolfert

Wolfert’s Touchstones https://www.taps.org/articles/27-3/ten-touchstones-finding-hope-healing-heart

Bio on Alan Wolfert  https://www.centerforloss.com/about-the-center-for-loss/about-dr-alan-wolfelt/

Other texts by Alan Wolfert https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/253894.Alan_D_Wolfelt

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Blog on Cannabis and Alcohol Usage

With opioids being cut off for many with pain issues, there is an upward climb towards the use of cannabis and alcohol. In fact, this trend has led to cannabis and alcohol becoming the top two treated addictions in the United States.  Individuals are turning to other ways to cope with pain, or even problems.  The availability of these drugs make it far easier to become closely connected to them. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

There is an increase of alcohol and cannabis use. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse 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 Substance Abuse Counseling.

 

Anger Management Consulting Certification Blog on Anger and Men

Anger can take different forms in different genders.  Men are quite different than women and tend to express anger quite differently.  Men sometimes are more aggressive as well and when compounded with anger can turn to violence. While this does not say every individual reacts to anger based on race, there are enough studies to show that most men are more outward in expressing their anger.  It is important to understand how one expresses anger and why. Obviously there are more than just one’s gender to explain why some individuals are more angry than others, but gender does play a small part in understanding.  Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification

How does anger manifest differently in men? Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification

 

The article, “Understanding Anger in Men” by Matthew Boland looks closer at the nature of anger and its expression within the male gender.  He states,

“Men are often thought of as angrier than women but multiple studies (like this and this) have shown that’s not the case. Men are, on average, more likely to express anger through outward aggression, which could partially explain why men are often perceived as angrier than women. Society generally views anger expressed by men as more socially acceptable than anger expressed by women. Anger causes short-term physiological changes in the body, which can contribute to other health problems over time for men.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management 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 Anger Management Training.

 

Ayurveda and Holistic Health

Ayurveda is an Eastern form of medicine and health practices.  It has many complimentary uses with Western medicine. Many of its views and practices are being more and more employed in the West to help individuals with a variety of ailments.  It is important to always have a healthcare professional properly guide on through Ayurveda to ensure one utilizes the proper treatments as not to contradict any primary medications. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist program

Ayurveda is an Eastern way of healing. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?” from the Cleveland Clinic’s healthessentials looks at how Ayurveda works and how it may be better able to help you.  The article takes an in-depth look at the history of Ayurveda and also its deeper meanings.  In particular it looks at the Vata dosha, the Peta dosha and the Kapha dosha.  It looks how these systems are seen as a foundation for medical treatment in India and the East.  The article states,

“The word “Ayurveda” is derived from Sanskrit and means “science of life.” In Ayurveda, there’s an underlying belief that everything in life is connected. Because of this, general health and wellness rely on achieving balance and harmony. When a person is imbalanced or stressed, they’re likely to develop disease. Ayurveda focuses on implementing lifestyle interventions and natural treatments, therapies and remedies to provide balance among your physical body, mind, spirit and the world around you.”

“What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?”. healthessentials.  June 10th, 2022. Cleveland Clinic.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. It is based on the premise that there is a relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, and that imbalances in any of these three can lead to illness. Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of techniques to restore balance, including diet, exercise, meditation, and massage.  . Ayurvedic medicine relies on a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account the person’s physical, mental, and emotional state. Herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications are often used in ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system of medicine which is based on the idea of balance in the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, there are three main types of energy, or “doshas,” which are responsible for our physical and mental health: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth).

Vata is associated with movement, pitta with metabolism and digestion, and kapha with structure and lubrication. Imbalance in any of these doshas is thought to lead to disease.

The Vata dosha is the energy of movement and is responsible for all bodily functions that involve movement, including circulation, respiration, and elimination. It is light, dry, cold, and erratic in nature and is said to be the most difficult of the three doshas to balance.

The Peta dosha refers to the purification of the mind and body through asceticism. The peta dosha theory states that all of these elements must be in balance in order for a person to be healthy.

The Kapha dosha  is characterized by qualities such as heavy, slow, and wet.  Kapha types are typically heavy, solid, and slow-moving. They tend to have a calm, easy-going personality, and tend to be loyal and reliable friends.  Kapha dosha is responsible for growth, lubrication, and stability in the body. It is associated with the elements of earth and water, and its qualities are heavy, cold, oily, smooth, and static. Imbalance in kapha dosha can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

While many of these philosophies are religious in nature, they also pertain to health as well.  Those concerned only with the secular nature, look at the issues of balance found in these doshas and how they can reflect healthier living for those who may not be religious but looking for health benefits nonetheless.

Holistic and Conventional Remedies

Holistic and complimentary medicine are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different approaches to healthcare. Holistic medicine is a comprehensive approach that looks at the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of an illness. This approach takes into account the mind, body, and spirit of the individual, and seeks to treat the underlying cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms.  Complimentary medicine, on the other hand, focuses on treatments that complement conventional medical care. These complementary treatments may include acupuncture, massage therapy, or meditation. Both holistic and complimentary medicine share a common goal: to promote healing and wellbeing.

Trained Integrative and Holistic Specialists in healthcare such as holistic nurses can navigate the boundaries between Ayurveda and Western medicine and help individuals find the proper balance between the two systems.  It is important to never begin a holistic campaign for health, or partake in alternative practices without consulting one’s primary healthcare provider.  Holistic Nurses can help identify the most useful remedies without risking counter effecting the conventional medications one may be on.

In many cases, holistic remedies, and ideas found in Ayurveda can help individuals find a cure or help one find better healthy but they are best used as preventative and long term life style changes to be used in conjunction with one’s healthcare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that emphasizes prevention and natural treatment. Ayurvedic practitioners use dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies to treat imbalances in the body. While there is some scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Ayurveda, more research is needed. If you are interested in trying an Ayurvedic approach to health, talk to a qualified practitioner.

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program 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 Holistic Nursing.  Nurses must first complete the core courses before applying for the four year certification.

Additional Resources

“Ayurveda: A historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India”.  Lakshmi-chandra Mishra; Betsy B Singh; Simon Dagenais Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine; Mar 2001; 7, 2; ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source pg. 36.  Access here

“What is Ayurveda?”. John Hopkins Medicine.  Access here

“What Is Ayurveda?”. Kelli Miller.  March 20th, 2021. WebMD. Access here

“A Beginners Guide to Holistic Health & Why It’s Important”. Amanl Kalti. September 12th, 2022. Healthinsiders.  Access here

EFT and Anxiety Reduction

Many individuals can turn to EFT to help lessen the effects of anxiety.  Anxiety can become unbearable for many. Individuals resort to medications and other remedies, but with the use of EFT, many who suffer from anxiety can better learn to lessen and even remove it.  EFT helps the individual move negative emotion and energy associated with anxiety from the body.  Through tapping points, negative energy associated with anxiety can be removed from the body and replaced with more positive experience.  EFT can help with so many emotional traumas.

EFT tapping can help reduce anxiety in many people. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program and see if it meets your professional and academic nee

Commentary on EFT

EFT is a psychological technique that involves tapping on specific points on the body in order to relieve stress and anxiety. It is based on the theory that our bodies are energy systems, and that by tapping on these points, we can release any blocked energy and restore balance. The theory behind EFT is that by tapping on these points, you are able to release any negative emotions that may be causing you distress.  EFT has been shown to be effective for treating a variety of issues, including phobias, PTSD, and chronic pain.

To use EFT, you will need to tap on a series of specific points on your body while focusing on a particular issue or problem. The tapping helps to release any trapped negative emotions and restore balance to your body’s energy system.  There are many meridian points located throughout the body. These points are used in acupuncture and other energy therapies. The eft points are located on the hands and feet. These points are also used in acupuncture and other energy therapies.  Since EFT emulates acupuncture, it looks to help the body move emotional energy, both good and bad.   This is is especially important in removing anxiety and stress.

EFT and Anxiety

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that EFT may be an effective intervention for anxiety. A number of studies have shown that EFT can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and that the effects of eft are long-lasting. Eft has also been shown to be more effective than other interventions, such as CBT, in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.  EFT is an evidence-based approach that helps people cope with anxiety. It is based on the premise that the mind and body are interconnected, and that by tapping on specific points on the body, we can help to release emotional stress and improve our overall well-being. EFT has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, and it is a safe and easy technique that can be used by anyone.

In processing negative energy, the individual focuses on the particular anxiety while tapping.  As the individual works his or her through the tapping points, he or she repeats the particular anxiety.  This may take a few cycles of tapping and repeating, which concludes with a new desired state.  The combination of a mantra with the tapping, helps move negative energy.  This is the detailed way EFT helps one deal and cope better with anxiety.  Fortunately, it is non evasive and can be taught easily to another person.  A certified EFT practitioner can train and individual on the way to properly utilize EFT so that one is able to use it alone or when anxiety arises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EFT  is an interesting and potentially useful tool for managing stress and anxiety. More research is needed to determine its efficacy, but it may be worth trying for those who are struggling with these issues. If you are considering using eft, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner.   In regards to anxiety,  EFT can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety. It is important to consult with a therapist or counselor to ensure that EFT is used correctly and effectively.  Once one is able to understand its application, many are able to use EFT alone or by themselves in the privacy of home or when an anxiety attack occurs.

Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program 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 EFT.  After completing the courses and practicum, one can then apply for the four year certification in EFT with AIHCP.
Additional Resources
What is EFT tapping?”. Kiara Anthony. Healthline. September 18th, 2018.  To access, please click here
“How the Emotional Freedom Technique Treats Anxiety: Alternative Treatment for Panic and Anxiety”. Katharina Star, PhD.  Verywellmind.  May 7th, 2021.  To access, please click here
“5 Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT Tapping Benefits for Stress, Pain & More”. Jillian Levy, CHHC. DR. Axe. October 13th, 2019.  To access, please click here

Anger Management Consulting Program Video on Anger in Relationships

Anger in relationships can turn two people against each other in the most toxic ways.  While it is important as a way to form boundaries when properly utilized, it can become abusive and hurtful if not properly managed.  Couples need to set boundaries, share emotions, but in a respectful way.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting 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 Anger Management.

Crisis Intervention Training Blog on Compliance and Crisis in Policing

Police officers are public servants but when things become difficult with non compliant citizens, it can quickly lead to violence.  In the news, we see horrible incidents of mental health issues erupting between officers and suspects where individuals end up killed.  Officers need to know how to de-escalate situations and prevent unnecessary death of suspects or citizens in custody.  Crisis Intervention is important to help prevent bad things from happening. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Training program

Interaction with police should not be a dangerous thing. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Training

 

The article, “How officers can move people from crisis to compliance” by Sergeant Christopher Bax looks closer at helping officers better work for safer outcomes with the public.  He states,

“Moving someone from a state of crisis toward compliance is not easy. By recognizing indicators of emotional distress, gaining information through active listening, communicating understanding, forming connections and making informed decisions, officers can help a person in crisis while achieving the goal of voluntary compliance.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Officers can benefit from additional Crisis Intervention Training.

Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking training in Crisis Intervention.

Anger Management Certification Article on Children and Abnormal Anger

Teaching children restraint with their anger is a basic parenting objective.  It is critical to show children how to behave and control emotion so that they can interact socially with others.  There are sometimes signs to watch for that may indicate deeper anger issues that will require stronger attention.  Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification

Children need to learn to control anger at an early age. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting 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 Anger Management.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Blog on the Loss of a Child

The loss of a child is the worst loss and a parent’s worst fear.   It is unnatural for a parent to bury a child hence it also carries a deeper pain than merely losing an older family member.  The loss of a child is a life long wound that haunts the parents for the rest of their lives.  It is of no wonder then that many complicated forms of grief develop within parents who lose a child.  Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

The worst loss for a person is to experience the loss of a child. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “How to Deal with the Grief of Losing a Child” by Melissa Porrey takes a closer look at the pain of losing a child.  She states,

“The loss of a child is unimaginable. Whether anticipated or unexpected, the pain that follows the death of a child is likely to feel overwhelming and endless. With time, healthy coping tools, and help from loved ones and professionals, the worst parts of grief will eventually pass.  This article will provide an overview of common grief reactions, options for seeking help, and ways to cope.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief 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 in grief counseling.