It can be far more difficult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult than when a child. There are far more criteria to be met and a history of symptoms. This can make it more difficult for an adult especially since they need to be referred to a specialist as well.
ADHD in adults can be harder to diagnosis. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
The article, “ADHD SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS: WHY DIAGNOSIS IS SO DIFFICULT” by James Brown and Alex Connor look at why adults have a more difficult time receiving a diagnosis. They state,
“Understanding the condition in adults, taking it more seriously as a disorder, raising awareness of it, and investing in services to improve diagnosis times are key. Diagnosis opens the door to treatment, which can have a marked impact on living with the disorder — such as improving self-esteem, productivity, and quality of life.”
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.
In any type of trauma, there is anger. Anger can continue to feed the trauma and keep it alive longer. Anger can also weaken the individual overtime through depression, fatigue and anxiety. Keeping strong emotional anger is unhealthy and it is important to learn how to properly release anger. This does not mean one does not have a right to be angry over the offense and trauma, but i does mean one must escape the anger before it becomes toxic.
Anger keeps trauma highly charged and weakens the self. It leads to sarcasm and bitterness in life, as well as resentment and possibly revenge. Revenge leads to further destruction and a cycle of violence and continued trauma. Furthermore, anger that prevents forgiveness stunts social growth. It prevents trust, increases hatred and forces oneself to close off to others. Hence it is important more so for one’s health to resolve anger and forgive than for the lack of worthiness of the offender to receive it.
Unresolved anger can lead to health issues. It is far better to release anger for oneself. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification
Many feel forgiveness is impossible. Perhaps they view the offense as unforgivable. Rape, molestation and murder are sometimes very hard things to forgive. These things represent the worst within human society. Other things may be easier to forgive, but regardless of the degree, if one associates an action as unforgivable, then it becomes an anchor around one’s neck. Others feel they must protect themselves and must remain bitter and remain closed. Those who were physically abused, may feel their anger empowers them and protects them from ever being hurt again by never letting someone get close to them. Others feel they may betray themselves or their loved one, if they forgive the perpetrator. These are all blocks to resolving unhealthy anger and moving forward in life.
Anger is an emotion that may very well be important to the event. It is in fact a true emotion in trauma. It is OK to be angry. It is OK to feel the anger, but eventually, the anger can become toxic. It is important to start to experience the anger and understand it, but in a way that allows one to remain in touch with its importance but not its ill effects. It needs to be analyzed free from the toxic charge of initial rage, so one can understand its rationale and comprehend where it is aimed.
In doing so, many times, things need to be said, when those things cannot be said, then it is important to be able to find other ways to release. This is especially true when justice is not given to a particular case that prevents closure. Justice is an excellent way to help heal unresolved anger but in so many cases, justice at least in this world is not given. It is hence critical to be able to resolve anger sometimes without justice.
Some therapists suggest Gestalt Chairs, when one plays the role of both oneself and perpetrator. This allows the necessary discussion as one plays both roles. Being able to vocally express anger, confrontation and forgiveness is key. Furthermore, those with a belief of the afterlife, can find some closure knowing nothing goes unpunished before God. Ultimately, facing anger, the situation and forgiving, frees oneself from the perpetrator.
Forgiveness, however, does not mean minimizing the event, or condoning it, or forgetting it, or trusting the same person again. It does not dismiss the event, but it frees oneself from the emotional tie of the perpetrator. Even if one does not ask, it can free oneself. Forgiveness does not mean the individual still must pay a debt in this life or the next but it does allow one to move forward.
It is important in some cases to ask for forgiveness, but in other cases, this may not be an option, but the key is to decide to finally heal. Being able to resolve anger and give forgiveness may have to be done in constructive ways to release. Gestalt chairs or belief in God may be the best ways to forgive and understand. One needs to try to forgive the best way they can for their own healing. Sometimes, this can be accomplished through rituals such as confession, or other forms of expression.
In can sometimes be difficult to give forgiveness. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification
Trauma is difficult to overcome. Some trauma is more severe and some cases of anger are harder to overcome. It is not an issue of denying the evil that occurred but it is an issue of healing and finding peace for oneself. Holding on to anger does not punish the perpetrator but it punishes the self and allows the perpetrator to continue to hurt the victim. It is hence important to learn ways to live and forgive before one’s life is totally destroyed.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program, Grief Counseling Program, Stress Management Program and Anger Management Certification. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in the above disciplines
Source
“The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook” by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD
Christian Counseling is a unique type of counseling. It looks to point one towards Christ in all forms of healing. It presents truth at all costs. It does not look to the subjective realities of the world or immoral plans of the world, but teaches truth and expects individuals to conform to that truth. Ultimately it is Christocentric.
Christian Counseling is Christocentric in nature
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification
The article, “3 Universal Truths for Counseling in Particular Circumstances” by Curtis Solomon takes a closer look at the unique qualities of Christian Counseling and how those qualities are applied. He states,
“No matter who you’re counseling, no matter the particulars of his situation, you can and should be patient, show compassion, and point him to Christ. Applying these universals will guard you from becoming a jerk and, more importantly, you’ll model Christ’s character in each particular situation.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to earn a four year certification in Christian Counseling.
Tapping points in EFT can help individuals de-stress and find more peace throughout the day. Once one learns how to utilize tapping, one can calm oneself at any moment or any place by finding a quiet spot to practice EFT.
Tapping points in EFT can help individuals de-stress and find more peace throughout the day. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner Program
The article, “9 Tapping Points For EFT That’ll Help You To De-Stress” by Carolyn Steber takes a closer look at the benefits of tapping to destress. She states,
“EFT is based on beliefs from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the use of acupressure to reduce emotional distress, says Hannah Kahn, an EFT tapping practitioner at Charm City Integrative Health. “Basically, you tap on the ends of a series of meridian points, which are the same energetic pathways [used in] other forms of Chinese medicine,” she tells Bustle. “By doing this, you allow your body to more easily process emotions and significantly reduce cortisol stress levels.” You just have to know the proper tapping points for EFT so you can turn to the method whenever you need a reset.”
EFT can help individuals in a variety of ways. If one experiences stress or even trauma, EFT can help. To learn more about teaching others how to utilize EFT, please review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in EFT.
Near Death Experiences are a universal phenomenon throughout the world. No culture is void of their presence. What does it mean? Is there a scientific explanation or is it a metaphysical experience?
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification as well as AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Adaptogens are great and natural herbs and supplements to help one manage stress and anxiety. They are natural but still need to be utilized under care of a specialist due to the fact certain levels can be counter productive or mix poorly with other medications. Integrative Holistic Specialists can help one find the best herbal supplement for an individual when dealing with stress.
Adaptogens help individuals with stress. Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Health Specialist Program
The article, “What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?” from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthessentials takes a closer look at a variety of adaptogens. The article states,
“Adaptogens can affect how much cortisol is released in your body when you’re stressed. Less cortisol can mean less of a physical stress reaction. As stress is connected to your nervous, endocrine and immune systems, it can cause physiological changes like an increased heart rate. Again, adaptogens can help how your body responds physically to stress.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Specialist Program, as well as AIHCP’s Stress Management Program. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Holistic Nurse or Stress Management Consultant.
Gaslighting is perhaps one of the most anger triggering strategy of someone. Whether in a relationship, politics, or in war, gaslighting purposely denies the obvious and repeats falsehoods. Any logical or sane individual will feel frustration when confronted with gas lighting. It is only human to become angry when one is surrounded by lies. It is important to properly be able to respond to gas lighting without losing one’s cool. This is the motive of the perpetrator and it is important not to become angry or misused in these cases.
Gaslighting is a form of abuse. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic goals
The article, “How to Recognize & Respond to Gaslighting” by Michelle Brooten-Brooks takes a closer look at the nature of gaslighting and how to handle it. She states,
“Gaslighting is manipulative emotional and psychological abuse that causes a person to question their reality, memories, instincts, and, ultimately, their sanity. A person gaslights to obtain power and control, which are classic elements of abuse. Gaslighting often occurs in an intimate partner relationship. Read on to learn more about signs, examples, and types of gaslighting, how to respond, and how to get help.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting 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 Anger Management Consulting.
During recover from severe trauma, the person must be able to reconnect the dreadful event with his or her life story. The injured person must understand the event as a chapter that has meaning to one’s life and connect it to the present and how to cultivate the future.
As one progresses in their treatment of processing the traumatic memories, one will need to create future chapters that are not defined by the evil of the trauma, but are defined by growth from it. The present and future need to find happiness, meaning and self esteem in order to self sustain any recovery and help the person integrate back into society.
Individuals suffering from trauma and PTSD have a difficult time finding happiness, meaning and self esteem in their lives. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and Grief Counseling Program
Happiness can be subjective in regards to what makes one smile, but at the most inner most level, it is universal. Happiness when misplaced in material things can never lead to true happiness, but values and beliefs and love and family can all have more long lasting meaning to sustaining happiness and leading one to it. One who has suffered severe trauma may have difficulty defining oneself or finding love and connection with the world, so it is important to understand how again to be happy. Obviously placing one’s faith in the most elements of happiness is critical. Far too many who even suffer no trauma, still choose false idols of happiness. They place their love in things over people, self over family, and in ideas that die with time instead of live eternally.
Some common traits of those who experience some relevance of true happiness can be found in those who possess a healthy self esteem and peace of mind. These individuals cultivate virtue and love within themselves and with others. They have healthier experiences with social interactions and bonds that form from these interactions. Most hold a belief in something greater than than themselves. Most find this in faith and religion, but any type of objective code that binds one beyond oneself, gives a person purpose and meaning.
Happy individuals usually also possess a mastery of their life. They have believable goals, moderate ambitions, and mastery of their schedule and how things are accomplished. They are not in chaos but order. Furthermore, they possess an optimistic outlook on life that is not always defined by success but by self and self worth. Unfortunately, like a thief in the night, grief and loss can occur. Even the happiest person can be robbed of everything, even beyond family, virtue and love. Grief is the price of love in this temporal world. With that truly happy individuals will deal with pain and sorrow and trauma but they will ultimately have the meaning and self esteem to guide themselves through the journey of grief and adapt and adjust to the loss.
Happy individuals are not always happy or content but they are not constantly dragged down with hate, blame, bitterness and helplessness. They may deal with trauma but eventually again find the light at the end of the tunnel. Some may require help but ultimately, their spirit may be hurt, but never killed.
Individuals who experience trauma or PTSD may not be able to find happiness in their life. They may not have the skills or the trauma was so great, it paralyzed their spirit. As those who experienced trauma reawaken, they need to work towards re-involvement into society and hobbies. They need to form and organize a plan. They need to stop worrying as much and become more optimistic and find value in life itself.
This centers around having meaning. Without meaning, something is useless. So it is imperative for those recovering from trauma to again find meaning to life. What meaning or direction can they decipher from the horrific event they witnessed or were apart of? How can this event give them meaning forward? How can the person move forward from it and do new things? Victor Frankyl during his days in the Nazi concentration camp found meaning in survival and a deeper sense of justice that would one day come. He found meaning in the smaller things that reflected goodness that existed among the evil.
A deep core to meaning usually involves having a commitment to something higher than oneself. Whether it be a philosophy, or a faith, one can anchor oneself despite any waves of the ocean of life. No matter what occurs, even it temporarily numbs, one is able to find course due to meaning. This moral compass can find true north in the most terrific storms. Many individuals are stripped of meaning at a young age because of trauma. They are unable to again find meaning.
It is important then to create self esteem. This may be difficult for someone who has been stripped of all dignity, but through therapy and work on self, one again can start to find value in oneself and separate oneself from the trauma. In finding self esteem, one can find meaning and happiness again.
Self esteem looks at value in self. It correlates with the numerous qualities that happy people experience. At its core, one sees intrinsic value in self, unconditional worth, the experience of love and growth in life.
Self esteem is realistic in self. It is based in truth, even in imperfections. It is appreciative of one’s good qualities and ignites positivity in oneself. It does not create a false arrogance or deception but sees all as equally beautiful in different ways.
Furthermore, self esteem is able to separate the value of one’s core from externals. Bad things that happen or mistakes are not the core of one’s soul. One may have had bad things accidentally occur, but that does not make oneself a bad person. Instead of “BECAUSE” of that, I am “THEREFORE ” this or that, the mind sees that “EVEN THOUGH” this occurred, “NEVERTHELESS” I am still me. The EVEN THOUGH/NEVERTHELESS logic separates someone from the incident. It does not make the person a product of the incident. This slight change of words creates an entirely different person.
Trauma victims need to cultivate self esteem. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program
Individuals with good self esteem are able to see their core self absent of bad events. They are able to truthfully see the bad and good, but not define oneself by any bad, but only work on the good. They are able to put this optimistic energy into change.
Again, when things go astray, they do not see these things as permanent but temporary. They do not define lack of success as themselves. They do not look to be better or less than anyone and they are more likely to see someone different due to position not necessarily more or less innate worth.
Trauma can destroy self worth. It can make one feel horrible one self and equate oneself to the trauma. One cannot differentiate between core and accidentals. One hence is always feeling less and inadequate. This can lead to competition with others, or fear of being in the open due to fear of failure. It can cause mistrust and bitterness and envy. It can force one to deny any meaning in life but trauma and the product of that trauma.
Happiness, meaning and self esteem are key to functioning individuals. Trauma can take it temporarily or permanently for some. It is important to anchor oneself to something more than the event. To anchor oneself even to something more than this world can ever take. We live in a valley of tears and bad things happen to good people, but there is good too and light that can be found. Those who are able to find meaning and self esteem and value in something greater are better able to navigate and cope with trauma during life.
Counselors can help others learn these skills and cultivate these values.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program, as well as AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and Crisis Intervention Program. The programs are online and self paced and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Stress Management Consulting, Grief Counseling or Crisis Counseling.
SOURCE
The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery and Growth by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD
Death and dying is part of life and living. Living well means also dying well. How one philosophically, mentally, emotionally and physically approaches the topic of death is critical to one’s final days. Dying can be very unique for different people. It can occur quickly or slowly but for all it will come and how we approach it and understand it is not only important for oneself but also our loved ones.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thantology Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to individuals and qualified professionals interested in Pastoral Thanatology.
The 12 step program is a mile stone process in recovery from alcohol and drugs. It stems first from a voluntary intent to change and then the process of completing that transformation. This involves recovering a complete freedom from the substance and maintaining that freedom from it to change and even help others maintain that freedom from it. It always realizes that addiction is ever present and diligence is required. One cannot simply return to the former master and source of the addiction if one truly hopes to live a free life from it. Hence the process helps one maintain the necessary support and coping strategies to build an independence from the substance albeit addiction is always lurking to reclaim the person.
The 12 step program is about first the personal choice to admit a problem exists. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program
The article, “The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery” by Michelle Pugle reviews the 12 steps and its importance in changing so many lives. Pugle gives some emphasis on the qualities of each step starting with admitting one has a problem to the intermediate steps of building self to to maintaining and preserving self to serve others. Serving others is the ultimate and last step and gives the person purpose beyond his or her own short fallings prior and encourages the person to help others find the same freedom. She states,
“Alcoholics Anonymous or AA is the original recovery program that brought the world the 12 steps of recovery. The 12 steps have since been applied to other substances and types of addictions in recovery programs like Marijuana Anonymous, Al-Anon and Alateen for loved ones of alcoholics, Codependents Anonymous for people stuck in toxic relationships, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Workaholics Anonymous.”
“The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery”. Michelle Pugle. April 12th, 2022. Verywellhealth.
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain—they change its structure and how it works. These changes alter the way the person behaves, thinks, and feels. People with addiction often have trouble quitting because of powerful cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Most people with addiction need help to stop using; however, treatment can be effective.
12 Step Program
A 12 step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. In many cases, the 12 steps can be applied to a wide range of disorders, providing a framework for solving these issues. . The steps are designed to promote positive change in individuals struggling with addiction, and to support their continued sobriety. The 12 steps address issues such as powerlessness, denial, and isolation; they emphasize the importance of admitting one’s wrongs, making amends, and helping others who are still struggling. The original twelve steps were published in the book Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939
The first step of the 12 steps is admitting that one has a problem. This step is important because it allows individuals to begin the process of recovery and start to take responsibility for their actions. It is also a crucial step in developing a support system and seeking professional help.
The second step of the twelve steps is to come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. This step requires us to have faith in something larger than ourselves, whether it be a higher power, the universe, or simply the belief that we are not alone. This step helps us to realize that we are not in control of everything and that there is something out there that can help us to overcome our addiction.
The third step of the twelve steps is to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. This is a critical step in the process because it requires us to surrender our ego and pride and admit that we are powerless over our addiction. Once we have made this decision, we can begin to work on Step four, which is taking a moral inventory of ourselves.
The fourth step in the twelve steps is to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This means that we need to take a look at our lives and examine our behaviors honestly and critically. This can be a difficult process, but it is essential in order to move forward on the journey of recovery.
The fifth step of the twelve steps is to admit to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step is important because it allows us to take responsibility for our actions and begin the process of change. By admitting our wrongs, we are able to start making amends and begin the journey to recovery.
The sixth step of the twelve steps is to become entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step requires a rigorous and honest self-examination in order to identify our shortcomings. Once we have identified our defects, we must then humbly admit them to God, ourselves, and another human being. This step is essential in our journey towards recovery as it allows us to let go of our ego and begin the process of healing.
The seventh step of the twelve steps is to humbly ask God, as you understand God, to remove your shortcomings. This is a critical step in the process because it requires individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and to seek help from a higher power in order to improve themselves. This step also helps individuals to develop a sense of humility and to realize that they are not perfect.
The eighth step of the twelve steps is to make a list of all the people you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all. This is an important step in the process of recovery as it allows individuals to take responsibility for their past actions and begin to make things right with those they have hurt. By taking this step, individuals can start to repair relationships that may have been damaged by their addiction.
The ninth step of the twelve steps is to make amends with those we have harmed. This includes anyone we have harmed in any way, including emotionally, mentally, or physically. We must also try to make amends with those we have harmed even if they do not want us to or if they are deceased. This step helps us to take responsibility for our actions and to try to make things right with the people we have harmed.
The tenth step of the twelve steps is to continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it. This step is important because it helps us to keep our egos in check and maintain our humility. By continuing to monitor our thoughts and actions, we can catch ourselves when we start to slip into old patterns of thinking and behaving. And by admitting our mistakes, we can learn from them and avoid repeating them in the future.
The eleventh step in the twelve-step program is to seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
The final step in the 12 steps is to carry the message of recovery to others who are still suffering. This is done by sharing one’s own experience, strength, and hope with others, and by serving as a role model of sobriety. In doing so, recovering addicts help to break the cycle of addiction and provide support and encouragement to those who are still struggling.
Conclusion
It is true that the program is very much theistic but those without religion can lay claim to a moral code that exists above them as a source of anchoring oneself to something more than oneself. The general concepts of admitting problems, acting on problems, taking accountability, apologizing to others, maintaining oneself and helping others are all critically important steps for anyone facing addiction.
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. Many individuals who work in the 12 step program may also find the certification as a benefit to help lead groups or help others through addiction. It can enhance resumes for this type of particular work with others facing addiction.
Additional Resources
“Drug treatment and 12-step program participation: The additive effects of integrated recovery activities”. RobertFiorentine Ph.D and Maureen PHillhouse Ph.D. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 18, Issue 1, January 2000, Pages 65-74. Access here
“Spirituality and recovery in 12-step programs: An empirical model”. MarcGalanter M.D. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 33, Issue 3, October 2007, Pages 265-272. Access here
“Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12‐step programs for alcohol use disorder”. John F Kelly Keith Humphreys Marica Ferri. March 11th, 2020. Cochrane Library. Access here
