by Jill | Apr 14, 2010 | abuse, ptsd, Trauma Recovery, Trauma Recovery Books, Trauma Therapy
Fr Heyward Ewart is the Bishop, Diocese of The Risen Lord, Holy Catholic Charismatic Church, President/Academic Dean, St. James the Elder Theological Seminary, and Professor, American Association of Christian Therapists and Institute of Theology and Christian Therapy: May, 2009 to present
He practices in private counseling ministry from 1981 to present
He has a record of presenting and writing on topics related to child abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse issues.
His latest book, “Am I Bad,” Is a book outlining various concepts about abuse and trauma.
Give a brief synopsis of your book.
The book postulates that victims of child abuse are destined to be victimized their whole lives. The reason is that abuse, being the strongest form of communication, alters the personality so that the child grows up with a “less than” mentality and a warped image of himself (or herself). Graphic case histories illustrate this point, and a new model of personality development is presented.
Tell me about your inspiration for this book.
My own brutalization as a child plus my experiences as a professional psychotherapist made clear the need for such a work. I have seen that the majority of so-called “mental patients” are abused people trying to adjust. They are reacting to mistreatment. But there is no normal way to react to craziness.
Who will benefit from “Am I Bad?”
The book is intended to set victims free by helping them understand the truth about how they formed their false self image. It is also meant for professionals to help them see how child abuse rapes the soul and to suggest ways to treat the devastation suffered by victims.
What other writing projects are you currently working on?
I write regularly for Ezine.com, and have contributed 41 articles thus far. The subject matter includes articles on child and domestic abuse plus spiritual issues.
What other works have you written?
On the Rock: A Defense of the Catholic Faith (with Vincent A. Capozzi)
A Carnation A Day: A Pro-Life Doctor’s Story
Contributor to Dean Tong’s Elusive Innocence
(The first two are out of print.)
How did you begin writing?
I was an English major as an undergraduate. As a young man, I would read the poetry of Wordsworth, Keats, or Shakespeare, and they would bring me to tears. Writing is an art that has the power to stir the soul. This same art form is perhaps the best way to convict readers in the truth.
Tell about your counseling practice.
I have been a Catholic psychotherapist for nearly 30 years, beginning in Philadelphia. I noticed at the very start of my private practice that I was always treating the “wrong” patient. The family member who shows up for therapy is the one taking the wrap for the dysfunction of the whole family. In time, I realized that nearly all of my patients had been abused in some way and had formed a mangled view of themselves. They had no idea of who they really were or what they might be called to be. This experience led me to the concept of the “adopted self”; that is, the construct formed by other people’s opinions and then the experimentation of adolescence.
Tell about your background as a priest, how do you think it influences your work?
A priest must be in contact with the Ultimate Truth on a daily basis. Knowing that only the truth can set people free from mental bondage demands that I speak and write the truth. I can be very patient with people who are undereducated or uneducated but I have no time for those who refuse to learn or who recklessly disregard the truth.
How do you integrate your faith into your work?
I begin each day with the prayer that I will not be permitted to minister to anyone without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I maintain that no one can understand the soul (mind)of another human being without the direct help of the Holy Spirit. Giving a person a psychological test is like trying to measure the universe with a ruler.
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by Jill | Oct 11, 2009 | Association for Play Therapy, Child Therapy, children self help, Eliana Gil, Jill Osborne, Play Therapy, play therapy workbooks, self esteem, trauma, Trauma Therapy
I Survived the APT Conference!
I went to the Association for Play Therapy Conference in Atlanta, GA last week. What a blast! I enjoyed several workshops, and lots of toy shopping. I even visited the Self Esteem Shop to find my book, Sam Feels Better Now: An Interactive Story for Children, sitting on the shelf. I met with colleagues, friends, and speakers. It reminded me of what I love about APT and play therapy.
Highlights of the conference included a plenary speaker, Dr. Eliana Gil who shared her journey to play therapy, the new Leadership Academy Graduates, and the presentation of the Key Awards, including, APT Service Award , Lifetime Achievement Award, Professional Education & Training Award , Public Education & Promotion Award, Research Award, and Student Research Award.
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by Jill | Sep 21, 2009 | Child Therapy, children self help, children's activity books, relaxation, self esteem, stress management, Trauma Therapy
Robin Marvel is an author, Empowerment and life positivity coach and motivational speaker for children and adults. Using tools from her “Awakening Consciousness” book series she is expanding creativity and self awareness in beings everywhere.
Robin is Leading Out Loud as the owner of Marvelous Empowerment. Providing a variety of workshops to encourage empowerment in all ages. More information on Marvelous Empowerment can be found at www.aurasenseguide.com, a website designed to strengthen your being while encouraging Universal Awareness.
Check www.aurasenseguide.com for upcoming lectures and workshops.
I Interviewed Robin about her book, “Awakening Consciousness, A Girl’s Guide.”
I first started writing as a child. I loved being able to create something I could grow and learn from.
What was your inspiration to write “Awakening Consciousness, a Girl’s Guide?”
My inspiration to write “Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” was my four daughters. I wanted to make sure they were aware of the big picture of life. I also wanted to encourage girls of all ages to love themselves and create a sense of self security within.
What age group is it appropriate for?
“Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” does not have a specific age group. As a parent you can use it with your children as young as 1, young girls can use it as well as adults. Wherever you are on your path you can benefit from the guide.
What is the goal of the book?
The goal of “Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” is to create a sense of self security and love within all.
How could your book be used in a therapeutic setting?
My book could be used in a therapeutic setting because it is very motivating and hands on. It offers a variety of empowering, self esteem building exercises that are fun and will create security in whoever is doing them. It is also a workbook so people are able to keep track of their progress.
What advice to parents do you have about using this book?
My advice to parents is to use this book to connect with your child. Encourage your child to explore who they are and love every part of who they are. Allow them to expand on their individuality. As parents we have the opportunity to raise confident, empowered beings that will change our world!
What is your favorite activity in the book? There are so many that look fun! (I liked the idea of the armoa buddy).
This is a hard question. I love all the activities . You are right the aromabuddy is so fun. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be the ChakraCizes. The chakraCizes really get the people moving and they instantly can feel a shift in their energy so they know they are working!
Where can your book be purchased?
My book can be purchased in any bookstore as well as www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com and www.lovinghealing.com
What other projects are you working on?
I am fortunate enough to have many projects I am working on. “Awakening Consciousness A Woman’s Guide!” will be out in 2010. I am also working on my next book “10 EmPOWERaids to Inspire Mind, Body and Spirit”
I am also the owner of Marvelous EmPOWERment ~ offering a variety of empowering workshops for all ages throughout the world.
Do you have a job other than writing? What is it?
My other jobs include being a mom to four of the most amazing beings as well as the instructor for Marvelous EmPOWERment. I am also an Energetic Specialist and motivational speaker for all ages.
What is an Energetic Specialist, and who could benefit from one?
An energetic Specialist is a person that will help you to raise your energy level through positive activities. You will be educated to know your unique energy profile and guide you towards activities that will strengthen your vibrations.
Everyone could use an energetic specialist. No matter where you are at on your path you can always use coping mechanisms to strengthen your integrated whole.
What are your future plans as a writer/author?
My future plans as an author are to continue to encourage empowerment and self security within all. I plan to keep writing books that will inspire beings to accept who they are with love and gratitude. I want parents to see the importance of teaching their children self security at a young age so they will not need to heal as adults.
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by Jill | Sep 16, 2009 | book search, children's books, google, interactive, websites
I was recently encouraged to check out by book, Sam Feels Better Now! An Interactive Story for Children, on Google Book Search. I found it adds a nice interactive component for my book. Check out the imbed at the bottom of my blog, and you can view an excerpt from my book!
You can add an imbed of my book too on your website or blog, just click on the “link” button at the top of the web page, copy, and paste onto your site.
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