ACA Blog

For health providers, medical credentialing is the process of getting networked with insurance companies (this is often described as "getting on insurance panels").

I write this as the news is discussing the tragic multiple murder that was perpetrated at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut. News is still scattered, reports as high as 29 dead have been reported, many of them kindergarten students. It is reported that a whole kindergarten class may be unaccounted for hours after the shooting began. The alleged shooter is reportedly dead, reportedly a 24 year old whose mother worked as a kindergarten teacher at the school who entered the building at 9:30 am carrying many weapons. Some of these reports may prove inaccurate but what is known is that many are dead. It is reported that he had earlier killed his father in New Jersey before killing his mother in CT on his way to the school.

My heart weeps in horror as I watch the scenes from Newtown, Connecticut where a man shot and killed over twenty individuals. I can only imagine the terror the parents living in this rural town of just over 27,000 people have felt all morning as news spread about this devastating incident. The faces of children crying are broadcasted on television sets all over our nation as people sit glued to the latest news blip from this latest in a series of devastating shootings.

As we learned last time, Therapeutic Horsemanship is a great method of recreational therapy for people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and mental health issues. In addition to riding lessons, many Therapeutic Horsemanship programs offer other ways of interacting with horses to enhance the physical, psychological and social benefits horsemanship provides. One example is Therapeutic Driving.

If you are a mental health professional working in private or group practice, you have your work cut out for you. Serving your clients well, and finding the time to handle all of the administrative tasks of your practice can become quite stressful.

In my previous blog, I introduced the work of Toltec nagual, Don Miguel Ruiz and his book, The Four Agreements. These agreements: Be Impeccable with your word, Don't take anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always do your Best are the four pillars of his wisdom and of a mindful life. They appear to be simple yet can be challenging to live by in daily life.

The time has come to close up loose ends, pack bags, say goodbyes, and head back to Oregon. It’s a bittersweet time—this experience has been good, we’ve made good friends, we feel good about what we’ve done, and we hear constant questioning about our return date. It’s also just a week before Christmas and one of those high points of family time. We’re ready to be at home and to celebrate with family and friends whom we have not seen for four months.

First Washington now Colorado….and the trend begins! I think this is a great victory for all who enjoy the pleasantries of smoking marijuana in those states. Many laws surrounding simple possession and various intent to sell and deliver criteria’s have seemingly targeted minorities disproportionately and landed them in either jail or on a probationary sentence that imposes fees which most probationers cannot afford. Some probationers have explained that it is a matter of deciding whether or not to pay fees or buy groceries at the expense of an active sentence.

I am interning as a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor. The work is challenging and difficult, but rewarding. I’ve noticed one thing, however – Ever want to stop the conversation on a dime at a cocktail party? - just mention that you are a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor. While out trying to relax and have fun at a party I have tried to give the pat answer of “I am a counselor” in response to the inevitable question, “What do you do?” – but I can’t keep my passion down and I need to share what I am actually doing for a living and what I am so passionate about it. I am often faced with a blank stare or a “I could never do that kind of work,” and this is often the end of the conversation. Don’t get me wrong! Occasionally I do get an interested conversation partner and we have a great exchange and we both learn something from each other (don’t you just love when that happens?) But usually after I say what I do all that fills the air is the sound of crickets.

Oh, what a difference a year makes! This time last year I was fervently submitting my applications for PhD programs in Counselor Education & Supervision. I was comfortably living in Southern California, where I have resided my entire life, working as a professional school counselor. How could I and why should I consider leaving my nest? Well, first of all, the notion of burnout was prevailing in my life. I found myself thinking “I do love my career. However, if I ever want to do this again, I need to get out now.” So, thus a contributing factor to my desire to reach for future goals.