Copyright (c) 2009 All rights reserved. http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas Recent documents in John C. Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D. en-us Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:16:30 PDT 3600 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/12 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/12 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:10 PDT Based upon the book "What's good about feeling bad: Finding purpose and a path through pain" by Drs. John C. Thomas and Gary Habermas. The presentation covers the benefits that God can bring from suffering John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/13 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/13 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:10 PDT Suffering softens calloused hearts; but it can also embitter them. The prudent helper seeks to seize critical moments for Kingdom purposes through service to those affected. Being armed with a multi-functional crisis intervention model provides guidance and allows versatility so this end may be achieved. To even approximate the ambitious goal of creating a comprehensive model requires an understanding of crises and crisis intervention. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/10 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/10 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:09 PDT Published in Christian Counseling Today magazine, this article addresses the nature and impact of panic attacks and how they can be addressed. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/11 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/11 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:09 PDT The idea of multiple lacerations of the heart is both personally and professionally a topic of great interest to us. Experience has taught us that far too many counselors fail to account for the aggravated condition of the heart as a result of multiple losses. The lure of the immediate loss or trauma from childhood can hinder one's ability to consider the amassed emotional cholesterol. As system thinkers advocate, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Subsequently, counselors need to be aware of how multiple losses accumulate and how such build-up manifests itself in a client's life. In this article, we hope to acquaint readers with a cursory understanding of the mechanisms of emotional cholesterol and treatment of this malady which we will refer to as therapeutic angioplasty. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/9 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/9 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:08 PDT The types of problems addressed in an office differ dramatically from those that happen in the context of violent crimes, horrific accidents, and hostage scenes. The first contact with victims might be in homes, streets, emergency rooms, shelters, jails, and law enforcement offices. Arriving at a scene that is marked by yellow tape is daunting. Counselors must develop a frame of mind that allows them to get into the trenches. Additionally, they must work collaboratively with other crisis response systems to ensure that victims receive timely holistic care. Following are some principles to guide counselors in working with multiple systems. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/8 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/8 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:32:07 PDT The world is unnerved but captivated by the wave of massive, indiscriminate destruction that befell Asia. In the protection of our society where pat answers are the drug, we meet face-to-face with the fragility of life, feel compassion, and return to business as usual. The reality is that we too are in the path of life's devastations.It is suffering to even consider the tragedies that could befall us. Yet, suffering comes to all without prejudice on the just and unjust.1 When faced with the heartache of rejection, emptiness of loss, the bite of physical pain, the brokenness of regret, or the betrayal of violation, we reel in the wake. Pain and fear mingled with confusion breed a litany of questions that have no apparent answers and deathly silence from God only serves to tighten suffering's grip. And yet we continue to ask. Just as Job, we want that which is out of reach: both instant relief and that God explain Himself. Even if God provided answers, would we really accept them as justification for our suffering? John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/7 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/7 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:34:29 PDT This article is the first of a two-part article that highlights burnout. In this article, we will examine the seriousness of and contributors to burnout. In the next edition of the EAP Digest I will focus on intervention and prevention. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/6 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/6 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:34:25 PDT ADHD is one of the most prevalent childhood health concerns, affecting between three and five percent of children. Even though it is so common, it is one of the most misunderstood problems and has caused both parents and children much needless pain and guilt. Sadly, parents of ADHD children are more likely to find criticism and rejection than support and help. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/5 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/5 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:34:22 PDT In an article published in the previous edition of EAP Digest, the Burnout Monster was introduced. This foreboding creature physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually terrorizes its prey through stressful employment or from being a caregiver. Employee assistance professionals are especially vulnerable due to the helping nature of our work, the changing economy, and legal decisions that jeopardize our job security. In spite of the danger, there is hope. The Burnout Monster is not indomitable; it can be avoided, and if attacked it is susceptible to offensive engagement. John C. Thomas http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/1 http://works.bepress.com/john_thomas/1 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:25:49 PDT When you're tightly clenched in the grip of suffering, it doesn't always help to hear that God has a plan and a purpose. In fact, it may feel like adding salt to a raw wound. Why would a loving God put you through this? How can you be sure there is a greater good to be gained? In What's Good about Feeling Bad? counselor John C. Thomas and renowned philosopher Gary Habermas and will help you find the answers you need. No strangers to personal tragedy themselves, the authors thoughtfully explore the impact of pain on our lives, explain fifteen spiritual benefits to suffering, and offer scriptural and practical advice to help you walk with God through even the hardest of times. If you are hurting--or know someone who is--this book is the road map you need to make it through your pain and emerge a stronger, wiser, and more complete person than ever before. John Charles Thomas