Strengthening Your Conscious Self
Introduction
Disclaimer: I have made some general assumptions about you, the reader, as a new client. I assume you have at least acquired a standard vocabulary at an 8th grade level and will understand the information presented. In cases where jargon or advanced language is used, and for people who don’t have advanced degrees, I have included a glossary as part of this program. I will always do what I can to treat others with dignity, respect, and honor. The program will avoid dumbing it down for you. Rather the program will present information in a way that is neutral and does not rely on cognitive bias or logical fallacy to make general or specific points.
Copyright Protected
The Health & Wellness Program ‘Strengthening Your Conscious Self’ © 2022 is copyright protected by James Fitzgerald, MS, NCC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of James Fitzgerald, MS, NCC.
General Information
Each new client who registers for the subscription plan will proceed through the introductory module first. The introduction module will include general information about the program and the onboarding materials and documents they will need. The general information will include: a description of the program contents; limits of liability and confidentiality; waiver of responsibility; goal setting in the program; learning objectives; copyright, licensed use, open knowledge and works cited rules. It will also include a summary of the common ground, integral, integrative, intersectional approach to self improvement. When you have finished reviewing this page, please take a moment to verify that you have completed this part of the program at the bottom of this page. I would also appreciate if you would take a few moments to complete the brief survey at the end.
Limits of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty
While the publisher/author have used their best efforts in preparing this program, they make no representations or warranties with the respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this program and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising here from. The author does not encourage, endorse, discourage, disparage, or libel any of the approaches or methods in the program. The author has not received financial compensation or beneficial rewards from any of the creators of the work that is shared in this program. The program content is for informational and educational purposes only and should never substitute professional help or medical care.
Program Contents
The program, Strengthening Your Conscious Self, is a compilation of works that includes assessments, audio and video, movies, books, workbooks, educational handouts, worksheets, action plans, and treatment plans. It is a table of contents and outline of assessment, educational, planning, and skill building materials. The outline of the program serves as a guide to the domains, modules, assessments, instructions, lessons, action plans, and practice skills. The outline of the program makes up the body of the copyright protected work of James Fitzgerald, MS, NCC, AAP, Psychotherapist. (Pre-licensed LCMHC and LADC candidate) The outline and table of contents merely list the domains, and modules. Each module is designated by the top-level bullet point. Each module may include assessments, action plans, books, workbooks, lessons, handouts, worksheets, audio and or video.
The Concept of Wellness
Wellness is a broad concept. This program provides a broad, yet specific sense of what it means. Think about wellness as meaning being healthy in many dimensions of our lives. That includes the physical, intellectual, psychological, spiritual, educational, occupational, financial, interpersonal, social, cultural, and environmental parts. These dimensions are interconnected, one dimension intersecting with all the others at different intervals. We also recognize that we live in a multicultural world, and wellness encompasses areas like class, caste, gender, sex, race, and ethnicity that may be presented or taught in this program. It is believed, for example, that trauma is a universal human experience, and that our culture and spiritual beliefs impact our perceptions and everything we do. So, wellness is really about how we live our lives and the joy and fulfillment and health we experience.
When we worry about finances (for example, being able to afford what we need), we sometimes experience fear (emotional) and anxiety (psychological). This can lead to medical problems (physical), leading to lost productivity and sick time at work, or loss of our job (occupational). When this happens, we may even question our own sense of meaning and purpose (spiritual). We can also experience a sense of guilt and shame about not working and contributing to the greater community and society (social). At the same time, when we are not working (occupational), we may lose opportunities to interact with peers, family, and friends (interpersonal), and may not be able to afford the good food and medical care we need to stay well (physical). We may even need to move our home to a place that feels less safe and secure (environmental).
Common Ground
The Natural Sciences and scientific discoveries are seemingly many times in contradiction or in conflict with other belief systems, morals, values, schemas, political affiliation, individualism, conservativism, and/or religious ideologies. The religious faiths are also seemingly at odds with other faiths despite the fact that they may have more in common than they do differences. This program interprets and translates common beliefs and practices from many different faiths and spiritual practices and integrates the practices among the faiths with the sciences. I attempt to show through an intersectionality perspective how patterns develop across public, political, religious, cultural, and social ideologies, and share a common ground to appreciate the differences and honor the similarities. In each domain and throughout every module, I will attempt to provide a non-partisan, unbiased view, while weighing risks and benefits, and pros and cons of each topic, approach, theory, model, practice, and content.
Creating Balance
Creating balance in our lives is an important part of wellness. Overall, a balanced life can mean many things, depending on culture, circumstances, resources, and other factors. Balance means making sure we have time to do the things that make us feel happy and fulfilled. This includes working (paid or unpaid), having fun, spending time with family and friends, participating in the community, being physically active, being sexually healthy, praying, meditating, relaxing, and sleeping. Because we each have individual needs, preferences, and capabilities, what we consider “balance” will also look different. And it’s important for us to re-balance from time to time, to adjust to what is going on in our lives.
Read More:
SAMHSA Guidelines: Creating a Healthier Life: A Step by Step Guide to Wellness
(SAMHSA) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Public Domain Information
Embracing Support from Others
Most of us know something that we do that makes us feel good about ourselves, or in balance. It could be as different as taking our dog for a walk, or balancing our checkbook. And any step in that direction, such as finding a new walking route or gathering receipts from a purse, is positive. However, sometimes we may want advice from family and friends. That’s OK, too, and is where support from others comes in. Talking with someone who has been through similar things—whether it is a mental health issue, addiction, trauma, pain issues, smoking, diabetes, bullying, or abuse—makes us feel less alone. When we realize others have had similar feelings and experiences and have been able to move forward and grow, it can give us the confidence to move forward, too. With a support group, we can expect:
- Supportive input from people with a range of backgrounds who have experiences similar to ours
- A chance to support others by our presence, compassion, our ideas, and empathy
- People who can suggest services or resources we might not have considered.
We can find supportive people in many places: community; church; synagogue; mosque; temple; group; workplace; or through volunteering efforts, to name a few.
Read More:
SAMHSA Guidelines: Creating a Healthier Life: A Step by Step Guide to Wellness
(SAMHSA) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Public Domain Information
Valuing Routines & Habits
Having self-defined routines and habits can offer personal balance and satisfaction. Routine and habit is generally determined by our basic needs (nutrition/food, shelter, social affiliation, safety, etc.), and the various roles we occupy in society. Our habits affect what we eat, what we wear, how we relate to others, how we go to work, how we spend or save money, and more. Habits become ingrained in us—and are often tough to change. For example, we might put ourselves down or feel we need a particular thing or person to get us through a tough spot. We can learn otherwise.
Read More:
SAMHSA Guidelines: Creating a Healthier Life: A Step by Step Guide to Wellness
(SAMHSA) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Public Domain Information
Learning Objectives
After completing each module lesson plan section, the reader (client) will gain knowledge and develop an understanding of each domain, master the skills required to meet their goals in each domain, and develop the healthy habits to sustain their goals in each domain. It is my best estimate that in order to do the minimum required work or to complete the entire program effectively and completely, would take a minimum investment of 1 year, and a maximum of 10 years. Each person should decide how much resources, time and energy they are willing and able to invest. The payoff is immeasurable. There are many reasons you would want to invest that amount of time and energy, to immerse yourself completely in the whole program and engage in a comprehensive Health and Wellness Action Plan and Lifetime of Practice
Here are some of them:
- To embrace and work on problems in areas of your life causing suffering.
- To live within your means, with moderation and temperance (delayed gratification), in all areas of your life.
- To make peace with your past, internalize and practice forgiveness and acceptance, and make amends whenever safe or prudent.
- To become (transform into) a better person, on all levels, in all domains and areas of life.
- To become more fully alive, spontaneous, and creative.
- To find and/or live your deepest purpose.
- To live with character strengths and virtues, in balance with your spirit and consciousness.
- To find balance between your: intention and motivation – beliefs and morals – assumptions and perceptions – and your choices and behaviors.
- To start demanding less of your needs, make assertive requests, and start considering the needs of others.
- To develop a social and environmental justice mindset.
- To be able to honor your cultural heritage and respect others’ traditions and practices.
- To love and care for others deeply and fully.
- To make your highest contribution.
- To live according to your highest ideals.
- To start waking up and heading toward enlightenment & nirvana.
- To find a way to understand everything or make sense of it all.
- To start communing with life, the universe, and Spirit
- To start participating in the evolution of the collective consciousness.
- To start living with the Sacred, Divine, Mystery, Nature, or God
- Wishing to integrate your beliefs, faith, and values with scientific studies and research.
No specific reason—it’s just what you’re drawn to do.
How To Use The Program
One important aspect to remember about effective, individualized, therapy and coaching program planning is that the plan should be tailored to each individual. Plans should not be mass-produced, even if clients have similar problems. Each plan should take into consideration each person’s capacities, personality traits, beliefs, values, morals, virtues, problems, motivations, expectations, perceptions, learning style, needs, strengths, challenges, weaknesses, unique stressors, social network, family circumstances, attachment style, and symptom patterns. “Find the modules and lessons that speak to you both or resonate with you both (client and practitioner).”
This program’s (domains, modules, lessons, and skills) can be combined in thousands of permutations to develop detailed health and wellness plans. Relying on their own good judgment, practitioners and their clients can easily select the modules and lessons that are appropriate for the individuals whom are being helped. Drawing upon a lifetime of personal and professional experience, and the best available research, this program offers a variety of treatment, therapy, and coaching choices. The domains, modules, and lessons can be: scaled for resources, time and energy investment; generalized for many populations; customized for specific populations; individualized to the individual; interchangeable for convenience; and combined for maximum efficiency
In addition, I invite you to add your own definitions, goals, objectives, and interventions to the existing domains, modules, and lessons. As with countless other programs and self-help books, it is my hope that this program will help promote effective, creative health and wellness planning and treatment planning; a process that will ultimately benefit the client, practitioner, families, groups, communities, society, and the planet.
The plan is available in different mediums, and delivered by different methods. In the future, it will be available as a guide book and workbooks in print versions, and can be completed at your own pace. Activities are available as a self-guided program through the client engagement app and portal Quenza, and can be completed at your own pace. Lessons and activities will be sent out automatically when you finish the previous lesson or activity. And lastly, you may work one on one with a health and wellness coach who will guide you through each step, and provide support, encouragement, and accountability. These delivery methods can be chosen separately or combined in any combination. When you work with a coach, the workbooks and Quenza activities are included in the monthly rate. When you purchase the books as a stand-alone product, coaching services and Quenza are not included. A monthly subscription fee applies to access the Quenza materials as a stand-alone service. Rates and prices are subject to change. The program website will always display the current prices and rates. Therapy clients who are meeting weekly or biweekly can gain access by creating an account. Registrations will be checked daily for adherence and compliance to program rules and rates.
The program is structured in a way that makes it easy to connect each domain to other domains. Each life domain is its own module and workbook, and the modules will have several chapters each, based on issues and topics within that life domain. The chapters will consist of the general overview of the topic, why it is important to learn the information, basic knowledge about the topic, problems and issues associated with that topic, and proposed solutions to the problems. The solutions may include objectives and interventions or skills training. The workbook will include handouts and worksheets. The client engagement app and portal will be organized in a hierarchal manner by modules, chapters, lesson, activity, audio casts, and instructional videos. The client engagement app and portal materials will also detail the references and works cited at the end of each. A list of further suggested resources will be listed in each chapter. References and works cited will be noted at the end of each chapter. A complete bibliography will be kept in a separate booklet that lists references and works cited.
Appendices
- Appendix A: Program Agreement & Contract for Coaching Services (2 documents)
- Appendix B: Informed Consent for Therapy (Contract for Therapy Services)
- Appendix C: Therapist’s Public Professional Disclosure Statement
- Appendix D: HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (Policy)
- Appendix E: Consent for Electronic Communication
- Appendix F: Consent for Telehealth Services
Glossary (Definitions of words, concepts, and jargon)
This section is meant to help clients understand the information being presented. The information offered in this section will also provide a real life context for the terms and concepts. In other words, how ‘book’ theory meets ‘street’ application. A glossary will be included in every module, along with a complete list of sources and works cited.
Information and Resources
A section with suggestions for further study: books, workbooks, fact sheets, handouts, and worksheets. A resources page with affiliate links to purchase suggested learning materials. A section with suggestions for further study: videos, podcasts, websites, journals, and articles. A bibliography section of sources and works cited. A page detailing how the sources were determined to be reliable, valid, accurate, scientific, peer reviewed, empirical, and evidence based.
Onboarding & Orientation
This section covers what you can expect during the initial consultation, onboarding, and intake process. If you’re going to be working with a coach or therapist, the process will look different. The section describes the processes and highlights the differences between coaching, therapy, and self guided work. I want to note that engaging in all 3 might have the best outcome.
Assessments
This section covers what evaluating methods you can expect to engage in during the initial consultation, onboarding, and intake process. The section covers what surveys, questionnaires, evaluations, examinations, and other assessment tools are available in the program. Please remember, many of these assessments are included for therapy clients only. Some of the assessments should only be completed under the supervision of someone trained and certified to administer the assessment/evaluation instrument.
Diagnostic Considerations
This section describes how to determine whether you should engage in coaching, participate in therapy, complete the self guided program, different combinations, or all three.
Knowledge is Power
This section addresses the distrust of scientists and experts, how that mistrust has evolved, and ways you can trust but verify. The knowledge in the program includes information that intersects, overlaps, and integrates through all of the domains of a person’s life. Learn how to critically evaluate information you find online, by seeking out multiple sources that either support or challenge claims or findings. Learn how to find and look at research that is ethical, accurate, valid, reliable, peer reviewed, culturally equitable, reproducible, and generalized for the real world and practical applications.
Moving forward, scientists working on high-visibility health projects are more likely than ever to find themselves operating within an infodemic: an overload of information about a problem, much of it wrong, that makes it harder to solve the problem.
Why do so many Americans distrust Science?
https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/why-do-so-many-americans-distrust-science
Association of American Medical Colleges
Infodemic
https://www.who.int/health-topics/infodemic#tab=tab_1
World Health Organization
Research Methods
In this section you will learn how scientists, practitioners, academic scholars, and organizations use the scientific method, across multiple research methods; like participatory action research, case studies, organizational evaluation studies, qualitative studies, and quantitative studies. And learn how statistics, physics, variables, control groups, placebo, and probabilities affect research.
Science
In this section you will learn why the knowledge of the different scientific schools of study is important to learn. A brief overview of the different sciences will be covered. In this section you will get an introduction to: Biology, Neurology, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, Physics, Technology, Systems, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Energy, Sustainability, Environmental Science, and Climate Science.
Interconnected Domains
In this section you will learn how science, faith, practice, and individual variables interconnect.
Sources and Works Cited
A complete alphabetical list of videos, podcasts, presentations, books, workbooks, fact sheets, handouts, worksheets, assessment instruments, journals, and websites. A website map will also be included to provide a simpler means of navigation throughout the program website.
Index & Site Map
A complete alphabetical list of topics, names, website pages, sources, resources, activities, lessons, and works cited. A website map will also be included to provide a simpler means of navigation throughout the program website. When you open this section you will have many options to see the complete lists on their own pages.