tov Blog
Christmas Giving to the Homeless & The Less Fortunate
Christmas time is a great opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the love of God to those who need it the most in our local communities.
Why Christian Counselling Training For Church Leaders Is Needed
Christians often reach out to church leaders first. Some of those Christians may have issues that require the help of a trained counsellor.
Making The Most Out Of Life
It’s funny how self-discipline changes our perspective on life. When I was younger I loved going out with my friends to the early hours of the morning. Life was exciting and I was on a journey of self-discovery. As a young adult I soon learned that couldn’t function well for too long without adequate sleep. …
Does Mental Illness Mean I’m Not A Christian?
Mental illness can affect anyone. Many Christians have wondered about their faith and where they stand with God after being diagnosed with a mental illness. Amy Simpson, tackles the subject as she answers questions about mental illness and Christianity in her post, ‘Does Mental Illness Mean I’m Not a Christian?’ I receive a lot of…
Transition Feels Like Grief When A Child Grows Up
My son finishes school this week. I’m incredibly excited. I feel like I could burst with pride as I look at the amazing, self-reliant young man he is becoming and the opportunities that stretch before him. But amidst the happiness and excitement there is also something else going on. I am sad. I am nervous.…
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is a serious condition, commonly known to affect patients who suffer from heart failure. Heart Failure is the heart’s inability to pump blood and oxygen around the body is often cause by stiffened, damage heart chambers. Central Sleep Apnoea is listed in the DMS-5. According to SNORE Australia approximately 4% of the…
Open Day 2016 in Sydney and in Perth
Aifc is an Open Day is on Saturday 26th November 2016 at two separate locations. See below for location and times in Sydney and in Perth. Receive information and ask questions from our tutors and students to learn more about our Christian Counselling Courses commencing in 2017. Bring a friend along. Refreshments available. OPEN DAY LOCATIONS…
LIONS ROAR – by Chris Thomas
I don’t have experience with lions. But I know if I were walking through the bushland of Africa, unprotected by fence or guide, and heard that unmistakable sound—I’d be terrified. I live in a part of the world isolated from such terrors, but Australia has its own apex predators to worry about. Granted, most of…
aifc Open Day in Melbourne – 19th Nov 2016
You’re invited to attend the aifc Open day in Melbourne on Friday on Saturday 19th November from 12:30 – 4pm Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill Learn more about our accredited Christian counselling courses, discover your options, and talk to our tutors who will be on hand to answer all of your…
A Snapshot of Australia’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
Good mental health is fundamental to our overall life satisfaction and wellbeing. Over the last three years, the number of Australians experiencing a mental or behavioural condition has increased by over 1 million people – with over 4 million Australians (17.5%) now reporting this. Anxiety related problems and mood (affective) disorders are the most commonly…
Brisbane Open Day 2016
YOU’RE INVITED TO ATTEND AIFC’S OPEN DAY IN BRISBANE The Qld Region’s Brisbane Centre is having an Open Day at its new Springwood venue Come along to learn more about our accredited Christian counselling courses, discover your options, and talk to our tutors who will be on hand to answer all of your questions. If…
Transforming Communities Through Kindness
Recently at an aifc conference we heard from various speakers. Josh Wilkins, founder and CEO of One Voice spoke to us about being kind to the homeless, stating that there’s a large number of youth on the streets who are there by no choice of their own. Video – Not My choice Video – Mobile Shower…
How Bullying Affected My Mental Health
Being bullied isn’t just something that kids get over with a snap of the fingers or a flick of the mental switch. Ultimately bullying is extreme rejection and the impact it has on young minds can linger for a lifetime. Charlie Kaplan explains how the effects of being bullied at school continued to affect her…
Why Can’t Women Be Nice? What Is The Sisterhood?
Why do men seem like they get along with each other better than women do? Are women too competitive with one another perhaps? The Sisterhood by Rachel Chin “I recently caught up with a long-lost colleague. He and I talked and caught up about days gone by. We’d both moved about, lived across several continents.…
Betrayals That Ruin Relationships Without Infidelity.
According to the Gottman Institute there are ‘3 betrayals that ruin Relationships (that are not Infidelity)’ What is infidelity? Infidelity is considered the worst betrayal by a partner. Cheating sexually on a partner is infidelity. Whether the partner has an affair, or a one off sexual encounter it is a huge violation of trust. However there…
Words Fail Me – A Christian Poem
WORDS FAIL ME – A CHRISTIAN POEM Chris Thomas’ poem poses some serious questions as he self examines his faith. As Christians we need to ask ourselves these questions: What if God suddenly appeared before me? What would I do? What would I say? Words Fail Me What would I do what would I say,…
Feeling Like I don’t Fit In
From the time we begin school we start to feel that pressure to fit in with the world around us. Chris Thomas tells us a very personal story about his struggle to fit in in his blog appropriately titled, ‘I Don’t Fit In.” Most of my childhood was a battle to fit in. Maybe yours…
Dementia in Australian Indigenous Population Alarmingly High
Dementia within our indigenous population is high according to Alzheimer’s Australia, Dementia is a major health problem for our indigenous people.
Australian Kids Seek Counselling Help
According to the Huffington Post, statistics show that Australian youth are reaching out for Mental Health Help more frequently now than in the previous years. Kids Help Line Insights Report shows that since 1996 there’s been a 626 percent increase in calls from young Australians seeking help for problems such as self-harm and for their…
Signs That Indicate An Alcohol Addiction
The majority of people will have a social drink or relaxing drink at home and even a glass of wine with their meal. Going out for a few drinks hardly makes a person an addict. Addiction to alcohol is known as alcoholism. It is a wide spread disease affecting people regardless of gender, socioeconomic factors,…
Lost for Words – What To Say (& Not) To Someone Who’s Grieving
When Amanda picked up the phone, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Her best friend’s little girl had drowned in the family pool. There was a long pause. Grappling with her own shock and disbelief, Amanda realised there were no words. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say…
Social Media – A Blessing Or A Curse? #SMday
Most households living in the digital era will have access to mobile phones and various types of computer technology used to connect to others on the internet. While the internet has opened up positive and negative possibilities that can sometimes be viewed as a Pandora’s box by some critics, social media has effectively reduced global…
What is Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder?
The main characteristic of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is defined in the DSM-V (also known as DSM-5) as “a pattern of behaviour in which a child actively approaches and interacts with unfamiliar adults.” The child’s pattern of behaviour includes what is seen as culturally inappropriate and overly familiar behaviour that is either verbal or physical…
Family Therapy & Characteristics Of A Healthy Family
Family therapy is focused on individuals and families to help improve their relationships, their communication and to help them to resolve conflicts. Family therapy is usually provided by a counsellor or mental health professional. Family therapy can help people in close relationships to help each other find ways forward out of difficult situations. It can…
