Articles
How to Improve Communication in Marriage
Listening is the not-so-secret ingredient in communication. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Studies show that robust and affirming relationships are built on a foundation developed by listening to one another. When looking at ways to improve communication in marriage it is worth asking if either party is really listening or if both people are trying to prove they are right, getting annoyed if the other person keeps talking while they are interrupting. In The Road Less Traveled author M. Scott Peck observed that you cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same [...]
Understanding and Coping with Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of anxiety or terror distinguished by sweating, shallow breathing, and the nervous system being on high alert. These spells can occur unprovoked and without the presence of any danger or threat. It can take anywhere between ten minutes and an hour for a panic attack to pass. Afterward, it is not uncommon to experience a sense of guilt, shame, exhaustion, and emotional drain. Although singular occurrences are common, most people who experience panic attacks are likely to experience them more than once in their lives. If panic attacks occur frequently, they may be linked [...]
6 Ways to Take Every Thought Captive
If you have been around friends who attend church regularly or you grew up in a Christian environment, you may have heard the phrase “take every thought captive” before. To apply this to everyday life, it’s important to know what it means, how to do it, and why to do it. What does it mean to take every thought captive? The phrase originates from Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience [...]
7 Common Causes of Mental Stress
Stress affects everyone. Daily stressors are a fact of life, and some pressure can be good. However, when you experience high levels of mental stress for prolonged periods, it can cause exhaustion and burnout. The symptoms of mental stress. The symptoms of mental stress are similar to other mental health conditions. You may want to consult a therapist to rule out other disorders and learn strategies to ease mental fatigue. Symptoms include: Sensations of dread and hopelessness. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Irritability and cynicism. Mood swings and anger. Depression. Anxiety. Suicidal thoughts. Fatigue. Sleeping too much or too little. Changes in [...]
Social Anxiety: Signs and Treatment Options
Social anxiety can make life challenging. Everyday activities become a struggle. You may not be able to shop inside stores anymore, attend social events, or even spend time with friends. Social interactions are no longer straightforward when your heart and mind race and you worry about how to interact with others or what they think about you. Holiday shopping becomes relegated to online only because you no longer want to deal with the anxiety and the panic. The symptoms of social anxiety will keep you isolated from friends and family, causing you to miss out on being with others in ways [...]
Helping Your Child Form a Secure Attachment
God did not design us to live in isolation without connections to others. That is why it is important to help your child attain secure attachment in their development. Learning how to foster those attachments can create a sense of belonging in your child. It can also help them develop a positive mindset about themselves. One of the most influential attachments children make is those with their parents. Attachment parenting is the term that is commonly used to describe the techniques used to form secure attachment in a child. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up [...]
Preventing Mental Exhaustion
Our society seems only to accept the “go-go-go” mentality. We rush to make ends meet, to make money, and to stay ahead of the game. But eventually, chronic stress takes a toll and causes physical issues. Mental exhaustion can also result from trying to do too much too fast, taking on more than you can handle. However, there are things you can do to prevent mental exhaustion and allow yourself time to recover. What are the symptoms of mental exhaustion? Mental exhaustion can appear as a red flag before you experience burnout. The symptoms can leave you feeling drained, not only [...]
Forgiveness: Why We Should Do It and How It Transforms Our Lives (Part 1)
Today I want to talk about a topic that is the cornerstone of the Christian faith: forgiveness. In my time as a mental health counselor, I’ve found the topic of forgiveness to often be either misunderstood, undervalued, or flat out triggering in some cases. In this article, I will share what forgiveness is and what it isn’t. I also want to discuss how forgiveness is transformative to our hearts, the wounds we carry, and our relationships. This is a complex topic, so stay tuned for a follow-up article delving into this more! Let’s begin by talking about what forgiveness is and [...]
Peers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings GalleryPeers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings
Abandonment and Neglect, Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues
Peers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings
In many of our favorite scenes in blockbuster films and scripts in books, we cheer for the underdog. Wherever we encounter someone who is downtrodden or suffering abandonment, we find ourselves shouting from the sidelines of our seats and sofas, hoping for the win. The Bible outlines the blueprint for the narrative of champions. We rise and fall with each plot twist and page turn. We encounter them in the countless stories that convey hope and inspire resilience in the human spirit. Few, however, stir a sense of justice like Joseph who was thrown into a pit to die and later [...]