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Taking New Territory: Navigating Transition, Relationships, and Boundaries

Taking New Territory: Navigating Transition, Relationships, and Boundaries

Kate Motaung2024-10-29T18:37:19+00:00April 29th, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Venturing into unfamiliar territory can be somewhat frightening, but it is part of a maturing believer’s evolution and transformation. As we discover more about the Lord we encounter who He has called and created us to be. In this, we come to rest and rely on Him as He winds our path out of familiarity and deeper into the unknown where faith alone sustains, helping us to set proper boundaries. Abram and Sarai experienced this as they sojourned through unfamiliar territory in search of a promised homeland. Having left most of their family except for Lot, Abraham’s nephew, they weren’t sure of all the future would produce. What they discovered was a handful of promises from the Almighty and a yearning for a city whose builder and maker was God (Hebrews 11:8, 10). Transition Abraham’s story is one that we all live in some way or another. Transitions are built into life’s landscape. As we traverse from one season into the next, we will separate from some places and some people while engaging with new ones. Sometimes, when we carry elements of our old life into new spaces, we find disagreement and a lack of fit. It demands that we respond by making another change. Otherwise, we can experience the discord that often ensues when we cling to what the Lord wants us to leave in the old season. Territory Though he left the majority of his family, Abraham pivoted again. This time, it meant creating a boundary and separating his people, property, and possessions from Lot. When we first consider this, it can appear as if Abraham is being harsh in setting a boundary. If we read more closely, we will see that he is conveying love for his nephew by launching into new territory. Lot couldn’t grow [...]

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Bible Verses about Friendship and Community

Bible Verses about Friendship and Community

Caitlin Mallery2024-10-03T12:57:56+00:00April 22nd, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

Looking for Bible verses about friendship and community? If so, this article is for you. Lack of friendship and a sense of community produces loneliness which is currently one of the greatest crises on both a national and international level. “The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” As people become more transitory in their lives, work for large corporations from their dining rooms, and their social lives consist of scrolling social media, a life of loneliness is easy to slip into. However, both medical and psychological science have done a great deal of research on the importance of relationships in human beings. This is not just in terms of marital and familial relationships. A community of friends and neighbors supporting and caring for one another is vital in the truest sense of the word, life-giving. Not all relationships and friendships are equally intimate, but they should all offer something of value, whether it be a neighbor to watch your pets when you are away, weekly small groups or book clubs, or the larger community of a church. Bible Verses About Friendship and Community What Jesus said Jesus created a group of intimate friends to share in the work of the kingdom of God. And the identifying marker of that kingdom is loving one another. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:34-35, NIV Your brothers and sisters in Christ are the people with whom you should cultivate caring and supportive relationships. The earliest [...]

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Tips for Preventing and Recovering from Teacher Burnout

Tips for Preventing and Recovering from Teacher Burnout

Caitlin Mallery2024-10-03T12:57:35+00:00March 29th, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Professional Development|

When you decided to become a teacher you most likely had a passion, a fire if you will, for the career you wanted to embark on. It could have been passion for the topic you teach, passion for the students you could reach, or you were inspired by a teacher you had in your childhood. But today, that fire feels small, maybe even dead. You are struggling with mustering up even a little enthusiasm for the career you started. You may be struggling with teacher burnout. According to one Gallup survey, the rate of teacher burnout is 14% higher than in other industries. The ongoing challenges of larger classroom sizes, wages not meeting the cost of living, and dealing with many other stressors all lead to an increase in the reality and likelihood of teachers feeling burnt out in their jobs. Common signs of teacher burnout: Feeling emotionally exhausted. Feeling like they are not making a difference. Having negative thoughts about their job. Being cynical about their students or colleagues. Feeling isolated and alone. Having physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fatigue. If you recognize these signs in yourself that is a good thing, because then you can do something about it. Several things can help you recover from and prevent teacher burnout. Set boundaries It is important to set boundaries around your time and energy. This means not taking work home, limiting the number of extracurricular activities you participate in, and refusing to work with difficult students or colleagues. It is recommended that you do not give your personal phone number to students or parents. You don’t need to be available outside of your contracted hours to the school. Take time off Make sure you take time off regularly, both during the school year and during the summer. [...]

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4 Issues Commonly Addressed in Family Counseling

4 Issues Commonly Addressed in Family Counseling

Kate Motaung2024-10-29T18:37:37+00:00January 4th, 2024|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured|

The family that we are born into or adopted into affects every aspect of our lives. The nature of the home environment has a significant impact on an individual’s future trajectory. While God designed the family to be a place of unconditional love and support, where children can experience security and emotional closeness, the family unit looks a little different in a fallen world, sometimes making family counseling necessary. Even the most loving, Christ-centered families will navigate problems, and, regardless of where you find yourself on the continuum, biblical family counseling can be a valuable tool in creating a platform for feelings to be aired and discussed. 4 Issues Commonly Addressed in Family Counseling For Christian families, biblical family counseling provides a space where a trained counselor can use tried-and-tested counseling techniques with God’s Word as a foundation. There will also be an opportunity to pray and be prayed for. This is a wonderful gift that believers have as they deal with life on this side of heaven. Some common problems addressed in family counseling include: 1. Communication issues. Communication, being able to speak one’s thoughts, listen to another’s response, and respond appropriately, is an essential skill that can prevent arguments and disagreements from escalating into anger and unproductive interactions. The inability to communicate effectively is one of the primary reasons for marital division. If spouses are unable to master this skill, poor communication likely pervades throughout the family. Family counseling is an excellent place to help develop more effective ways to talk to one another. God’s Word in James 1:19 reminds us, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. This is the starting point for effective communication habits. 2. Financial problems. Economic hardship or a change in a family’s finances can cause [...]

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Three Common Teenage Problems

Three Common Teenage Problems

Jennifer Kooshian2024-10-03T12:42:50+00:00November 20th, 2023|Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since most of us were teenagers. Time, technology, and culture have moved on, and while some teenage problems have not changed, many of them have. Three common teenage problems parents need to understand. A teenager’s stage of life is often characterized by the changes in their body and mind as they mature from childhood into adulthood. This brings several physical and psychological changes that the teenager needs to navigate. While teenagers want independence from their parents and families it is not realistic to expect that they can decouple themselves from the necessary support of their parents and family unit. However, even supported by parents and siblings who love them, various teenage problems are almost unavoidable. Peer pressure. Having a personal device means that the content that is sent to the teen, or that they access, is immediately accessible at any time. Take sexting for example. While research is ongoing in this field, some researchers have found that there are primarily four reasons why adolescents become involved in sexting: flirting to attract a potential partner, expressing their sexuality with their romantic partner, experimenting with sexuality and identity, as well as a reaction to pressure from either their romantic partner or friends to conform to perceived normal behavior. Many teens do not understand the possible life-long impact of sharing explicit photos of themselves. It is the responsibility of parents to equip children with the skills to make healthy choices in these common situations. School problems. Did you know that in the US one in twenty-five high school students drop out each year? Researchers find that a high school dropout has a high likelihood of earning significantly less income over their lifetime than someone who graduates from high school. This lack of earnings [...]

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The Definition of Trauma

The Definition of Trauma

Kate Motaung2024-10-29T18:37:47+00:00November 13th, 2023|Featured, Individual Counseling, Trauma|

Words matter. Using the wrong word to describe something may mislead someone in terms of finding the appropriate help for a problem. It’s also possible to minimize a serious problem by either using the wrong word or by using the correct word inappropriately. When that happens (such as with the definition of trauma), you may not get the help you need because the situation may not seem serious enough to warrant it. One such word that needs to be understood properly is “trauma.” In everyday interactions, people sometimes say they were traumatized by something when perhaps it may be more accurate to say they felt embarrassed or slightly uncomfortable because of the situation. That can have the unintended effect of minimizing trauma. On the other hand, it may be difficult for someone to acknowledge that an experience they had was traumatic or that they suffered trauma. The word can carry heavy connotations that the individual wishes to avoid for one reason or another. However, if you’ve experienced trauma, it’s important to receive appropriate care. What is the definition of trauma? With all that in mind, what is the definition of trauma? One way to understand the definition of trauma is that it describes any type of distressing event or experience that a person undergoes that can have an impact on their ability to cope and function in everyday life. Many people experience some kind of traumatic event in their lifetime, whether it’s undergoing a life-threatening illness, experiencing the unexpected death of a loved one, or being involved in an accident. The kind of impact trauma can have on a person can be either emotional, physical, or psychological. According to the American Psychological Association, “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” [...]

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Symptoms of Depression in Men: 10 Bible Verses of New Hope

Symptoms of Depression in Men: 10 Bible Verses of New Hope

Kate Motaung2024-10-29T18:37:57+00:00August 24th, 2023|Depression, Featured, Individual Counseling, Men’s Issues|

Depression, although perhaps more openly acknowledged among women, affects men equally in its severity. Stressful lives lead us to worry and grow anxious over matters that, if not resolved, can lead to depression in men. Questions plague us: Can I make this deal with the new client work? What do I feed the family for dinner tonight? How will I afford this trip to the dentist that I simply can’t avoid? How can I make my wife happier? The list is endless. The following Bible verses on symptoms of depression in men help allay fears and give new hope to men (and women) struggling in this area. God stays close in hardship. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV This psalm is rich in sayings from David on how the Lord will save, redeem and protect those who believe in His power. The wicked will be slain. Do good and seek peace and you will not be condemned. God hears your cry for help in all matters. Symptoms of depression in men can be caused by problems we face every day at work, at home, or socializing with those who envy or hate us. Even Jesus cried over the death of Lazarus and felt miserable. Meditating on this verse helps us to remember that God is with us, He has a heart of compassion toward us and is there to comfort and pick us up when we hit rock bottom. God will lead you. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV Moses spoke these words when he was 120! He was telling his followers he would not be crossing the [...]

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Bible Verses about Forgiveness: The Wonder of Being Forgiven

Bible Verses about Forgiveness: The Wonder of Being Forgiven

Caitlin Mallery2024-10-03T12:57:22+00:00August 3rd, 2023|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

In this article, we'll consider several Bible verses about forgiveness and what it means to forgive and be forgiven. Forgiveness is a hard thing for many to imagine. Holding grudges, and keeping a record of slights, big or small, real or perceived, is the natural tendency of humans. It is a tendency based on self-preservation. When trauma and hurt have occurred, the instinct toward self-preservation is heightened. So why should you practice forgiving the pains that others have caused you? Bible Verses about Forgiveness Who benefits from forgiveness? The answer may surprise you, but it is not the forgiven party, but rather the one doing the forgiving. There may even be times where the forgiven person has no idea that they hurt you in the first place. Forgiveness will ultimately have a much deeper impact on you. You will experience peace of mind and heart. You will be able to set boundaries with toxic people. You will have grace for mistakes. You will be patient when things become complicated. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. – Matthew 18:21-22, NIV This practice of forgiveness is not often a once-and-done experience. You may need to search your heart and do so repeatedly. By bringing it to God you become more aware of his great mercy and forgiveness toward you. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13, NIV Do you need it? The short answer is YES. The longer answer is you probably don’t even know all the things for which you [...]

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Easy Stress Management Activities

Easy Stress Management Activities

Melissa Plantz2024-10-03T12:38:10+00:00May 26th, 2023|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Stress is a part of our daily lives. You may have everything scheduled, and then overwhelming tasks and responsibilities will stress you out, or an emergency will derail your plans. Whether the stress is acute or chronic, the pressure can lead to physical, emotional, and mental challenges. On top of that, your relationships can suffer. For all of these reasons you may need to implement stress management into your routine. Sometimes, implementing stress management activities can stress you out even more. Perhaps that’s because what you tried before were activities that seemed too structured. On the other hand, it could be that what works great for one person isn’t necessarily the best stress-reducing activity for another person. For example, your friend might play golf to relax, but the mere thought of putting the ball into eighteen holes stresses you out. Everyone is different, and your stress management activities should reflect your personality and be something you enjoy. Eight easy stress management activities Why make stress management activities stressful? That certainly does not work when it comes to lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels or calming your fight-or-flight response. Stress is a natural reaction, but our minds translate events like deadlines and overdue bills as threats. In addition, long-term stress can result in chronic inflammation, which researchers have found is behind various physical and mental conditions. The following is a list of stress-busting, easy activities you can do today. Note the ones you want to try and schedule them into your day. Even a five or ten-minute break can make all the difference. Start walking. Walking is an easy activity you can do at your own pace. As you walk, even at a stroll, the brain releases endorphins that leave you feeling happy and relaxed. Have you ever taken a walk [...]

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5 Signs of Depression in Children

5 Signs of Depression in Children

Kate Motaung2024-10-29T18:38:07+00:00May 25th, 2023|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Depression, Family Counseling, Featured|

It surely is a sign of sad times that depression affects 1.9 million (3.2%) children and teenagers between the ages of 3 and 17 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). In many instances, children with depression also have another coexisting condition, for example, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All too often, the signs of depression in children are missed by parents, caregivers, or teachers, as they can be mistaken for normal childhood moods. Depression, however, is pervasive as a mood disorder and is not something that children can “snap out of” through distraction. Signs of depression in children Children are also not able to express their feelings easily and would typically find it very difficult to describe the kind of symptoms that depression presents. Here are five signs of depression in children to not ignore. Loss of interest in activities. Just as with adults, one of the most common signs of depression in children is a loss of interest in activities that previously brought enjoyment. Children do tend to turn their attention from one hobby to another, and this may not necessarily reflect depression. But if you notice that things that he or she always previously took pleasure in doing (reading, for example, or walking the dog) have fallen away, it could be worth paying closer attention to your child’s emotional state. Extreme reactions. Teenagers are renowned for being emotional and moody. However, one of the signs of depression in children to look out for is a constant state of fluctuating emotion over some time. You might notice that a child cries more frequently, seems to explode with anger more often than normal, or sleeps too much to deal with his or her big feelings. [...]

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