
What We’re Thinking About
Welcome to our blog!
Every week, we publish articles written by our counselors on various mental health, spiritual formation, or overall wellness topics.
Motherhood and The Need for Support
As you embark on the journey of motherhood, it is wise to consider the topic of support. Whether you are pregnant for the first time or the fourth time, you’ll find yourself in need of the voices of others when considering everything…
The Idols We Nurture
There’s a story in the Old Testament that shows not only the lengths that people will go for the idols in their life, but also the power that God has to show idols for what they are.
De-escalation Techniques for Everyday Use
Learning to notice our trauma and that of others and to de-escalate tension is imperative to moving forward in relationships of all levels.
The Practice of Release
Release is essential to self-care. When we choose to live with a tight fist or an anxious grip instead of with open hands, we become powerless and easily overcome by what we won’t let go of.
Letting Go of Judgment
It takes intentionality to live a life free of judgment. There is so much corruption in the world that it's hard to escape the inclination to speak on the shortcomings of others, but letting go of judgment is a wise investment in our own wellbeing.
Help! My Child Has A Phobia
The bark of a dog, a dark room, or the sudden crack of thunder—what for one child is a fleeting moment of distress can, for another, become a source of paralyzing fear. While most children have fears, especially at various stages of development, sometimes these fears can escalate into something more significant: a phobia.
Unsettled
If we are honest, we have all experienced unsettled, wandering feelings at some point or in some way for whatever period of time. And it turns out that we are especially susceptible to sin when we don’t have what we want or need or we find ourselves lacking. So what do we do with these moments?
Reclaiming Your Life From Screens
In my last article I discussed the rise of addictive screen patterns, the dangers of screen addiction or overuse, and the common causes driving these behaviors. Today, let’s talk about how to make sure it’s truly you—not a screen—that’s in charge of your life.
Book Review: Habits of the Household
When my husband and I became parents last May, we started having conversations about our expanding family. With our new addition, things like family culture and values seemed more important than ever, but thinking about how to raise our son in a gospel-centered way—and all that goes into it—seemed overwhelming.
Counselor Spotlight: Interns
What are the biggest obstacles that you think this next generation of counselors will face and why?
The Benefits of Nature
God's love story with us starts in a garden where He created us to have dominion and to lovingly steward what He created. Because we are designed to engage with nature, we benefit from the holistic healing effects of spending time outdoors.
Navigating Difficult Family Dynamics
Facing difficult family dynamics can be really challenging. If you’re dealing with tension within your family, here are some things that might help bring resolution.
Seeking Balance Through Self-Reflection
Do you often feel like there is not enough time to do all that is on your agenda for the day? When we develop a habit of putting too much on our plate or allowing others to do so, it’s only a matter of time before we reach the end of our human limitations.
Seeking Silence and Stillness
I have often written about the noise of today, the stirring all around that the world can produce, the natural gifts of children that create a joyful noise and laughter in life. But even joyful noise can stir in us a longing for something different: a longing for silence, for a quiet that stills every noise in your mind, a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Empty Nest Check-in: Relationship 401K
A year ago, I wrote about the upcoming changes in my family as my spouse and I would soon become empty nesters. This year held a lot of change for us all, but it held some particular opportunities for my relationship with my husband. We hadn’t been in our house as a childless couple since 2003!
Screen Addiction(?)
Though the DSM-5 has yet to offer a specific diagnosis for screen addiction, anecdotally many of us would admit that we feel incredibly addicted to all of the little gadgets that are supposed to improve our lives. Despite the mass benefits that screen technology offers for work, education, and play, screen usage has started to feel eerily similar to the pangs of addiction.
Why Talking Helps: An Invitation
“Seriously? I just go blah, blah, blah, and my problems go away?” Over the past decade in practice, I have heard questions like this often when starting therapy with someone new, so I thought it would be useful to compile these simple–but admittedly sophisticated–questions in one place.
Integrating Suffering and Pursuing Joy
Are we supposed to pursue the integration of suffering into our lives, even if it doesn’t come naturally to us? If so, why? And what is the payoff if we do?