It's that time of year again when we make New Year's resolutions that we probably won't keep three weeks into the New Year. Here's an idea, instead of a New Year's resolution, how about a New Year's evaluation?

This year, CCCRD did a 12 Days of Christmas Countdown on social media with a story every day from one of our therapists. The following are the final four stories that we collected. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Isaiah Martin, Counseling Intern shares his life and counseling journey.

Simone Castro, LAC shares her life and counseling journey.

As a counselor, I have had the opportunity to journey alongside many people as they make sense of suffering and faith over the years. For many Christians, it can feel unsettling if Jesus isn’t showing up or acting in the ways we expected Him to. 

It is expected that the Christmas season be a time of joy and fun, spent with family and friends; a time to reflect on Christ’s birth and share in traditions and make memories. But if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, Christmas can also be a time of heavy-hearted sadness.

Encumbered by a world where suffering and sin happen every day to some extent, healing can feel difficult to come by, but I would like to propose that some of the issue has to do with our expectations and definitions of healing. On this subject, Christ has a lot to say.

Most of us possess a very strong need for relational connection, which is challenged by the repeated pains of failed and broken relationships.

If you’ve heard it once I’d bet you’ve heard it 100 times: practicing the act of gratitude daily benefits mental health. Yet, if you are experiencing significant anxiety and/or depression, considering how to increase feelings of gratefulness can be overwhelming, or even shame-inducing.

Though electronics have great benefits as tools, they also come with a cost. In this final portion of my series, I hope to make a case for replacing screen usage with more helpful alternatives, namely boredom, slowness, and presence.

Ericka Potts, LPC shares her life and counseling journey.

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…

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.

Learning to notice our trauma and that of others and to de-escalate tension is imperative to moving forward in relationships of all levels.

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. 

Jovan Coleman, LPC talks faith and rapport building.

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.

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.

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?

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.