Christian Counselor Directory Blog

I would like to discuss a topic that is often talked about by many yet gained commitment by few. The topic is the benefits of telehealth. When the pandemic began, it often felt like the world had shut down, which was very devastating for those in need of mental health services. Even as a counselor, there were times where I would look forward to meeting with my therapist in person and open about how I had been dealing with life's issues. Being in a confidential space to share thoughts that I would not share with others was something I looked forward to. Initially, the concept of telehealth revealed to me how traditional I had become in that approach.

Today, I can honestly say that it feels great knowing that I can go to a quiet place in my home without needing to use fuel in my vehicle and instead my phone or laptop. However, with the pandemic finally at an end, there are still many other individuals that would prefer the in-person experience to feel the genuineness of the counselor. What is often underestimated is the counselor's ability to pay attention detail and read the individual's body language and non-verbal communication just as well as if they were meeting in the office. Therapy at times requires evolution from both perspectives for the counseling relationship to be effective. I look forward to offering that approach to tomorrow's individuals in need of services.

By: Hiawatha Clemons, RIC

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after you've experienced a traumatic event. A traumatic event is any situation that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Traumatic events include violent personal assaults like rape, mugging, and physical attack. They also include natural disasters, accidents, and military combat.


If you have PTSD, you may have had symptoms soon after the trauma occurred, or they may not have developed until months or years later. The cause of PTSD isn't known but researchers think it's related to changes in brain activity and how your body responds to stress hormones such as cortisol. Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder that may cause significant distress and increased use of health resources, the condition often goes undiagnosed. The emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD occur in three clusters: re-experiencing the trauma, marked avoidance of usual activities, and increased symptoms of arousal. Before symptoms can be labeled as PTSD, symptoms must significantly disrupt normal activities and last for more than a month.

What are Comorbid Conditions?

Comorbid conditions are mental health issues that occur alongside a primary diagnosis of PTSD. Comorbid conditions include:

Depression

Alcohol and drug abuse

Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic Attacks

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

How Does PTSD Impact Mental Health?

Physical and Emotional Symptoms:

Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and irritability are common physical symptoms of PTSD.

Emotional symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and anger.

What are the Treatment Options?

Medication: There are several types of medications that can be helpful for PTSD, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications may be prescribed by your doctor or therapist.

Counseling: Talking about your experiences with a trained professional in order to understand them better and learn new ways of coping can assist with your healing process.

Self-care: Taking care of yourself physically is also important when it comes to managing your symptoms--this includes getting enough sleep every night, eating well balanced meals throughout the day, exercising regularly (ideally daily), avoiding substances like alcohol or drugs if they make things worse for you personally (or if they're not recommended by your doctor), drinking plenty of water each day so that dehydration doesn't set in due to stressors like sweating during exercise sessions can also help.

Faith & Prayer: Many people find comfort through faith communities where they can connect spiritually with others who share similar beliefs about God's love for us all regardless our struggles here on earth. You can find stability, peace, hope, and comfort within the experiences of PTSD by using the resource of faith and prayer.

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that walks in the darkness, nor the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalms 91:4-6)

How Can I Find Support?

Reach out to family and friends. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you're going through.

Find a support group. There are many resources available in your community that can help with PTSD, including support groups specifically designed for people who have experienced trauma or abuse.

Seek professional help from a counselor or therapist trained in treating trauma-related issues.

There Is Help for You Today

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have a profound impact on mental health and quality of life. Treatment options such as medication, therapy, and self-care can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Call 443-860-6870 today to schedule an appointment or use the calendar to move forward in your healing journey.

Depression is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. While there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms, many people wonder if there is a cure for depression. In this blog post, we'll explore this question and discuss what options are available for those struggling with depression.

What is Depression?

First, it's important to understand that depression is a complex condition with many possible causes. It can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, life events, or a combination of these factors. Depression can happen in episodes. While symptoms may be relieved, it doesn’t guarantee that a situation may come up that could trigger those symptoms to return. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all cure for depression.

How Can I Feel Less Sad?

However, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

1. Medication: Antidepressant medication can be effective in treating depression by rebalancing chemicals in the brain. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for your specific needs.

2. Speaking With a Counselor: Speaking with a professional to help individuals identify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.

3. Lifestyle changes: Making positive lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms of depression. This can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. These activities can boost feel good chemicals in your brain called endorphins. Just by making small changes, you can experience a boost in your mood.

4. Faith and Prayer: Faith and prayer can provide comfort and hope when experiencing an episode of sadness. We can also seek comfort and support from our faith community, whether that be through prayer, Bible study, or fellowship. As Christians, we can also find hope and comfort in our faith. We believe that God is with us in our struggles and that He can bring healing and restoration to our lives. We can turn to the Bible for encouragement and strength, and we can pray for guidance and wisdom as we navigate our mental health journey.

5. Getting a Routine. Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day can melt into another. Setting a daily schedule can help get you back on track.

6. Set goals. It is not uncommon to feel like you can’t accomplish anything when you are feeling depressed. This can make you feel worse about yourself. To reset, set small goals for yourself and then add as you accomplish them. As you meet your goals, it is important to celebrate the milestones. Celebrate in the manner that is most meaningful to you.

You Can Get Help Today

While there may not be a cure for depression, it is possible to manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life with the right treatment and support. It's important to work with a counselor to develop a goal that considers your unique needs and circumstances.

It's also important to recognize that seeking help for depression is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, reaching out for help is the first step toward feeling better.

You can live a fulfilling life despite struggling with depression.

Get help today. Call 443-860-6870 or use the calendar to schedule an appointment.

Years ago, I worked as a medical social worker and bereavement counselor in hospice. It was a role that was meaningful, profound, humbling, terrifying, and beautiful, often all at the same moment. There were so many times over the years when I wondered what difference I could make amid the deep pain of the loss being experienced around me. The reality of death was raw, biting, and indiscriminating. Death came to the young and old; the rich and poor; the solitary individuals and to those surrounded by family and friends.

Looking back on that time, I see a woman who began her work in hospice bearing a shield. I was often very frightened, and I felt very small. So I strode into a patient’s home like a knight grasping my armor, ready to fend off arrow and spear, terror and fear. Now, I feel such remorse as I remember that clinician. I must have come across as removed and protected and perhaps as if I was hiding behind a flimsy, false wall of knowledge and efficacy.

God was working on me, though, as death and pain and sorrow taught me time and again that all the protective mechanisms I conjured up were bound to fail. No matter how high my castle walls, death would still come to me and those I love. It seems miraculous, but the Holy Spirit was hard at work in me and on me, melting away my falseness, shattering my pride, stripping away the defenses I’d kept in place. I believe it was then, when by grace I learned to embrace my own naked vulnerability, that I began to develop into a person who could be a healing, loving presence for those who were grieving.

I have a favorite scripture passage that guides me now, from Ephesians 3:20: “Now all praise to God, who through the power at work within us is able to do far more than we could ask or imagine….” What I learned all those years ago was that in walking in the truth of my own vulnerable, fragile humanity, in reaching out and meeting a grieving person from this humbled place, God’s spirit can do healing, wondrous, sacred, profound work. When my vulnerable heart meets your broken one and we invite God’s presence, the Holy Spirit shows up with works beyond any I can do alone and with a power and mystery and love that teach me about life, death, and the resurrected Christ over and over again.

“Now all praise to God, who through the power at work within us can do far more than we could ask or imagine!”

By Annie Dalby

Faith doesn’t mean you are happy all of the time. God made our emotions. He made sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. When you feel these emotions it doesn’t mean you are messing up. No, but you need to make sure you are handling these emotions in a healthy and biblical way. In today’s culture we are normalizing the need to receive mental health care. Overall I think this is a good thing. We need to be able to help others receive help when they are facing significant depression or anxiety. In today’s world mental health concerns are rising at a high rate. Christians are not exempt from depression. Many Christians are hesitant towards receiving counseling or any type of mental health care. This is for a myriad of reasons. However, one of the big reasons is Christians often feel they are showing a lack of faith if they admit to being depressed. Therefore, you may feel sin is the only reason you are depressed.

I believe this is not only wrong but it is also quite harmful. There are certainly times our mental health is worsened by sin, no doubt! But we will face many difficulties in life as Christians that are not due to our individual sin necessarily, but due to the sinful world we live in. Even when we live righteous and pure lives we cannot escape the effects of sin. This world is tainted by sin and we cannot escape that fact even if you are a Christian.

I am going to list out 4 practical ways for Christians to deal with their depression.

1. Confess your Sin

I know I said that being depressed doesn’t mean you are sinning. However, depression could be a symptom of sin in your life. If you are engaging in secret sin then this absolutely will affect your mental state. As a Christian this may lead to feelings of depression due to feeling like you are failing.

If you know you are living in sin then you need to confess! First, confess your sins to God. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV 

If your sin is affecting other people then you should confess this to them and ask for forgiveness. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:15 ESV

I know individual sin is not always the cause of your depression but as Christians we must take serious how our own individual sins are affecting us. It would be wise to take time to confess sin often and strive towards righteous living.


2. Assess the Root Cause

If you know you are living in sin then that is the root cause. Get that solved first. If you have assessed what is going on and there aren’t any apparent sins that are causing your emotional state, then let’s look for the root issue. Did your dog die? Have you lost a loved one recently? Have you experienced trauma? Did you not sleep well last night? Depending on the answers to these type of explorative questions the root cause of your problem will be different.


It is hard to come up with a better way to handle our depression if we don’t know where it is stemming from. Take some time to explore what the root issue is and this will assist with our last step. There may be times finding this root cause can be done through prayer. But you also may need to pray for guidance and wisdom of finding this root cause. You also may need some counsel from a friend, family member, pastor or even a counselor to explore these issues together.


3. Be Active
We need to be active in life. God gave us the ability to act. Sitting around and waiting for God to do things for us is not actually showing faith. Of course praying is great! But God made us to do certain things on our own.

Develop a healthy schedule. This should include physical exercise on a consistent basis. I won’t tell you how often to do this. But remember it is better to consistently do exercise in short bursts (i.e. 15 minutes daily) as opposed to a long time on an infrequent basis (i.e. 1 hour once a week.) God made our bodies to move. And moving often is helpful in managing our depression!

Another healthy part of our schedule is being productive. Being physically active is certainly productive. But this productivity could be getting up and going to work in the morning. Maybe it means reading a book (especially the bible) on a consistent basis. If you are in a deep enough depression even making yourself shower could be a form of being productive. Make sure you are doing productive things in a consistent basis. This will help assist keeping depression in check. in general.

Eat healthy. This isn’t American’s favorite answer. However, our diet is generally poor. We need to be eating consistently with healthy options. Don’t overthink it. Just start eating more fruit and vegetables and less produced food. This alone can help (not solve) your depression.

Talk to someone. Basic research shows the very act of talking to someone about your issues helps you handle your emotions better. The other person doesn’t even have to have the right answers for you. This can be your spouse, your friend, pastor or even a counselor like me. It is vitaly important that you get these issues out of your head though.


4. Have Faith

As a Christian this is incredibly important. There are ample amounts of stories of individuals struggling with their emotional state in scripture. Think of the story of Job. He lost just about everything material in his life. You think he didn’t face issues with his mental state? Of course he did!

But what else did he do? Let’s look at a passage from Job 1:13-21.....13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

To summarize quickly Job lost all his livestock, servants and children. Talk about trauma! What was his response? Let’s return to 1:21-22
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Blessed be the name of the Lord! This had to have been one of the worst events in human history! He lost everything! And he responded “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” He also did not sin or charge God with wrong! Now that is faith!

That’s not to say Job was happy at what happened. Of course not! In Job 3 Job lamented his birth! But he lamented to God. He trusted the Lord. He cried out to his Father.

Faith doesn’t mean you are happy all of the time. God made our emotions. He made sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. When you feel these emotions it doesn’t mean you are messing up. No, but you need to make sure you are handling these emotions in a healthy and biblical way. Cast your cares on him as 1 Peter 5:7 states.

Christians, remember that God made our emotions. Don’t run away from them! But also don’t let them control you. Cry out to your Father for help.

The Four Questions To Freedom!
by Lateefah Wielenga | Dec 15, 2021 | Higher Consciousness | 3 comments


If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do bring forth will distroy you.
-Gospel of Thomas

Have you ever examined your thoughts, and the things you say to yourself? The beliefs you’ve adopted about you? What you think you can or, cannot do? All the shoulds and shouldn’ts?

It’s a great idea to do so, because quite possibly you’ve been lying to yourself for many years.
Consider investigating the thoughts you think about yourself, by questioning their orign.

You do want to discover the truth about the person looking back at you in the mirror every morning, don’t you?

We have a running dialogue in our minds, telling ourselves things about us that aren’t true. What we should do, how we should act, and the societal list goes on. We become attached to what we’ve been told, and they become our default thoughts, which develop into a belief.

Usually those beliefs become a deterrent. They prevent you from believing you can have what you want in this life. They keep you in fear, guilt, anger, and feelings of inadequacy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves asking questions, and asking my clients the correct questions assists them in becoming who they really are, without their false brliefs.

Let me explain.

The false beliefs you have about yourself are a hinderance to your happiness. They can make you feel like you’re in quicksand, restricted and unable to accomplish anything you desire. The desire may be a particular career, a creative endeavour, a happy relationship, or more importantly – your personal growth and expansion.

You seem to be stuck! And let’s be real. That’s not you.

The beliefs you’ve adopted aren’t your friends, and the’re really doing an emotional job on you. But you can stop it now, and open the door to your emotional prison to freedom, with these four questions.

Oh, and by the way, the questions came from Byron Katie.

1. Is it true? (Whatever the thought or belief.)
2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
4. Who would you be without that thought?

Your crippling beliefs/default thoughts are what you’re going to alleviate by doing investigative questioning.

You’re going to ask yourself these questions.

Contemplate each one, and go deeper into yourself. Listen for the answers, as they are there inside you. Answer them honestly, (no matter how afraid you are to look at yourself) and unlock the door to your emotional and spiritual prison.

Example:

So, let’s say, hypothetically, that one of your beliefs is, you’ll never succeed at , x,y, or z. That belief has keep you from pursuing your dreams, because it’s a thought that you always think, and now it’s one of your crippling beliefs.

1. The first thing you’re going to do is ask youself the first question. Is it true that you’ll never succeed at x,y or z? You must be blatantly honest with your answers if you want to be free.
2. Once you answer the first question, ask youself the second question. Can you absolutely know that it’s true? Again, be blatantly honest.
3. When you believe the thought, what happens, how do you react? Be thorough.
4. And lastly, who would you be without the thought/belief?
Once you ask yourself the four questions, and honestly answer them, you’ll realize you’ve attached youself to thoughts you’ve never investigated. You’ll learn the beliefs aren’t true.

You can breathe. You are now free to live your life.

Remember, a thought is just a thought.

If you need any help with tis exercise you can call the office at

(562) 895-0516
https://youareyourrelationship.com
https://wielengalifecoach.com

Talk to you soon!

Dr. Wielenga xo

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If the story of Samson is any indication, men can have all the God-given strength in the world and still be thwarted by our own temptations. No matter how strong we are physically or mentally it means nothing if we are not spiritually strong.

The only protection against sin is our reliance upon the Word and Power of God. If we turn to God in times of weakness, asking for guidance and protection, He will give us the wisdom and fortitude to overcome anything Satan throws at us.

That's why I love the story of Samson. Despite everything he's lost, despite everything he's been through, even in his last dying moment he finds strength in his weakness and relies on the Power of God to help him vanquish his enemies. Like Samson, we cannot fight the enemy alone. For us to heal, grow, and thrive we need the Power of God every step of the way.

What is gone in your life? What have you lost? What has gone away? What seems irretrievable?

Have your kids gone away to college?, Have one of your staff left? Has your status changed?, Are you grieving the way things used to be in life and at work?

All these questions are, in a sense, rhetorical in that they deal with losses that we have in life. It is important for us to grieve the stuff to understand the loss and the feelings around them.

Next step: Have you buried your loss? Given it away? Given it up? Given it over to God? Let it go?, Put it out of reach?, Let go of control?, Given responsibility away?, Let go of your freedom and privilege?, Let go of your entitlement? This important step allows for a clean break from your loss, at least for a season.

Last step. This is where we allow for resurrection. Perhaps the Phoenix bird arises from the ashes as it did after the Oakland fire. If you have any doubts go back and look at the beautiful houses in that neighborhood. Perhaps it's redemption or vindication for you or some you know. Perhaps you reinvent your career and reinvent yourself. Maybe you take on a new role at work. I know of a guy who was involved in a scandal at church. Today he helps ministers avoid finding themselves in that hot water. What resurrection are you waiting for? God is God of resurrection so don't forget to ask. Joseph, in Genisis, let's his old life die and be buried and then it's resurrected in his life in Egypt as VP of the country and reunification with his family.

Find help in identifying what may need to be grieved, buried and resurrected in some new form or another. A good friend, counselor or coach can help you do that.

Our Camp is a social skills camp and a summer camp.

Social Skills Camp
A social skills camp offers many benefits for children. Research shows that those who have better social skills and a higher EQ (emotional IQ) tend to do better at school, in friendships, and even in future jobs. Our social skills camp offers an experience that focuses on learning and practicing the social and emotional skills of Respect, Relationship Skills, Responsibility, Boundaries, Choices, and Consequences. We also teach and practice how to manage feelings using mindfulness and self-regulation skills. We do this all while working with horses!

Horse Camp
We are a horse camp too. Your child or teen will learn all about horses and how one’s intention and ability to manage emotions affect the ability to connect and lead horses. We partner the students up with the horses to practice problem-solving, social skills and self-regulation, and more. All the social skills that we teach are needed to be effective with horses so your child will not just be learning them but practicing these skills! We keep camps at a max capacity of 8 children so every child has a chance to learn and practice with a horse.

Horse Camp Dates:
June 12th-16th for 7-12 years old

July 17th-22nd for Teens

Go here to sign up:
https://www.hope-reins.com/blog/benefits-of-summer-camp

Now let’s get to the overall benefits of summer camp. We’ve got 10 of ‘em and they’re all good ones. Grab a cup of coffee or a snack because this is about to get very educational!

Top Ten Benefits of Summer Camp
1. Your child will get outdoors!

I don’t know about you but my mom would always kick me out of the house to play most days, but especially when the weather was nice. It was fun to play outside and explore. Nowadays this is harder to accomplish with fears about safety and competition with screens. Our camp is located on a beautiful 20-acre property 45 miles from Chicago. We have beautiful oak trees, hills, ponds, and of course horses. Your kid will be immersed in nature! Research has seemingly caught up with what moms seemed to know. There are numerous studies that show being outdoors just 2 hours a week (only 18 minutes a day) leads to improvement in both cognitive and emotional health in children and adults*. In a large study of children ages 0 to 10 years old, for those who spent more time outdoors, there was less risk for depression, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse*. Those who had the least time outdoors had a 55% greater chance of being diagnosed with a mental illness later in life*. Scientists theorize that the more humans are out in nature, they develop a “sense of awe” and feel connected to something bigger than themselves*. And really it is just old fashioned fun!

2. Your child will get off screens:

While being outdoors has great benefits for the health and well-being of children, studies show the opposite for the effects of screen time. Children are more sedentary, experience less time outside, and have trouble interacting socially (i.e eye contact). A recent study showed an increase in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in preteens with more screen time. The study showed that for every hour of screen time, there was a 15% chance of developing OCD*. Another study showed children who are given screens to calm down have less ability to self-soothe or regulate emotions. I think children and teens who are on screens a lot can forget that being outside can be fun. Camp can be a great way to break this pattern.

3. Your child will practice independence:

Children have the chance to experiment with learning new things in a new way. Instead of being in the structured school experience with their usual friend groups; your child or teen will be given the opportunity to be independent, branch out, and explore new skills without judgment or preconceived notions. In our camp, children will have the opportunity to learn, brainstorm and practice the key concepts of emotional intelligence. They will have to master what empathy and connection are as they work with a horse. Horses won’t just automatically ‘connect’ but will assess each child’s ability to connect with them by how well they use the skills.

4. Your child will have fun:

Our camps also make sure that there is fun while learning new skills. Time at school is filled with tests, and performance pressure but our camps are filled with creative, fun, and unique experiences. So even while they are learning new concepts, we incorporate silly costumes and laughter in everything we do. It keeps the challenges fun and playful instead of overwhelming. And they get to see how horses also enjoy the fun!

5. Your child will practice teamwork:

Camps are typically organized in teams and encourage problem-solving and working together in creative and fun ways. Children get to see what they can do in a team vs individually. So while independence and individual activity are important, they will also practice how to be effective in a group. Since horses live in a herd, they are amazingly skilled at making sure everyone is working together as a team.

6. Your child will learn unique skills:

Camps are designed to introduce a skill, teach the skill, and then practice for a whole week. At our summer social skills camp, we focus on the skills of respect, empathy, emotional regulation, making healthy choices, fostering relationships, and setting healthy boundaries. Our facilitators are all counselors with master’s degrees and certified horse specialists with many years of experience. The horses provide honest and unbiased feedback right away. Your child will immediately know if they are practicing the skills of emotional intelligence. And since horses don’t hold grudges they will adjust as your child adjusts. All of this leads to empowerment as your child sees what works and what doesn’t. One of our favorite comments of all time is when a camper said, ‘It’s like the horses know exactly what we are learning for the day!”

7. Your child will get moving:

Most summer camps get kids moving in lots of fun ways, like hiking or canoeing. At our camp, we integrate movement and breathwork whether the students are walking in the pasture with a horse or stretching to relax their bodies. Since horses require a calm and congruent presence, your child will begin to develop body awareness and skills that help with managing their emotions. Movement can be key to self-regulation. And of course, we all know just like our moms did that physical activity is always healthy!

8. Your child will develop confidence:

Being away from home or their usual environment gives children and teens the opportunity to see what they are capable of. Many children don’t feel confident because they haven’t had the chance to try something new or different. Or perhaps they worry about being judged in school and feel stuck in the“box” of what others think of them. Camp allows participants to broaden their horizons. Since horses are animals of prey, they require a confident and calm presence to feel safe. If someone is pretending to be ok –smiling on the outside– but is really afraid or negative on the inside, the horse will know and will not feel safe. So in order to be effective in working with a horse, your child must practice what it takes to be determined inside and out. This leads to huge bursts of confidence when they see how they can lead a 1000-pound animal!

9. Your child will have new friend opportunities

All summer camps give children the opportunity to meet new people. Often they will get a chance to meet people from different racial or economic backgrounds. And some can become lifelong friends as camp friends often share unique and unforgettable experiences. In our camp, we are zeroing in on the skills it takes to start and maintain healthy friendships. For a child who struggles with developing friends, this camp focuses on developing social skills and managing anxiety that can stop them from trying. We also discuss how to have healthy boundaries so that they don’t sacrifice their values to just “have friends”.

10. Your child will be challenged to grow in a safe environment:

Our camps are led by a Master's-level counselor and at least one Certified Equine Specialist. This provides a high level of emotional and physical safety while challenging your child in a way that leads to growth. We have a curriculum that is designed to help children develop emotional intelligence. Your child will reap the benefits of individualized and group coaching from those who are specially trained in these areas. And research shows that as your child’s EQ improves, they tend to do better academically, socially, and in future jobs. We purposely keep groups small so each child has the chance to practice these skills individually and in the group with the horses. Instead of just hearing about these skills, campers get to practice using them with the horse. That leads to better learning and remembering!



*Sources:

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201608/nature-therapy

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0963721419854100

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1807504116

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X22007224

Caja de 64 tarjetas de terapia (5” x 3”) hermosas, motivadoras, inspiradoras, empoderadoras y edificantes del Dr. Remy Nelson, un psicoterapeuta líder que sirve a Florida y Nueva York. El Dr. Nelson ha estado ayudando a clientes durante muchos años, y sus tarjetas de terapia en inglés, cartes de thérapie (francés) y tarjetas de terapia (español) están diseñadas para ayudarlo a manejar sus sentimientos y mejorar la calidad de su día. Las tarjetas están recomendadas para jóvenes y adultos de todas las edades.
 
Pueden ayudarlo a enfrentar una variedad de desafíos de la vida, incluida la autoestima, la autoestima, no sentirse lo suficientemente bien, la ansiedad, la depresión, solo por nombrar algunos de los problemas que las tarjetas pueden ayudarlo a abordar. Puede usar las tarjetas cuando esté en terapia, contemplando ir a terapia o no planeando asistir a terapia en absoluto.
 
Cómo puedes usar las tarjetas: Hay 64 cartas en cada paquete de cartas (disponibles en inglés, español y francés). Use las tarjetas para establecer el tono de su día, para meditar, para  orar o simplemente leer. Puede sacar uno al día y leerlo por la mañana, por la tarde y por la noche antes de acostarse.

English Cards Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K4HFR5P?ref=myi_title_dp

French Cards Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KQ9K1DC?ref=myi_title_dp

Spanish Card Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KQ77JRG?ref=myi_title_dp

Boîte de 64 cartes de thérapie de 5 « x 3 » belles, motivantes, inspirantes, responsabilisantes et édifiantes par le Dr Remy Nelson, un psychothérapeute de premier plan desservant la Floride et New York. Le Dr Nelson aide ses clients depuis de nombreuses années et ses « Therapy Cards » (anglais), « Cartes de Thérapie » (français) et « Tarjetas de Terapia » (espagnol) sont conçues pour vous aider à gérer vos sentiments et à améliorer la qualité de votre journée. Les cartes sont recommandées pour les ados et les adultes de tous âges.
 
Ils peuvent vous aider à faire face à une variété de défis de la vie, y compris l’estime de soi, ne pas se sentir assez bien, l’anxiété, la dépression, pour ne nommer que quelques-uns des problèmes que les Cartes de Thérapie peuvent vous aider à résoudre. Vous pouvez utiliser les cartes lorsque vous êtes en thérapie, que vous envisagez d’aller en thérapie ou que vous ne prévoyez pas du tout d’assister à une thérapie.
 
Comment utiliser les cartes : Il y a 64 cartes dans chaque paquet de cartes (disponibles en anglais, espagnol et français). Utilisez les cartes pour donner le ton de votre journée, pour méditer, prier ou simplement lire. Vous pouvez en sortir un par jour et le lire le matin, l’après-midi et le soir avant d’aller au lit.

English Cards Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K4HFR5P?ref=myi_title_dp

Cartes de thérapie en français - French Cards Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KQ9K1DC?ref=myi_title_dp

Tarjetas de terapia en español - Spanish Card:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KQ77JRG?ref=myi_title_dp

Mental health thought of the day.

Today I want to take a moment to discuss a major mental health issue I find myself dealing with various clients. And that issue is Narcissistic abuse. Primarily the Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist.
A lot of you who are on my Face Book page, my old Face Book Page, Second Chance Ministries and Wellness Centers new Face Book Page and the old Face Book page, know I am a Nationally Board Certified Clinical Christian Psychologist as well as the Senior and Head Pastor of SCMWC Those of you who know me personally know I am a Veteran from a dual service Navy/Army. You also know that I have three post graduate degrees, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), Doctorates in Religious Theological Studies with a dual minor in Biblical Studies/Ministries, and a Doctorates in Christian Psychology/ Christian Counseling with a dull emphasis in marriage and family dynamics and human behavior and trauma. I have always said you don’t wake up one day and say “ You know what? I think I am going to become a pastor and start my own Ministries and then I am going to add a Mental Health Center to it and practice Christian Counseling” You don’t just wake up and decided that. God calls you into Ministries, He tells you to start a Ministry and to add the Mental Health Clinic/ Wellness Center to it. He tell you in Scripture, That God new you before you were in the whom, He named You , He knows His plan for you and wants to bless you and see you prosper. In Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”. Meaning is you are like me and thousands of others who have become victims of some sort of Domestic Violence from being in a Narcissistic relationship, and they have in some way continue to directly or indirectly control you , ( indirectly meaning through so call friends or family members , stalk social media or even have some kind of legal matter against you or on you ) Know this is you truly believe In Christ is your savior and you live your life in accordance to God purpose for you and the Kingdom. Rest assure this Scripture will apply to you and it will take place soon if it hasn’t already. Another scripture that goes right along with Isaiah 54:17 is Proverbs 16:7 “When people's lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Once again in accordance with God purpose for you and the Kingdom if it hasn’t all ready happened , one day when God says the time is right those who did you wrong or abused you will come to you and beg for forgiveness and will sincerely apologize to you for what they did to you and how they treated you. God is a gentleman He can not and will never lie to you , leave you or forsake you. His word is absolute truth and you can trust and believe what God says and tells you will come to past. God timing is perfect and always , always right on time.
What makes the Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist so different then all other types of Narcissist is they play, act, and appear to be the “ nice guy/woman”. But are masters at deception and always playing the victim. I will go way more in depth about Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist, here in a little bit below. But first I want to say this, The number one thing all Narcissist absolutely hate and can not stand what so ever is when their victims i.e. you and those of you who can relate to this post , Over come the devastating hurt and pain the caused us. They hate and cant stand we have moved on with our lives, become genuine happy, we have rebuilt and better newer stronger life than before. We are more successful and we did it because they help us become who we are now simply by trying to destroy us. A couple other things about Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist most of the time but not all the time these type of Narcissist have undiagnosed BPD all so known as Boarder Line Personality Disorder. And some experts say the Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist are not born this way but are made this way by childhood trauma or early adulthood trauma, sometimes both. Experts also say that a Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist also more than likely do develop some form of BPD. They may have some if not all the markers of BPD. Now being a follower and having been Chosen by God Himself a few things will happen is not all ready happing to our ex the Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist. Their world since they discarded us has and is falling apart and will continue to do so until God brings them back into your life so they can apologize and ask for forgiveness. Don’t believe me! If you by chance or for whatever reason have some kind of contact either direct or indirect. Say social media or know someone who knows them. You will see a pattern by things going on in their life. And when you put two and two together you start to see, they genially regretting how they treated you and what they did to you. Especially if they where the type of person who actually for once turned to God and prayed for a person like you or I . Here the thing about prayers being answered. When you pray for someone and God sends them to you and you treat them like we where treated and discarded We are latterly telling God we know better then He does and what He gave us in answering our Prayers wasn’t good enough. . With that being said how do you think or imagine God is and will deal with them just off the account how they disregard and tossed a Blessing away like it was not good enough for them. Then lets factor in on how they Treated us knowing we were the ones God sent to them to answer their prayers. One can say in accordance to scripture God will never answer the same prayer twice or ever again. Two God will allow all kinds of bad things to happen in their lives to simply teach them a lesson. He not punishing them He is teaching them a lesson and not take blessings and answered Prayers for granted.
Genuine kind good hearted people like ourselves are rare. There isn’t a whole lot of us around. God purposely made very few of us for a reason. And don’t think for a moment or full yourself that you are not on their mind since the discard you are. On the surface they make it look life is going good and great for them but on the inside they are hurting really bad, they cant forget about you, they certainly can not forgive themselves and the have or are starting to realize that you were actually the one they Asked God to send them, there for if it hasn’t set in all ready regret will start to come< Remember they cant help who and what they are they suffer from some kind of trauma (I go into this when I go more in depth about the Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist. Pray for them, Pray that God heals them, works on them, and changes them, Like he did for us. Don’t blame them for anything they have do to you. Instead look at it as what they did for you. They helped you become a better version of you. Herman Hese said it the best “if you hate a person, you hate something in them that is part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us” . In my years of being a Mental Health Professional and working with people who have BPD, or some sort of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I have come to see a pattern and that pattern is. The Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist is a “good person” abuser they are more concerned with looking like a good person rather than actually being a good person. And the fact that we are genuine good hearted people by nature as God made us they hate us for it because they don’t truly know how to be one, do to trauma. They only know who to pretend to be a good person.

The Insidious Hypocritical Covert Narcissist and why its so difficult to heal and recover from them after the discard.

There are many types of Narcissist Classifications, never the less what ever their sub classification is a Narcissist has a mental disorder Called NPD or Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
The insidious Hypocritical and the Covert Narcissist share very similarities:
Both are very dangerous, neither one of these types of Narcissists are not obvious hypocrites like your typical Narcissist are. No both these types of Narcissists are obsessed with having an image that they are good people, honorable, kind and full of integrity. On the surface and on the out side they seem to embody these qualities. Especially to the masses. The people very close to them are usually the only ones who knows the monster behind the mask. But not always some times those closes to these types of Narcissist are fooled for a long period of time, or unless it really hits the fan and something happens to expose them. They are expert actors and Liars. These are the most insidious characters because they appear to be the exact opposite of the image they portray. This is a Covert Narcissist is often called a insidious Hypocritical Narcissist.
The covert Narcissist will always play the victim no matter what. They act like the are so empathetic, but in reality they do not nor do they have any real empathy. They have a humble demeanor and appear vulnerable and sensitive, but upon closer observation, you will come to see the intense resentment and jealousy they have towards others. They do things for others, such as build them up mentally emotionally financially even spiritually , however they always expect something in return. Be it a lot of praise or some sort of future obligation. Their reputation of bine the “Nice Guy/Girl” is everything to them. Their image means more to them then actual reality. They have a passive aggressive nature, and never deal with any form of conflict in a healthy direct manner. They can seem to be the most caring sensitive person in the world. Only to realize they are only sensitive and caring when it comes to themselves.
Typically covert Narcissist play a victim of domestic violence in some sort of since. They always call other people Narcissist to take the true image off of themselves. They even go as far as making up lies and stories about their victims(Supply) to the point they get domestic violence restraining orders on them.
The reason the Covert Narcissist is so much more damaging than a Overt narcissist is because for on the covert has a nice vulnerable persona so no one believes you. They are experts at playing the victim. They will “admit” the truth about what they did just to get fired from a job and throw co-workers under the bus, then turn around and make it seem you are the one to blame for them to get fired from their job. Or they play the victim so well that sometimes they make even make you feel guilty for things they are saying doing or how they are acting. The abuse ( typically mentally verbally and emotionally) is so insidious that it takes you a much longer time to realize you are the one in fact the one being abused. They come across to you and everyone else around them as the complete opposite of being the “Bad person” so you and others around them genuinely thing they are a good person, sometimes for long periods of time ( It literally hurts more when you realize they exact type of person they truly are because you are in utter disbelief, and shock) The cognitive dissonance is beyond through the roof. ( So much confusion nothing makes since ) Since everyone thinks they are such a great person, you get confused and sometimes doubt yourself. They are such great manipulators, liars, and play the victim and the “nice and innocent” one so well they can and will convince others you are the one doing all the wrong things and abuse to them. They are by far some of the best actors who have spent their whole lives appearing to be someone else. They even do good things for people. Typically these type of Narcissist are “Made” meaning some sort of past trauma has re-wired their brains for protection and in conjunction they may also suffer from BPD boarder line personality disorder.
Trauma changes who we are and how we relate to people. You no longer feel safe in world or in your own skin. Everyone and everything is a potential threat. You are always on high alert all the time and don’t even realize it. You are always in survival mode. And you don’t recognize it or realize it because your body has become accustomed to living this way.
This is how and why typically a covert Narcissist goes undiagnosed with BPD and are so hard to discover. Because they use the trauma they have endured either from childhood or early adulthood as a mask and cover up for their Narcissistic behavior and why they are the worse type of Narcissistic abuse to recover from. In the end at some point in your relationship you have experienced the typical narcissistic classic behavior such as love bombing, shaming, twisting and turning the narrative around making you out to be the one to blame, gaslighting, the smear campaign, the sudden discard, and finally you are the “bad person” who abused them.

I recently came across a beautiful statement on a dear friend’s Instagram story. She wrote, “One Who Has Hope Lives Differently.” To be honest, I was procrastinating starting this blog post and decided to look for some “inspiration” on the app. Oh how the Lord provides. These six words stopped me in my tracks (or scrolling rather) and led me on a search to find out where this quote came from.

As it turns out, this line was taken from a writing by the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Our beloved Pope Emeritus died in December 2022, so it seems fitting to honor him in this month’s message. In his work titled, "Spe Salvi" or "Saved in Hope," Pope Benedict declares, “The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life.”

In some ways I think it’s hard to put into words what living differently actually looks like. I believe you know it when you see it though. With that being said, we can look to the example of Pope Benedict himself as a man who lived differently and chose hope in the face of great sorrow and tragedy. During his youth he witnessed the horrific presence of the Nazi regime in his hometown and the influence it had on his family and local parish. His faith and love of the Lord fueled his desire to remain hopeful and continue in his pursuit of truth and goodness.

Saint Paul is another example of a man who lived differently. While under intense persecution he wrote the following words to the Thessalonians,

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,
about those who have fallen asleep,
so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose,
so too will God, through Jesus,
bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Hope keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude” Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 1818. Hope is an act of the will and it is a choice for all those who grieve. One who lives with hope believes that death does not have the final word. One who has hope lives with the expectation of eternity and the joy of seeing their loved ones again.

My friend who shared these words is certainly no stranger to grief as she mourns multiple losses in her own life. Through her example I can see that she lives life differently because of her hope. The clients that I have the honor to journey with also inspire me with the ways they choose trust over fear and faith over despair. It’s my desire that you can also call to mind someone you know who inspires you with their hope. Let’s say a prayer of thanksgiving for them now and ask for a blessing of endurance on their journey.

Information on Pope Benedict XVI’s life and the "Spe Salvi" full text can be found on the Vatican’s website, http://www.vatican.va.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

By RACHEL DOLLARD

Good Grief

Charlie Brown famously expressed his dissatisfaction by exclaiming “good grief!” when his circumstances became unfavorable. This phrase is synonymous with feeling annoyed, bummed, or frustrated. The same feelings that can arise when trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. We are creatures that were divinely designed for connection and when that connection is lost, we experience deep pain and grief.

Experiencing grief is part of the universal human experience. As Christians, we have faith that death is not the end. We have hope in the resurrection and eternal life. However, this does not mean we are immune to the pain of grief. In fact, as we mourn the loss of a loved one, we may feel, even more intensely, the separation and loss of connection from the departed, and find little encouragement in faith and hope of eternal life. This struggle is a natural part of the healing journey. Feeling torn between two truths, feeling hopeless under the overwhelming pain of the life lost, and hopeful putting trust in life everlasting.

The Bible offers comfort and guidance in times of grief. Jesus himself understood sorrow, as he wept alongside the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35). This shows that even with the knowledge that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, Jesus understood the pain of His followers and mourned alongside them because it is a natural and appropriate response to grieve when we lose someone that we love. There is no timeline suggesting that grief can only last for a moment. Some of us may spend a lifetime grieving a loss. Being able to identify feelings of grief and appropriately mourning is a step toward healing.

Feelings of grief can look like:

DENIAL

• Avoidance
• Shock
• Numbness
• Shutting Down
• Keeping Busy

ANGER

• Irritability
• Impatience
• Frustration
• Resentment
• Passive-aggressive behavior

BARGAINING

• Guilt
• Shame
• Blame
• Fixated on past or future
• Should have, could have, would have thinking

DEPRESSION

• Hopelessness
• Helplessness
• Reduced interest in activities
• Changes to sleep and appetite
• Reduced energy

ACCEPTANCE

• Understanding
• Compassion
• Vulnerability
• Present in the here & now
• Connecting with others

As Christians, we are invited to weep with those that weep (Romans 12:15) and to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18) as the grieving journey can feel long and lonely.
We are called to love one another (John 13:34) and support each other in times of grief. As members of the body of Christ, we can bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and share in each other’s sorrows. We were not designed to go through the stages of grief alone. Community after loss is necessary to heal and find comfort.

How to build connection after a loss:
• Start therapy with a grief counselor
• Attend a grief process group
• Volunteer your time at local community site
• Go on a walk or hike with a friend
• Talk to someone about difficult feelings

Finally, in the midst of grief it is important to turn to God and seek His comfort and peace. Accepting pain as a part of life can help make room for uncomfortable feelings. Faith in a Higher Power relinquishes the need to understand why the loss happened, and instead offers us peace, through acceptance, that there is something greater waiting for our loved ones. Seek a counselor that utilizes Acceptance and Commitment based techniques to help with taking the first step in practicing acceptance as you grieve.

Ways to practice acceptance:

• Allow space for unwanted and uncomfortable feelings
• Research mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or mediation, to help you stay present in the here and now
• Practice separating yourself from your inner experience by recognizing your thoughts are just thoughts and begin to let go of the intense power they can have over you
• Ground yourself in your values, such as faith, family or community, to find the motivation to move forward in the action of acceptance
• Commit to one behavior that will help you move closer toward practicing acceptance, such as attending therapy to build community.

Many assume that reducing alcohol or drug use is simply a matter of willpower and that all a person needs to do is just stop. This perspective can limit the motivation of the person trying to make changes in their using habits. Since often times, the sober curious person will relapse into old habits and then experience guilt or shame because they are not strong enough to stop.

Common misconceptions about addiction are:

• Stopping is a matter of willpower
• People choose to stay addicted and relapse
• Weak people struggle with addiction
• Addiction only affects certain groups and populations of people
• Functioning and stable people cannot develop harmful using patterns
• Rehab fixes everything
• You have to hit rock-bottom, end up in jail or be hospitalized to decide to change habits
• Only bad people drink or use drugs

These myths can prevent someone from seeking help because the misconception is that the addicted person is seen as weak, powerless and unfit to participate as a member in society. Instead of believing that there is hope, sober curious individuals will stay stuck in harmful patterns.

Thankfully, there has been an increase in the awareness of the truth behind addiction. Professionals are being taught harm-reduction techniques to help individuals achieve recovery goals.

Facts about addiction:

• Using habits can affect the reward system part of the brain, which alters the ability to practice discipline and willpower
• Addiction is not a choice, many factors contribute to developing a habit, such as; environmental, psychological and physical factors, family history, and early childhood experiences
• A struggle with addiction is not a sign of weakness but a consequence of various factors
• Addiction does not discriminate
• Anyone can function and still struggle
• Treatment can help with learning new ways to cope but sometimes it takes time to discover what will be the most helpful
• Anytime is the right time to make changes to harmful habits
• Using is not a reflection of poor character, it is a disease, bad people don’t get sick

Seeking support for yourself or a loved one is the first step toward making meaningful change. Regardless of wanting to stop completely or explore how habits affect life, therapy is a great place to start that journey. There are many faith-based 12-Step Recovery Groups available in-person and online. Individuals and their families no longer have to enter the battle of addiction alone. A licensed therapist can help process all the factors that influence using patterns and help create a plan for success.

Anxiety is a common mental health challenge that affects millions of people around the world. It can be characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty breathing. While anxiety can be a normal response to stressful situations, it can also be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life. Many people who struggle with anxiety find comfort and support in their faith. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between anxiety and faith, and how faith can provide a source of comfort and healing for those who suffer from anxiety.

Anxiety and Faith: Understanding the Connection

Anxiety can be a complex and multifaceted condition, with many different causes and contributing factors. From a faith perspective, anxiety can be linked to feelings of fear and uncertainty, as well as a lack of trust in God. Many people who struggle with anxiety may feel that they are alone in their struggles, or that they are somehow inadequate or unworthy. These feelings can be compounded by cultural or societal pressures to appear strong and capable, even in the face of adversity.

Faith can play an important role in helping individuals to cope with anxiety by providing a sense of comfort and support. By placing trust in God, individuals can find strength and hope in the midst of their struggles. Faith can also provide a sense of community and connection, as individuals come together to support one another and share their experiences.

Practical Strategies for Coping with Anxiety through Faith

For those who struggle with anxiety, faith can provide a powerful source of comfort and healing. Below are some practical strategies for coping with anxiety through faith:

Pray and Meditate: Prayer and meditation can be powerful tools for managing anxiety. By taking time to connect with God, individuals can find peace and comfort in the midst of their struggles. Prayer and meditation can also help to quiet the mind and reduce feelings of worry and fear.

Seek Support: Building a community of support can be an important part of managing anxiety through faith. This can include attending religious services or support groups, connecting with a spiritual mentor or counselor, or simply reaching out to friends and family for support.

Practice Self-Care: Taking care of oneself is essential for managing anxiety through faith. This can include practicing mindfulness, getting enough rest and exercise, and eating a healthy diet. It can also include engaging in activities that bring joy and meaning, such as spending time in nature, listening to music, or volunteering.

Reframe Negative Thoughts: One of the keys to managing anxiety through faith is to reframe negative thoughts and beliefs. Rather than focusing on fear and worry, individuals can choose to focus on faith, hope, and love. By replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, individuals can begin to shift their mindset and find new sources of strength and resilience.

Practice Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to manage anxiety through faith. By focusing on the blessings and abundance in one's life, individuals can shift their focus away from worry and fear. This can include keeping a gratitude journal, saying prayers of thanksgiving, or simply taking time each day to reflect on the good things in life.

Conclusion

Anxiety can be a challenging and debilitating condition, but it is also a condition that can be managed and overcome. For those who struggle with anxiety, faith can provide a powerful source of comfort and healing. By placing trust in God, individuals can find strength and hope in the midst of their struggles. By practicing prayer, seeking support, engaging in self-care, reframing negative thoughts, and practicing gratitude, individuals can manage their anxiety and find peace and fulfillment in their lives.

As human beings, we all face challenges and hardships in life that can affect our mental health and emotional well-being.

It's easy to find ourselves in situations where our mental health, or our emotional wellness is in a place of chaos. You may be struggling with strong feelings of anxiety, stress or depression, leaving you feeling paralyzed or debilitated.

Life doesn’t need to be this way. With self-reflection, support and some hard work, you can pursue a life full of joy, wellness and hope.

It is the topic of this article that we discuss how to develop a roadmap towards improving and sustaining your mental health.

Table of Contents
Getting to your destination: a mental health analogy 1
Step 1: It’s OK to not be ok’: Recognition of the problem 3
Step 2: Seeking help and setting a new trajectory towards positive mental health 4
Step 3: Setting ourselves on a journey of continuously pursuing mental health wellness. 4


Getting to your destination: a mental health analogy
Like many road trips, we set off with a destination in mind! “Today we are headed, from Calgary to the mountains!”. This is our first time driving this journey and it’s completely new! We pack up our stuff, get everyone into the car and start driving.

We think we know the way so we don’t have our GPS on and our phone is packed away to remove distraction.

As we continue to drive and get further from our starting location, we are surprised we cannot see the mountains in the distance; we also notice the ground is flat for as far as we can see; additionally, we are surprised that the sun in on the right side of the vehicle.

We begin to have a stronger and stronger feeling that ‘something is not ok’. As we evaluate these signs around us, we pull over, utilize our GPS and realize our fears are true: We have been driving east the whole time, away from the mountains. We are going in the wrong direction.

We install our GPS on our dashboard, plug in the destination, it plots a path, and we now start the back-tracking but on the right trajectory this time.

We turn the vehicle around, we navigate through the city and start going on the right path. Because we’ve now learned our lesson, we continue to check in with the GPS to make sure that we are still on track.

Finally, after the 30 minutes of back-tracking and the additional 60 minutes of driving, we reach our destination, Banff! We can now enjoy our day out and the beauty of the mountains and the town of Banff.

How this relates to our mental health.
This is a great analogy for our mental health (or the state of our emotional wellness). Many of us set off, as children, teenagers or adults with the ambition of being healthy, happy, successful people unencumbered by negativity, depression or anxiety (to name a few negative mental health signs).

After a few years, we start to notice the signs that ‘something is not ok’. We may be struggling with loneliness, addictions or not feeling like we’ve achieved what we had expected by this point in our life.

It’s at this point, like in the analogy, we need to review the ‘signs’ to determine if something is not okay. What is causing these negative feelings or outcomes? This article goes into more detail on this topic, later on, in Step 1: Recognition. If we continue to ignore the signs that something is wrong, we are going to continue down a road that leads to further mental health illness and stronger associated symptoms.

Leveraging resources and getting help
So in the analogy, once we detect something is wrong, we look for support from the GPS to determine if we are going in the wrong direction. Regarding our mental or emotional state, we need to do the same thing. We need to reach out for support and leverage available resources around us to determine if we need to ‘course-correct’ and set ourselves on a sustainable and life-giving trajectory. This is covered in this article in Step 2: Getting help.

Continuously developing ourselves and pursuing continuous emotional health improvement
So in the analogy, even though a course correction was made, there was additional driving time to back-track and then further driving toward the final destination. Similarly, in our own personal mental health journey, we may need to do some ‘back-tracking’. This may look like working through disappointments or missed expectations, forgiving people, and resolving past hurts, or processing life’s traumas (to name just a few).

Additionally, in the anology, we continuously go back to our GPS to ensure that we are still following the path laid out. In life, this is the powerfully important principle of self-reflection: am I continuing in a trajectory towards wholeness and health or am I starting to experience past or new negative mental health symptoms.

Step 3 of this article discusses ways that we can continuously develop ourselves and set ourselves on a journey of continuously pursuing mental health improvement.

There is no end destination when it comes to our mental health
It’s at this point where the analogy breaks down: In life, there really isn’t a ‘destination’ where we achieve perfect or complete mental health; it’s a continuous journey. It’s for this reason that what we discuss in Step 3 of this article is so vital: applying these Lifelong principles and practices will continuously support our growth and maturity as emotional beings.

Step 1: It’s OK to not be ok’: Recognition of the problem
Many of us have grown up in households, families, and cultures where our emotional state was either ignored, not appreciated or completely dismissed. Many of us may feel that it’s “not okay to be not okay”. Some of us may feel that, to admit that we aren’t ok, is a negative reflection on us, our families or our culture. This just isn’t the case. Here are 3 points that may help us understand why “It’s okay to not be okay”:

1. Mental health is a journey, not a destination: No one has a roadmap for life, understanding how every little interaction may impact you and your mental health. No-one is perfect, and everyone experiences ups and downs. It's important to understand that our mental health and emotional state is like a journey: There will be easy times, there will be difficult times, and there may be times where course corrections are required. This is normal and the reality for everyone.
2. Emotions are valid: Emotions are a natural response to life events, and they are valid no matter what they are. Whether it's anger, sadness, or anxiety, it's important to acknowledge and understand your emotions. What can be very detrimental is when we try to suppress or dismiss our emotions. In our analogy, that is like us ignoring all the signs that we are going east and we continue to drive in the wrong direction.
3. Mental health is just as important as physical health: In our society, many of us understand how to take care of ourselves physically: we need to eat well, exercise well, and get sufficient sleep. Well, mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's okay to prioritize it. It's important to take care of your mental health in the same way that you take care of your physical health. Additionally, your mental health can impact your physical health. Some great reading material on this topic is:
a. ‘The Body Keeps Score’ by Bessel A. Van Der Kolk and
b. ‘When the Body Says No’ by Gabor Mate

Now that we’ve understood the importance of our mental health and emotions, we can start to recognize signs that something may not be right and what resources can we call upon (like the GPS in our analogy) to get support and direction:

Step 2: Seeking help and setting a new trajectory towards positive mental health

So what are some ways that we can seek help and make necessary ‘course corrections’:
1. Seeking help from a mental health professional can help us understand what the root-cause issue may be that is impacting our mental health.
2. Find mentors that have a proven track record of having health in the area where you are struggling. Be intentional about asking for wisdom and guidance
3. Talk to people about how we are feeling. Openness and vulnerability can help us determine if what we are experiencing is simply just a stage of life or is the result of poor mental health or unsustainable situations we may find ourselves in.
4. Find good reading material. There are so many great books that can help us get a better understanding of our emotional state and educate us on ways of developing our Emotional Intelligence (referred to as EQ)


Step 3: Setting ourselves on a journey of continuously pursuing mental health wellness.

So, by this point, we have discussed how to recognize the signs of emotional or mental health concerns. Additionally, we’ve discussed how we can seek out help and get support.

Now how do we set ourselves up for success and wellness long term? Here are 10 tips for supporting and maintaining positive mental health:
1. Practice Self-care: Taking care of ourselves is important in maintaining good mental health. This can include activities like exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies that bring you joy.
2. Find community to connect and growth with: Mental health struggles are common and we are not alone. There are many resources available, including online support groups, hotlines, and local mental health clinics such as Master’s.
3. Talk about mental health: Talking about mental health is important in breaking the stigma and normalizing the conversation. Sharing our experiences with others can also provide support and help us feel less isolated.
4. Healing takes time: Healing from mental health struggles takes time and patience. Just like if you broke a bone, healing doesn’t come overnight, it takes time, rest and patience! It's important for us to be kind to ourselves and to understand that progress can be slow.
5. Recognize you are strong: Mental health struggles can be difficult, but you are strong for facing them. You have the courage and resilience to overcome them, and with the right support, you can find healing and peace. Make sure to find supportive people around you who encourage and build you up, not discourage and tear you down.
6. Find Healthy coping mechanisms: Finding healthy coping mechanisms is important in managing mental health struggles. This can include things like mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend.
7. Medication and therapy can be helpful: For some people, medication can support the therapy process and can be helpful in managing mental health struggles. It's important to have an open and honest conversation with a mental health professional to determine what options might be best for you.
8. Set realistic goals: Setting realistic goals can help us feel more in control and give us a sense of purpose. Hoping to ‘not be depressed by next month’ after a lifetime struggle with depression is probably unrealistic. It's important to take things one step at a time and to be patient with ourselves. Have you ever taken a walk and turned around and been surprised how far you’ve walked? Approach your mental health journey that way: it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
9. Create a support system: Having a support system of friends and family can be incredibly helpful in managing mental health struggles. It's important to reach out to those we trust for support and seek help from mental health professionals when needed.
10. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health: Everyone's mental health journey is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting better. It's important to find what works for you and to be open to trying new things.


In conclusion, many of us may be struggling with low or poor mental health. If that’s you, you are not alone and it’s okay not to be okay. Our encouragement to you today is to a) recognize the state of your mental health, b) seek out support and help and c) set yourself on a journey of pursuing mental health improvement, recognizing that this can take time and effort but in the end it will be worth it.

“Darkness deserves gratitude. It is the alleluia point at which we learn to understand that all growth does not take place in the sunlight.” - Joan Chittister, Benedictine Sister of Erie

If grief were a month, it would be February.

Though the calendar assures us that the days are getting longer, we turn our faces towards a sky that often denies us the warmth and light of the sun for which we are longing. The days drag on ever so slowly, and the promise of spring feels impossibly far away. Hibernation — the pull to stay in, to shut down — is tempting.

But we know that what we are experiencing right now is not all that there is. Underneath the barren ground, root systems are growing, and seeds are being prepped for spring, actually needing the harsh winter conditions to soften their tough coat to enable germination when temperatures warm in the spring.

So, too, with grief.

These bleak days of February are not simply cold, gray days. They are not punishment for the delights of summer or the majesty of fall. They are simply what is, a natural cycle. And as part of this cycle, February has purpose and meaning beyond what we can see. February is essential for the growth that is to come, and these brutal days create the necessary conditions for the earth to bloom in a few short months.

Grief is much the same. The suffering of grief is not punishment for something we did, but rather love transformed by loss. Grief is the way our human experience works, as natural and cyclical (and inevitable) as the seasons. And much like February, grief has a purpose and meaning beyond what we can access in the present, even providing the essential conditions for growth.

As we move through February, let us hold fast to the faithful confidence that amidst the darkness, there is growth. Let us hold our grief with reverence for the love it represents. Let us offer ourselves and each other tenderness and care to sustain us through these bleak days. And let us move through this month together, faces turned toward the sun, ready to feel the warmth and light of her promised and certain return.

Note: This essay was inspired by Mary Oliver’s poem, “Heavy” which can be found in Thirst, a collection of poems written while she was grieving the loss of her partner of over 40 years. It is an excellent companion for a grieving soul. The poem can be found here: https://wordsfortheyear.com/2014/01/25/heavy/.

Another companion poem for enduring the long days of winter, Oliver’s “The Winter Wood Arrives,” can also be found in Thirst as well as here: https://lifeonthecutoff.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/from-thirst-by-mary-oliver/

When considering professional help for mental health, many Christians turn to Christian Counseling for help. But for every one Christian who seeks help from a Christian Counselor, there are many more who shy away from the idea. And I think this is because there are some Christian Counseling myths that really seem to turn people off.

The following are some of the most common myths and the truth:

Myth #1: Christian Counselors are Very Judgmental

Nope, not even close. My job as a Christian counselor is to provide my clients with a safe space to work through the challenges in their life. I try my very best to emulate Christ and show my clients love and respect. I focus on listening not judging or shaming. I have gone through my fair share of difficult life experiences and trauma so I strive to create a calm, relaxed space where my clients feel the safety and acceptance to work on their personal goals.

Myth #2: Christian Counselors Just Recite Bible Versus at You and Tell you To Pray More

You may have had well meaning Christians tell you to just pray more. Of course scripture and prayer are very big parts of the Christian faith. There are many lessons to be learned and stories of hope within the Bible and from answered prayer. But my goal is not to make you feel that you are not holy enough because you pray, yet you continue to struggle. I never impose my beliefs on any of my clients and only integrate discussions of God, prayer, and the Bible to the extent that my client is interested. I want my clients to be as comfortable as possible and in control of their healing journey. While we may look at scripture that relates to your symptoms, there are many other ways that I integrate faith into my sessions.

Myth #3: I Don’t Need Counseling – I Can Just Speak with My Pastor

I definitely think speaking with your pastor or local minister is a great idea! These leaders can offer spiritual guidance in troubling times. But there are some differences to what I offer as a trained counselor.

Counselors have a Master’s degree or higher in counseling, whereas most pastors have received theological training. Your pastor may have taken some counseling courses but most likely not to the extent of a trained, licensed counselor. Counselors have also been licensed and follow state/federal regulations pertaining to mental health. We are required to earn continuing education credits to maintain our licenses so we are continually learning and staying up to date with the latest evidence-based treatments. This allows a Christian counselor to treat the entire personhood of their clients using research based, effective strategies.

If you would like to learn more about what Christian counseling offers or would like to schedule a session, please get in touch with me. I would consider it an immense honor to walk alongside you in your healing journey! https://www.virtualcounselingservices.net/contact/

SOURCES:

https://www.destinycitycounseling.com/blog/top-5-myths-about-christian-counseling-in-tacoma-wa

The stages of grief can be hard to process. Let us help you grieve in a healthy environment by joining our online grief & loss support group on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

Please call the office at 513-268-7153 to register.

You are not defined by substance abuse issues. We're here to walk with you in your journey of sobriety.

Please join our online support group on the 1st Friday of the month.

Please call the office at 513-268-7153 to register.

Domestic Violence is not an option for you! We are here to listen.

Please join our online support group on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month (February, March, and April).

Please call the office at 513-268-7153 to register.

Book now to attend your favorite workshops for the year! Dr. Umona L. Sharp will be teaching from her three books, "Why am I Like This?, The Dynamics of Faith and its Power, and The Power of Intercession, Root Killer Powers."

Workshop Topics

**Restore the Intercessor
**Restore My Faith
**Why Am I Like This?

If you would like for us to come to you, please contact us @ 513-268-7153 or www.stayfreetoday.com.
You can also order Dr. Sharp's books on Amazon.

Book and Course Description:

Do you find yourself weeping uncontrollably for people you don’t even know? Do you feel others’ emotional and physical pain? If so, you may be called to be an intercessor who prays on the behalf of another. We’re all called to pray for one another, but some have been hand selected by God to pray His heart. Dr. Sharp writes from a place of experience as a prophetic intercessor. She has endured being misunderstood, criticized, and judged on how she has interceded for others.

The prophetic acts of an intercessor may seem unorthodox to some, but to others it’s a blessing. Since a child, Dr. Sharp has accepted the call as an intercessor and continues to partner with the Holy Spirit to pray the will of God for mankind. She has written this book to help you, the intercessor, understand that nothing is wrong with you in how you pray as long as you’re praying the heart of God. She encourages the reader to accept and embrace the call of an intercessor because God needs your special prayers. This study guide for intercessors will help you to say “yes” to the call.

Order today on Amazon or go to www.stayfreetoday.com to learn about your calling as an intercessor.

Book and Course Description:

Christians are faced with challenging hardships and disappointments throughout their journey. The trials of life can be so difficult at times that some struggle in their faith and wonder how to cope with it all. One’s relationship with God seems to diminish while hopelessness and despair takes full course in their lives.

“The Dynamics of Faith and its Power” will help Christians to believe again. It will restore one’s hope as the author shares her true-life stories of poverty, sickness, and homelessness. She gives a biblical and psychological perspective to help her readers to understand the various components and stages of faith.

The author provides powerful prayers that were intentionally prayed for you! She offers her exclusive Stages of Faith Assessment that measures where a person is in their faith with God. This book will change your life forever! It will challenge you to grow in your faith.

Order today on Amazon or go to www.stayfreetoday.com to learn about your faith in God.

Why am I Like This? Jesus Christ the Wonderful Counselor

Book Description:
Do you often ask yourself this question, “Why am I like this?” You see things you don’t like about yourself and wonder how you can become a better person. This book explains our inborn temperaments and the strengths and weaknesses within each one. It also focuses on character defects. The author gives helpful tips on how to improve one’s character along with the flaws within each temperament trait. She describes Jesus Christ as being the Wonderful Counselor who can help us become better people. She provides powerful prayers to help you overcome sin, flaws, and painful emotions so that you can be a healthy and productive individual.

FREE Communication workshop based on compassionately connecting to others. If you would like to revamp your relationships and connect with those around you on a deeper level, come check out our workshop! Available in-person and on zoom.

WHEN? Jan 23-Feb 13 every Monday night at 6pm PST

WHERE? 230 Vernon Street Arroyo Grande CA 93420

WHO? Dr. Vicki Nelson and Kristin Martinez

WHAT? Improving communication for all ages

COST? FREE

To sign up: text “workshop” to (805) 709-0885

How many times have you heard someone who is struggling say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? This is often said without understanding what Paul, who wrote these words actually meant. Paul had just written of blessings he received as well as the adversity he had faced in the work he did in the proclamation of the gospel of his Lord Jesus Christ. One commentator states, "(Paul) makes it perfectly clear that this contentment did not arise from his own inherent or innate resources. Quite the reverse. His self-sufficiency was entirely due to the sufficiency of Another, and so it was very different from that of the Stoic. The preposition ἐν has been taken in an instrumental sense to denote personal agency (= ‘through [him who strengthens me]’), but, while this is possible, it is probably better to understand the phrase in an incorporative sense, that is, ‘in vital union with the one who strengthens me’, with the implication that the One who so strengthens Paul is Christ. Later scribes inserted the word Χριστῷ and so made explicit the apostle’s intention. ἐνδυναμόω (‘to strengthen’) is employed elsewhere in the Pauline corpus to describe the mighty work of the exalted Christ in the lives of individual believers. 1

Most cherry-pick this verse while missing the meat of the chapter. In verse 14 Paul says, while the above is true, "I thank you for standing with me in my trouble. Here the commentator states, "Paul turns from his discussion of learning to be content (4:11–13) and returns to the important theme of partnership.2

You see this is the meat of the chapter. We are not in the work of sharing the gospel on our own. We belong to a congregation of brothers and sisters who share in this work. Earlier in Philippians Paul tells us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. (2:4) We are called to be shoulders to lean on for those who are suffering, and struggling with the tribulation of this world. It is also important for those who are struggling to reach out for aid and not try in pride to be a lone ranger proclaiming "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" in an attempt to be stoic.


2. Hansen, G. W. (2009). The Letter to the Philippians (p. 315). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

1. O’Brien, P. T. (1991). The Epistle to the Philippians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp. 526–527). Eerdmans.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance as a way to deal with negative thoughts, feelings, symptoms, or circumstances. It also encourages increased commitment to healthy, constructive activities that uphold your values or goals.

ACT therapists operate under a theory that suggests that increasing acceptance can lead to increased psychological flexibility. This approach carries a host of benefits, and it may help people stop habitually avoiding certain thoughts or emotional experiences, which can lead to further problems.

Unlike cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the goal of ACT is not to reduce the frequency or severity of unpleasant internal experiences like upsetting cognitive distortions, emotions, or urges. Rather, the goal is to reduce your struggle to control or eliminate these experiences while simultaneously increasing your involvement in meaningful life activities (i.e., those activities that are consistent with your personal values).

This process involves six components:

Acceptance: This means allowing your inner thoughts and feelings to occur without trying to change them or ignore them. Acceptance is an active process.

Cognitive defusion: Cognitive defusion is the process of separating yourself from your inner experiences. This allows you to see thoughts simply as thoughts, stripped of the importance that your mind adds to them.

Self as context: This involves learning to see your thoughts about yourself as separate from your actions.

Being present: ACT encourages you to stay mindful of your surroundings and learn to shift your attention away from internal thoughts and feelings.

Values: These are the areas of your life that are important enough to you to motivate action.

Commitment: This process involves changing your behavior based on principles covered in therapy.

ACT may be effective in treating:

Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Stress
Substance use
Psychosis

One core benefit of ACT is the impact it has on psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the ability to embrace your thoughts and feelings when they are useful and to set them aside when they are not. This allows you to thoughtfully respond to your inner experience and avoid short-term, impulsive actions, focusing instead on living a meaningful life.

Psychological flexibility can improve your ability to accept and function with symptoms of conditions like anxiety or depression. Often, those symptoms may lessen significantly as a result of this, increase in psychological flexibility,

ACT is sometimes referred to as a "third wave" or "new wave" psychotherapy. The term "third wave" treatment refers to a broad spectrum of psychotherapies that also includes:

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Schema therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

Historically, third-wave treatments were seen as particularly appropriate for people who were not benefiting from pre-existing treatments like classical CBT. However, it is now believed that for some individuals, a third-wave therapy option may make sense as a first-line treatment.

Tracy Taris’ Many Voices, One Truth teaches the reader to discern the voices that vie for our attention: Self, Satan, Society, & the Savior.

Many Voices, One Truth is filled with practicals to teach the reader how to enter a space of quiet so that one can hear that “still small voice” of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.