Christian Counselor Directory Blog

The Power of Temperament: Why Personality Tests Aren’t Enough

In today’s culture, personality quizzes are everywhere—from workplace assessments to lighthearted social media tests. People are hungry to understand themselves and others better. And while tools can spark insight, they often skim the surface. To build stronger relationships—whether at home, in the workplace, or in our communities—we need to go deeper. That’s where the study of temperament comes in.
Personality vs. Temperament: What’s the Difference?

Personality is what we project outward: how we behave, adapt, and interact with the world. It can shift based on context—who we’re with, what pressures we’re under, even how our day is going. Personality is flexible and often shaped by environment and experience.
Temperament, however, runs deeper. It is our core wiring—our natural inclinations, emotional needs, and the ways we recharge or deplete our energy. Unlike personality, temperament doesn’t change with trends or circumstances. It’s the framework upon which personality is built.
Think of it like this: if personality is the outfit you choose for the day, temperament is your actual DNA.
Why Temperament Matters More Than Personality Alone

When we only look at personality, we can miss the deeper motivators behind human behavior. For example, two people might both come across as outgoing at a party. A personality test would label them “extroverted.” But temperament could reveal very different truths:

One thrives on social energy because their core need is approval and affirmation.
The other appears outgoing but actually prefers depth and quiet—socializing drains them quickly.
Without understanding temperament, leaders, spouses, or friends may misinterpret what someone truly needs to thrive.


Practical Applications in Everyday Life
Conflict Resolution: Many conflicts aren’t about the issue itself but about unmet needs. If one person’s temperament craves peace and another craves control, their approaches will naturally clash—until both learn to honor the other’s wiring.
Personal Growth: Self-awareness of temperament provides clarity about why certain environments feel draining while others feel energizing. It gives people permission to stop comparing themselves and instead lean into their strengths.
Workplace Teams: Understanding temperament helps managers know whether an employee needs structure or flexibility, affirmation or independence. That insight can boost morale, reduce turnover, and prevent burnout.

Moving Beyond Labels
The true value of temperament analysis is that it avoids boxing people into rigid categories. Instead, it offers a lens for compassion and understanding. When we see ourselves and others through the deeper framework of temperament, we shift from judgment to empathy. And in a world often divided by misunderstandings, that shift is more than useful—it’s transformative.

Join us for a transformative 12-week program designed to strengthen family bonds and address the root causes of conflict and dysfunction. This program is ideal for families, especially those with children aged 12 and up, who are eager to work together in a confidential and supportive space towards collective healing and mutual understanding.

Upcoming Sessions:
• Regularly convening on Sundays, beginning September 21, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST.
• Please mark your calendars for additional dates: Tuesday, September 30 (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST) and Thursday, November 6 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST).

Duration:
• Each online session lasts for 90 minutes.
Venue:
• Hosted on Zoom for your convenience.

Participation Fee:
• A one-time investment of $500 per family unit.

Early Registration Offer:
• Families can save $50 by registering at least 4 weeks early.

Flexible Payment:
• Half of the fee is due prior to the first session, and the remaining balance is due by session three.

Space is Limited:
• To ensure a quality experience, the program is capped at 8 family units.
Secure your spot now for an opportunity to transform your family's relationships.

Learn More:
https://www.restoringyouchristiancounseling.com/circle-of-hop

Pre-Registration Form
https://www.restoringyouchristiancounseling.com/circle-of-hop

Faster Results in Therapy: How Therapy Intensives Speed Up Emotional Recovery

TL;DR:
Therapy can feel like a very slow process for many people. Therapy Intensives are extended sessions that go beyond the traditional 50 minute weekly sessions. Through the use intensive sessions with faith based, holistic & somatic interventions we are able to identify root cause and work toward healing much quicker. Adults who are ready to align their lifestyles with their faith or experiencing burnout & couples in crisis, find intensive sessions to be the jump start they have desperately been needing. Call today to learn more & get scheduled.

Traditional models of therapy typically allow for weekly 50 minute sessions. While many clients find this to be useful and healing, it can feel slow and unproductive for others. I work with busy professionals and families who are already experiencing a time deficit. Adding in another weekly appointment and taking up valuable calendar real estate can be off putting and often keeps people from beginning therapy in the first place. After investing weeks or months in weekly 50 minute therapy sessions, with minimal identifiable progress, it may start to feel like the investment of time and money is just not worth it. The slow ramp up to progress may be beneficial for some individuals, those who want to go slower have the choice to do so. What about those that are seeking quicker relief and faster healing through therapy? For them, there is another way. Therapy intensives are the express lane of therapy, they give you the freedom to invest your time upfront in order to see results quicker.

Why Healing Can Take Time in Weekly Therapy
There are limitations with meeting for 50 minutes on a weekly basis. The core of the session can feel hard to get to. You jump on zoom or arrive in the office and take the time to get comfortable. You may be fitting this appointment in on your lunch hour or after work before extra curricular with kids. You might even be missing dinner with your family for this appointment. While finding the “perfect” time for therapy is encouraged, it really is not always realistic. I know my clients…I know you all want to prioritize your health. The importance of showing up for yourself is talked about regularly in session with me. I know putting that into practice can feel overwhelming, you only have so much free time, right? So you arrive to session, a little preoccupied or overwhelmed from the day. It takes time to settle in, make pleasantries and then you jump in. We make some progress, identify unhealthy coping mechanisms or patterns in your behavior, you are feeling like you are getting somewhere. Then before you know it, we are wrapping up and scheduling for next week. Now, there is nothing wrong with this model, and many of my clients enjoy the break from their week for therapy. Those with deep rooted issues or relationship challenges that are contributing to unhealthy dynamics in the home may feel stuck in this model.

How Intensive Sessions Can Speed Up the Progress
Intensive Sessions are scheduled during a long block of time that you get to carve out for therapy. It does not require a weekly investment of your time and energy, but a block of time to dedicate to what is really holding you back. The structure of our session reinforces quicker progress and healing, we spend time identifying the issues you want and need to work on then we address those key areas. The length of the session decreases limitations put progress on by traditional models of therapy. We will create a plan together, one that is flexible and meets your specific needs. Therapy should never follow a one-size fits all approach, your needs and experiences are unique and it is important you work with someone who sees you that way. Deeper emotional processing can be experienced with an approach that is able to focus on your specific needs. People who attend intensive sessions often identify quicker breakthroughs with this unhurried approach. We have the opportunity to set up our sessions in a multitude of ways with built in breaks and clear goals for our time together. We have a few different ways to meet you where you are and begin addressing your needs.
Multi Day Intensives: We meet for 3-4 hours over 2-4 days in a row or spread out over several weeks/months.

Semi-Regular Intensive: We meet for 2-4 hours on a cadence that honors your needs & fits your schedule.


Who Benefits from Accelerated Healing

My intensive clients are individuals & couples who are ready to make long lasting and powerful life changes. They recognize areas in their life that need transformation and have a desire to put the effort & work in that is required to see that happen. Therapy intensive can benefit:
-People who recognize unhealthy patterns in behavior, who have a desire to live a more full & spiritual life but are stuck in worldly ways.
-Individuals & couples seeking ready for intensive sessions who desire a faith based, Christ-centered, holistic approach to therapy
-“Hustle” and “grind culture” are not cutting it anymore, there is a readiness to align lifestyle with beliefs
-Couples who find vulnerability difficult because of hurt or betrayal, those who are ready to communicate more effectively and work toward reconnection
-People in the beginning, middle or end of a major life transition, who need to process and build skills to cope
-Homeschool mothers who need to process, be heard and to prevent/overcome overwhelm
-Individuals ready to make significant shifts quickly

Next Steps

If you have a strong desire to experience change quickly, I encourage you to reach out. I would be happy to provide more information on therapy intensives and explore if therapy intensives could be your fastest path forward. Bring your questions and let’s meet for a consultation. I look forward to working with you.

How is your Communication Quotient? How good is your communication with your staff, coworkers parents, kids and spouse? Answering these following questions may help you determine how you’re doing in leadership and life.

1. Do you own your statements? In other words are you talking about how you feel or perceive the situation rather than stating everything as a fact?

2. Are you making other people responsible for how you think and how you feel? This is frequently called blaming and shaming.

3. Do you believe that other people are responsible FOR you, your feelings or your life?

4. Do you believe that you are responsible FOR other people, their feelings, or their life?

5. Do you know in which ways you are responsible TO other people?

6. Are you good at listening and really good at hearing what other people feel and perceive?

7. Are you getting accountability and feedback about how you come across to other people?

8. How are you at slowing down anger in yourself and others?

9. How might your attachment and entitlement issues be affecting your relationships and communication with others?

10. Are you communicating from one up or one down position to other people thus being intimidated by them or intimidating them?


If you’re having trouble answering these questions, it may mean your CQ is not the best it could be. Reach out and ask for help and feedback from friends, a counselor or a coach. Remember Scriptures admonition: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry- James 1:19

Considering Therapy?

Hi! My name is Raishelle, I am a licensed social worker and therapist. I offer traditional and intensive therapy sessions for women, couples & families both in person and virtually. I know that considering your first therapy experience can be a big step, something you may have been contemplating for a while now. For those who have never attended a therapy session, the thought of it can seem overwhelming.

Why is it so Hard to Start Therapy?

You don’t really know what to expect, you are feeling emotionally vulnerable and whoever you meet with is essentially a stranger. Starting out on a new journey is more than intimidating and is often what keeps people from following through with scheduling a first session.

These feelings are totally normal and even expected. Being real and raw can be scary, there are things in your life you may be fearful of talking about. Or maybe you just don’t know where to start, or what to say because life has felt hard, messy and chaotic for too long. A long term commitment to weekly therapy sessions is also a major life change and investment of your very limited and precious time. If you are a busy professional with a family or a full time mom, setting aside an hour every week indefinitely probably feels unattainable. But-there is that nagging feeling, that promise you made to yourself, your spouse or your family….you know you need some extra support right now. You may have also heard from others that therapy can be a very slow process, sometimes taking weeks or months to see any real progress. Traditional therapy that lasts 45-60 minutes can be very limiting to people who feel finally ready to begin their therapeutic journey.

Is There Another Way?

This is where therapy intensives come in, a different way to begin your journey to lasting change. You get to try it out, to test out therapy without having to commit to weeks or months of sessions. You aren’t left wondering after 4-6 sessions if this is even worth your time. Asking yourself if you’re ever going to see things change. With intensive sessions, we get to go further and deeper than the traditional model of therapy allows. Intensive sessions are a more convenient way to begin the journey in therapy. You get to be in control of how much time you initially invest & if more sessions would be worth your while.

Intensives For Trauma, Stress & Burnout

Many women who have been stuck in a place they are unhappy with and who are ready for so much more finally feel like they are on a steady road to progress after their first intensive session. Women who are burnt out, who feel forced to hustle or grind and feel like they have zero time for themselves get to take a more direct route to healing. For a long time, they have engaged in a lifestyle that does not align with their morals, ethics, values, faith or their dreams of what their life should be. These women place everything and everyone above themselves, therapy intensives are a way to prioritize your own well-being and begin to work through the stressors, traumas and life events that have perpetuated cycles of unhealthy functioning.

Intensives For Families & Couples

Families & couples can benefit from intensive sessions in several ways. We see that coordination schedules for weekly therapy can be tricky. Scheduling an intensive session allows for more work to be done in a shorter time span. Often, people can feel like a traditional therapy session leaves a lot unsaid and resentment can build between sessions due to to limitations on time. Intensive sessions allow for deeper processing and for each individual to have the time they need to express their own needs and concerns.

From The First Step to Your First Session

Therapy intensives provide an opportunity for accelerated access to progress. The first contact is usually the hardest, most difficult part. You know you are ready, but there is a laundry list of reasons to put it off just a little longer. You are busy, intimidated, uncertain, fearful of judgment or rejection…I have heard them all! You finally get to put yourself first and start working on those inner conflicts that have kept you from living the life you were called to live. Once you reach out we will schedule a consult in order to explore if intensive sessions are right for you & identify what you would like work on. You will get to share what you really want to address and we will figure out how to make that happen. Next we schedule a pre-intensive meeting in order to set goals for our time together & create a structured plan that outlines time, breaks, modalities used- including somatic practices, Brainspotting, breath work, skills building, spirituality & prayer. We will discuss your strengths, resources & sources of support. We plan for your time to be respected, providing an unhurried opportunity to address your pain & life experiences. Maybe you want to meet for 90 minute sessions bi weekly or two 4 hour sessions over a weekend, there are so many ways to utilize intensive sessions. We will find the best format in order to ensure a good fit for you and your schedule. The freedom you get with intensive sessions is unmatched, you get to decide what works and what doesn’t. My desire is for you to feel empowered by the ability to go as deep as you are ready to…to really talk about & address what has been weighing heavy on you. We are breaking free from traditional models of psychotherapy and stepping into a holistic, whole person & Christ centered therapy model.

During our intensive session we will go at your pace & incorporate any level of faith that feels comfortable for you. We will have the opportunity to meet for a post intensive meeting in order to reflect on the process. If you are ready to break free of cycles that perpetuate pain & suffering, reach out for a free consultation. I am here to answer any questions or concerns you may have and explore if therapy intensive would be the right fit for your first therapy experience. I offer in person intensives in Ventura, California in addition to virtual intensive sessions throughout California, Florida & South Carolina.
Visit https://holisticchristiantherapy.com or call 424-703-3555 for a free consultation

Post by Jillian Meher, LPC

Dealing with people who engage in manipulative behavior can be extremely difficult. The interaction can leave you feeling guilty, angry, frustrated, and stuck. Sometimes you don’t even know you’re being manipulated until after the fact!

Here are a few common manipulation tactics and how to respond to them appropriately and assertively.

-A question disguised as a statement

Manipulation is all about remaining in control. Asking a question could mean a loss of control if the answer is not what the manipulative person wants to hear. So, people who are manipulative don’t like asking direct questions.

To avoid asking questions, manipulative people sometimes disguise questions as statements. This might sound like, “I’m wondering why you didn’t stop by yesterday,” “I wish you would do the laundry once in a while,” or “I suppose you’re not going to invite me.”

How to respond:

Train your ear to recognize the difference between actual questions and statements. Only answer questions! Repeat the last few words of the statement back to the person in the form of a question. For example, if they say, “I suppose you’re too busy to help me clean out the garage next weekend,” your response can be, “Are you asking me to help you clean out your garage next weekend?” This will give you the opportunity to then say either yes or no.

-Making a personal statement and pretending it’s someone else’s

Again, this tactic is an effort not to lose control in the conversation. By attributing a statement to someone else, the manipulative person can avoid taking responsibility for their opinion. For example, “Everyone thinks you should move closer to us,” or “They said you would be better off going to community college.”

How to respond:

Ask, “Who is everyone?” or “Who are they?” You can also ask the manipulator to take responsibility for their own opinion by asking, “What do you think?” or “What is your point of view?”

-The silent treatment

In order to remain in or regain control, manipulative people might stop talking to you entirely. This is likely an effort to see how long it is before you crack!

How to respond:

Put the ball in the manipulator’s court by saying, “Let me know when you’re ready to talk,” and leave it at that. If you “crack” by begging them to talk to you or giving in to their demands, the manipulative person will use this tactic with you over and over again.

Dealing with manipulative people can be very tricky and draining. But if you stick to your boundaries and respond assertively to their tactics, your confidence in interacting with manipulative people will grow in no time.

Some people believe that fathers don't really contribute that much to a child's rearing. This is a large myth and research backs up the importance of father in a child's life. In this first part I will talk about how dad contributes to the child's development. In our second part I will talk about the stages of development and fatherhood and how that relates to leadership with staff as they develop.

The Father’s Contribution during Early Childhood
Be a back up to Mom.
Be involved with the child so that she can form a bonded relationship with someone other than Mom.
Be available to the child so that he can move away from Mom and establish himself as a separate person. At around four years, start taking the child out of orbit around Mom.
Provide an outlet for the child’s anger and frustration with Mom.
Lay the groundwork for development of the child’s sexual identity.
Be a source of safety and security.
Lay a foundation for interaction in future years.
Provide a parenting model for the child.


The Father’s Contribution during the Elementary School Years

Encourage the child to see herself as a productive individual.
Help the child develop competence in a variety of skill areas.
Foster healthy self-confidence in the child.
Help the child learn to contain and control his personality and emotions, especially anger.
Provide a safe environment for exploration and for learning both cognitive and social skills.
By active leadership in the family, free the child to be a child.
Clarify sexual identity for the child. Model what a son is to become and what a daughter is not to become.
Provide a parenting model for the child.


The Father’s Contribution during Adolescence

Teach the child how to relate triadically (to two other people at the same time).
Be a source of competition and modeling for a son as he grows toward manhood.
Affirm a daughter’s femininity and her growth toward womanhood.
Be available to resolve any leftover issues from the earlier stages of development.
Make his inner strength and stability available to the child, providing a counterbalance to the roller coaster of adolescence.
Model a good marriage relationship.
Present a unified authority with the mother to prevent the child from “splitting.”
Provide a blessing as the child moves into adulthood.
Provide a parenting model for the child. Provide mentoring.



Father Influence and Leadership


The Nurturing Leader; This is a leader who has new people that are training and learning the job while he sets limits with them. He also helps them with grace and care to learn the actual tasks of the job as well as the relationships involved


The Lawgiver Leader: This is the leader who sets down rules and expectations as well as defining jobs and helping the more permanent or problematic employee get on the right path. Having already provided bonding and connection this leader has the freedom to set boundaries with staff.


The Warrior-Protector Leader: Helping staff by fighting for them and against things that are problematic is very much a part of this leaders job. This leader also encourages and promotes initiative and the proper use of power in the work situation.


See Making Peace With Your Father by David Stoop, PhD

Post by Janet Henry, MA, LAC

Imagine yourself having to give a presentation at work, you stayed up most of the night rehearsing what you’re going to say. You have been preparing for weeks, and you hope to receive that job well done from your boss finally. You’re standing outside the door and peer in, seeing all the faces in the room in anticipation of what’s about to be presented, and you start feeling something. You start sweating, feel your heart racing a little faster, and are hit with a sudden bout of fear! What is going on right now, you think to yourself, I know this information inside and out?! Performance Anxiety may cause this…

What is Performance Anxiety?
It is an excessive worry or fear that can affect your ability to perform a given task, whether personal or professional, that may drum up physical symptoms and emotional distress. A type of anxiety that may present itself in anticipation of or during performing something like a work task (like a speech), a sports competition, or even a musical performance, similar to stage fright. It can also stem from not meeting self-imposed or external expectations, being judged by others, or familial pressures.

Common Symptoms of Performance Anxiety

-Intense nervousness

-Fear

-Worry about not meeting expectations (self or others) and/or failure

-Shaky voice, sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat

-Dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, blurry vision

These symptoms can meaningfully affect one’s ability to perform, leading to either avoidance of the situation that may trigger anxiety or even leading to panic attacks. Some examples can be public speaking, test anxiety, stage fright, or sexual performance anxiety. While most people may just experience mild nervousness, others may have incapacitating anxiety that may hinder them from pursuing their passions, goals, and the purpose God has created us for.

Possible Causes of Performance Anxiety

-People-pleasing behaviors: fear that you may fail to meet others’ expectations in a particular situation, which leads to performance anxiety

-Family stressors: can lead to anxious thoughts/feelings, primarily if seeking approval from family members and establishing self-worth

-Self-doubt: can affect someone who may not be confident in their ability to meet societal standards, which can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy

-Past trials: negative experiences or reactions in past instances where you did try but it was received with criticism from others

-Social anxiety: you may get overwhelmed in social settings (office meeting/party/ church events) or completing a task before others

Coping Tools to Treat Performance Anxiety

-Breathing exercises: when you start to experience those common symptoms, just breathe! To help you calm down, your brain needs oxygen. Breathe in through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth, but go slow: inhale for 4 seconds, pause for another 4 seconds, and exhale slowly for 6 seconds. Do this for about 3-5 minutes.

-Try shaking it off: literally move your body around to help release some of that tension, hop around, flail your arms, move your head left to right

-Exercise: when you exercise, it releases endorphins, which help to override your stress response (a jog or walk).

-Meditation: It helps you to focus on the present, incorporates breathwork, and helps to ground yourself. Yes, your mind may wander but try to focus more intently on your body and breaths. We suggest practicing daily for about 15 minutes.

When we worry, it’s easy to imagine the worst-case scenario, but remember, what can happen isn’t the same as what will happen. The Bible is a great source of wisdom and direction. We find guidance in II Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). We are meant to have a sound mind. My hope is that these tips help guide you to regain your power and become a more confident and grounded self. If you need a helping hand to journey alongside you for support, don’t hesitate to reach out. You got this!

Written by Cindy Picht, MA, LPC
How a Research-Based Couples Assessment Can Reveal What You’re Missing

“My partner says we communicate great, but I feel totally misunderstood.”​
​
We hear this a lot.
One of our counselors, Gerard DeMatteo, LPC, recently trained a group of pastors, therapists,
and lay leaders to facilitate a powerful relationship tool called PREPARE/ENRICH. This tool
has helped thousands of couples (including many at Light the Way) get clarity about where
they are and how to grow stronger together.

What Is PREPARE/ENRICH?
PREPARE is for dating or engaged couples.​
ENRICH is for couples who are already married.​
​
Both are online assessments that measure how you and your partner respond in key
relationship areas, such as communication, conflict resolution, money, sex, roles, and
spiritual beliefs.​
​
Couples take the assessment separately. Then, they meet with a trained facilitator who helps
them understand where they agree, where they disagree, and where they might have
misunderstood each other altogether.​
​
The power of this tool is that it gives you both something objective to look at. It’s not just
one person’s opinion anymore. It’s right there—in black and white.
A Real-Life Example
I’ve used PREPARE/ENRICH with couples since the early 2000s. Gerard was certified in
1995, and the tool has been around since 1980. It’s grounded in decades of research.​
​
Over the years, I’ve seen incredible things happen:​
- Couples who didn’t think they had any significant issues suddenly understood each other
in a whole new way​
- Engaged couples who realized they were heading in different directions—and lovingly
chose not to marry​
- Couples who felt stuck for years finally have the language to say what they’re really feeling​
​

I’d estimate that over 90% of the couples I’ve walked through PREPARE/ENRICH who chose
to marry are still together today.
What You’ll Get
When you take the assessment, here’s what to expect:​
- A comprehensive report of your strengths and growth areas that the facilitator
receives –
-An abridged report for you
-6–8 structured sessions with a trained counselor​
- Skills and exercises to help you grow in:​
- Communication​
- Conflict resolution​
- Understanding personality differences​
- Intimacy and shared values​
- Homework that deepens your connection between sessions​
​
It’s not just a quiz—it’s a map. And your counselor walks with you through every
step.
Why Use a Counselor?
PREPARE/ENRICH is a great tool, but it becomes even more powerful when you process it
with someone who’s trained to spot deeper patterns and help you work through them.​
​
At Light the Way, many of our therapists—Cindy, Gerard, Janet, and Esther—are certified in
PREPARE/ENRICH, as are our licensed Marriage and Family therapists.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
Whether you’ve been together for a few months or a few decades, PREPARE/ENRICH can
give you a clear view of where you’re thriving and where there’s room to grow.​
​
📞 Call 201-444-8103 ext. #1 to schedule a consultation.​
Let’s put it in black and white—and grow from there.

Understanding Generalized Anxiety and What You Can Do About It
A few years ago, I worked with a client who constantly worried about his family—how they would make it in life, and what he needed to do to help. We explored what was in his control and what wasn’t. Together, we created practical strategies to help him manage his responsibilities and ease the mental burden.
The GAD-7 Tool
I asked him to complete a short assessment called the GAD-7, which helps identify symptoms of anxiety. When he read his results, the lightbulb went off. “I had no idea this had a name,” he said, relieved to finally make sense of what he’d been feeling.
GAD stands for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and the “7” refers to the number of core symptoms it screens for (plus one bonus question about daily functioning).
The tool asks how often you've been bothered by the following symptoms in the past two weeks. Write down your answers using this scale:
• 0 – Not at all
• 1 – Several days
• 2 – More than half the days
• 3 – Nearly every day
Want to try it?
Here are the questions. Write down your answers on a separate piece of paper.
1. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.
2. Not being able to stop or control worrying.
3. Worrying too much about different things.
4. Trouble relaxing.
5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still.
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable.
7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen.
8. How difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people? The choices here are: not difficult at all, somewhat difficult, very difficult, or extremely difficult.
Check your results
If you scored a few 1s, 2s, or 3s, it’s worth paying attention. If you notice a pattern or feel like your worries are interfering with daily life, working with a therapist can help you get clarity and relief.
What to do right now
At Light the Way, we use tools and insights from experts like Amen Clinics to understand better how anxiety affects your brain and body. One area often involved in anxiety is the Basal Ganglia—a part of the brain that can become overactive when you feel worried, tense, or afraid of the worst-case scenario.
While you don’t need to know neuroscience, it helps to know that there are natural, science-based ways to help calm this part of your brain.
Here are some suggestions you can start right now to help calm your Basal Ganglia:
• Exercise daily – Even a 30-minute walk can calm your nervous system.
• Listen to calming music – Slow, instrumental music can ease tension.
• Try ANT Therapy – That stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts. Notice your negative self-talk and challenge it with truth. The negative thought can also be stated in a more positive way
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol – Both can overstimulate your system.
• Try meditation or prayer – Choose a practice that aligns with your values.
• Practice assertiveness – Anxiety often increases when we don’t speak up for ourselves.
Next Steps
If you discovered you may be living with anxiety, and you want to lessen it, pick one tool from the list above and commit to it daily for 1–2 weeks. See how you feel. Then, try adding another.
Consistency is more important than intensity. Small, steady steps can bring lasting relief.

What are intensive sessions?
Intensive sessions are extended therapy sessions. They allow individuals, families, or couples to meet beyond the standard 45-50 minute session time. Extended sessions can last anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours at a time over 1-3 days. These sessions may be scheduled semi-regularly, on a bi-weekly or monthly cadence. Other individuals find benefit in meeting for only one extended session or multiple days in a row. Many individuals who participate in intensives with us discover a quicker route to healing & transformation.
There is no right or wrong length of time, as we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. We will partner with you in order to determine the best approach and make sure you are comfortable every step of the way. We use a Holistic and Christ-centered therapy approach in extended sessions. Often referring to what God, the creator of the Universe, says about you in order to reframe the negative self-talk in your mind.
Where are your intensive sessions located?

In person or virtual. Our intensive outpatient weekend therapy serves clients in sunny Ventura, California. Accessible to people in the vicinity of Santa Monica, Malibu, Calabasas, Santa Barbara, Ojai & surrounding areas. We also offer these services via confidential & secure video for people located throughout California, Florida & South Carolina. You only need to be in one of these states for the intensive session. If travel is an option for you, it may be worth considering a retreat-style intensive session with us.
How can intensive sessions help?

Our rapid relief therapy sessions assist individuals in moving through aspects that seem to be holding them back or hindering the progress they wish to make. The typical therapy session can leave some people feeling stuck and overwhelmed with having to come back week after week for little progress. Many of my clients tell me they only start feeling “warmed up" around the 30-minute mark in session. They feel like a breakthrough is ready to happen, only to be moved to close out for the session to end on time. Another week goes by with mounting personal issues and a limited capacity to handle them all. They have the space to process the week, which can be a blessing, but in reality, is also very limiting. So much more work can be done, which is why we have found that moving outside the limits of time constraints leads to lasting change. You were meant for more; you can feel it, but you aren’t sure which direction to go. We are happy to walk alongside you while you work toward your goals.
We have intensive clients who find that meeting for maintenance sessions on a regular or semi-regular cadence can be beneficial. While others prefer to maintain work with their regular therapists before and after our intensives together. As we discussed earlier, there really is no right or wrong way to engage in intensive sessions. Our goal is to provide the space you need to knock down barriers, connect to the purpose God has for your life, and experience improved emotional well-being. Dramatic change can happen over a weekend, something years of therapy often can not achieve.

What kind of issues are addressed in intensive therapy sessions?
We address an array of issues that may be present in your life. These may include, but are not limited to, historical or current traumas, limiting self-beliefs, anxiety, depression, relationship & communication issues. We work with adult individuals, families with minor & adult children & couples.

How does it work?
The first step is to reach out for a consult in order to determine if working together would be beneficial. We will set up a 15-20 minute call & you will have the opportunity to ask any questions or get clarification on aspects of what we offer. It is important that you are stable & not in active crisis in order to get the most out of our sessions together. After the consult we schedule an intake session where we meet by phone or video for 45-60 minutes in order to formulate goals & a plan for our intensive session. We will determine meeting date & length of time. In order to encourage a commitment to yourself, a 50% deposit will be required at time of booking & refunds are not provided.
Who are intensive not right for?
It is important for all of us to understand there are some limits to intensive sessions. Individuals in active crisis, experiencing suicidality or who are in active addictions would not be candidates. Couples who do not have the same goals for therapy, who are not sure they want to stay in the marriage or if there is an ongoing affair would not benefit from our intensive therapy format. If you fins yourself needing urgent support please reach out to 988 via call or text.

Our relationship with God—what we believe about His love, presence, and trustworthiness—often draws from more than just theology. The foundation for how we understand love, safety, and connection is often shaped by our earliest human relationships. For some, those early experiences were warm and supportive. For others, they may have been marked by unpredictability, neglect, or pain.
When childhood involves adversity, some people find that these experiences negatively influence how they relate to God later in life. Others, raised in difficult environments, feel deeply connected to a loving and protective God. Others fall somewhere in between, still exploring how their past experiences and their spiritual life intersect. There’s no one right way to relate to God—but the intersection of trauma and faith is a topic worth exploring, both in therapy and in research. By asking questions rather than offering answers, we can begin to understand how early experiences may (or may not) influence a person’s spiritual journey.

Your Voice Matters: Invitation to Participate in Research
I’m conducting a study to better understand the relationship between childhood trauma, post-traumatic outcomes, and attachment to God. The study aims to explore how people’s early life experiences might shape their relationship with God.
If you’re 18 or older, have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and believe in a higher power, I would be grateful for your participation. Your perspective could offer valuable insights into how faith and trauma intersect, and how this connection can inform spiritual care in the mental health field.

https://northwestupsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QgxS4FgCDtpFFI

Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your story. Please feel free to pass this along to others who may be interested.

Anxiety isn’t just a passing feeling; it’s a real, often relentless battleground where our thoughts, emotions, and faith collide. It can be a daily struggle fought behind smiles and silent prayers, a private war that no one ever sees.
Anxiety doesn't ask for permission before it storms in. It attacks without warning, weaving fearful "what-ifs" into the mind and weighing the heart down with invisible burdens. It convinces you that you're alone in the fight, that you're not strong enough, and peace is out of reach.
BUT THAT IS NOT THE TRUTH.
The truth is God is with you and loves you, and He is here to help you if you let Him.
Anxiety is a battleground because it wages war in three crucial areas:
1. The Mind: The Battlefield of Thoughts
Anxiety often begins with racing thoughts—ruminating over worst-case scenarios, overanalyzing conversations, and anticipating failures that haven’t happened (and may never happen).
In this mental battleground, anxious thoughts are like enemy forces planting seeds of fear and doubt. The mind loops through fears in an endless cycle, making it difficult to focus, work, or rest.
Yet, the mind can also be where victory begins. Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) is not just good advice; it is a spiritual weapon. When we challenge fearful thoughts with truth, we begin reclaiming territory that anxiety has tried to steal.
2. The Heart: The Battlefield of Emotions
Anxiety is not just logical, it is deeply emotional. It stirs up dread, sadness, anger, and sometimes even guilt. It makes the heart feel heavy, overwhelmed by the enormity of life's uncertainties.
In the emotional realm, anxiety fights to strip away hope and joy. It tempts you to retreat, to shut down, or to lash out.
But the heart, too, is guarded and strengthened by something greater. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
By turning to prayer, community, and intentional self-care, we fortify the heart against the siege of anxiety.
3. The Spirit: The Battlefield of Faith
Perhaps the most subtle and painful battleground is in the spirit. Anxiety whispers lies about God’s nearness and goodness. "Where is He now?" it asks. "Does He really care?"
But faith answers back louder.
It clings to the truth that God is closer than our breath, that His promises are not invalidated by our emotions. FEELINGS ARE NOT FACT.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re reminded: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Even when the battle feels overwhelming, God’s presence is unwavering. The fight against anxiety is not fought alone. We have a Defender who goes before us and stands with us.
Finding Strength on the Battleground
If anxiety feels like a constant war, take heart, you’re not weak for fighting. You’re courageous for standing your ground every day. And the truth is, victory is not found in striving harder; it is found in surrender.
Surrender doesn't mean giving in to anxiety; it means handing the battle over to the One who has already overcome the world.
Through prayer, renewing our minds with truth, connecting with supportive community, seeking professional help when needed, and remembering that the struggle is real, but so is God.
Anxiety may be a battleground, but you are not defeated.
You are seen.
You are loved.
And you are stronger than you feel right now.
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." — Exodus 14:14 (NLT)
#anxirty #mental health #battleground #caterpillarcounselingllc

Marriages are a union of two unique individuals with separate interests, goals, and perspectives. While merging lives is a beautiful and intimate experience, maintaining individuality and personal space within this union is critical. This balance can be achieved through establishing certain boundaries. Here are seven important boundaries that every marriage needs to ensure a healthy and respectful relationship.

1. Emotional Boundaries

One of the most crucial boundaries to set in a marriage is emotional ones. These are essential to protect your emotional health and maintain a sense of individuality. Emotional boundaries serve as an understanding between partners on how to handle each other's feelings.

Respect each other's feelings: It's vital to acknowledge that your partner's feelings are just as valid as yours. This means refraining from dismissing or invalidating their emotions, even if they differ from yours.

Allow space for individual emotions: Each person has the right to feel different emotions, even at the same situation or event. It's important not to impose your feelings on your partner.

Communicate openly about emotional needs: Transparency about emotional requirements allows both partners to understand what they need from each other.

Remember, setting emotional boundaries doesn't mean shutting off emotionally from your spouse; instead, it involves communicating openly about your feelings and respecting one another's emotional needs.

2. Physical Boundaries

Physical boundaries are not limited to issues of intimacy but also include personal space and comfort levels in various scenarios.

Personal Space: Every individual has their comfort levels when it comes to physical touch and personal space, which should be respected by the spouse.

Non-Sexual Touch: Non-sexual touch like holding hands, hugging etc., can be equally important as sexual intimacy in building connection.

Intimacy Level: Conversations about comfort levels regarding intimacy should be ongoing in any marriage.

3. Digital Boundaries

In the age of social media and constant digital connection, setting digital boundaries is also significant.

Privacy: Respecting each other's digital privacy is as important as physical privacy. For instance, it is inappropriate to read your partner's messages or emails without their consent.

Online Interaction: Discussing comfort levels for online interactions with others, the content shared and hours spent on digital platforms can prevent disagreements later.

4. Time Boundaries

Time is a precious commodity and how it's spent within a marriage is key to maintaining balance.

Individual Time: Each partner should have time to pursue their interests or simply be alone.

Couple Time: Set aside regular time for activities that you both enjoy.

5. Social Boundaries

Social boundaries refer to interactions with family, friends, colleagues and other social circles.

Family Interactions: It's important to negotiate how much time you spend with each partner's family.

Friendships: Both partners should have the freedom to maintain individual friendships while also respecting the relationship.

6. Financial Boundaries

Money can often become a contentious issue in marriages if not handled properly.

Budgeting: Regular discussions on budgeting and expenditure are crucial in managing financial stress in a marriage.

7. Environmental Boundaries

These include decisions about your shared environment like home organization or lifestyle choices such as choosing eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo straws.

Financial Boundaries in Marriage

One of the most common sources of conflict in marriages is finances. From differing views on spending to keeping secrets about personal debts, financial issues can create wedges in even the strongest relationships. Establishing clear financial boundaries is a vital part of maintaining a healthy marriage.

Open Communication About Finances

Couples should make it a habit to discuss their financial situation regularly. Such conversations might include income, debts, savings, and individual spending habits. Open communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts later on.

Discuss your individual money philosophies and try to reach a mutual understanding.

Be honest about any debts or liabilities you may have.

Share your financial goals and work together to achieve them.

Joint Decision-Making on Major Purchases

Major purchases or investments should always be a joint decision. This boundary ensures that both parties feel valued and involved in the family's financial health.

Set an agreed-upon amount for what constitutes a "major purchase." This could be anything from $100 to $1000, depending on your financial situation.

Always consult each other before making such purchases.

Discuss potential investments together and agree on an investment strategy.

Separate or Joint Accounts

Decide whether you want to combine all your finances into joint accounts, keep everything separate, or have a mixture of both. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on your personal preferences and what works best for your relationship.

Consider having joint accounts for shared expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries while having separate accounts for personal expenditure.

Having some level of financial autonomy can contribute positively to individual self-esteem and relationship harmony.

Budgeting Together

Creating a budget together helps ensure that everyone's needs are met within the constraints of what you can afford. It can also help prevent disagreements about money.

Sit down together and outline your income and expenses.

Prioritize spending based on your collective needs and wants.

Regularly review your budget to adjust for changes in income or expenditure.

Transparency About Financial History

All marriages are built on trust, which includes being honest about your financial history. If you have substantial debts or bad credit, it's important to let your partner know before these issues affect your joint finances.

Balancing Equality and Fairness

Ideally, both partners should contribute equally towards shared expenses. However, when there is a significant income disparity between partners, a fair approach may not be an equal one.

For instance, rather than splitting expenses 50/50, consider each contributing a percentage of their income.

Discuss and agree on what feels most comfortable and fair for you both.

Remember that communication is key in setting financial boundaries. Always keep an open mind and be ready to compromise when necessary. Incorporating the use of household items such as bamboo straws into your budgeting can also contribute to reducing costs while promoting sustainable living – more evidence that successful budgeting needs creative thinking too!

Sisters, do you need a little space to focus and take care of YOU? Join us at Immeasurably More Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting (IMC3) for Center &Soar Hours, a 2-hour virtual co-working session designed for busy women who want intentional, purposeful time to tackle their to-do list.

📌 Use this time however YOU need:
✔ Plan meals or shop your grocery list
✔ Schedule appointments or take care of errands
✔ Work out, meditate, or read a great book
✔ Study for an exam or work on a pitch
✔ Attend to personal care or call a friend

This is your time to focus and flourish in a supportive, no-pressure community. Start with an optional check-in, dive into your tasks, and close with a 5-minute wrap-up.

When: 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM (ET) on Mondays
Where: Register for the meeting link by copying and pasting this link into your browser [https://bit.ly/4htPyMG].

Share with a friend who might want to join, and let’s honor God with our time!

Mike, an Army veteran needs healing. The emotional scars from combat often manifest as negative thought patterns that can contribute to anxiety, OCD, and various addictions, such as nicotine, alcohol, and unhealthy relationships with food and sex. However, Mike’s journey illustrates that overcoming these challenges is possible through intentional strategies and support.



1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the first steps Mike took to combat his negative mindset was engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This evidence-based approach helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns. Through sessions with his therapist, Mike learned to recognize automatic negative thoughts, such as “I am worthless” or “I’ll never be happy again.”



By actively questioning these thoughts and replacing them with more realistic and positive affirmations, Mike began to reframe his perspective. For instance, he shifted from thinking, “I will always struggle with addiction,” to “I am learning to manage my triggers one day at a time.” This shift in thinking not only alleviated his anxiety but also empowered him to confront his behaviors, helping him regain control over his life.



2. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

In addition to traditional therapies, Mike discovered Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a relatively new modality designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma quickly. ART focuses on altering the negative images and feelings associated with traumatic experiences, enabling clients to integrate and release the emotional pain tied to those memories.



During his ART sessions, Mike was guided through visualization techniques where he could create new, positive images to replace the distressing ones associated with his trauma. For example, he was encouraged to visualize the traumatic event and then modify it by changing specific elements—like replacing the sights or sounds with something calming and reassuring.



This process helps desensitize individuals to the trauma, allowing them to confront painful memories without the overwhelming emotional response typically associated with them. Mike found this approach particularly effective in addressing the flashbacks and intrusive thoughts that often plagued him. By altering the way he visualized his experiences, Mike could begin to reclaim his narrative, transforming his trauma from something that controlled him into a story of resilience and strength.



3. Mindfulness and Meditation

In addition to therapy, Mike discovered the power of mindfulness and meditation. Initially skeptical, he began practicing mindfulness exercises after being encouraged by his counselor. By focusing on the present moment and learning to observe his thoughts without judgment, Mike found that he could create a buffer against the overwhelming anxiety that often triggered his compulsions.



Incorporating mindfulness into his daily routine—whether through guided meditations, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking quiet moments to reflect—helped Mike cultivate a sense of calm. This practice allowed him to distance himself from negative thoughts and cravings, fostering a more balanced emotional state.



4. Physical Activity

Mike also realized the importance of physical health in overcoming his negative mindset. Regular exercise became a crucial outlet for managing stress and anxiety. Whether it was lifting weights at the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, movement helped Mike release pent-up energy and boost his mood.



Research has shown that exercise increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. For Mike, the endorphin rush provided a sense of accomplishment and a natural high that gradually reduced his reliance on substances like nicotine and alcohol. Moreover, the discipline required in maintaining a fitness routine helped him build resilience and focus, counteracting negative thought patterns.



5. Support Groups

Finding community support was another significant aspect of Mike’s recovery. He joined several support groups specifically designed for veterans facing similar challenges. Sharing his experiences with peers who understood his struggles created a sense of belonging and validation. Hearing others’ stories also reminded him that he wasn’t alone in his fight against addiction and mental health issues.



In these groups, Mike learned valuable coping strategies and developed friendships that provided encouragement during tough times. Knowing that others were rooting for his success made a world of difference, as he was able to draw strength from their shared experiences and insights.



6. Spiritual Growth and Faith

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Mike’s journey was the rekindling of his faith. During his struggles, he often felt distant from God, but through counseling and the support of his church community, he began to explore his relationship with Christ again.



Reading Scripture, particularly verses that emphasized God’s love and forgiveness, such as Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God,” provided Mike with reassurance and hope. Prayer became a powerful tool for him to release his worries and fears to God, fostering a sense of peace and grounding that countered his anxiety.



7. Establishing Healthy Routines

Mike learned that structure and routine were critical in combating his negative mindset. He established a daily schedule that included time for work, exercise, support group meetings, prayer, and self-care. By creating predictable patterns in his life, he reduced the uncertainty that often led to anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

Routine also allowed him to set and achieve small goals, whether it was reading a book, preparing healthy meals, or attending a recovery meeting. Each accomplishment built his confidence, reinforcing a positive mindset and diminishing the power of negative thoughts.

Final Thoughts

Mike’s journey illustrates that overcoming a negative mindset is not a solitary endeavor; it requires a multifaceted approach. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, mindfulness practices, physical activity, community support, spiritual growth, and establishing healthy routines, he was able to reclaim control over his thoughts and behaviors.

By understanding that healing is a process that takes time and effort, Mike has learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. His story serves as a powerful reminder that, with the right support and strategies, it is possible to overcome the shadows of the past and embrace a brighter future filled with hope and healing.

Spring Toward Forgiveness

“You’re Bambi,” my dearly departed husband loved to tease when someone hurt my feelings or took advantage of me.

Not the most endearing of pet names, but Bambi accurately described my nature – vulnerable, sensitive, and a bit naïve to the predatory hunters of this world. And yet, like Bambi, I also returned into spring after surviving many winter tragedies, like my mother’s untimely death when I was a doe-eyed young adult.

Given the frequency and severity of many predators’ attempts to harm me (physically, emotionally, financially, and socially), I have developed a thicker hide and a greater capacity for forgiveness, a process that helps me find inner peace.

My Path to Forgiveness
Over the years, my Bambi nature has become both a blessing and a curse. On the blessing side, kindred spirits behold me as a safe confidante; on the curse side, malicious predators eye me as a bully target.

Don’t get me wrong. Like a deer, I can abandon my normal peaceful stance when I perceive a serious threat, particularly one I find morally objectionable. The deer hunter on my path usually freezes in the headlights because I don’t lash out in anger. Instead, I attack with cold logic and indisputable facts, generally resulting in the hunter’s quiet, unrepentant retreat – necessitating my need to forgive.

Fortunately, I am a psychologist who actively bucks mental health stigma and openly seeks counseling and spiritual direction. Consequently, I learned to let go of petty annoyances quickly so only the serious offenses rented space in my mind, and usually for only one winter season.
However, shortly after our wedding, my late husband and I were pommeled with assaults that ultimately contributed to his untimely death four years later.

Alone in the dangerous forest, my wounds from those assaults festered to the point of causing emotional distress, mental fog, physical ailments and crisis of faith. During the middle of a long “dark night of the soul,” I eventually discerned God’s call to forgive. “Here I am, Lord,” was my slow but steady response as I returned to regular faith practice, while seeking spiritual direction for help with forgiveness and grief counseling to address many losses.

After a year, my return to spring became evident. I lost 80 pounds, resumed writing, volunteered, made my stage debut in a community theater production and pursued a plethora of social activities. As a result, my functional depression lifted, my anger dissipated, and my spirit brightened – all because I actively pursued the practice of forgiveness. So, here I share tips on when and how to forgive.

When to Forgive
In my personal experience and professional practice, I have observed common signs when someone needs to forgive.

Rumination
Persistent focus on past grievances with no shift in attitude

Misplaced Anger
Also termed displaced anger, where a minor incident blows up into a horrible yelling match (or worse) while the real issue remains unaddressed, often fueling further incidents

Rage
Exploding with anger at the mere mention of the offending party

Prejudice
Generalizing one bad experience with one group member to an entire group

Low Self Esteem
Often indicative of the need to forgive oneself

Spiritual Problems
Impaired relationship with God and reduced/abandoned faith practices

Physical Ailments
Headaches, GI distress, back problems, heart palpitations, hypertension

Cognitive Impairments
Poor attention, memory lapses, disorganization, poor time management

Psychological Issues
Anxiety, addiction (substances or activities like work), depression, insomnia

How to Forgive
Here are tips on pursuing the forgiveness process.

Address the offense and grieve the related losses.
Often when others hurt us, we lose something – maybe our idealistic world view, our reputation, our supportive herd, our resources or our pride. It is important to clarify and acknowledge the suffering caused by the offending parties. Although this is best accomplished through talking to a trusted person or group, it can be achieved through writing or artistic expression.

Stand up to Predators!
We should never allow ourselves to be used or abused. If trapped in such a situation, please seek professional help. We all can call upon the power animal that resides within us. Remember that forgiveness is never about tolerating evil behavior. It is about letting go of the toxic remains from sinful transgressions we have suffered.

Always acknowledge, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
Conduct a moral inventory of your misdeeds and consider the reasons you caused harm to others in your past. Often, we may not be fully aware of the impact our actions have on others. Remember, we all have a predator within us. This can help us to view others with less judgment.

Put things in perspective.
Taking the plank out of our own eyes will help us to discern the speck in the other person’s eye. Perhaps physical pain or emotional upset distracted the party in the wrong. Not many of us humans can emulate Bambi’s mother’s altruism as she urged her beloved son to seek safety shortly before she got shot.

Ask if it is truly worth the upset?
Consider if this issue will matter in a week, month, or next spring. If not, let it go. Sometimes, a little humor can shed some light on the matter.

Communicate your hurt.
People often have little awareness of the impact their words and deeds have on others. Sometimes, a simple statement or request may resolve the problem. If the hunter persists, you know you took the high path and did your part, even if the relationship is too harmful to sustain.
Recognize other’s limitations.

So often, my clients complain about narcissistic family members or friends. By definition, people with this disorder are emotionally immature and lack the capacity to empathize or understand another person’s perspective. Unlike Bambi’s mother, they can only view situations from their own self-centered world view.

Lower the bar.
Not everyone will be as perfect as you perceive yourself to be. Cut them some slack. If the offenses are minor, consider sending them a card with words of endearment.

View the situation globally.
Often, hurtful situations may yield positive results in the long run. Getting fired from that dead-end job may be God’s nudge to pursue His work. Regardless, use the season of spring to seek new opportunities to serve Our Lord.

Note that forgiveness does not require reconciliation.
Some relationships are simply toxic and best avoided. If someone leads you astray from your sacred values, cut the ties. All God’s creatures thrive with loving, respectful and healing connections.
Pray for the people who hurt you.

Yes, yes – easier said than done. A good prayer formula is “I forgive (insert name) from the bottom of my heart, and I humbly ask God to bless them” You may need to repeat this prayer seventy times seven times before you can say it with the sincerity of a deer. Explore this website and read this excellent book for more ideas on forgiveness.

Start this season of spring with a mustard seed of forgiveness in your heart. Fawn over it and watch it grow into a dearly beloved bush of faith, hope and love, the true essence of Bambi.

Copyright © Jessica Loftus, 2025

Check out this upcoming workshop.
Shed Your Bad Habits for Good
https://www.easywaystoeasestress.com
Deer image is under license from Shutterstock.com

In the nuanced journey of human life, our spiritual beliefs often serve as the bedrock of our existence, influencing our perspectives, decisions, and coping mechanisms. For many, Christian faith is a source of strength, hope, and guidance through life's tumultuous seas. Simultaneously, the field of counseling has established itself as a crucial mechanism for addressing and navigating mental health challenges. When these two powerful forces—Christian faith and counseling—intersect, they create a profound synergy that can offer holistic healing and growth. This blog post explores the burgeoning relationship between Christian faith and mental health practices and the transformative potential it holds.

A Confluence of Faith and Therapy

The integration of Christian faith with counseling practices is rooted in the understanding that human beings are not just physical entities requiring psychological insight but are also spiritual beings with deep-seated beliefs and values. This approach does not dilute the significance of therapeutic principles. Instead, it enriches the counseling process by incorporating an individual's faith into their healing journey.

Holistic Healing: Mind, Body, and Spirit

One of the primary tenets of incorporating Christian faith into counseling is the acknowledgment of the person as a holistic being. This perspective aligns with the Christian view of the human person, intricately composed of mind, body, and spirit, all of which interact and influence one another. Counseling that incorporates Christian faith seeks to address and nurture each of these components, offering a more comprehensive form of healing and growth.

The Power of Faith-Based Coping

Christian faith introduces unique coping mechanisms into the therapeutic process. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the cultivation of a personal relationship with God can offer profound comfort and guidance. These practices do not replace therapeutic techniques but complement them, providing individuals with additional resources for dealing with life’s challenges.

Community and Connection

Another significant aspect of combining Christian faith with counseling is the emphasis on community. The Christian doctrine places a strong emphasis on fellowship and support among believers. This principle extends naturally into the counseling process, encouraging individuals to seek and offer support within their faith communities. This not only amplifies their support network but also reinforces the interconnectedness between personal healing and communal well-being.

Ethical Considerations and Client-Centric Approach

The intersection of Christian faith and counseling requires navigating with sensitivity and respect. It demands that counselors, whether they share the client's faith or not, approach each case with an open mind and a clear understanding of ethical boundaries. The goal is to support the client’s faith journey in a way that respects their belief system without imposing the counselor's own beliefs. Ensuring that the integration of faith is client-driven—aligned with their needs, consent, and comfort level—is paramount.

The Challenges Ahead

While the integration of Christian faith and counseling opens new vistas for healing, it also presents challenges. These include navigating the diverse expressions of Christian faith, respecting differing theological viewpoints, and continually balancing professional and spiritual insights. Ongoing education, both in theology and psychology, is essential for counselors walking this path, ensuring they are equipped to provide ethical, respectful, and effective support.

Empirical Support and Future Directions

Emerging research supports the efficacy of integrating Christian faith into counseling, highlighting improvements in emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. As this field grows, so does the need for a broader dialogue between mental health professionals and faith leaders, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration that can enhance the support provided to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Healing

The intersection of Christian faith and counseling represents a promising frontier in the pursuit of holistic healing. It acknowledges the complex, multifaceted nature of human existence, offering an approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. For individuals rooted in Christian faith, this integration offers a path that aligns with their deepest values, encouraging healing and growth that resonates with their spiritual journey.

As we continue to explore this intersection, we embrace not only the potential for profound personal transformation but also the opportunity to deepen our collective understanding of what it means to live well. In grounding counseling practices in the rich soil of Christian faith, we open the door to a form of healing that is both deeply personal and expansively communal, offering hope and renewal to those on the journey toward wholeness.

Acorn clinicians provide high quality, trauma informed care for adults, families, and children. What is trauma informed counseling? It means our clinicians have advanced education and supervision to address the yucky things that have happened to you and your family.

Dr Pam provides Safe and Sound protocol which enhances feelings of safety at home and in session. Christy provides EMDR treatment which helps to decrease the distress caused by the negative experiences.

Learn more about each modality by clicking on the pictures!

#traumainformedtreatment #therapy #adulttherapy #childtherapy #emdr #safeandsoundprotocol #ssp
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFs5zQ3A_EVDFusYS3PPwd8T6vIjwiUX/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IG4Pl6872JsQmGNSvFwqG_YdM0GGuxBB/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-84KGGhXLCwazy8u1gt_nlaW8skn_CpU/view?usp=sharing

What is Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling is a powerful tool in helping you learn how to properly feed your spirit, soul, and body by providing biblical guidance, emotional support, and practical strategies to live a balanced and Christ-centered life. Here’s how it can help in each area:

1. Feeding Your Spirit: Growing in Faith

A Christian counselor can help you:
Strengthen your relationship with God by deepening your understanding of Scripture.
Develop a consistent prayer life and spiritual disciplines.
Overcome spiritual struggles, such as doubt, fear, or feeling distant from God.
Recognize and break free from spiritual strongholds that may be hindering growth.

2. Feeding Your Soul: Renewing Your Mind and Emotions
The soul includes our mind, will, and emotions, which need to be cared for in a way that aligns with God’s truth. Christian counseling can help you:
-Learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression through faith-based strategies.
-Replace negative thought patterns with biblical truth (Romans 12:2).
-Heal from past wounds, trauma, or unforgiveness with God’s grace.
-Strengthen emotional intelligence and decision-making in relationships, work, and personal life.
3. Feeding Your Body: Honoring the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Christian counseling acknowledges that the body is part of our spiritual walk and helps you:
-Develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as proper nutrition, rest, and exercise.
-Address physical health issues related to stress, anxiety, or emotional burdens.
-Recognize unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., overeating, substance abuse, neglecting self-care) and replace them with Godly alternatives.
-Learn boundaries and self-care as part of honoring God with your body and life.

Christian counseling integrates faith and professional counseling techniques to help you live in alignment with God's will. It provides a safe space to process emotions, overcome struggles, and grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.
If you’re feeling unbalanced in any of these areas, I am here to help reach out today for a free 15-minute phone consultation (772-446-1922) or check out my website at https://caterpillarcounseling.webflow.io/therapy
Be Blessed,
Dawn Taylor

Do you know you are a triune being?
Just as God is a triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—we, too, are created in His image with three parts: spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Each part plays a unique role in our lives and must be nourished properly.
1. Spirit – This is the eternal part of us that connects with God. When we accept Christ, our spirit is made alive, and we are in communion with Him (John 3:6).
2. Soul – This includes our mind, will, and emotions. It is where we make decisions, process thoughts, and experience emotions.
3. Body – This is our physical vessel, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It allows us to interact with the physical world.
Just as God’s three persons work in harmony, our spirit, soul, and body must be aligned under God's will for us to live a balanced and fulfilled life. That’s why it’s so important to feed each part with the right nourishment.
How do you ensure all three parts are healthy and in alignment with God's will?
Just as we are called to be mindful of how we nourish our spirit, soul, and body, we should aim to "feed" each of these areas in ways that align with God's Word. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Feeding My Spirit (Connection with God)
• Prayer & Worship – Spending time in conversation with God through prayer and worshiping Him strengthens our spirit. It is important to note this needs to be individual as well as in a corporate setting
• Reading Scripture – The Bible is my spiritual food (Matthew 4:4). It provides wisdom, encouragement, and truth, and the truth sets us free.
• Fellowship – Engaging with other Godly believers who are strong in the Lord helps keep our spirit strong (Hebrews 10:25).
2. Feeding My Soul (Mind, Will, and Emotions)
• Renewing My Mind – Filter what you read, watch, and listen to, making sure it aligns with God’s truth (Romans 12:2).
• Managing Emotions Through God’s Peace – Instead of letting emotions control me, we need to surrender them to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Lifelong Learning – Reading books, listening to sermons, and learning new things keep our minds sharp.
3. Feeding My Body (Physical Health)
• Eating Healthy Foods – Aiming to eat foods that give us energy and strength to do God's work.
• Exercise & Rest – Moving our bodies and getting enough rest ensures we have the stamina for life’s demands.
• Respecting My Body as God’s Temple – Avoiding harmful substances and habits that could damage my body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
When all three—spirit, soul, and body—are properly nourished and aligned with God's will, we experience peace, joy, and purpose.
How are you feeding each of these areas in your life? 😊
Not sure what to do? You can reach out today for a free 15-minute phone consultation (772-446-1922) or check out my website at https://caterpillarcounseling.webflow.io/therapy

Are You or Someone You Know Contentious? Here's 21 Ways To Check

1) Contentiousness defined: Words like feisty, anxious, testing, grouchy, critical, perfectionistic, blaming, shaming, hostile, opinionated, quarrelsome, argumentative, and nagging all help to describe this problem.

2) People who struggle with this issue may have a lot of anxiety as both children and adults.

3) Contentious people usually repel others, and this may come from an unconscious fear of closeness, vulnerability, and or inferiority.

4) Sometimes, contentious people major in the minors, starting fights over minor points of fact, doctrine, opinions, or other people’s behavior.

5) Blaming is a big symptom in contentious people. This is usually a result of feeling lonely and unsuccessful as well as having so much hurt, shame, anxiety, or anger at themselves on board that it spills over onto others.

6) Some women will frequently express anger through contentiousness: Some men do, too, but may either act out angrily, act out sexually, or act passive-aggressively.

7) Contentious people believe, at a deep level, that others are responsible for their lives, happiness, and or emotions.

8) Believing that they are unloved or loveable, contentious people think they must test others, especially those close to them, to ensure they won’t leave, get too close, or somehow fail to love them.

9) A contentious person is much more likely to live by anxiety, shame, fear, or hate than by faith, love, grace, and truth.

10) In reality, a contentious person’s hate, blame, criticism, and testing are really about how they see themselves, not others.

11) Acting contentious is a way of testing other people to see if the contentious person is loved.

12) Self-hate or shame is a common companion for contentious people.

13) Some contentious people experience difficult attachment at an early age and have symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder.

14) Adult Children of Addicts and Co-Addicts will frequently display contentious behavior to cope with their sense of inferiority, shame, anxiety, and feeling out of control.

15) Contentious people do not set real boundaries and limits. If they set limits, they are designed to change other people rather than designed to protect themselves.

16) One-up, One-Down relationships are a frequent position contentious people take. They try to play the blaming parent, the wiser parent, the smart teacher, or other authority figure when, in reality, they are the helpless little child inside. They will sometimes go into the one-down position and play the victim.

17) Contentious people will frequently find irresponsible people to mate or work with because, many times, unconsciously, they are afraid of losing control. Sometimes, they will find super-responsible people to make up for their irresponsibility.

18) People who live with contentious people will eventually pull away or retreat in some fashion. “It is better to live in the corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.” – Proverbs 21:10. "As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife – Proverbs 26:21

19) Defending yourself against a contentious person is essentially useless. Nuclear submariners talk about “Time, Distance, and Shielding” when dealing with protection from toxic materials. Solomon talks about toxicity this way: “A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike. He who would restrain her restrains the wind and grasps oil with his right hand.” Proverbs 27:15

20) Listening to feelings and avoiding defending oneself for as long as possible is the best way to deal with contentiousness. Telling the person you will distance yourself when they are contentious and then doing it with the support of others can also help. It is important to remember that boundary setting is about you, not about changing the other person. Do not create walls. Create boundaries that keep you sane.

21) Allowing natural consequences for out-of-control anger and contentiousness can also help: “Do not rescue a man given to anger, for you only have to do it again. "Proverbs 19:19

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is one of the best ways to deal with attachment as well as ACA issues. Joining a group that deals with emotional hurts and toxicity can be very helpful.

To help you decide here are a few questions: Feeling off? Lacking motivation? Not being heard? Unsure of your feelings? If you answered yes to any of these questions therapy may be for you.

Seeking help can give you the tools and support to navigate life's challenges. It offers a safe space to explore your feelings, work through personal issues, and develop strategies to improve your overall well-being.

Therapy can help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other concerns. It is also useful for major life changes of self-understanding. Therapy provides a safe confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

If you would like more information please book a free 15-minute consultation with me, a therapist who specializes in transformation and healing. (772-446-1922)

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, are life-altering events that can leave deep emotional and psychological scars on individuals and communities. While the physical devastation may be immediately visible, disaster mental health impacts can be just as profound, though often more difficult to recognize. Understanding disaster trauma recovery is the first step toward healing.

This blog covers:
What is Trauma After a Natural Disaster?
Common reactions to disaster-related trauma
The Long-Term Impact of Trauma
The Path to Healing: A Holistic Approach
Hope and Healing After a Natural Disaster


Also in Spanish
https://www.florecerfamilycounseling.com/post/trauma-por-un-desastre-natural-una-gu%C3%ADa-completa-para-la-sanidad-y-la-recuperaci%C3%B3n?lang=es

It is the inevitable by-product of living in a technologically-dependent, socially-connected, and minute-managed world that peace and calm get left in the wake. Texts, emails and cell-phone calls fly in faster and more frequently than a speeding bullet. It seems there is hardly a moment in the day when we’re not busy managing the demands of work, family and our increasingly larger social world that no longer can be shut out of our lives even for a few minutes. We can no longer close the door behind us and expect that the world will be left outside. Though staying connected is important, it is no more valuable than time alone to calm our thoughts and our bodies, to restore energy and peace, and to reduce the ravages of stress. And, you have a right to a few minutes to yourself! You can decide to make time alone an equal priority. Try this 15-minute a day refresher:
First: Establish a quiet place in your home. Use a candle, a cross, icon or other meaningful symbol for focus. Pick a book of short devotional thoughts or spiritual / Scriptural readings. Decide if you want to sit or kneel and prepare your place accordingly with a pillow, mat or stool. When it is time, go to your quiet place and wait silently for a moment; breathe…relax…gently focus or close your eyes. After awhile read your devotion then be quiet again and let the thoughts settle in….pray….don’t leave quickly, but quietly move back into your day.
1. 5 minutes in the morning: How you begin your day is most important! Almost every important religious tradition speaks to the necessity of starting the day correctly. After one of the busiest days recorded in Jesus’ ministry, the next morning the disciples found him out alone, having risen early to pray. Get up just 5 minutes earlier and spend it in quietude and you will come to see what a difference it will make!
2. 5 minutes at lunch: If at home, go to your quiet place again or find some place at work where you can retreat for just 5 minutes. Go there around noon and shut out all thoughts of work. Sit quietly, eyes closed, and body relaxed. Breathe gently and just think about your breath. Recall, if you wish, the truths of your early morning devotion. Keep your thoughts away from work, problems, or “to-do”s. For a few minutes, just be at peace. End with a simple prayer of thanksgiving and then resume your day’s activities.
3. 5 minutes to end the day: As the day ends, return for just a few moments to your quiet place. After your few moments of relaxing, focusing and breathing you may want to give thanks as you recall the day just past. Briefly examine your conscience and pray, clearing it of all that disturbs you.
Try using this 15-minute a day refresher for a month and see if your sense of peace and calm have increased and stress decreased. You’re worth it!

About the Author:

Dr. Corley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Missouri and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Kansas. He specializes in marriage counseling and trauma recovery. This is an excerpt from his series called Framework for Family.

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When you read the Old Testament, what do you see?


If you see a series of hodgepodge stories thrown together that are hard to make sense of, you are not alone. For a majority of my Christian life I struggled with the Old Testament. I had trouble wrapping my brain around what God wanted me to see, and how the stories of the patriarchs applied to me at all. But the truth is, their stories are full of profound moments. Moments that God uses to accomplish His plan of redemption for you, me, and the entire world. These moments are full of sadness and heart ache, joy and peace, and success and failure. Each moment designed by God to make the reader, or listener, contemplate and think about what God is doing and how He is doing it.


One of my favorite aspects of the Old Testament is the stories where God uses family to display his vision for the future of humanity. He does this consistently throughout the tumultuous and topsy turvy lives of every family. Like an artist painting a picture. Or a director filming a movie. Each family’s journey tells a story, frame by frame, scene by scene. And each story shows God’s vision in its own unique way. This vision, which is the redemption and reconciliation of the world, is proven at each and every pivotal moment. One of the most infamous moments is found in Genesis 22. And it is a strange tale. A tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and faith. In it, God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. To literally kill him on an alter. Isaac is the heir apparent and recipient of God's own promise to redeem the world. So not only is it seemingly wrong in that God is requesting murder. Something he's previously condemned. It also looks like He's going back on his promise to bless the world through Isaac. And so it's natural to think, "What in the heck is going on, and can God really be trusted to do what He says He's going to do?"


To the untrained eye, the above question is answered with a resounding, "No." But wait, it gets stranger. Abraham gathers Isaac, two servants, and his gear, and sets out to accomplish the task. No questions asked! So much for the importance of family, and so much for a loving God who cares for all His children! But before we condemn Abraham for being a fool and God for being a liar, a little back story is needed. Because Abraham is no stranger to God asking him to do strange things. In fact, up to this point in Abraham's journey, we have seen Abraham become prosperous by being obedient to God's strange requests. And we have seen him get into trouble by not following God's plan. Simply put, when Abraham does things God's way, he prospers his life and the lives of those around him. And when Abraham does things his way, he falters.


In Genesis 12, Abraham's journey starts out successful because he listened to God's request and left his family of origin. In contrast, the journey hits rocky ground when Abraham fails to ask God what he should do during a famine. Fear of starvation, a legitimate concern by most peoples standards, caused Abraham to make a decision without God. And so he takes matters into his own hands and moves the family to Egypt. This mis-step leads to deceit, danger, and disaster for Abraham's family, particularly his wife Sarah. And more importantly it puts God's promise of salvation for humanity at un-necessary risk. Because God had already promised to bless the nations through Abraham and Sarah's descendants in verses 2 and 3. But more on this moment later. Because you don't want to miss the principle that Abraham's story is teaching you right now. The Principle of Sacrifice. According to Thomas Constable,


“God called on Abraham to make five great sacrifices: his native country, his extended family, his nephew Lot, his son Ishmael, and his son Isaac. Each sacrifice involved something naturally dear to Abraham, but each resulted in greater blessings from God.”

The Principle of Sacrifice is important to understand, even if you've been walking with the Lord for a while and you know the principle well. Or maybe you know it, and haven't quite had it described to you in this way. For me personally, it is one of the scariest principles you must acknowledge and apply. It is important you know it well so that you can know what the will of God is in your life. Because your sacrifices are going to be inextricably linked to God's plan for you. Ultimately, God will require you to give up things you hold dear in order to bless your life and/or the lives of those around you. Paul says it best in Romans 12:1-2,


Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

If your first thought is, "Um, no thank you." Don't fret, that makes you human. Furthermore, don't worry, God is not careless with his requests or His tests. He knows how painful they can be. And so He presents them at the right time and in the right way. Which means you can trust the details of your personal sacrifices to Him. For instance, the sacrifice of Isaac was Abraham's final test in his series of five great sacrifices. Abraham trusted God with Isaac's life because he had stepped out in faith in previous sacrifices. All of which included family relationships that were dear to him. After all Abraham had been through, he knew God possessed the supernatural power to bring Isaac back from the dead. Isaac himself had been conceived miraculously and Abraham knew the power to give life resided with God. Hebrews 11:19 gives us the insight we need.


By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son. God had told him, “Through Isaac descendants will carry on your name,” and he reasoned that God could even raise him from the dead, and in a sense he received him back from there.

Here's the short and skinny. In your relationships, trust is earned, not given. And earning trust takes time. It takes periodic acts of faith where risk of safety and security are on the line. Which takes faith in the person, persons, or Person you are in relationship with. And every relationship in your life contains levels of trust. Do you trust your spouse? Do you trust your children? Do you trust your boss or those who you do ministry with? Why or why not? If the answer is "no", it may be because you have stepped out in good faith and been burned. If the answer is "yes", then the relationship has been rewarded by stepping out in good faith and having that person come through for you. This is The Principle of Faith Equals Trust.


The Principle of Sacrifice -- God will require you to give up things you hold dear in order to bless your life and the lives of those around you.
The Principle of Faith Equals Trust: All relationships require acts of faith, big and small, which multiply trust and increase connection in that relationship.

In these chapters you're focusing on your relationship to God. Do you trust God? If not, why? What happened? Did you get burned? Before moving forward in your relationship with God you will need to answer these questions. Because if you do not trust Him, your relationship can only go so deep. And if your relationship with God does not get consistently deeper. You will become stagnant in your faith. Imagine if Abraham did not have a relationship with God, then he would not have trusted God to do what He did in any of his moments. I believe there must have been hundreds if not thousands of times that God and Abraham spoke with one another. Each time an opportunity for God to build trust with Abraham.


Go back to Genesis and read each moment where Abraham is required to make a sacrifice. Do these seem like random one-off conversations between two strangers to you? No, they do not. In fact, Abraham recognizes God and God speaks to Abraham as if they know one another intimately. God and Abraham are connected on a deep relational level. And if Abraham did not trust God, then stepping out in faith becomes unreasonable. But if you live by the framework, and you develop a trusting relationship with God built on faith. What is reasonable to you will change. Because you have seen God accomplish great and wonderful things when you step out in faith. And your faith will increase, multiplying moment after moment. Increasing each time you place your trust in God and step out in faith in your relationship with Him.


Now, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. God is not calling you to literally sacrifice your teenager on the alter. No matter how much you may wish for it! So listen carefully. This is one of the most important takeaways for your understanding the principles above. God will challenge your trust in him by asking you to step out in faith during your moments. And the more you trust Him, the more He will ask from you. Faith and trust will compound on one another via your relationship with God to bless your life and the lives of those around you. Your spouse, your children, your coworkers, and your ministry. And it all starts by building trust in your relationship with God through faith. That is how God works. And this makes it even more important that we keep an adequate check and balance on the things we think God is asking us to sacrifice. So if God has brought you to a moment and you are confused about what to do next. Check three things.


Check the Bible. Is what God is asking you to do consistent with the commands you see in Scripture?

Check with God. Pray about what God would have you to do and ask for him to bring clarity to your situation.
Check with your spouse and at least one pastor, counselor, or mentor. You don't do faith alone. You have a spouse and a church community for a reason. Use them to help guide your decisions. You'll be glad you did.

Making big decisions should always be brought before our important relationships for a thorough analysis. This is because we cannot always trust our own hearts and minds to lead us down the right path. Emotions are great teachers, but poor leaders. The prophet Jeremiah says it this way, "The heart is deceptive above all things, who can understand it?" And so we must live with the fact that our thoughts and emotions cannot always be trusted. Because we don't want to take our family to Egypt when the Lord wants us to stay put.


This all looks contradictory. Because I am asking you to trust God in order to increase your faith. And these things are, in essence, wrapped up in your thoughts and emotions. Which introduces our next section perfectly. Because your psychology, the way you think and feel, matters to God. Your thoughts and your emotions play a pivotal role in your relationship with Him. Therefore, before you sacrifice your "Isaac" on the alter, read the next two chapters on thoughts and emotions, and their role in your relationship with God.

I will be teaching three workshops at an upcoming singles event at New Seasons church in Paulding County.

What is Codependency and How Does it Affect Relationships?

Read full blog here: https://www.florecerfamilycounseling.com/post/what-is-codependency-and-how-does-it-affect-relationships

ALSO IN SPANISH https://www.florecerfamilycounseling.com/post/qu%C3%A9-es-la-codependencia-y-c%C3%B3mo-afecta-las-relaciones?lang=es

Codependency is a term that often goes unnoticed in relationships until its effects become overwhelming. It describes a relationship dynamic where one partner excessively depends on the other for emotional and psychological needs, leading to an imbalance that can harm both individuals involved. Whether you're in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even a professional setting, understanding codependency is crucial for maintaining healthy and fulfilling connections.

At Florecer Family Counseling, we recognize the complexities of relationships and the challenges that come with them. Whether you're seeking couples counseling, marriage counseling, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, Christian counseling, or therapy for Hispanics, we're here to help. Our goal is to support you in nurturing healthy relationships, improving your mental well-being, and guiding you through life's challenges.

In this blog we address:
Who Discovered Codependency
What is Codependency in Relationships?
Why is Codependency Unhealthy?
Where Does Codependency Come From?
When is Codependency a Problem?
How Codependency Affects Relationships
What are Some Common Codependency Issues?

Go to link to continue reading.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Christian Faith: A Journey of Trust and Growth

Imposter syndrome is a common issue. It affects about 70% of adults in many areas of life. It is a constant feeling of being inadequate despite success. In professional settings, individuals might attribute their achievements to luck rather than skill. For students, it could mean feeling undeserving of academic accomplishments. In personal relationships, one might feel unworthy of love or friendship.


For Christians, imposter syndrome takes on a unique spiritual dimension. It can manifest as doubt in one's faith, worthiness of God's love, or ability to serve in the church. This doubt can stem from various sources:

CONTINUE READING
https://www.florecerfamilycounseling.com/post/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-in-christian-faith-a-journey-of-trust-and-growth

ALSO IN SPANISH
https://www.florecerfamilycounseling.com/post/c%C3%B3mo-superar-el-s%C3%ADndrome-del-impostor-en-la-fe-cristiana-un-camino-de-confianza-y-crecimiento?lang=es

Christian Counselor, Clifton Fuller, recently published his second book about the narcissistic personality which is available on Amazon. It's entitled, "The Narcissist: When Dreams Become Nightmares." It discusses the deception of an NPD, the conmen they are, and how to recognize their warning signs. From 'closet narcissists' to 'malignant' (dangerous) narcissists, their behaviors must be honestly observed for our own protection.

Whereas Fuller's first book ("The Marriage Vampire") was written for Christian women and has many scriptures that warn Christians about narcissism, the second book takes a more clinical approach, sharing the different types of NPDs and why we must approach them in very different ways.

Find out more by visiting https://www.cliftonfuller.com/books and other publications by FullerPublishing.com