When considering mental health therapy, many Christians turn to Christian counseling for help. But for every one Christian who seeks help from a Christian counselor, there are many more who shy away from the idea. And I think this is because there are some Christian counseling myths that really seem to turn people off. The […]
When considering mental health therapy, many Christians turn to Christian counseling for help. But for every one Christian who seeks help from a Christian counselor, there are many more who shy away from the idea. And I think this is because there are some Christian counseling myths that really seem to turn people off.
The following are some of the most common myths and the truth:
Myth #1: Christian Counselors are Very Judgmental
Nope, not even close. My job as a Christian counselor is to provide my clients with a safe space to work through the pain and trouble in their life. I try my very best to emulate Christ and show my clients love and respect. I focus on listening not judging.
Myth #2: Christian Counselors Just Recite Bible Versus at You
We’re not all bible thumpers! Of course the scripture are a very big part of the Christian faith. And there are many lessons and stories of hope within those pages. But my goal is not to shove anything down anyone’s throat. Usually before even meeting with a client, I send them an intake form, asking them whether or not they are comfortable with or interested in the use of prayer, scriptures, or a discussion of God. I want my clients to be as comfortable as possible and in control of their healing journey.
Myth #3: I Don’t Need Counseling – I Can Just Speak with My Pastor
I definitely think speaking with your pastor or local priest is a great idea. These leaders can offer spiritual guidance in troubling times. But there are some differences to what I offer as a trained counselor.
Counselors have a Master’s degree or higher in psychology, whereas most pastors have received theological training. Counselors have also been licensed and are continually learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research and evidence-based protocols. This allows a Christian counselor to treat the entire personhood of their clients.
If you would like to learn more about what Christian counseling offers or would like to schedule a trial session, please get in touch with me. I’m not here to judge. And I won’t force you to listen to bible scriptures. I’m just here to help.
SOURCES:
https://www.destinycitycounseling.com/blog/top-5-myths-about-christian-counseling-in-tacoma-wa
https://www.mendedlife.com/7-myths-of-christian-counseling/
Depression is a complex mental health issue that varies widely between individuals. This is why it can be difficult for some people to recognize what may be a situational discomfort that may pass on its own, and what may be more serious and require professional help. The Difference Between Mild and Serious Mental Health Issues […]
Depression is a complex mental health issue that varies widely between individuals. This is why it can be difficult for some people to recognize what may be a situational discomfort that may pass on its own, and what may be more serious and require professional help.
In order to measure the seriousness of a mental health issue, most mental health professionals look at what impact it has on the person’s everyday life. They also take into account the events that led to the issue.
Mild mental health issues are typically less persistent as well as less disruptive to an individual’s everyday life. Serious mental health issues, on the other hand, are often so severe that they negatively impact that person’s relationships and performance at school and work.
As an example, feeling pressure at work about an upcoming deadline will make just about anyone feel stressed and anxious. But if your anxiety becomes so great that you begin calling in sick to work to avoid the project and responsibilities, that would be seen as a disruption in your everyday life. Severe anxiety can lead to panic attacks and that is definitely a reason to seek support.
Something else to keep in mind is the context around the mental health issue. It is perfectly normal to grieve after losing a loved one or to feel anger and resentment after discovering your partner’s infidelity. While it can definitely be helpful to speak with someone during these times, you may not necessarily be experiencing a severe mental health crisis that would warrant help.
It is important to mention that the events of one’s life need not be “serious” in order for you to reach out for help. Whatever it is that you are going through and whatever feelings you are experiencing, they are valid.
The following are some red flags of a mental health crisis that warrant asking for help:
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to reach out and ask for help. While the days seem dark right now, they can and will get brighter. I’d love to help you get there, so please get in touch with me so we can set up a time to speak.
SOURCES:
https://www.counseling.org/news/aca-blogs/aca-counseling-corner/aca-counseling-corner-blog/2018/03/01/knowing-when-to-ask-for-help#:~:text=If%20you’re%20facing%20a,to%20seek%20out%20professional%20help
https://jedfoundation.org/resource/mental-health-warning-signs-and-when-to-ask-for-help/
https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sponsor-story/burrell-behavioral-health/2022/05/02/mental-health-matters-knowing-when-ask-help/9558636002/
At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent. Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even […]
At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent.
Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even excessive, even without obvious stressors, interfering with daily life. In these cases, the person is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 31% of adults in this country will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States.
Anxiety disorders include:
Anxiety can trigger symptoms such as:
If you are suffering with an anxiety disorder, life may feel overwhelming most of the time. But know that there is help out there for you. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can reduce or eliminate your uncomfortable symptoms. Your therapist can also assess you to see if you are a good candidate for an anti-anxiety medication, at least to start. Of course, I have found there are plenty of alternative options, such as deep breathing, acupuncture, and other relaxation techniques, that have helped my clients find calm and peace.
If you’d like to explore therapy options, please reach out to me. Life can get better.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-cube/202204/4-types-anxiety
According to CDC data, 1 in 4 children experiences some form of trauma or abuse in their childhood. More sobering statistics indicate that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have experienced rape at some point in their lives. These numbers suggest that many people, male and female, young and old, have and […]
According to CDC data, 1 in 4 children experiences some form of trauma or abuse in their childhood. More sobering statistics indicate that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have experienced rape at some point in their lives. These numbers suggest that many people, male and female, young and old, have and will experience trauma in their lifetime.
If you’ve ever gone to the doctor or been treated at an emergency room, you know that the entire scenario can feel incredibly invasive. Sensitive questions are often asked, intimate body parts may need to be examined, and the medical treatment may be uncomfortable and even painful.
How can medical professionals provide quality healthcare to people who have experienced some form of trauma in their past? Through trauma-informed care.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to healthcare with a focus on safety, empowerment, and healing. This style of care is particularly helpful for sexual abuse survivors.
Of course, a provider would never ask a prospective or new patient if they have experienced serious trauma in the past. Instead, it is simply assumed that each individual may have experienced some form of trauma and acted accordingly. This can mean many different things but typically it means clear and gentile communication. It means inviting the patient to speak to their needs if they need a break from a painful or embarrassing exam. It also means allowing a family member to be present during the exam if need be.
The bottom line is, that trauma-informed care puts the mental and emotional needs on equal footing with a patient’s physical needs at that moment. It is an approach that requires compassion and a desire to heal the entire person.
SOURCES:
Watching a loved-one self-destruct and feeling helpless to stop them can feel devastating, particularly when that person is in complete denial about their unhealthy life patterns. While you may feel hopeless, there is something you can do to try and help your loved one get the help they need to change their life. What is […]
Watching a loved-one self-destruct and feeling helpless to stop them can feel devastating, particularly when that person is in complete denial about their unhealthy life patterns. While you may feel hopeless, there is something you can do to try and help your loved one get the help they need to change their life.
What is an Intervention?
An intervention is a carefully and thoughtfully planned meeting where friends, loved ones, and sometimes colleagues or other community members who care about the person struggling with addiction, come together to confront the person and ask them to accept treatment.
Interventions are led by professional interventionists, who specially trained mental health professionals. An interventionist provides guidance to loved ones and facilitates open communication among the group.
When is it Time for an Intervention?
It’s not easy to recognize when it’s time to confront your loved one. And planning an intervention can feel stressful. What if your loved one gets angry and refuses to participate? What if they retaliate by upping their bad behavior?
While there is no set rule on the best time to have an intervention, usually those closest to the person struggling with addiction simply know it is time. This knowing could be because of a recent DUI. It may be because their loved one is close to losing their job, their spouse and kids, their home. It may be because their health is rapidly deteriorating.
In my experience, the best time to plan an intervention is the sooner rather than later. Often, waiting until your loved one hits rock bottom to voice your concerns can be too late.
If you and your family believe you would like to hold an intervention for a loved one and need some guidance and support, please reach out to me.
SOURCES:
https://www.associationofinterventionspecialists.org/learn-about-intervention/
https://www.seabrook.org/blog/when-is-it-time-for-an-intervention/
https://www.allaboutinterventions.com/what-is-an-intervention/
Our bodies need food to live and grow and repair themselves. But not all food is created equally. And not every food is necessarily good for you, depending on what your fitness and weight loss goals are. Knowing what types and amounts of food to eat can be daunting, which is why so many people […]
Our bodies need food to live and grow and repair themselves. But not all food is created equally. And not every food is necessarily good for you, depending on what your fitness and weight loss goals are.
Knowing what types and amounts of food to eat can be daunting, which is why so many people are overweight, in pain and lack energy. And THAT’S why it is so important to work with a nutritionist.
What Do Nutritionists Do Exactly?
Nutritionists are trained medical professionals that advise people on what to eat and how to generally lead a healthy lifestyle. They are also the go-to professionals when a person has a specific health goal, such as a weight loss goal.
Nutritionists educate their clients on healthy lifestyle and food choices and will develop specific meal plans.
What’s the Difference Between a Nutritionist and an Online Nutritionist?
Nothing really, except location. We still advise our clients on healthy lifestyle choices to help them meet their health goals. The only difference is, instead of meeting in my office, we meet online.
What’s really great about working with clients online is, I can work with people from all across the country and even world! From my clients’ point of view, they are thrilled with the ease of getting my advice without need of getting in the car and driving to their appointment (who can afford the gas these days?). They just click a few mouse buttons and we connect on the Internet.
And speaking of affordability, you’ll find most online nutritionists price their services more affordably as we don’t have overhead costs of renting an office space, etc.
Do You Need Help Reaching a Health Goal?
If you’ve been struggling with your weight or trying to get your blood pressure or glucose numbers down, I would love to help you. Please reach out to me so I can get a better idea of your current health and how I may be able to help.
SOURCES:
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Online-Nutritionist/What-Is-How-to-Become
https://freelancelatam.com/5-benefits-of-working-with-an-online-nutritionist/
https://www.connectablelife.com/blog/online-nutritionist-or-online-dietitian/
Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless. Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term […]
Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless.
Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term emotional abuse, and depending on the length of time, there can be varying mental health effects.
Long-term emotional abuse happens over many years. Examples are a child growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent or a sibling with anger issues. Someone may find themselves in a marriage with a narcissistic partner.
Short-term emotional abuse can result from a nasty exchange with a stranger or micro-interactions with colleagues or neighbors.
The following are some short-term and long-term effects of emotional abuse:
Short-Term Effects
Long-term Effects
You Can Heal from Emotional Abuse
With time, patience and plenty of self-compassion, it is very possible to heal from the trauma of emotional abuse. Working with a mental health professional who has been trained specifically to help people who have been the victim of emotional abuse is a great starting point.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.
SOURCES:
https://psychcentral.com/health/effects-of-emotional-abuse
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327080
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 2-3% of the population. The disorder is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts or fears (obsessions) that cause an individual to perform a set of repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD interferes with a person’s daily activities and can lead to significant distress. Symptoms […]
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 2-3% of the population. The disorder is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts or fears (obsessions) that cause an individual to perform a set of repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD interferes with a person’s daily activities and can lead to significant distress.
Symptoms of OCD
People that have been diagnosed with OCD typically experience both obsessions and compulsions. However, there are some individuals who only experience symptoms of obsessions or only symptoms of compulsion.
Symptoms of Obsession
Obsessions are persistent and repeated unwanted thoughts, urges or images that cause you to feel stress or anxiety. Though you may try to ignore these mental intrusions, most with OCD relieve the stress and tension by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual.
The following are some of the most common symptoms of obsessions:
Symptoms of Compulsion
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that an individual feels driven to perform in an effort to relieve the stress triggered by their obsession or stop something bad from happening.
Some of the most common symptoms of compulsion are:
Is it Time to Get Help?
Some people make the mistake of confusing perfectionism – a driving urge to have flawless results or a perfect performance – with OCD. But they are not the same thing. OCD symptoms take a real toll on an individual and interfere with their quality of life.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with OCD or you think you or they may have OCD based on these symptoms, please feel free to call my office. I would be happy to speak to you about your specific concerns and the treatment options available to you.
SOURCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
https://www.disorders.org/anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/10-most-common-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-symptoms/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
The Covid pandemic disrupted the lives of everyone on the globe. But without question, certain professions got hit the hardest. Teachers definitely belong in this category. Numerous teachers were laid off without notice; the rest were forced to adapt quickly and begin teaching remotely. While the pandemic is behind us, the mental health affects on […]
The Covid pandemic disrupted the lives of everyone on the globe. But without question, certain professions got hit the hardest. Teachers definitely belong in this category. Numerous teachers were laid off without notice; the rest were forced to adapt quickly and begin teaching remotely.
While the pandemic is behind us, the mental health affects on teachers are lingering. As these professionals head back to school this fall, it is important that they recognize they may be feeling stressed and mentally exhausted.
If you are a teacher heading back to the classroom, here are some thing you can do to look out for your own mental health:
Put Your Needs First
Teachers tend to be the kinds of people who always put their students’ – and other people’s – needs first. But now is the time to put your needs first, so you have the energy and mental clarity to give to your students throughout the rest of the year. Ask yourself, “What do I need to feel my best so I can be an effective and supportive teacher?”
Adjust Your Expectations
Everyone has been changed by Covid. You can’t expect yourself or anyone else to be the person they were before lockdowns. When you feel yourself judging yourself too harshly, try and adjust your expectations.
Talk to Someone
If your feelings of anxiety, depression or burnout don’t subside, even with making some adjustments to your life, then it’s important that you speak to someone. A mental health professional can help you work through the stress and emotions you have dealt with and may be holding on to. They can also provide coping strategies so you may get back to living a joyful life.
If you or someone you know is a teacher whose mental health has been affected by the Covid pandemic, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.
SOURCES:
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teachers-mental-health-has-suffered-in-the-pandemic-heres-how-districts-can-help/2021
https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/mental-health-effects-on-educators
https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/ten-mental-health-and-well-being-tips-teachers
The relationship between Christianity and mental health is a complex one. A person’s internal narrative or belief system is an impactful way to cope with life’s challenges. For many people belief in a higher power is essential to a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Having a strong relationship and commitment to Christ does not […]
The relationship between Christianity and mental health is a complex one. A person’s internal narrative or belief system is an impactful way to cope with life’s challenges.
For many people belief in a higher power is essential to a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Having a strong relationship and commitment to Christ does not mean one cannot benefit from Christian coaching or traditional therapy with a Christian foundation.
In my practice, I often work with people who have a religious faith but not a relationship with God. Not everyone has someone they can talk to, without judgement, that will help them create a blueprint to find resolve for their problems.
It is one thing to use our faith to cope with the pain and challenges of life. However our faith in God does not absolve us of our human responsibility. I have learned from many clients that they feel guilty when they are told to only rely solely on God, until they allow God into the process of coaching or therapy. “God made doctors and He made therapists too,” one person commented.
Again, as Christians, praying to Our Father does not absolve us from human responsibility. That’s worth saying again. Yes, pray and wait on God’s will; but while you wait, what are you willing to do to improve areas in need of change?
Only God knows the future. We don’t know His exact intentions for us, but we can be active participants in His plan. In working with a Christian based therapist or Christian based coach, people can learn sustainable coping tools and strategies to change their lives significantly. A Christian based coach or therapist can provide perspectives that support a client in their empowerment and growth, while working from biblical principles.
The guilt factor:
When people are struggling with depression, unhealthy relationships, anxiety or compulsions for example, they can feel completely alone, unworthy of God’s love. They find it difficult to reconnect with God because deep down they don’t believe they deserve His presence in their life.
I not only show people how to invite God back into their lives; I help my clients build their self-esteem and find their value so they can reconnect with God.
If you are struggling, feel stuck and would like to explore your options, because make no mistake, you have options; please reach out to me. I work with people of the Christian faith and respect your beliefs. My focus is to help you find your way back and live the life He intended for you.
SOURCES:
https://fherehab.com/learning/connection-spirituality-mental-health
