Couples Counseling: Finding Help for a Toxic Relationship
Romantic and other relationships exist on a spectrum that runs from healthy and functional, all the way to unhealthy and dysfunctional, or toxic. Each of us gets into relationships with a history that affects how we perceive ourselves and our partners and that history also shapes our expectations and fears about intimacy or communication. That means that in every relationship, there is always room [...]
The Importance of Honesty in Premarital Counseling
Honesty is at the heart of a strong God-centered marriage, and it plays a pivotal role in premarital counseling. Honesty is at the heart of many of God’s commandments too, particularly those that govern our relationships with others. So, it should come as no surprise that honesty is foundational to obeying God’s law and developing a strong marriage. Couples entering marriage often face significant [...]
5 Ways to Calm Yourself During a Panic Attack
Panic attacks can come on suddenly. They can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. This feeling of panic may cause you to stop acting normally if you have frequent panic attacks. Panic attacks can be as minor as feeling sick to your stomach to as severe as feeling like you’re having a heart attack. Although medication might be the correct route [...]
First Year of Marriage Survival Kit: What to Pack for a Thriving Relationship
If you love to travel, you probably get a bit of an emotional boost just packing for your next adventure. Knowing your destination helps you choose what to bring along, from essential gear to personal comforts. Marriage, much like travel, is a thrilling journey you embark on with your closest companion. Unfortunately, while packing for a vacation involves physical items, preparing for the adventure of [...]
How to Handle Rejection Well as a Believer
Things don’t always go as planned, and in fact, they can go horribly wrong. One way things can go wrong is when you are rejected. There’s likely no more painful experience than to put yourself out there in some way, and for your outstretched hand to be slapped away and your gesture thrown back into your face. Rejection can raise all sorts of powerful [...]
Types of Assistance for Seniors
Getting older is inevitable, but it does not need to be overwhelming. A positive attitude and clear planning can go a long way in alleviating the stress of aging. Planning for social security and retirement is important for financial and mental health. It is not always fun, but good planning and taking advantage of assistance for seniors prevents frustration and worry in the long [...]
Dealing With Stress: 13 Ways to Find Calm
Chronic stress is an issue that may be easy to overlook. We know that the experience of constantly being on edge – or activated – is not physically or mentally good for us, yet, that seems to be life. In addition to work and family responsibilities, many people have a hard time getting through the day. However, dealing with stress can become a little [...]
How Can I Tell If I’m In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship?
Do you ever wonder whether you are in an emotionally abusive relationship or if maybe you are the one with a problem? Does your relationship cause you to feel more drained than happy? Do you feel confused and have doubts about yourself and your understanding of things when you are around the other person? If so, you may be experiencing emotional abuse. Emotional abuse [...]
Why Breathing for Anxiety is So Effective
When you are feeling a strong emotion such as anxiety, your breathing becomes fast and shallow, and your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for rational thinking is compromised, making it hard to think straight or talk your way through it. Changing the rhythm of your breath slows your heart rate and engages your body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for [...]
What to Do If Your Co-Parent Won’t Stick to a Parenting Plan
When parents decide to go their separate ways, it is common for both to make certain bold declarations, ignorant sweeping statements, and vague verbal parenting plan agreements for the upkeep of their child. Often, one parent has to bear the lion’s share of actual parenting while the other drops the ball. If the former has happened to you, don’t worry; you are certainly not [...]