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Gen X and Aging

Gen X and Aging

Kate Motaung2025-07-08T09:09:53+00:00July 8th, 2025|Aging and Geriatric Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Gen Xers know that they’re the best generation. If you don’t think so, just ask one. With waterfall bangs that stood higher than any generation before or after and music they claim to be the best, there is compelling evidence that the coolest crew to ever rock flannel was born roughly between the mid-1960s and mid-1980s. Gen X has always held a unique place in cultural history. The films that shaped the generation were adventurous with rebellious anthems as soundtracks. The stories were arguably a little bizarre, at least by the standards set by the generation’s predecessors, but who can compete with a DeLorean time machine and an extraterrestrial who just really wanted to phone home? It’s Hip to Age If you’re a card-carrying member of Generation X, keep reading. With everything about Gen X that there is to celebrate, there are plenty of reasons to Rock the Casbah. One thing you’re probably not celebrating is your aging body and saying goodbye to your youth. If you’re like the millions of other people in Gen X, you’re probably feeling your age. Your Moonwalk is long gone, and these days, you count it a blessing to stay awake long enough to see what happens to Ferris. Your eyesight is fuzzier than a pirated VHS copy of The Lost Boys, and you can’t even imagine eating pizza after six like you used to. Back in the day, you were the kid who figured out life over a bowl of Cap’n Crunch and a Choose Your Own Adventure book. You survived Y2K, mullets, and all that hairspray. It was once said that aging is better than the alternative. Just because you’ve outlived the Cabbage Patch Kid craze doesn’t mean that you’re celebrating the fact that you are now older than those actors [...]

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Coping with Grief as a Couple

Coping with Grief as a Couple

Kate Motaung2025-07-02T08:47:01+00:00July 2nd, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Many events in life cause stress, and one of those events is loss. Loss affects us in profound ways, and we can’t always anticipate how we’ll respond to it. Grief and loss are inevitable on this side of heaven, and as a fact of life, that means we need to be equipped to cope well with it. Whether you are single or in a committed relationship with someone, coping with grief is a useful skill that we need to nurture. Coping with grief requires understanding what it is, how it functions, and how it affects individuals. When you are in a relationship with another person and you experience a joint loss, you need to understand how both you and your partner are coping. The stress of grief can affect how you relate to each other. It’s possible for grief and your response to it to damage your relationship. Understanding Grief Grief is the emotional and psychological response to loss of any kind. Grief can be intense, disrupting how you think and function in daily life. It stirs up many complex emotions such as sadness, regret, anger, peace, and weariness. Grief is brought on by many things, including bereavement through the death of a loved one or family pet, the termination of a relationship, betrayal, or the loss of a cherished goal or dream, for example. What makes one person grieve might not affect another person at all. One’s response to loss will depend on many things, including the nature of the relationship, one’s personality, the nature of the loss, as well as what caused it, and the mental and emotional resources one has to deal with the loss. Grief is often explained as unfolding in five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. These stages depict what many people [...]

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Helping Children with ADHD Thrive in Church

Helping Children with ADHD Thrive in Church

Stephanie Kramer2025-06-28T09:11:27+00:00June 30th, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured|

Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) bring a lot of life into the children’s ministry. Their high energy, creative minds, and natural curiosity can be a delight to teach. That doesn’t mean that these balls of energy don’t face challenges in traditional ministry settings. Many kids with ADHD struggle to sit still during sermons and have a hard time focusing on structured lessons. Children with ADHD in Church As a result of these challenges, these precious children may feel out of place or discouraged in the church environment, the very place they should feel the most accepted and loved. There are a few strategies that a ministry can leverage to ensure that the church meets the needs of all children. After all, ministry is meant to reach all people, even those who may pose a challenge. Create a structured (but flexible) environment Children (and adults) with ADHD often struggle with unpredictability. A clear, consistent routine helps them feel secure and in control. To help students with ADHD feel secure, stick to an established schedule during your children’s church or Sunday school lessons to help create predictability. However, be sure to allow for some flexibility, such as a movement break when the wiggles start getting the best of them. Incorporate movement Speaking of the wiggles… Sitting still for extended periods can be tough for kids with ADHD. Help engage their minds by encouraging movement throughout your sessions. This can help them focus on the central point of the lesson. Incorporate activities such as role-playing, using hand motions during worship songs, or allowing kids time to walk and talk to each other during discussions. Include hands-on crafts and activities to help them refocus. Offer concise instructions Kids with ADHD may struggle to process multi-step instructions. Breaking directions down into smaller, [...]

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Dealing with Anxiety as a Teenager: How to Help Your Teen

Dealing with Anxiety as a Teenager: How to Help Your Teen

Sarah Gibson, Kate Motaung2025-06-19T11:28:59+00:00June 19th, 2025|Anxiety, Christian Counseling For Teens, Featured, Individual Counseling|

We all deal with anxiety in one form or another. Some people get anxious around animals or certain insects, while others respond with anxiety to wide-open or populated spaces. Public speaking is a source of anxiety for many, while for others it’s heights or talking with strangers. Anxiety, whether mild or in its more severe forms, seems to be a part of our lives. One of the challenges that teens face is dealing with anxiety. There are things specific to that phase of life that can induce anxiety. It’s essential that teens get the support they need to handle anxiety in their lives, particularly if the anxiety is severe and persistent enough to disrupt their day-to-day activities. Anxiety and Teenagers: Some Causes of Anxiety Anxiety is an emotional and physiological response to something stressful and perceived as a threat. Each individual will have particular things that feel threatening to them. That’s one reason it isn’t always helpful to tell someone that they shouldn’t be anxious about a given situation. It’s not as though one is making a conscious choice to feel threatened, and it’s not an easy thing to turn that fear off. Each teen is unique, and what makes them anxious won’t necessarily look the same as for other people. In the same way, their anxiety may stem from a combination of factors, and understanding the underlying reasons for their anxiety can better equip you to walk alongside a teen to guide them through anxiety. Some of the common reasons why a teen may feel anxious include social and relationship concerns. Between having difficulties forming or maintaining peer relationships, navigating social hierarchies, the perils and vulnerabilities of dating, and handling their social media presence, many things can make a teen anxious. Additionally, tension or conflict in the family [...]

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Why Go for Premarital Counseling?

Why Go for Premarital Counseling?

Dr. Barbara Orticelli, Kate Motaung2025-06-18T06:16:43+00:00June 18th, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Are you thinking of getting married? Or married again? Before you make that wonderful commitment in the presence of God, it would be wise to go for premarital counseling as a couple. Facilitated by a professional and experienced counselor, you and your future spouse will be able to talk through critical issues and obtain guidance on navigating conflict or potential obstacles to a successful relationship. Biblical premarital counseling in Texas will help you and your future spouse to prepare your hearts and minds for the type of marriage that God intended and in which you both can flourish and grow together. What does God say about marriage? Unlike other contractual arrangements made by human beings, marriage is God’s institution. It is His idea and His design. The primary purpose of marriage, like the purpose of our lives in general, is actually to glorify God. It is supposed to be a living picture of Christ’s relationship with the church – a relationship that is characterized by sacrificial love as each spouse seeks the good of the other above himself or herself. Our security, happiness, and other goals for marriage are still important but they are secondary and subject to this first goal. God has designed marriage to function best according to the rules He has established and laid out for us in His Word. He is clear that it is intended to last a lifetime. Therefore, we should take marriage seriously, and find out what it requires of us. We should not rush into it without careful consideration or counsel from other trustworthy and wise Christians. The Bible acknowledges that the world and our relationships have been marred by sin and that sometimes marriages are severed by death or divorce. God makes provision for people to remarry in certain cases; [...]

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Advice for Teens and Parents: How to Make the Most of Your Counseling Experience

Advice for Teens and Parents: How to Make the Most of Your Counseling Experience

Sarah Gibson, Kate Motaung2025-06-04T05:27:57+00:00June 4th, 2025|Christian Counseling For Teens, Featured, Individual Counseling|

When it comes to counseling, I have often found that families are not sure of what to expect. I’ve heard from teens, “Are you going to tell my parents what we talk about?” “What do we talk about?” “Is it just going to be the two of us meeting?” On the other hand, what I’ve heard from parents is, “Will I need to be at every session?” “Are you going to let me know what you discuss with them?” “How often will we have sessions?” These are all understandable concerns, and I see where both teens and their parents are coming from. For those new to counseling, it can feel confusing, intimidating, and even nerve-wracking, especially for teens. Teens might worry they’re in trouble or feel like they’ve done something wrong, while parents may struggle with feelings of guilt or uncertainty about how to support their child. That’s why I believe it’s important to set clear expectations from the start, so both teens and parents can make the most of their counseling journey. The First Session The first session, often called an intake appointment, is the initial meeting between the parent, teen, and counselor. Each counselor may handle this session a bit differently, but here’s what you can generally expect from how I conduct mine. Both parents are welcome to attend with their teen, though only one parent or legal guardian is required to be present. At the start of the session, I’ll go over the informed consent form, which outlines important details such as my qualifications, scheduling and cancellation policies, payment information, and confidentiality. During the first session, I always discuss the importance of confidentiality in the counseling space. Confidentiality is the ethical and legal duty of a counselor to protect a client’s private information and not share [...]

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OCD Help: Take a Vacation from Your Worries

OCD Help: Take a Vacation from Your Worries

Stephanie Kramer2025-05-23T06:59:34+00:00May 23rd, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, OCD, Relationship Issues|

Ever thought about taking a vacation from your brain? One of the most challenging aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the belief that focusing on a problem is necessary to prevent it from spiraling out of control. This is a common misconception. In reality, obsessing over a problem doesn’t grant you control; it often increases your anxiety and perpetuates the OCD cycle. Without OCD help, this can leave you worn out and exhausted. It’s important to realize that taking a break from a problem doesn’t mean you’re ignoring it or letting it go unresolved. Just as your body needs rest to function properly, so does your mind. Allowing yourself a mental break can provide you with clarity and perspective, enabling you to approach the problem with a fresh, calmer mindset later on. OCD Help: Take a Mental Vacation Imagine lounging on a beach, sipping a cool drink, and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. The waves gently lap at the shore, and your biggest concern is whether to take a dip in the ocean or finish your book. Sounds like a dream, right? Now imagine the same scenario but without the constant, nagging thoughts that usually follow you everywhere, turning even a relaxing vacation into a mental marathon. What if you could take a vacation – not just from work or your daily routine – but from your worries? For those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), that sounds like a fantasy. Here’s the good news: you can do it, even if you’re not actually lying on a beach! Here are some fun and practical methods of OCD help to give your brain a much-needed break from its usual obsessive chatter. The Mental Suitcase Before any vacation, you pack a suitcase, right? So, why not do the same [...]

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Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Marriage

Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Marriage

Lori Askew, Kate Motaung2025-05-19T08:43:07+00:00May 19th, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Issues|

We are all imperfect human beings with flaws and weaknesses. All relationships have their ups and downs. Over time there are bound to be arguments and frustrations, intimacy may wax and wane, and your spouse may seem boring or exhibit annoying behavior, but that does not necessarily mean you’re in a toxic marriage. At the heart of any great relationship is partnership. . . . If you’re dealing with an opponent instead of a partner, that’s toxic. – Wendy Newman A healthy marriage is built on trust, cooperation, and open, honest communication that enables you and your spouse to talk through issues respectfully. Both of you are willing to accept some of the responsibility when things go wrong, and to look at things from your partner’s perspective. In a healthy marriage, spouses do not often get unpredictably upset over minor issues. They care about each other’s well-being, try to meet one another’s needs, and provide each other with emotional support. What is the difference between a difficult marriage and a toxic marriage? The main difference between a toxic marriage and a difficult one is that you can grow in a difficult marriage and learn to become more patient, understanding, and unassuming. In a toxic marriage, however, spouses do not support one another, and the discord goes far beyond an occasional rough patch. A toxic marriage is destructive and damaging to your physical health as well as to your mental and emotional well-being. It is marked by persistent conflict, disrespect, and attacks on your character as your spouse frequently tries to undermine you. Negative experiences far outweigh any positive ones, and you feel as though you are being destroyed. What are the signs of a toxic marriage? You may experience any or all of these signs: The relationship feels draining You [...]

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Common Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Common Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Dr. Barbara Orticelli, Kate Motaung2025-05-15T07:41:04+00:00May 15th, 2025|Anxiety, Featured, Individual Counseling|

It seems like more people are experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 31% of the United States adult population will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime; that is, millions of Americans struggling with the symptoms of stress and anxiety. The Harmful Effects of Chronic Stress and Anxiety The harmful effects of the symptoms of stress and anxiety can lead to a physical and mental decline in health. When you feel overwhelmed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline to help you through the “danger.” However, chronic stress can keep your body suspended in this fight-or-flight response. Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety You may not experience all of the symptoms of stress and anxiety for them to affect your health. For example, increased blood pressure and resting heart rate over a long period will increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Consult your doctor to rule out any medical conditions and seek counseling to help you manage your symptoms. Digestive Issues Increased cortisol and adrenaline can trigger the fight-or-flight response, increasing stomach acid. When stressed, you may experience acid reflux, heartburn, excessive burning, and stomach pain. Consult with your physician about medical treatments to soothe your digestive tract as you work on stress management. Headaches Stress or tension headaches can feel like a vice around your head. You may feel this headache on both sides of the head. If you are a woman, you may also experience more severe headaches on the days leading up to your menstrual period. Over-the-counter medications can help as well as getting plenty of sleep. Increased Heart Rate Adrenaline gets your heart pumping, preparing you to run or fight. Chronic stress and anxiety can cause your resting heart rate [...]

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Different Types of Depression: What to Look For and How to Tell the Difference

Different Types of Depression: What to Look For and How to Tell the Difference

Sarah Gibson, Kate Motaung2025-04-25T11:53:56+00:00April 25th, 2025|Depression, Featured, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling|

Depression affects millions of people worldwide. Common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. For those who suffer from depression, these symptoms are usually present nearly every day and can make work, school, or spending time with loved ones incredibly difficult. Under the umbrella term of depression are several types of depression, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder, or Postpartum Disorder, among others. Several types of depression exist because the symptoms and presentation of depression vary depending on factors like one’s brain chemistry, hormonal changes, or life circumstances. As a result, different types of treatment may be needed. The Different Types of Depression Everyone feels down from time to time. However, depression is a persistent sadness that doesn’t lift as easily. It may feel like a shadow following you, an empty feeling in your chest. With the different types of depression, symptoms can last from two weeks to several months or years. Treatment for the different types of depression varies, but most counselors use a combination of talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, and time. In some cases, your physician may prescribe medication to take in combination with counseling. The following are several different types of depression. Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Disorder is what most people think of when they think of depression. Symptoms can be severe and last for at least two weeks, although many people experience symptoms up to a year without treatment. Major Depressive Disorder episodes can return months or years after treatment. The risk for recurrence is higher the more often you experience depressive episodes. Up to 10% of people with Major Depressive Disorder will later be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. People with this type of depression are more likely to have [...]

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