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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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Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Navigating Romantic Relationships and Issues of the Heart

Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Navigating Romantic Relationships and Issues of the Heart

Lori Askew, Kate Motaung2025-04-25T04:38:52+00:00April 24th, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Billions of people populate planet Earth. Naturally, it feels like we’ve discovered hidden treasure when meeting “the one” of a million potential romantic interests. It’s exciting to start a new romantic relationship and to learn about that person, while also discovering and developing ourselves. As the relationship progresses, we discover the beauty of connection, learning to give and receive love. Yet, as time evolves, the match we have made may look and feel different than we remember at the start. Often, what seemed magical in the beginning feels weighty in time. King Solomon, who penned many proverbs, echoed that God coordinates our purpose with the times and seasons of our lives. When relationships fray, we may question why an individual came into our lives. Growing a healthy relationship takes two people with God at the core, but everyone who comes together won’t necessarily remain together. Whether joining with a potential partner or separating from them, our hearts require tender care as we pray, seek counsel, and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. Not only do we need to discern God’s heart before we enter a dating partnership, but we also need to search His heart before terminating a relationship. Richardson Christian Counseling provides Christ-centered support and guidance through every season of relationships, helping individuals navigate both beginnings and endings with wisdom and grace. This article outfits us with spiritual insight and practical considerations for relationships when plagued with issues of the heart. Suitability and Breaking Up While some people may not have all of what we are looking for, that may not mean they are an unsuitable fit or a poor choice. Likewise, some people may possess desirable qualities, and not be suitable or well-matched for us. According to the Bible, God wants us to have partners that are a [...]

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What to Do When You Feel Stuck in Grief

What to Do When You Feel Stuck in Grief

Wade Van Staden2025-04-25T04:42:46+00:00April 7th, 2025|Featured, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling|

Grief can be overwhelming, sometimes causing us to experience a plethora of conflicting thoughts and feelings. Many people get “stuck” in grief, meaning that they shut down and don’t know what to do next. Feeling helpless, clueless, or exhausted is a natural part of grief, and it is okay to remain in this state for a while. However, many people experience a build-up of anxiety that comes from knowing they should get out of this state but not knowing how. Being Caught Unaware We are not taught how to navigate grief. Our culture regards death, sickness, and suffering in clinical ways. However, we all face death at some point, either directly when we lose someone close to us or indirectly when we support a friend through grief. It’s not uncommon to feel unprepared and shocked over death, even when we have anticipated it. Richardson Christian Counseling offers compassionate, faith-based support to help individuals and families process grief with hope and healing, grounded in God’s presence and truth. Everyone has a unique experience with grief. What one person goes through will not be the same as another, even within families and friend groups. Certain thoughts and feelings can be alarming and can cause us to question our mental health or character. For example, we may feel both sadness and anger at our lost loved one. We might not even feel anything at all for a long while until something triggers our emotions unexpectedly. There is no correct way to grieve, and this is one of the reasons why grief is so complex. We can feel unhinged in grief, and we might genuinely be emotionally unstable for a while. Grief forces us to confront all of the things that we would rather avoid. That can be draining on every level. Getting [...]

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Taking Active Steps Toward Bullying Prevention

Taking Active Steps Toward Bullying Prevention

Sarah Gibson, Kate Motaung2025-04-25T05:20:44+00:00April 4th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Whether in person or online, our society has become increasingly intertwined. Even though we now have more ways to connect with people through social media, texts, calls, or video chats, these same means of connection can also cause us to feel distant from one another. One area where this is keenly seen is with regard to bullying. Bullying is one such way in which people ignore the basic needs, dignity, and humanity of others. Bullying affects both adults and children, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Richardson Christian Counseling supports individuals who are struggling with the emotional effects of bullying, offering compassionate care grounded in faith and healing. When it comes to children, bullying most often happens at school, but it also can take place online as well. Those who are more at risk of being bullied are: People who are considered weak or unable to defend themselves Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and two-spirit People who are perceived as being different based on their weight, what they wear, or their social status Those who have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability Bullying Prevention by Understanding Bullying To develop effective strategies to prevent bullying, we must understand the nature of bullying. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), bullying is characterized by the following: Intentional It is unwanted, aggressive behavior that is intended to cause emotional or physical harm. Repeated Unwanted behavior is repeated multiple times or has the likelihood of being repeated many times. Power imbalance Bullying involves an imbalance of power between the target and perpetrator(s) based on a person’s weight, real or perceived race, color, national origin, religion or religious practices, disability ethnic group, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, sex, or other distinguishing characteristics. [...]

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The Impacts of Birth Order

The Impacts of Birth Order

Sarah Gibson, Kate Motaung2025-04-25T05:26:21+00:00March 25th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

In the 1920s, Alfred Adler, a physician and psychotherapist, developed a theory on personality. His theory emphasized the influence a community (family, friendships, and society at large) has on an individual. Through Adler’s research and interviews, he noticed many commonalities in personality traits related to the birth order of children. In particular, he noticed that the order in which a child is born in relation to their siblings can impact one’s personality traits and lifestyle. This theory, known as Birth Order Theory, categorizes personality traits based on a child’s position in the family. It identifies three main categories: firstborn, middleborn, and lastborn. Richardson Christian Counseling recognizes the influence of birth order and offers support in understanding how it may shape individual experiences and relationships. It is important to remember that while some aspects of Adler’s theory might apply to certain individuals, it does not necessarily hold true for everyone. The Firstborn Child First-time parents often have strong opinions on how a child should be raised. Putting those opinions into practice while raising their first child may involve significant trial and error. These parents were learning as they were raising a child. Personality Traits of the Firstborn Child The firstborn often experiences the parents growing up with them. They are the children who give their parents experience in child-rearing. This can lead to a strict and cautious upbringing. Being raised under that dynamic, they often become success-oriented. The traits of firstborn children may include being: Mature Responsible Organized Leaders High achieving Controlling Cautious Reliable Perfectionist The firstborn child experienced having the parents to themselves and getting all the attention. This also meant that the firstborn was more than likely subjected to stricter rules. Being the oldest child sometimes means a greater expectation to set a good example for the younger [...]

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Navigating Postpartum OCD

Navigating Postpartum OCD

Kate Motaung2025-04-25T05:35:18+00:00March 24th, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, OCD, Women’s Issues|

The arrival of a child is an occasion of joy and much celebrating. However, many challenges can come with pregnancy, birth, and the weeks and months that follow, including postpartum OCD. Postpartum OCD Explained Postpartum OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental health condition that affects 3-5 percent of new mothers immediately after childbirth, with some symptoms emerging 4-6 weeks after delivery. It’s a type of anxiety disorder that’s marked by intrusive and recurring thoughts, called obsessions, along with repetitive behaviors, called compulsions, that are often deployed as ways to deal with obsessions. These obsessions and compulsions will often interfere with daily life. Some of the obsessions that a new mom may have include fear of dirt or contamination or being preoccupied with the baby’s safety and health. Likewise, they may be overwhelmed with fear of being a bad mother, as well as fear of causing harm to the baby or herself. Richardson Christian Counseling provides support for new mothers navigating these fears, offering compassionate care and guidance to help restore peace of mind and strengthen their mental health. The compulsive responses to these may cause the new mom to want symmetry and order around her and the baby. She may repeatedly look for reassurance from others about her mothering or the child’s well-being. There may be ritualistic behaviors like repeating phrases and counting and constantly checking the baby to see if they are breathing. She may repeatedly check the baby’s temperature or do excessive cleaning and sanitizing. Other signs of postpartum OCD to look out for include having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, digestive problems, or headaches. Likewise, the mom may experience feelings of dread and worry. They could also feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or trapped. Mom may begin avoidance behaviors, avoiding situations or tasks such as leaving the house with [...]

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