Libby's Place, Inc.
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/
If you’re a football fan, you most likely spend your Sundays and Monday nights plunked on the sofa, watching your favorite teams battle it out on the field. While you and your family or your best buds may have a lot of fun spending hours in front of the TV, all of this sitting is […]
If you’re a football fan, you most likely spend your Sundays and Monday nights plunked on the sofa, watching your favorite teams battle it out on the field. While you and your family or your best buds may have a lot of fun spending hours in front of the TV, all of this sitting is doing a doozy on your back!
Did you know that sofas, or rather, too much time spent sitting on the sofa, is being blamed for a rise in back problems? In your grandparents’ day, sofas were stiffer and helped you to sit upright. But these days, most of us opt for those sofas that are soft and squishy and oh-so-comfy.
The problem is, soft, comfy sofas encourage us to recline, slouch and sit in positions that are not good for our spines. And we tend to sit in these positions for HOURS!
Sitting comfortably seems like a natural, no-brainer thing to do. The problem is, when we are sitting with poor posture, our back muscles and vertebrae are not supported efficiently. Sitting without this support for lengthy periods of time puts a tremendous amount of pressure on our spine and muscles. In time, this can cause our intervertebral discs to be pushed out of alignment. And this can cause that dreaded lower back pain.
If your back has been bothering you and you’re not sure why, start noticing how you sit on the sofa. Are you slouched down with your head resting against the back of the sofa? Or slouched with your feet extended on a nearby ottoman? Or twisted into a kind of fetal position? These positions may feel comfy for a little while, but they are wreaking havoc on your back.
Do your best to ensure you are sitting way back, with your butt touching the back cushions and your feet planted on the floor. If you need to, support your back further with more cushions. You can even use a rolled-up towel to support your lower back.
Be sure to get up during the ads and do some light stretching. Pretend the coach is putting you in the game after the commercials!
Paying better attention to your posture and how you are sitting on your sofa while watching the games should definitely help any back pain you have been experiencing. But we also recommend you make an appointment with your local chiropractor to get checked out and receive a spinal adjustment.
If you live in the area and would like to get a free consultation, just give our office a call or stop by!
SOURCES:
‘I’m a Chiropractor and This Is Why Working From Your Couch Is Hurting Your Back’
https://www.healthline.com/health/lower-back-pain-when-sitting#causes
Starting a new school year can be super exciting. It can also be stressful, both for the child and the parents. The following are some ways you can ease back into a new schoolyear but leave the stress behind! Meet the New Teacher One of the biggest fears many young children have is will they […]
Starting a new school year can be super exciting. It can also be stressful, both for the child and the parents. The following are some ways you can ease back into a new schoolyear but leave the stress behind!
Meet the New Teacher
One of the biggest fears many young children have is will they like and feel comfortable with their new teacher. To address this fear, be sure to take advantage of the school’s open house so your child can see exactly where their new classroom is and who their teacher will be.
Find a Familiar Face or Two
Having a familiar, friendly face in the classroom will help put your child at ease. Consider calling parents from last year’s class to find out which kids may be in your child’s class this year. You can help your child reconnect by scheduling a play date before the new year begins.
Get on a Schedule
Children thrive with a solid routine. They also tend to feel less stress when they know their day’s schedule ahead of time. Consider getting some dry erase boards and colorful dry erase board markers to write down the following day’s schedule each night. Knowing which classes and after school activities they have will help your child prepare mentally and you prepare logistically.
Limit Those Extra Curricular Activities
A lot of school-year stress, both for kids and parents, has to do with the number of extra-curricular activities children are involved with these days. When selecting a sport, be sure that there aren’t too many practices each week that will hinder your child’s schoolwork and sleep routine.
Consider following these guidelines so you and your child can have a productive and stress-free school year!
SOURCES:
https://stressfreekids.com/24727/stress-back-to-school/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-to-ease-back-to-school-anxiety-620832
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/back-to-school-tips-for-parents
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
Whether it’s across town or across country, moving is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Everything takes longer and weighs more than you initially thought, and the internet provider never seems to have any openings to come out to your new place and get you hooked up! It’s no wonder […]
Whether it’s across town or across country, moving is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Everything takes longer and weighs more than you initially thought, and the internet provider never seems to have any openings to come out to your new place and get you hooked up!
It’s no wonder people absolutely dread moving.
If you have a big move coming up, here are some tips to help you reduce the stress:
Accept Reality
No move in the history of mankind has ever gone off without a hitch. It is important to expect the unexpected and to go with the flow as best you can.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
One of the biggest reasons people get stressed while they’re moving is because they didn’t give themselves enough time. While a small apartment may take two days to fully pack up, a three or four bedroom house you’ve lived in for over a decade may take closer to a week or two. It’s always best to give yourself more time and not less.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time with other aspects of moving as well. For instance, setting up the utilities in your new home, researching the right moving company, and giving your old home a thorough clean. These projects will all take time as well.
Stay Organized
Keeping stress at bay will require you to stay organized. From buying moving supplies to labeling boxes to packing, organization will help you stay in control when things could easily spin out of control. So make lists and use a day planner to stay on top of your tasks.
Ask for Help
Don’t feel you need to do everything by yourself. If you need help, ask for it. Sometimes even just having some company from a friend or family member while you pack can lift your spirits. And try and plan ahead. Give your loved ones a heads up a week out so there is more of a chance they can say “yes.”
Is moving fun? Nope. But if you give yourself plenty of time, stay organized, ask for help and accept the fact that sh*t happens, your move will go much more smoothly.
SOURCES:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-the-questions/201703/ten-simple-tips-manage-the-stress-moving
https://www.bustle.com/p/13-ways-to-make-moving-less-stressful-10031771
There is an epidemic in this country of mental health crises. At the same time, we also have a lack of crisis services, which has led to police officers acting as first responders to many mental health crises across the nation. The response to this epidemic from many communities has been to develop a Crisis […]
There is an epidemic in this country of mental health crises. At the same time, we also have a lack of crisis services, which has led to police officers acting as first responders to many mental health crises across the nation.
The response to this epidemic from many communities has been to develop a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program to improve results in these situations. CIT programs have already been created in over 27,000 communities nationwide. The goal of CIT is to create better channels of communication between law enforcement and other stakeholders in the mental health profession along with those suffering from mental health issues. In addition to improving collaboration, CIT programs also provide intensive training, refer those in crisis to the right treatment options, and also make sure everyone in the community is safe.
CIT programs can also:
If you are a mental health professional, police officer, or a family member of someone living with a mental health issue, you can help change how your local community responds to these crises. You can search the National Alliance on Mental Illness website to find your local affiliate. Every person and every voice helps spread this important message far and wide. So please consider advocating today.
SOURCES:
August 26th is National Women’s Equality Day; a day to acknowledge how far women have come on their journey toward equality and how much more work is still to be done. While the greatest gender gaps are found primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, according to the World Economic Forum, there are […]
August 26th is National Women’s Equality Day; a day to acknowledge how far women have come on their journey toward equality and how much more work is still to be done. While the greatest gender gaps are found primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, according to the World Economic Forum, there are still areas of inequality women in this country feel they face on a daily basis. One way women can spread awareness and get more involved in the fight is to take part in National Women’s Equality Day.
Here are some ideas on how you can participate and celebrate this meaningful day:
The National Women’s History Alliance offers resources that can be downloaded and shared with others. You may want to print and share brochures with your local library, schools, and places of worship.
If you are a teacher or community leader, you may also want to consider making history come alive with a special presentation or performance.
Consider joining the Women’s History Alliance so you can stay involved and participate in ways that bring meaning and change to everyone you interact with.
Taking on such a big fight as women’s equality is a challenge and one that requires every woman to commit to self-care. Much like pre-flight, parents are instructed to put on their oxygen masks before attending to their children, women must ensure their own well-being so they have the strength to fight the good fight.
Sadly, studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that women are more likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Luckily, women are also far more prone to ask for help in dealing with whatever is troubling them. And often what is troubling them is feeling they are living in an unfair world, where the genders are still not totally equal.
If you feel depression or anxiety in relation to gender discrepancies in your own life and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
SOURCES:
You know you got your hairline from your Dad’s side of the family and your eye color from your mom. You know diabetes runs in your family, as does heart disease and Parkinson’s. But do you know that many families also pass down trauma to their loved ones? It’s not just our physical makeup and […]
You know you got your hairline from your Dad’s side of the family and your eye color from your mom. You know diabetes runs in your family, as does heart disease and Parkinson’s.
But do you know that many families also pass down trauma to their loved ones? It’s not just our physical makeup and risk of disease that we inherit from our family, it is also the emotional wounds as well.
Before you were born you were in your mother’s womb and very susceptible to her emotions. As your mother felt joy, her body released hormones that made you feel joy.
When she felt sad, scared, or angry, her body released hormones that made her experience these same emotions.
Eventually, you were born and raised in a house that may not always be happy or harmonious. Your parents may have been emotionally distant or even abusive because they may have been brought up by parents who had their own reasons for being emotionally absent or abusive.
Many families have unresolved trauma that works its way through one generation to the next. Those families who have dealt with addiction, depression, anxiety, terror, racism, and the like, often continue to pass on negative emotions, poor behaviors, low self-esteem, and maladaptive coping strategies. These not only lead to a painful and hard life, but they can also lead to chronic health conditions.
If you have a history of family conflict or trauma, you can be the individual who puts an end to the cycle. You can be the one who begins a new cycle, one of passing down loving communication and positive self-images.
Of course, it will take work on your part to overcome the pain of your family history. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with a mental health professional who can offer you the right tools and coping strategies that you can then pass down to your own children.
If you’re interested in exploring therapy, please get in touch with me! I’d love to help you end the cycle of trauma in your family.
SOURCES:
Not since the great depression have so many people collectively been dealing with financial hardship. The Covid pandemic locked down nations and caused people to lose their livelihoods. It is not surprising, then, that we are also seeing increases in the rates of depression. There have been other studies that also linked depression and anxiety […]
Not since the great depression have so many people collectively been dealing with financial hardship. The Covid pandemic locked down nations and caused people to lose their livelihoods. It is not surprising, then, that we are also seeing increases in the rates of depression.
There have been other studies that also linked depression and anxiety with financial burdens. In fact, this study suggests that individuals with depression and anxiety are three times more likely to be in debt.
Solving any problem requires clear thinking and an ability to take action. The problem is, when financial burdens cause a person to become anxious and depressed, they live in an emotional state that makes it almost impossible to solve their financial problems.
For instance, when people feel depressed, it is common for them to also feel overwhelmed and out of control. They tend to want to avoid problems because they simply can’t bear the weight of it all.
Depression and anxiety can also make it hard for people to get proper sleep. This, in turn, creates mental fog, making it incredibly hard to figure out a solution to any problem.
No, I’m not talking about a financial planner, I’m talking about speaking with a therapist. A licensed therapist can help you find some calm in the storm. Working with a therapist often brings the kind of clarity that can help you heal from depression and anxiety and get your financial life back in order.
There is nothing to be ashamed of. Most of us have, at one point (if not currently), experienced trouble with our finances and felt depressed and anxious. It is a common part of living in these modern times when the economy seems to be going against us most of the time.
If you or a loved one has been having a hard time financially and you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to help you deal with your current situation.
SOURCES:
The relationship between faith and mental health is a complex one. Without question, an individual’s personal belief system is a profound way to cope with life’s challenges and adversities. Belief in a higher power is essential to a person’s mental health and overall well-being. But if someone has a strong religious faith or spiritual life, […]
The relationship between faith and mental health is a complex one. Without question, an individual’s personal belief system is a profound way to cope with life’s challenges and adversities.
Belief in a higher power is essential to a person’s mental health and overall well-being. But if someone has a strong religious faith or spiritual life, does that mean they can’t also be helped by traditional talk therapy?
In my practice, I often work with people who have a religious faith. I have found there are two issues they tend to share that traditional therapy can benefit.
They are Waiting on God
It is one thing to use our faith to cope with the pain and challenges of life. It is another to use our faith in God as an excuse not to help ourselves and do the work. I have found many clients believe that if they pray hard enough, God will deliver them from their problems.
This reminds me of an old joke.
A hurricane has dropped feet of rainfall on a small town and most of the residents fled the day before when the news reports encouraged them to do so. One man now sits alone on his roof, the water rising.
He prays diligently to the Lord to save him.
Soon, a man in a boat comes along and tells the man to hop in. The devout man of faith says, “No thanks, God is going to save me.” The man in the boat speeds away.
A few minutes later, another man in a boat comes by and tells him to get in. “No thanks, I prayed to God and he is going to save me.”
About an hour later a third and final boat comes by, but the man refuses to get in, believing with all his heart that God will save him.
The waters rise and the man eventually drowns. When he gets to Heaven he asks God, “God, why did you not save me?”
God says, “I sent you THREE boats!!”
The moral of the story is, God works in mysterious ways. We cannot know His exact plans for us, but we can and we should be active participants in our own rescue. As a therapist, I can offer coping strategies and different perspectives that help my clients get off their roofs.
A Sense of Unworthiness
When people are struggling with depression and/or addiction issues, they feel completely broken, 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 help my patients build their self-esteem and find their value so they can reconnect with God.
If you are hurting and would like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me. I work with people of all faiths and respect your beliefs. I simply want to offer you support and resources to help you on your path back to wholeness and light.
SOURCES:
https://fherehab.com/learning/connection-spirituality-mental-health
