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Be Yourself: Don’t Become Emotionally Fused
When I ask couples what brings them to therapy, a common answer is “communication.” Often couples’ struggles have to do with handling any sort of disagreement, feeling uncomfortable during conflict, and not being able to tolerate that their partner has a difference of opinion. The subtext of “we don’t communicate” can be “my partner isn’t agreeing with me and when this happens I feel criticized and rejected.” These couples have less intimacy in their relationship because there is less individuality between them. If a couple is operating out of a need for approval, fear of failure, need for validation, or fear of rejection, it is difficult to have discussions or…
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Using Our Power to Facilitate Change
By JuJuane Easter-Hutchins, MA, LPC Lately, I have found myself struggling with the mayhem occurring in our world and in our communities. I am disheartened by the racial, socioeconomic, and other divides that exist; I am dismayed by the inequality that plagues our society. Where have things gone wrong? How can people feel justified in wrong doings against one another? Why are hearts not convicted of wrongdoing? Would such madness occur if individuals knew who they were in Christ? God created us ALL. We are ALL God’s children, regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, ability, or socioeconomic status. This is undebatable. However, it is our decision as…
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What Is Child Therapy and How Does It Work?
By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Our children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They bring abundant joy, although, raising them is not without its challenges. Parents have a responsibility, not only to meet the physical needs of their children, but to also provide a safe haven that fosters emotional and psychological growth, and achieving that is no simple feat. Sometimes parents reach the point where they literally do not know the best way to help their children. That’s when bringing a trained professional into the picture may prove beneficial. Counseling for children? Yes. People are sometimes surprised at the idea of sending children…
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Care for Caregivers
By Cathy Downen, MA, MA, PLPC Karen doesn’t know exactly when she got so tired. When she invited her elderly mother into her home to live with her family, she was optimistic about dealing with the challenges of her mother’s Alzheimer’s symptoms while working from home and keeping up with the needs of her husband and two children. But now she feels alone and discouraged. She has missed many of her kids’ events, her career has stagnated, her friendships have been neglected, and she hasn’t been to the doctor for herself in years. She wishes her life were different, but she’s exhausted and doesn’t think she has any options. Karen…
Marriage Family & Individual Counseling | St Louis MO
