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Don’t Worry, Be Happy
When Bobby McFerrin’s cheery tune “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” topped music charts in 1988, it was hailed as a fresh new philosophy for living a positive life. Christians, however, know that Jesus says this many times in the Gospels, extorting us to trust in Him rather than wasting time and energy on senseless worrying. Worry, by definition, is allowing our minds to focus on problems. Worry is secondarily defined as the action of an animal gnawing on something, in the same way that a dog gnaws on a bone. People tormented by worry often find themselves ruminating over something, like a cow chewing its cud again and again. Why Do…
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Accentuate the Positive
In the year 1944, during a dark time for families and the country, singer and songwriter Johnny Mercer wrote what would be one of the war’s most iconic songs of hope and inspiration: “Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative.” Why did this song become such an anthem of encouragement? Because through the power of music, the lyrics reminded the country that vision, hope, and inspiration are achieved by dwelling on those things which are good, excellent and praiseworthy. We can all have seasons in our life, our families, and our relationships that can be an unfamiliar, dark place. During these times, it can be human nature to lean toward negative…
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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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The Power of the Cognitive Behavioral Approach to Stereotyping
by Mary Singleton, MEd, PLPC I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been thinking about recent racial conflicts involving police officers and citizens. We have all seen how an event, such as a police officer shooting someone, can inspire dramatically different reactions in people — reactions which often correlate to race and which elicit very different feelings and behaviors as a result of these thoughts. Cultural messages and life experiences contribute greatly to the automatic thoughts an individual has in response to a significant event, and psychological responses are involved, as well. Many people have been conditioned, starting at an early age, to automatically respond to circumstances in…
Marriage Family & Individual Counseling | St Louis MO
