Formerly Hardy and Stephens Counselling Associates
As human beings, we do not enjoy discomfort. When a difficult emotion surfaces, many of us instinctually, but unknowingly, work very hard to avoid experiencing those unpleasant feelings. This can look like turning to TV, social media, eating, shopping, substances, or other unhealthy outlets to escape that feeling. We all do it. Unfortunately, this does …
We make choices all the time and our thoughts guide our choices and our attitudes, perhaps even more than we realize. These thoughts and beliefs affect our emotions and also our actions. There is good reason why God tells us in His Word to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. …
When couples have ongoing and repeated conflict that is not repaired, they can get stuck in a pursue/distance pattern. Over time, they can feel increasingly stuck and hopeless. The pursuing partner will often bring up their concerns and not want to stop talking until they feel reassured, while the distancing partner will tend to avoid …
Our fears, worries, and anxiety can often have such a loud voice that it covers the joyful thoughts inside our head. It can be so easy to get caught up in our worries and let them take over our precious thinking time. Jesus says in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow …
Do you find yourself picking up emotions from others around you? Do you feel other people’s emotional pain as if it were your own? Empathy is a wonderful, amazing thing. It helps us connect with, care for others, and have others care for us. However, without healthy emotional boundaries, we can find ourselves carrying other’s …
One of the things that got ingrained in my mind since my college Introduction to Psychology class was that opposites attract, but birds of a feather who flock together often create easier marriages. I was reminded of this when I was reading some of Neil Clark Warren’s book “Finding the Love of your Life”. He …
With a life of busy schedules and unexpected challenges, it can be easy to get caught up in our society’s unrealistic standards and feel shame about our lives. Often, we become so wrapped up in our mistakes or uncontrollable situations that we flagellate ourselves with self-criticism. The bible says, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, …
With all that is going on in the world right now I thought it’s a great time to share my “go to “ passage which is Psalm 91. It’s so comforting to know when things are confusing and scary, and we feel alone and vulnerable there is a place of protection and refuge under his …
Researchers in the field of psychology have invested a lot of time and energy in the past several years studying the impact of gratitude on our mental, physical and spiritual health. Dr. Martin Seligman conducted a study with college students who had some symptoms of depression. They were directed to write a thank you letter to someone …
What is therapy really like? Therapy should be like having a good conversation with a friend. The atmosphere should be relaxed and comfortable and a safe place where you can feel like you can let your guard down and truly be vulnerable with your therapist. The therapist’s job is to provide this relaxing atmosphere and …