I really love the idea depicted here of giving anxiety a “performance review.” (To check out the illustrator’s Instagram page, click here). I think this would be a worthwhile exercise to consider anxiety’s performance in my everyday life! We often conflate the emotions of anxiety and fear, as if they are synonymous. They are similar, …
Christian
Life is Hard.
No buts about it. I was getting ready for work not long ago when I started feeling very anxious about my daughter at summer camp. She’s gone to this summer camp before and loves it! I trust the camp director, and she knows our family well. Yet, a small miscommunication about something at drop off …
Spiritualizing Feelings
I recently saw a meme on Instagram that resonated with me. There’s been a lot of talk about “deconstructing” in Christian faith circles, with several strong opinions both for and against. I appreciated this creator’s perspective (Sam Won, @SamObiWon), when he posted: “I’m a decluttering Christian. Grateful for the faith I was raised in for …
“Worrying is Optional” by Ben Eckstein, LCSW
Today, I’m reviewing the book, “Worrying is Optional” by Ben Eckstein, LCSW, who is a leading voice in the field of anxiety and OCD treatment. I’ve read a lot about anxiety and worry throughout my career, and when I picked this book up, I figured it would be more of the same of what I’ve …
Breaking Up Well
Breaking up sucks. Even if you know it’s the right thing or needs to happen or the relationship is not healthy. It still sucks. I remember the last time I broke up with someone. It was not a healthy relationship. After the break-up conversation, I remember feeling relieved, like a weight had been lifted off …
Self-Compassion as a Christian?
Over the past few years, therapy words and phrases have had “a moment”—if you will—in public discourse. Terms like gaslighting, trauma, trigger, and mindfulness are some words that have shown up in conversations, social media, or in online content about mental health. While I’m glad that as a society we’re talking about mental health more …
Try Softer Review
Today, I’m sharing my review of the book, “Try Softer,” by Aundi Kolber. I knew I wanted to read this book the minute I heard about it, as Kolber’s approach to counseling sounds similar to mine. We both nerd out over how the Bible and biblical principles integrate and speak into evidenced-based counseling, and this …
Wouldn’t Ignoring This Be Easier?
I’ll often ask clients what they do with difficult thoughts and feelings they experience. A lot of times, I’m met with the response that they ignore them. And I get it. Sometimes ignoring our difficult thoughts and feelings does seem like it’d be easier than allowing ourselves to notice them. And by noticing them, I’m …
What If I Love My Partner, But Not Their Family?
It’s the holiday season, and if you’re in a serious relationship, there’s a good chance you’ll be interacting with your partner’s family. Soooo…what if you don’t like them? Or they’re difficult to be around? And what does it mean for the future of your relationship if you don’t like them? Some things to keep in …
“I Feel Stupid For Not Noticing This Sooner”
I’ve talked to many clients (and friends and loved ones) who have lamented that they didn’t pay closer attention to potential red flags early in a dating relationship. At the end of the relationship or after the relationship is already ended, they report feeling stupid for continuing the relationship, ignoring or downplaying behavior that ended …