> Practical Family Living

Detours in Relationships

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There are ways of thinking and acting that seem right only to discover they have detoured us off the path of right relating. God has it in his plan for us to become aware and work towards resolution those patterns that keep us from relating to others in a manner pleasing to Him.

Family Roles: Assigned and Assumed

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

The powerful impact of family role assignments and assumptions

Addictions: Many Forms But Never Satisfying

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Addictions cannot satisfy our needs but only serve to destroy joy and peace. God desires more for us!

Don'ts For Parents and Enablers

Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There is tremendous difficulty for parents or spouses when their child or spouse becomes involved in the abuse of drugs, alcohol or addiction of any sort. This handout outlines how to clarify who is responsible for what and provides practical steps in approaching your child or spouse.

Turning Financial Stress into an Opportunity for Growth and Attachment in Marriage

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Many couples experience financial stress at some point in their marriage. However uncomfortable that stress may be, it can also be an opportunity for growth and attachment in marriage. This article gives tips on how to discuss finances with your spouse in a positive way and to develop a team approach to family finances.

Family Finances: Don't Go Solo

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Many couples experience financial stress at some point in their marriage. How they communicate that stress to one another is significant. In this article, Christine provides a plan for couples to talk about family finances that builds unity and a team approach.

Drunk With Hope: God's Help for Addiction and Emotional Wounds

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Emotional wounds can negatively influence relationships which can lead to addictive behaviors. Article explores how to put God’s truth into emotional pain, thus taking the first step in freedom from addiction.

Relationships And The Brain

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Our brain is sending out signals for hormone release in all of our relationships. These hormones are either the "feel-good" kind or they are the fight or flight kind. Therapists at the Center for Family Healing give healthy response training to our clients to bring about the results they would like in their relationships.

Rebuilding After the Storm

August 18, 2005. A record breaking day in the history of Wisconsin with 27 confirmed tornadoes in one twenty-four hour period. In one moment, debris was strewn everywhere and the destruction left behind on that day was well into the millions of dollars. Addiction is destructive, like a tornado, and you are left to deal with the aftermath of a person struggling with addiction. Whether the addiction is food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, or pornography, a trail of wreckage is left behind and rebuilding needs to begin.

Working Hard To Be Liked

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

People pleasers work very hard to be liked and crave love and acceptance from others at the cost of their own identity. The real person can become lost in the daze of perceived expectations. But there is good news.

Feeling Crazy - The Effects of Addiction on the Family

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the serious and debilitating effects of addiction on the family. Hopes for rehabilitation are addressed.

Twelve Years, Ten Lessons

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

An article of tribute and thanksgiving. As Mary Lambrecht follows God's call to Texas, she shares ten basic lessons learned in the therapy room and in ministry through The Center for Family Healing and Practical Family Living.

How to Deal with Stress, Bad Habits, and Addictions: Self-Soothing

Carrissa Pannuzzo, M.A., LMFT, LPC

Addiction, bad habits, and unwanted behavior; no matter what you are dealing with in these realms, there is help available in the process of overcoming these things. If you are stuck "in running to your favorite drug," there are ways to neutralize and get unstuck from unhealthy habits and addictions. Self-soothing is the key. This article gives essential skills for overcoming unhealthy habits and addictions.

Slippery Slope

Carrissa Pannuzzo, M.A., LMFT, LPC

Who hasn't heard the phrase "slippery slope"? The road to corruption certainly is one. It's easy to justify something that doesn't seem that bad, only to find that you've justified each step after the first with the same thought. Then one day you look up and wonder how you got where you are. If this is you, keep looking up and remember that where there is life there is hope. There is no unbreakable contract saying you must stay in your current condition. Awareness is the first step. Then, ask and look for help. There are many wonderful resources, ministries, and clinics available to walk beside you and teach you the skills you need to make it. There is always hope!

Secrets and Shame

Carrissa Pannuzzo, M.A., LMFT, LPC

If you or someone close to you struggles with secret sins such as pornography use, bulimia, or alcohol dependence, know today that you are not alone and you are not without hope. People can and do gain the insight, skills, and healing necessary to overcome any addiction or habit. God has given us the ability and tools necessary to create lasting change in our lives and relationships. And the approach He takes is specific to our needs. He often uses a combination of revealed and common grace. God’s love and power is revealed to us through His Word and is made available through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and His resurrection. His common grace is accessible through study of the world and its rules. Don’t live in shame and secrecy any longer. Find someone skilled and educated in the nature of addiction with an understanding of how to gain victory. Come into the light and get help today.

Enablers Unite!

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The parent of a potential misuser of alcohol is in a difficult position of loving their young adult yet insisting on respect for the household. Here are a few guidelines: * DON’T confront your young adult when they are under the influence. * DON’T make excuses to your spouse, family, friends or school authorities for your young adult’s drinking. * DON’T take responsibility for your young adult’s drinking problem. * DO stay honest with the Lord and yourself about your grief. Seek professional help if necessary. Always hold the young adult responsible for the choices they are making.