Articles about Relationships
Anger, The "A" Word
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Anger is a word that creates great discomfort for many people. However, there are many reasons why anger can be a positive contribution to any relationships
Honesty
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Deciding to be honest is only the beginning of living an honest life. c onsciously choosing to not deceive is an ongoing journey that challenges the reality of who we are and where belonging begins.
The Walk of Intimacy
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
We need intimacy. Defining what intimacy is and allowing God to increase our ability to give and receive intimacy aids each of us in our growth process. This article includes and exercise for all to identify possible underlying assumptions that may inhibit and increase the potential for intimacy.
Self Sabatoge and Secret Affections
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
In the recovery process, a new kind of honesty is needed to become all that God would have. This article takes a look at one way in which honesty can be helpful in the healing of our ability to relate as God would have us to.
When Bereavement and Holidays Walk Together
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Roles and traditions between family members, especially during the holidays, can be altered when a loved one dies. Article brings tips on coping with this sensitive family issue.
Tearing Down the Wall Through Forgiveness
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
What forgiveness really is and how relationships can be restored
Changing Our Hearts by Changing Our Minds
We can take the pressure off others to change by focusing on our own issues, because the only person we can really change is ourselves.
Advent Traditions
This article provides many ideas to help you and your family celebrate Advent - with special ways to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of the Christmas season.
Behaviors That Inhibit Clarity in Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Behaviors and thoughts that inhibit relationships
Moving From Shame To Respect
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Moving away from a sense of shame to self respect is very important to our mental and even physical health. Shame means to operate out of a "down deep" sense of not being good enough or that something is very wrong with us. This article gives great guidelines for healthy ways that combat a shame based way of living.
A Parent's Guide To Minimizing Sibling Rivalry
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Although sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family, parents can be proactive in helping to minimize sibling rivalry and helping children develop positive life long relationships with their siblings.
Suggestions For Clarity In Relationships
Author Unknown, Edited by Brenda Spina, M.S.,LMFT, LPC
This handout provides a list of specific response one can use when behavior in relationship becomes intrusive or offensive.
Kids in the Wheelbarrow: Cultivating Trust in the Home
Explore your definition of trust, discover what trust means in your home, and begin to cultivate a trusting environment.
Christmas Shocking
Christmas this year may not happen as you picture it. When things do not go as planned, you may experience Christmas culture shock.
Tips for Talking About Finances
Talking about money can lead to conflict, but research shows that having a plan on how to handle disagreements leads to happier marriages. This article provides some useful tips on handling your differences regarding finances.
Blended Families and Teens
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Blended families can be challenging for everyone, especially a teenager. Article describes these challenges and ways to help your teen navigate the ups and downs.
What Teens Want Parents to Understand
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Some teens believe that parents "don't get it" or "just don't understand." Recently, I asked teens to help me understand what it was like to be a teenager. This article reports their comments.
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.
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.
The Inner-Workings of People Problems
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
As therapists at the Center for Family Healing, we sometimes give seminars about people problems. Anxiety, stress, depression and various personality/relationship concerns are what we work with every day. This article points the reader to reading material that will help understand some of these matters. The article also discusses letting go of, when appropriate, impossibly tangled people problems.
What Men Wish Women Knew
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Interviewing a number of gentlemen, Brenda presents concisely and directly the thoughts and concerns these men expressed regarding the women most important to them. Covering acceptance, purpose, affection, and trust, these men placed themselves in a vulnerable position to help us understand pieces of their experience and commitment to the people they love.
Powerful Dads and Pretty Daughters
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Dads have a tremendous amount of influence in the lives of their daughters. This article outlines the ways in which Dads make a powerful impact both positively and negatively.
Moms' To Do List
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Moms are good at taking care of their loved ones but often do not take time for themselves. This article offers encouragement to moms to care for their needs and discusses ways moms can be proactive by nurturing their minds, bodies and spirits.
Surprise, Surprise: Not Everyone Likes Their Family Christmas
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Family gatherings are not always pleasant. We may not even like our family. What is the difference between like and love? This article tells how to separate behavior from the person or the family we are to love. We can not like or even accept behavior and still love the person. Separating the deed from the doer as we learn to love one another as we love ourselves is a big task. With God being invited into the center of this command, we will be able to follow it.
"The Talk"
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
The mere thought of having "the talk" about sexuality with their children often makes parents shudder and want to head for the hills. Parents take heart. This article encourages parents as it provides a step by step nonthreatening approach to discussing sexuality.
Encouraging the Growth Mindset in Children
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Parents naturally want the best for their children and can be instrumental in helping their children become resilient to challenges. This article informs parents on recent research and ways they can encourage their children to have a growth mindset.
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.
Peace and Goodwill Towards Men
Kathy Ann Ward, MA, LPC-T, CSAC
Using scripture readings to keep, or find, the peace and joy in your interpersonal relationships over the holidays.
