Articles about Stress
Christmas Then and Now
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Providing a personal perspective of Christmas as a child and then as an adult allows us to implement the power of our faith during this stressul time of the year.
Combating Perfectionism
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are varied reasons for the development of perfectionism in our lives. Understanding the possible sources and reconstructing our belief system is founded in God's Word and His love for us.
Deprivation and Anger
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Feelings of anger often cover many different primary emotions: hurt, confusion, fear, and rejection. Deprivation, often based in fear, is a part of life. Placing our confidence in the Lord's availability may not reduce deprivation but can help increase our ability to be comforted.
Abraham, Fear and Choice
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Abraham's life, among others, exhibits the impact of fear on our choices. The reward outlined by the Lord for those who persevere is His increased presence in our lives.
In Pursuit of Belonging
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Sometimes obtaining a sense of belonging promotes behaviors that demean or 'step on' others in order to feel significant. Using a passage from Hebrews, this article takes a look at the role of the priest, our role as priests in the family of God and similarities of responsibility.
Double Yoke: No Burden is Carried Alone
Examines our natural tendency to "go it alone" and provides a way to envision sharing your burdens with Jesus.
Marital Transitions: Parting the Fearful Waters
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Three steps to finding marital stability in the midst of change
A Christmas Sabbath
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Describes how behaviors and a mindset of peace and rest can bring us closer to God in the Christmas season
Daring to Laugh: When Celebration and Sadness Join Hands
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Pain and joy often occur together in life. Learn how God's faithfulness, sovereignty, and hope can be found in the midst of brokenness, failure, or other difficult circumstances.
Traumatic Loss and Uncommon Grace
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Utilizes truths gleaned from the story of the Good Samaritan to help families cope with traumatic loss.
Families and Transition
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Illustrates how Jesus can help families survive and thrive in times of change and transition.
Redeeming Our Life Stories: Narrative Family Therapy
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Our lifetime experiences can have positive and negative impacts on us. Narrative Family Therapy can be a tool in allowing Christ's redemptive love, and other positive stories of our lives, to "re-author" our painful past.
Trusting God in Trials and Sorrow
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article depicts, through a teenager's story, how Christ will not delay his provision, safety, strength, and love when we endure trials and suffering.
Easter Clothes: Throwing Off Cloaks of Unforgiveness
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Forgiveness brings emotional and spiritual healing. Using Biblical references to Palm Sunday and Easter, and a story from Corrie Ten Boom, this article shows how the old "clothes" or habits around unforgiveness hamper our freedom and joy.
Family Systems and Generational Bondage
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article describes how past generational patterns can influence current family functioning, and how God can equip us in healthy family functioning.
Grief and Changes
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Change within a family life cycle can bring feelings of grief and loss. Article lists six ways to weather the storms of family changes.
Marching On
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article shows how God can encourage and strengthen us when facing fatigue and discouragement in challenging situations.
Lord Emmanuel
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article describes in poetic form how God will dwell with us ande not forsake us in uncertain or tragic times.
Bread of Bethlehem
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Family and the sharing of communion is the backdrop of this article, which explores how to receive life-giving and healing attributes of God during the Christmas season.
11 Tips to Help Manage Stress
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Practical, clear and helpful ideas to keep you focused and positive in the Holiday Season
Marriage Relationships: Strengthening the Bond thru God's Love
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
A couple's journey from blaming each other to helping each other
Escaping the Role of Scapegoat
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
A vignette portraying a family scapegoat moving from cooperating with the role to rejecting the role
How to Stop Bullying
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Helpful suggestions and step by step plan to end bullying
Overcoming the Role of Family Hero
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
A vignette portraying common characteristics of the family hero
God's Presence in the Midst of Suffering
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Moving account of experiencing God's presence in the midst of horrendous suffering
God's Peace in the Midst of a Crisis
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Moving account of a young woman who experiences the peace of God in the midst of a personal crisis
Stress Management: Young Children Can Teach Us Well
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Stress management via lessons learned from young children
Emotional Reserve and Family Events
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
When our personal energy is drained, we are like an empty water jar. Family events and personal challenges will empty our reserves. We must find a way to replenish ourselves. This article gives specific refreshers for the days when we are overwhelmed.
Fruit of the Spirit: Tips to Increase Your Daily Servings
Tips on how to incorporate the fruits of the spirit into your daily life to keep you (and your loved ones) healthy and happy.
A True Joy-Filled Christmas
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Stress and high expectations of the modern Christmas season are in sharp contrast to the First Christmas
Healing at Christmas
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article describes the decisions we all have when entering the holidays. We can choose to stop "the war" in our relationships, to enter a time of peace.
Replenishing on Busy Days
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
All of us lose track of doing the basics things we need to do in order to stay "in a good place" physically, emotionally and spiritually. Holiday times and special occasions are times we feel especially stressed. Listed in this article are ways in which we can replenish our spirits as well as our bodies.
My Child Won't Go To School
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
School phobia, a severe stress response toward school is a very perplexing condition. Suddenly a child simply will not go to school and becomes unusually forceful in their not wanting to go into the school routine. Unusual crying, sitting down, not moving, screaming, running away from the parent, refusal to leave the car to go into the school, are some of the symptoms in this condition. This article gives a thorough overview of the condition and ideas of what to do with school phobia.
Prayers for God's Protection
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Fearful situations can leave us feeling vulnerable. Article outlines a specific format of prayers to use when we need God's protection.
When A Father Dies - Preparing For The Holidays
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The death of a family member creates a kind of stress that one does not understand until they experience the loss themselves. Add the holidays to this and the multiple levels of grief increase. There are a few basic truths that become real in the face of such a loss around the holidays. This article, written to encourage as well as remind us of these truths, utilizes the author's own personal experience to bring the reality of what it means to celebrate living in the face of grief.
Let There Be Peace in the Home: Helping Children Manage Stress During the Holiday Season
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Children are just as vulnerable to experiencing holiday stress as adults. This article gives parents nine practical tips to help children manage stress associated with the holiday season.
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.
Managing Food Dilemmas During the Holidays
Food holds many meanings and memories for us, especially during the holiday season. This article offers practical tips and suggestions for those with food allergies or special diets.
Facing the Holidays Together
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Each year numerous couples and families struggle to keep pace with the expectations placed upon them from various sources. Keeping extended family, friends, and each other happy requires great skill around negotiation, self-awareness, and the provision of flexibility. This article outlines several guidelines to be aware of as the festivities are rushing in to eat up your time and energy.
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.
Treasuring Children: Helping Children In Chronically Difficult Families
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Families where addictions and chronic stress or conflict dwell are especially difficult for children to cope with. Without a doubt, children in these settings have to work overtime to cope, survive and find a sense of safety that is different than most families. This article defines but a few things that can be done to make life and the development of who they are as children of God a bit easier.
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.
ADHD and Homework: It Can Work!
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Children with ADHD have a tremendous amount of potential. ADHD is not a limitation nor a predictor of school performance. In this article, Christine provides a practical guideline for parents to help make homework time more productive and less stressful.
Family Conflict and the Holidays: God Bless Us, Every One!
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Christmas is supposed to be a time of great joy and celebration, isn’t it? Yet, many have a relative or two in which there is some tension. When you consider the extra stress of the shopping, wrapping, food preparation, traveling, and stretched finances, it is no wonder that family gatherings can be stressful. This article provides tips to handle the stress of family and the holidays with God’s help.
My First Christmas Alone
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Holidays are unique in that they tend to awaken emotions many would rather avoid. Facing your first holidays without a loved one means the development of a new awareness of ourselves along with the loss of our loved one. Brenda candidly shares her experience of her first Christmas without her parents and the reality of our Heavenly Father's understanding.
Trauma, Long-term Stress and People
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Ever have someone in your life who just seems to challenge every bit of your patience? If so, then this article may be for you. For particular individuals, there are specific responses to repeated trauma that create a personality resistant to change. Included here are suggestions for coping with those who have been so wounded.
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.
Hurried and Harried Women
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Does time manage us or do we manage time? God has ways for us to restore and refresh; yet we often ignore that 15 per cent of our time that God has for us to do just that. Does God know what's best for us? Yes. This is an article we all need in this busy day and age.
Coming Along Side the 20 Somethings
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Young adults look so adult yet, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. This special group of people need more support than we can imagine. The energy and enthusiasm can mask the fears and challenges they face. Author and therapist, Brenda Spina takes a few moments to outline the challenges they face as well as some practical ways in which all of us can support these precious young men and women.
