Friendship

Articles

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.

Humor and Perversity

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Humor in our culture has taken a sarcastic, demeaning turn. Learning to communicate from our hear with wisdom is different than communicating humor with respect for another. God's view of this type of humor is discussed

Behaviors That Inhibit Clarity in Relationships

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Behaviors and thoughts that inhibit relationships

Using Mindfulness to Keep Relationships Healthy

Whitney Stager, M.S.

Insights and tips are provided on how use mindfulness to be attentive to others feelings, as well as your own, in everyday experiences, to help strengthen your relationship.

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.

10 Tips For Solving Problems

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listed are ten simple yet challenging factors to remember when attempting to bring a difficult conversation to a calmer level. Both parties, working in this manner, may be able to move towards increased understanding of one another and look for ways to have both of you to have the things you value respected.

Respect in Families

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There are three foundational principles that make respect in families happen. Following these principles may be challenging but are also an expression of our commitment to following the examples laid before us by the Lord. In part one, respect is defined and a brief look at grandiosity is taken.

Validation is Not Agreement

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

This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.

Different Culture, Equal Honor: Viewpoints on Shame

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Family and individual rituals can look different, but are equally valued by God. Article shows how to bring sensitivity and honor to these rituals, when culture or economic and social status are different between people.

Answering Jesus' Call

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This article helps the reader make decisions about when it is important to act on Jesus' call and to be open to His timing.

Christmas Shocking

Derreka Walton, M.S.E.

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

Whitney Stager, M.S.

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.

Broadcasts

I Can't Express Feelings #574

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Paul and Lynda discuss how to speak to and share with another person without blaming them.

Understanding Yourself #611

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Understanding the different situations that can be double binding.

Enjoying People As They Are #3088

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

"Proverbs For the Family" is filled with nuggets of information designed to strengthen and clarify relationships. In this program the importance of enjoying your loved ones in the here and now is explored.

People Need To Know They Belong #3090

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Belonging is key for a person's sense of existence. This important reality is discussed in detail.

Steps To Personal Responsibility #1 of 3, #3102

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Personal responsibility is not easily supported in our culture today. These three programs outline the six steps needed to move toward taking responsibility for the attitudes, behaviors and choices we make.

Steps To Personal Responsibility #2 of 3, #3103

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Scripture supports people taking responsibility for their choices. Phillipians states we are to look out for our own interests and the interests of others. This programs discusses the move towards taking responsibility.

Steps To Personal Responsibility #3 of 3, #3104

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Scriptures supports people taking responsibility for their choices. Phillipians states we are to look out for our own interests and the interests of others. Discussed is the move towards taking responsibility.

Walking Towards Intimacy #1 of 4, #3151

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Phil Pannier discuss the beginnings of and elements of developing intimacy. Intimacy is necessary and is reflective of our relationship to the Lord.

Walking Towards Intimacy #2 of 4, #3152

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Phil Pannier discuss the beginnings of and the elements of developing intimacy. Intimacy is necessary and is reflective of our relationship to the Lord.

Walking Towards Intimacy #3 of 4, #3153

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Phil Pannier discuss the beginnings of and the elements of developing intimacy. Intimacy is necessary and is reflective of our relationship to the Lord.

Walking Towards Intimacy #4 of 4, #3154

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Phil Pannier discuss the beginnings of and elements of developing intimacy. Intimacy is necessary and is reflective of our relationship to the Lord.

How To Listen: Methods of Sending/ Receiving Messages #1 of 6, #3155

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listening is the key to communication. The receiver of a message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

How To Listen: Difficulties of the Listener #2 of 6, #3156

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listening is the key to communication. The receiver of the message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

How To Listen: Three Basic Listening Modes #3 of 6, #3157

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listen is the key to communication. The receiver of a message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

How To Listen: Levels of Communication #4 of 6, #3158

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listening is the key to communication. The receiver of a message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

How To Listen: Choosing the Listening Track #5 of 6, #3159

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listening is the key to communication. The receiver of a message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

How To Listen: Overall Listening Tips #6 of 6, #3160

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Listening is the key to communication. The receiver of a message has several options. A commitment to understanding what the speaker is saying whether or not you agree through to helping the speaker sort through feelings and choices is covered in this helpful series.

Honesty and Defenses #1 of 3, #3195

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Three programs designed to identify and discuss three relational defenses that keep us from being emotionally honest.

Honesty and Defenses #2 of 3, #3196

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Three programs designed to identify and discuss three relational defenses that keep us from being emotionally honest.

Honesty and Defenses #3 of 3, #3197

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Three programs designed to identify and discuss three relational defenses that keep us from being emotionally honest.