Articles

Martha, Can You Believe?

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Martha was unique in her refusal to not question God. She pursued Jesus in hope of receiving answers and comfort in her time of grief and loss. Using her life we will see the utilization of her skills and God's merciful response to her pain.

Allowing Grief

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Resisting the existence of grief robs us of the comfort available in our relationship with the Lord. A brief example of one girl's grief is shared.

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.

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.

Childlike Needs in Adult Losses

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Author's experience of a brother dying of AIDS portrays how Christ brings commfort through filling unmet childhood needs.

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.

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.

Grieving As An Act of Reconciliation

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

This article addresses grieving in light of a process of reconciliation instead of a one action decision of acceptance.

Taking Care of Yourself Over Holidays After a Loss

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

After the death of a loved one, various holidays are difficult, especially Christmas. Here are specific ideas for moving through any holiday with gentleness toward yourself and your situation.

Words When It Matters

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Our hearts go out to those who have just experienced loss. What can we say to them? This article explains the importance of words to the grieving person and gives five great ideas of what is helpful to share.

Grieving Another Divorce

A "Dear Rosa" question and answer expressing the anger and hurt one can feel during a divorce in the face of some Christians

Making Your Way Through Transition

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

This article describes the challenges we face when going through difficult life changes. It also gives a way of navigating through that difficult time.

Coping With Holiday Grief

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

Adapted from "Ten Ways To Cope With Holiday Grief" by L.B. Schultz, this handout provides information that is both practical and helpful for anyone who experiences renewed grief during the holiday seasons. Grief knows no time frame. Because of that fact, knowing what is normal and helpful may aid in alleviating and normalize the grief responses.

Understanding Grief When A Child Dies

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

Reprinted in part from "Compassionate Friends", Copyright 1980, the death of a child has unique stresses that impact the remaining family members. Guilt, grief, depression, and strained relationships are not unusual. This handout is especially helpful for parents who have had to say good-bye to a child prematurely.

Things To Remember When Grieving

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

Following guidelines originally written in "How To Grieve" by KAIROS, these steps help the grief stricken person what to remember. Each of these ten statements move the grieving individual towards the strength of God and moving forward into the future with renewed focus.

Chronic Disease: A Life Altering Condition

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

Each year many people are diagnosed with having a chronic disease. This article discusses some of the common grief reactions patients may have when first diagnosed.

Broadcasts

After The Grief #3077

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

The death of a loved one, especially a spouse, creates numerous emotional and social dilemma's for the remaining individual. Join Suzan and Brenda as they focus on the question "What now?". God has a plan and a purpose for those who have experienced such a loss.

Grief Process #1 of 2, #2193

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A look at the grief process after the loss of a loved one.

Grief Process #2 of 2, #2194

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program continues the discussion of the grief process after the loss of a loved one.

Aging Parents #1 of 2, #3247

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In these two programs, Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss the core fears adults face as they age. The growing sense of dependency involves children or other adults as caregivers, Knowing what to expect, how to treat aging adults and yourself as the caregiver are presented.

Aging Parents #2 of 2, #3248

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In these two programs, Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss the core fears adults face as they age. the growing sense of dependency involves children or other adults as caregivers. Knowing what to expect, how to treat aging adults and yourself as the caregiver are presented.

Helping Children Cope With Death #1 of 2, #3205

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In these two programs, Brenda Spina outline specific concerns and helps for young children, school age children, pre-teens, and teens who face the loss of a loved one.

Helping Children Cope With Death #2 of 2, #3206

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In these two programs, Brenda Spina outline specific concerns and helps for young children, school age children, pre-teens, teens who face the loss of a loved one.

The Two Sides of Pity #1 of 2, #3223

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

These programs feature Suzan Myhre and Paul Cameron discussing the difference between Godly pity and self-centered pity. It looks at the kind of thoughts and beliefs that go with self-centered pity and the trappings of it. God's truth frees us from these trappings.

The Two Sides of Pity #2 of 2, #3224

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

These programs feature Suzan Myhre and Paul Cameron discussing the difference between Godly pity and self-centered pity. It looks at the kind of thoughts and beliefs that go with self-centered and the trappings of it. God's truth frees us from these trappings.

Dealing With Loss #1 of 2, #3185

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Ever come face to face with suffering and not known what to say or do? Me too! In these two programs, Brenda along with Paul define loss and outline general guidelines that people can follow when coming along side one who is experiencing suffering and loss.

Dealing With Loss #2 of 2, #3186

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Ever come face to face with someone who is suffering and not known what to say or do? Me too! In these two programs, Brenda defines loss and outlines general guidelines that individuals can follow when coming along side one who is experiencing loss and suffering.