Relationship Issues

Regaining Your Self-Esteem After an Unhappy Marriage

Regaining Your Self-Esteem After an Unhappy Marriage

Melissa PlantzJune 30th, 2026|Featured, Individual Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Ending a marriage is never something planned. No one begins their wedding day thinking about how the union will end. But we live in a fallen world, and people make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes have dire consequences that affect others’ lives for generations. In the midst of an unhappy marriage, you can lose your sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Years of emotional or physical abuse, infidelity, betrayal, abandonment, and neglect can take their toll, chipping away at your confidence. However, you can regain your self-esteem and discover who you are in God after an unhappy marriage. Lean Into God The Bible tells us that the Lord is with the broken-hearted. He knows our thoughts and our hearts. When we come to God and confess our sins, repent of our ways, turning to Him and away from sin, He welcomes us and washes us clean. Our hearts become pure again. When faced with an unhappy marriage, the Lord sees how we are treated. God created marriage, and He instructs spouses to love each other. When a spouse mistreats their husband or wife, or commits adultery, God wants us to forgive, but He wants us to live in peace. This may mean ending the unhappy marriage. Lean into God while you make these decisions. As you heal from divorce or separation, study the Bible, pray and talk to God throughout the day, and ask God to reveal His character to you. He is the Father and the Spouse who will never leave. He will be faithful always. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV Take the Time to Grieve and Heal Over Your Unhappy Marriage Ending an unhappy marriage is a loss. Take the time to grieve and heal. [...]

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10 Tips for Better Understanding and Communicating Your Emotions

10 Tips for Better Understanding and Communicating Your Emotions

Stephanie KramerSeptember 19th, 2025|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Relationship Issues|

One of the biggest challenges therapists encounter in many of their clients is the inability to identify their emotions. It seems like an elementary concept. Even small children can pick up on facial expressions and body language cues that indicate emotions, at least in their own cultures. So why is it so difficult for adult clients to label their own emotions? Parents often ask their children if they are happy or sad, but how often do they ask their children if they are frustrated, jealous, envious, or stressed? Adults tend to simplify complex emotions by labeling them as either sad (negative) or happy (positive). This oversimplification may work for very young children, but as kids grow up, we should be teaching them to distinguish between more complex emotions. For instance, they should be able to differentiate between the negative emotion of sadness and the negative emotion of loneliness. This lack of training and vocabulary can make therapy sessions and life in general more difficult. If someone is challenged by defining and communicating their thoughts and emotional state, it becomes even more difficult to find the support they need. Even a trained therapist may have a difficult time zeroing in on a specific emotion their client may be feeling if there is a disconnect in communication. It’s no wonder that there is a definite and strong connection between emotional intelligence and linguistics. It stands to reason, then, that many therapists are good communicators and that linguists typically have strong interpersonal skills. Vocabulary, communication, and interpersonal connections are all interwoven and interdependent. Everyone can benefit from improving their emotional communication skills. If you’re struggling with identifying your own emotions, here are a few tips to help you better understand and communicate those feelings: Understand your feelings Rather than jumping to immediately label [...]

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Being “The Other Grandma”: Dealing with Family Issues from a Christian Perspective

Being “The Other Grandma”: Dealing with Family Issues from a Christian Perspective

Stephanie KramerJuly 30th, 2025|Family Counseling, Featured, Relationship Issues|

Some topics are too sensitive to discuss at family gatherings. But often, the “other grandma” is silently thinking about her recessive role in the family. It’s not unusual to find families where one set of grandparents is prominent in their grandchildren’s lives while “the other side” takes a more subtle role. But just because this is not unusual doesn’t mean it doesn’t stink. Are you “the other grandma”? Are you the one that gets to see photos of your grandchildren cuddled with the person they think of when someone asks about their grandparents? Are you the one who has to ask your child what to buy for your grandchildren on gift-giving holidays because you don’t know what they’re into these days? Maybe you want to take a primary role in the life of your children and their families, but circumstances beyond your control prevent it. There are plenty of reasons why you may take a recessive role in the lives of your grands. For some grandparents, geographical location plays a part in their distant relationships. Your children grow up and get married and then leave their hometown. You have a job, other family members, and a busy life and can’t just relocate to follow them, so you are left with a geographical divide. For other families, strained relationships between in-laws can create a division between grandparents and their grandchildren. It’s hard to see your grandchildren when one or both of their parents want to block a relationship. Still others live busy lives and have a hard time integrating their grandchildren into an already packed schedule. Whatever the reason that pigeonholed you into the role of the secondary grandma doesn’t matter. What matters is the hurt you feel sitting on the sidelines of your grandchildren’s lives. So, what should you do [...]

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3 Signs Your Loved One is a Narcissist

3 Signs Your Loved One is a Narcissist

Michelle LazurekMay 5th, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Narcissism is a word that many people throw around. A spouse or person often uses this word to degrade or belittle someone else. They will slap the label of narcissism on someone when they feel anyone is being too selfish or not considering their needs first. Narcissism is a complex disorder that goes beyond simple selfishness. A person who is a narcissist believes the world revolves around them. They’re constantly building their world around them so that people and events validate their superiority. While narcissists may feel comfortable in this situation, their loved ones may feel victimized, and this type of behavior takes a toll on their relationship as the other person never gets their needs met. Here Are Three Signs Your Loved One Is a Narcissist Lack of Empathy Because a narcissist is constantly concerned about what others think or feel about them, they may have a general lack of empathy. For example, you may come home and tell them all about your problems. Not only will you not get any supportive feedback from them, but you may also get narcissists to change the conversation, so the conversation is all about them. A person with empathy supports the communicator with loving words and actions to comfort them in their time of need, whereas a narcissist lacks the comforting skills to be able to help someone in need. A great way to help narcissists develop empathy is to ask them to serve in their community. Nothing changes a person’s attitude, like putting others first. Narcissists can see that some people have had worse problems than others and desperately need time, money, and resources. Narcissists may be able to break free of their ways and develop empathy so they can help and comfort those in need. Constant Need for Validation [...]

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5 Warning Signs of Codependency

5 Warning Signs of Codependency

Cyndi Kay GreenApril 22nd, 2025|Codependency, Couples Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Codependency is a term that is used to describe a pattern of behavior connected to a dysfunctional relationship. Most of the time, signs of codependency include a person relying on another person to maintain emotional well-being. The idea of a couple who have the mindset that they cannot fathom life without each other is a romanticized plot in a movie, but it is also the description of a relationship riddled with signs of codependency. An imbalanced exchange of emotional and mental support typically characterizes these relationships. One person feels a sense of responsibility for the other person being happy and safe. This means that the other person is often an enabler for the one that is codependent. The most common dynamic is one in which the codependent person has a narcissistic behavior pattern. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. - Romans 15:1, NIV 5 Common Warning Signs of Codependency in a Relationship Enabling Behaviors In a codependent relationship, the enabler will allow the codependent to engage in dysfunctional behaviors. This can be portrayed by giving money, making excuses, and tolerating being mistreated. Extreme Caretaking Habits It is common for the codependent to feel as though they need to take care of the other person by fixing all the problems. This is an unhealthy level of responsibility that often takes away from the needs of the codependent. Controlling Behaviors Behaviors that are seemingly controlling are often a warning sign that the relationship may be one of codependency. This behavior is often coupled with a lack of trust. Because of a fear of being abandoned, the codependent will desire a need for control in the relationship. This makes them feel as though they are in control of deflecting any hurt [...]

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Step-Family Challenges and How to Manage Them

Step-Family Challenges and How to Manage Them

Cyndi Kay GreenMarch 7th, 2025|Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

In recent years society has moved away from the term step-family and has started using blended family to describe the dynamics of a family created by spouses who have children from a previous relationship/marriage. Step-family challenges come from creating a family from two pre-existing families. The kids involved can be overwhelmed with conflicting emotions while parents try to navigate the new dynamics in the home. This blending of a stepfamily takes patience and effort. It can be painful to build new relationships because there are so many new interactions that must be navigated. But it can also be a beautiful thing when the parents choose to keep God in the midst. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. – Psalm 127:3, NIV Step-family Challenges and Managing Them Well Building a healthy family is challenging without the dynamic of being a step-family. When the addition of other family members gets thrown into the mix, there are complex situations that must be navigated to create a healthy family with healthy bonds. Creating a healthy and well-balanced home is attainable when the family, especially the parents, is intentional with untangling the fine threads of emotions, expectations, and experiences. New family roles As a couple with children comes together there will be new roles that will be established. Children and parents will each be subjected to a different dynamic when it comes to what their role in this new family becomes. Managing the challenge: The boundaries of these roles are important and should be respected. Parents must remember to be gentle in developing new relationships with their stepchildren. Different cultures Each family comes with its own culture and traditions. These differences can create tension if it seems as though only one set of cultures is being incorporated into [...]

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Being Single and Maintaining Integrity in Today’s Society

Being Single and Maintaining Integrity in Today’s Society

Melissa PlantzJanuary 28th, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Personal Development, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

It seems like it is becoming harder to maintain integrity in today’s society. Social platforms and other media expose us to images and behaviors rapidly becoming the norm that goes against Godly living. So how do you continue to be a Christian while being single today, especially in the dating world? Being Single in the 21st Century More and more people are choosing to remain single longer as they focus on their education and pursue careers. But unfortunately, many also engage in long-term monogamous relationships instead of marriage. In some of these cases, people have felt pressured to conform to society’s norms. For example, a woman dreams of having a large wedding wearing a beautiful glittering gown and marrying the love of her life, giving him her virginity on her wedding night. But as the woman graduates high school and university and begins her career, she feels pressured to date more. Next, her friends tease her for not taking the next step with her boyfriend. She becomes confused and rationalizes her feelings for her boyfriend, eventually having sex with him. They maintain this relationship for a year before they break up. The woman meets someone new months later, and the cycle starts again. This is a common scenario because society no longer encourages marriage as the step before sex. Instead, it has become commonplace to have premarital sex and to move in with someone to gauge capability. But there was a reason God encouraged people to marry first; to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and to maintain morality. You do not have to devalue your integrity. Instead, you can face temptations and stand up to people. To do this you will need to be strong in your faith and stay deep in God’s word and prayer. The following is a [...]

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The Negative Effects of Consumerism on Our Mental Health

The Negative Effects of Consumerism on Our Mental Health

Jennifer KooshianDecember 26th, 2024|Depression, Featured, Personal Development, Relationship Issues|

The story of our lives can be told by the various objects around us that we treasure. This isn’t all there is to us, to be sure, but it can say plenty about us. We have cherished books, furniture inherited from a beloved relative, sneakers or shoes that have their own shelves in a closet, pictures in frames that tell of treasured memories with loved ones, trinkets that are prominently displayed on the mantlepiece, and so much more. The things we own and treasure say a lot about us, but they can never tell the full story. Nor should they. Carl R. Trueman notes that when we become over-attached to our material goods and possessions to the point that our sense of meaning or worth is determined by them, we are caught up in consumerism. Consumerism can affect us in many ways, including our mental and emotional health. Living in a Consumer Society Our society is the most affluent in human history. That affluence may not be evenly distributed, but we’re living in a country where we can acquire goods and services cheaply, and things can be easily discarded, and new things obtained. Each year, there is a new iteration of some gadget or product, and the incessant message is that the new one is better, and you’re missing out if you still have the older version. Upgrade now! It’s made easy to simply “upgrade” to the new thing; incentives are offered, whether it’s trade-ins or some discount offered to draw you in. If it’s not that, with things like fast fashion, you can get items that are cheaply made and don’t cost much to buy. It’s easy to lean into the “buy two and get the third one free”, because why not? And because it’s [...]

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Making Sense of Christian Divorce and Finding Support

Making Sense of Christian Divorce and Finding Support

Jennifer KooshianAugust 14th, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Relationships can run the gamut from beautiful and fulfilling to traumatic and life-altering. It’s not always easy to know when to walk away from a relationship; perhaps this is just a bad season and good times are just around the corner. Or, given time and some elbow grease, things could turn around. These and many other thoughts could accompany the conviction to hang in there for another day or another year and put off the contemplation of divorce. The life and the story of any marriage is a unique one, and it can be difficult to walk others through the intricacies of each decision and action that has led you to the point of seeking a divorce. Ending a relationship, much less a marriage, is a step that ought to be undertaken thoughtfully; at least with as much thought as what you applied to enter the relationship to begin with. This article will attempt to highlight some considerations to make before stepping toward divorce. Implications and reasons for divorce There are many reasons why a person could decide to get divorced. Some of the main reasons why people get divorced include issues as diverse as infidelity, conflict over money, a lack of commitment, domestic violence and other forms of abuse, differences over roles and division of labor in the family, incompatible or conflicting parenting styles, lack of family support, emotional neglect, and religious and cultural differences, to name a few. These reasons may just be words on a page for some, but for the person who has lived through those conflicts, the emotional abandonment, or financial strain, they may be reminders of a dark and painful time that’s probably best forgotten. Whatever else it might be, the thought of getting a divorce might feel like getting a reprieve from [...]

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Bible Verses About Forgiveness: Finding Freedom from Vengeance

Bible Verses About Forgiveness: Finding Freedom from Vengeance

Kate MotaungApril 22nd, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

Looking for Bible verses about forgiveness? Here are several Scriptures about forgiving others and being forgiven. If you’re going by what makes the headlines, the world doesn’t seem like a fair place. Those who hurt others, take advantage of them, and who work the system seem to get away with it. This happens in society at large, but it also happens in our relationships. Colleagues take advantage of generosity, and loved ones, neighbors, and strangers can seem to have no compunction about abusing one’s kindness. Forgiveness gives way to revenge. The above is a jaundiced view of society, but it can sometimes feel like you’re playing by the rules while others aren’t. But even in those situations where you feel like you’re a righteous sufferer, God’s call to His people is for them to be marked by forgiveness for even those they consider enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). Forgiveness releases you from the desire for vengeance, and it frees you of bitterness toward others. Not only that, but forgiveness is one of many ways we can begin imitating God, who has forgiven us much. For the disciple of Jesus, forgiveness is a way of life. Bible verses about forgiveness. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. – Psalm 32:1-2, NIV The Psalms are a prayer and songbook, and here David was rejoicing in the blessings of being forgiven. When God forgives us, He lifts the burden of our failures off our shoulders and takes it upon His own. The role we play is to allow Him to relieve us of the burden, and to trust that He does not hold anything against us. When [...]

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