Articles about Depression
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.
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.
Transitions and Change: A Tribute to Mr. Fred Rogers
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Changes in life can bring grief, stress, and a longing for the past. Article uses lessons learned from The Mister Rogers Show to show ways to lessen the trauma around transition.
Depression in the Soul: Five Steps to Freedom
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Depression can distort and inhibit God's true plan for our lives. Article suggests five steps to bring restorative thinking and behaviors that battle sadness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
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.
God's Forgiveness
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
God's forgiveness is complete. He moves us from shame and guilt to being set free.
Family Roles: Assigned and Assumed
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
The powerful impact of family role assignments and assumptions
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
How to Stop Bullying
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Helpful suggestions and step by step plan to end bullying
For Shame, For Shame: How to End Shaming When Disciplining
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
The power and influence of parents is great; keeping the parent-child relationship in its proper place
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
Addictions: Many Forms But Never Satisfying
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Addictions cannot satisfy our needs but only serve to destroy joy and peace. God desires more for us!
Perfectionism: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Perfectionism is harsh and demanding. However,the Lord does not require it.
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.
Acute Stress
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Acute stress is the initial concentrated exposure to a traumatic event or events. Acute stressors might be a war, being robbed, experiencing excessive cruelty, a natural disaster, viewing human mutilation, etc. What happens to our bodies in acute stress is that the unexpected events put the body in a type of strain. After being exposed to trauma, the sense of feeling safe is hard to regain.
Clearly Wrong: Bad Behavior and What To Do About It
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
How do we reside in the place of love when we fail in our behavior with others. There are times when each of us engages in bad behavior: Behavior we do not find acceptable to God or ourselves. What do we do when we are wrong in our behavior? This article provides answers; a "how to" in moving from bad behavior to a better "place," a forgiven place, a place of reconciliation with God and ourselves.
Because God Loves Me: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
God's love made personal
Is My Husband in Male Menopause?
Daniel Lange, M.S.W., LCSW
Male menopause is similar to menopause in women
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.
When Parents Fight
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Children develop their sense of belonging and sense of security from their relationships with their parents. When there is on-going animosity between the parents, it is difficult for children to feel safe and to attach to both parents.
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.
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.
On-Line Gaming: How Much is too Much?
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
Article explores the explosion of the online gaming industry and the tough decisions parents have to make about hours spent gaming. In it is a set of signs that identify if there is a problem or even an addiction present.
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.
Suicide Prevention: Making the Connection
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Suicide is a very complex subject and is usually not about death at all but rather about wanting to stop the pain. The vast majority of the time, those who are thinking about suicide do give verbal and/ or behavioral warning signs particularly in the last week before the attempt. By knowing the warning signs, loved ones can intervene and provide support. This article lists many verbal and behavioral warning signs of suicide and provides questions to ask if you suspect a loved one may be suicidal.
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.
Adolescent Girls Battling Eating Disorders
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article explores the effects of adolescent female eating disorders on the individual and the family. It also gives options for getting help.
Twenty Something
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
The twenties can be described as a time of great transitions. In this article, Christine outlines common struggles of young adults and provides helpful suggestions for parents and loved ones.
God's Christmas List
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
If we find ourselves overwhelmed, anxious, lonely or fearful during this Christmas season, we can take heart and reflect on God’s love. God has made all the necessary preparations for Christmas.
Coping With Holiday Grief
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There is no time of year more difficult than the holidays when a loved one has died. Nothing feels the same nor will it feel the same again. Listed here are only a few helps that may make the holidays a bit more tolerable.
Helping Ourselves through the Holidays
Holidays challenge us on every level: emotionally with the memories of family or stressors of getting together, physically because there seem to be so many more activities and details to attend to, spiritually we are stretched thin between honoring our faith and all the demands we face. This handout is designed with those stressors in mind. The ideas suggested are just that...suggestions. Underneath it all we trust each will find ways to care for themselves as God would have.
Facebook, Teens, and Depression
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Some teens look to Facebook and other social media to determine their self worth. They do this by comparing their numbers of friends, pictures, and entries on the site with others. The term for the downward spiral of self worth this inspires in some "Facebook Depression." This article briefly examines the phenomenon and provides helpful suggestions to direct young people toward more healthy thinking.
The Excitement and Challenge of Beginning School
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Beginning school can be exciting and challenging for children and parents alike. In this article, Christine Vander Wielen provides parents with helpful guidelines to,, make the transition smoother for themselves and their children.
Controlling the Chaos
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
For stepfamilies, the stress of the holiday season can be compounded. With patience and grace, the holiday season can be enjoyable. In this article, tips for stepfamilies to navigate the holiday season are shared.
Trauma: Caring for Ourselves
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Each of us experiences situations and events that run the risk of leaving us traumatized. Traumatic events may not be completely avoidable. Yet if we find ourselves on the backside of a traumatic event there are some specific things we can implement to help ourselves through the resulting emotional upheaval. This article outlines each of those helps and, surprisingly, they sound familiar.
Overcoming Self-sabotaging Behaviors
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
While we are all capable of self-sabotage, some individuals are more vulnerable to self-defeating behavior. It is possible to work through the tendency of self-defeating behavior. Half the battle is already won when individuals become aware of their self-destructive behavior. This article will outline a plan to overcome self-sabotaging behavior.
