Whether you want help talking through a difficult life choice or ongoing support from a professional who respects your Christian values, finding a trusted Christian counselor in Raleigh is a great first step toward a peaceful and fulfilling life. 

What Makes Christian Counseling for Women Different?

Whether you are married or single, a mother or not, being a woman comes with its own set of challenges. Counseling for women caters to the unique demands that women face, but traditional counseling doesn’t take a faith-based approach. Christian counseling provides the professional support that you want from a licensed therapist while respecting Christian values—and more than that—using the faith to foster real and lasting change for the better. 

When Is It Time to Get Counseling?

The decision to undergo counseling is something that you will ultimately have to make on your own. However, there are some common reasons why many women benefit from Christian counseling. If you answered yes to any of these, then it might be time to team up with a professional to get the relief that you need:

• Are you finding it difficult to rid yourself of unwanted thoughts, emotions, or behaviors?
• Do pains from the past or present make it difficult for you to do the things you need to do and want to do? 
• Are you struggling with being a Christian wife or mother?
• Have you noticed unhealthy patterns in your romantic or personal relationships? 
• Do ongoing struggles with self-image rob you of your joy in Jesus Christ?
• Would you benefit from faith-based support for dealing with concerns about your spiritual development?

Areas of Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC for Women

Whatever troubles you are going through, there’s sure to be a professional Christian counselor who can help. There are many areas of focus available to you, all of which are geared toward women of the faith who need support from another Christian who understands what they are going through. Some areas of Christian therapy for women include:

• Anxiety and Depression 
• Marriage and Relationships
• Traumatic Experiences
• Grief and Loss
• Motherhood, Pregnancy, and Infertility
• Career Counseling
• Spirituality 

What to Expect During Christian Women’s Counseling

Every counseling journey is different, and your therapist will take the time to understand where you are coming from to help create a plan that works for you. However, there are some basics that stay the same no matter what your goals for healing might be. Key components provided by Christian counselors for women include:

• A Tailored Therapeutic Approach: Christian counselors for women are licensed professionals that offer a variety of services depending on the needs of each individual, and therapy can include a variety of techniques such as talk therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 

• Faith-Focused Counseling: Christian counseling is faith-centered, which means that whatever method of therapy being used will incorporate Christian themes such as application of scripture and prayer. 
• Compassion That Meets You Where You Are: Your Christian counselor isn’t acting as a substitute for God, but walks alongside you in the faith to meet your challenges at a pace that is beneficial for you. This is a judgment-free space for honest reflection, guidance, and support to help you find tools for dealing with life’s challenges in a way that strengthens your relationship with God and others. 

Find Christian Counselors for Women in Raleigh

The only thing worse than going through the difficulties of life is feeling like you are doing so alone. If you want someone to walk alongside you as you work through your problems, then please don’t wait another day. Help is available, and there is always hope through faith in Jesus Christ!

Are you looking for a “Christian counselor near me” that provides faith-based counseling for women? Sojourner Counseling is a reliable choice for women searching for Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC that can help with trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. We also provide counseling for teens and children. Contact us anytime to learn more, or to schedule your initial appointment. 

The post Christian Counseling for Women: Faith Focused, Therapeutic and Compassionate Care first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Christian Counseling for Women: Faith Focused, Therapeutic and Compassionate Care appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

For many, the question isn’t whether counseling itself is beneficial—but whether it is morally acceptable for a Christian. If you or someone you love is struggling in this way, then it can help if we understand the following ideas using scripture:

• The Purpose of Christian Counseling
• The Role of a Christian Counselor
• How Christian Counseling Can Help Grow Faith, not Hinder It

The Purpose of Christian Counseling

We know why people go to therapy. They have difficulty dealing with mental, emotional, and relational issues, and they are looking for professional insights to help them find a solution. Why do people go to Christian counseling, specifically? 

Christian counseling is made by people of the faith for people of the faith—or for those who are interested in a faith-based approach to counseling. The reason why many choose Christian counseling over traditional counseling is because they can gain the benefits of professional therapy along with the benefits of finding support from someone of the Christian faith.

For Christians, we often see mental, emotional, and relational health as a spiritual problem. Therefore, we need someone who can meet us on our terms. 

This is the purpose of Christian Counseling—to provide sound therapeutic services that do not clash with Christian views and values, but rather encourages them.

Are you wondering what the Bible has to say? While these scriptures aren’t about counseling, the meaning can be applied to Christian counseling as a way to find guidance and support through our fellow servants in Jesus Christ:

• Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
•  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. – 1 Peter 4:10
• If all were a single member, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, yet one body…If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – 1 Corinthians 12

The Role of a Christian Counselor

Is seeing a Christian therapist offensive to God? Does the Christian therapist stand in the place of Jesus or the Holy Spirit? While each person should follow his or her own conscience about whether to talk to a therapist or not, a good Christian therapist does not see him or herself as a substitute for the work of God, but rather, as one who walks alongside you on a path of healing in Him. 

Here are some scriptures that can be applied to how your Christian counselor might view their role in service to you and Jesus Christ:

• Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
• Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
• Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

How Seeing Christian Therapists in Raleigh, NC Can Help Your Faith

Going to Christian counseling in Raleigh doesn’t have to impede your faith or signify weak faith. Rather, communing with your fellow servants in Christ who strive to serve you and help you along in the faith can be a rewarding and enriching experience. This experience not only leads you on a path of dealing with the problems that brought you to therapy, but also arms you spiritually to face life challenges now and in the future through a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

You also might wonder if Christian counselors provide real therapy. 

Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC are licensed professionals that provide a variety of resources for dealing with things like depression, trauma, anxiety, family conflict, and more. This can include EMDR therapy, CBT therapy, talk therapy, and others. In addition, they implement the faith through application of scripture, prayer, and discussion of faith-based ideas, to name a few.Are you looking for a Raleigh “Christian counselor near me?” who can answer your questions about Christian counseling? Sojourner Counseling is more than happy to talk with you, so you can make a decision that’s right for you.

The post Is it Okay for A Christian to See a Counselor? first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Is it Okay for A Christian to See a Counselor? appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

What Is Grounding in Therapy?

Grounding is a therapeutic technique that helps bring you back to the present moment and reality. Grounding in therapy can be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It is typically recommended for those experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, unwanted thoughts or images, and/or overwhelming emotions. It allows you to distance yourself from the distressing emotions or sensations and decrease the intensity of the experience. This happens by using your senses to connect with the current reality and surroundings. By perceiving your environment through your senses, you’re able to self-soothe distress you’re experiencing. 

How To Do the 5-4-3-2-1 Technique

5-4-3-2-1 is an easy technique to do and you can do it wherever you are. Let’s look at how to do this quick yet effective technique for anxiety.

Step 1: Say 5 Things You See Around You

The first step is to identify five things that you can see around you. By doing this, you draw your attention and focus on your immediate surroundings. You can name anything you see in front or around you–from a lamp to grass to a clock on the wall. What’s most important is being able to truly perceive what you see, noticing the colors, shape and size of the object.

Step 2: Say 4 Things You Can Touch

Next, you identify four things that you can touch. In this step, you can reach for something to touch and feel, or you can identify something you feel touching against your body. Notice the texture, observing any softness, smoothness, roughness or other sensation.

Step 3: Say 3 Things You Hear

Then, name three things that you can hear. You’re engaging the environment around you through the sense of sound. You might notice the sound of cars, the rustling of the wind in the trees, or noise of a nearby person. Wait patiently if you don’t hear something immediately. Depending on your setting you may have to focus in closely on these sounds.

Step 4: Say 2 Things You Can Smell

The fourth step includes using your sense of smell and naming to things you smell. You might find a piece or beverage to smell or sniff a nearby candle. Feel free to walk outside and notice any particular scents that catch your attention if needed.

Step 5: Express Gratitude for 1 Thing

Traditionally, the final step of 5-4-3-2-1 has included one thing you taste. For Christians, you can use this step to re-center and focus back on God through practicing gratitude. For the final step, you’ll express gratitude for someone or something in your life. You can do this in the form of prayer by simply thanking God for someone or something in your life He’s provided. This doesn’t have to be a physical object or sense. For example, you could thank God for your ability to use your senses or for His love towards you.

What’s significant about this step is ending your grounding practice by focusing back on God and giving thanks for the physical and spiritual parts of our lives. We’re reminded in scripture, such as Psalm 100 or 136, that there are many reasons to praise God even in anxiety or overwhelm. This practice of ending 5-4-3-2-1 with gratitude allows us to do as the Bible states.

To conclude, 5-4-3-2-1 is a grounding exercise to use when you need to ground yourself back to the present moment. Grounding uses your senses to focus on your present experience and surroundings. For Christians, you can use the final step to re-orient yourself and your focus back on God through gratitude. By re-orienting yourself, you can calm your body, mind and spirit in a moment of distressing thoughts and feelings.

Ready to Begin Christian Counseling in Raleigh NC for Anxiety?If you’ve found the 5-4-3-2-1 technique helpful and are wanting more to help you navigate overwhelming thoughts and feelings, you can get in touch with our office to begin anxiety treatment in Raleigh NC. Our Christian therapists are able to help those seeking Christian counseling in Raleigh NC to manage and overcome anxiety through faith-based counseling. Our counselors are able to approach anxiety treatment through the use of grounding in therapy, EMDR, CBT, and other helpful practices. Contact our office today to begin anxiety treatment in Raleigh NC or online through a faith-based lens.

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The post Are You Overwhelmed or Anxious? Try this Grounding Exercise first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Are You Overwhelmed or Anxious? Try this Grounding Exercise appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

Faith-Based Trauma Therapy Offers Hope Through God’s Love

“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.” – Psalm 22:24

The above scripture is from Psalm 22, which Jesus famously quoted on the cross stating, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus understands that mankind often feels forsaken by God, but His death demonstrates an important fact: God has not forsaken us. In fact, He loves us so much that He gave His Son for us. 

Just as the Father did not despise the affliction of His Son or hide His face from Him, neither does He despise your affliction or hide from you. Never feel as if trauma happened because God is angry with you, rejects you, or because of something that you did to deserve it. 

One of the cornerstones of Christian trauma counseling is to help you understand the amazing love that God has available for you through Jesus Christ. Through His unwavering love, you can find a place of peace and safety that allows you to do the work of trauma healing.

How Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC Can Help

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Trauma can have lasting, permanent effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Undoing the damage takes time, but it is possible to find the healing that you need with Christian-based trauma therapy. Here are some common questions about faith-based trauma therapy:

• What is a Trauma Christian Counselor? Christian counselors are trained therapists who can help you deal with the thoughts, feelings, and memories associated with painful events in your life using a professional and faith-based approach. 
• What approaches are used in Christian Trauma Therapy?  Trauma therapy can include a variety of proven therapeutic techniques, like talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, and Brainspotting. When combined with prayer and other forms of spiritual support, your counselor will guide you through a process of healing all facets of your being: body, spirit, and soul.
• Does Christian Trauma Therapy Work? God in His wisdom and mercy made us with brains that can change. Sometimes, these changes are not changes that we want—like those that occur because of trauma. However, there is a proven path forward through what we call neuroplasticity. The process of healing takes time, but your Christian counselor will work with you at a comfortable pace and stick by you until you are confident in your recovery. 

What Issues Can Christian Trauma Therapy Address?

There are many forms of trauma, and the symptoms of trauma can vary from person to person. However, there is no form of trauma that cannot be bettered with quality Christian counseling. 

Traumatic incidents commonly addressed in Trauma Christian counseling include:

• Childhood Neglect or Abuse
• Experiencing or Witnessing Domestic Violence
• Physical or Sexual Assault
• Medical-Related Trauma
• Natural Disaster-Related Trauma
• Traumatic Grief and Loss
• Marital Betrayal 
• Spiritual Abuse
• And More

Learn More About Trauma Christian Counseling in Raleigh 

No one should be expected to just “get over” their trauma, nor should they feel ashamed when they cannot deal with the aftermath alone. Healing from trauma can be complicated, but there is a path forward through proven therapeutic methods paired with the amazing power and love of Jesus Christ. 

Are you looking for a “Christian counselor near me” with experience in faith-based trauma therapy in Raleigh, NC? Contact Sojourner Counseling today to learn more about our services for Christian Counseling in Raleigh, including trauma therapy. We will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have. 

The post How to Find Hope for Trauma Healing Through Christian Counseling  first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post How to Find Hope for Trauma Healing Through Christian Counseling  appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

Christian counseling focuses on whole-person healing that gets right down to the root cause of the problem. As Jesus stated, we should “clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” You see, real transformation in Christ isn’t just about the outward expression of a person—but a process of healing that begins inwardly, leading to real and lasting change rather than masking over a problem with a superficial, and often temporary, solution.

Christian Counseling Gets to the Heart of the Matter

“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” – Mark 7:21-23

The above scripture comes from a scenario in which Jesus and His disciples were criticized for eating with unwashed hands. Jesus said that the problem isn’t what goes into a person, but what comes out, because what comes out of the person proceeds from their heart. 

Jesus is all about dealing with the heart—or root cause—of the fallen nature of mankind. For example, Jesus teaches that anger that begins in the heart is connected to the physical act of murder, and lust is connected to the physical act of adultery. See Matthew Chapter 5. He searches out all things, even the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

For those who put their faith in Him, this searching can lead to true transformation as we approach Him for forgiveness, guidance, and the strength to overcome. 

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds, then he adds, I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” – Hebrews 10:16-17

The goal of the Christian counselor is to partner with you in Jesus Christ to unveil the true sources of your pain so that you can find deep and abiding relief. We believe that we all need Jesus, the Physician of Physicians, to do the work that only He can do. 

What to Expect from Getting to the Root Issue

Whatever problems you are facing, the goal of your Christian counselor is to provide you with the support you need to explore the depths of your struggle in a safe and faith-based environment:

• Your counselor meets you where you are, working with you at your pace to understand the outward expression of your concerns while walking alongside you to do the work required to understand the underlying causes. 
• You can gain spiritual support and professional guidance for tackling the root of your struggle at its source while learning methods for managing the behaviors along the way. Your counselor will take the time to get to know you, and your goals for healing, and put into action a mixture of therapeutic techniques and spiritual practices like prayer and scripture reading to help you recover. 

Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC is a useful method of dealing with a variety of mental and emotional health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, family conflict, and more. Christian counseling can also provide you with support in spiritual concerns by encouraging your relationship with God. 

Interested in Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC?

You have the assurance of victory in Jesus Christ, so be encouraged to know that whatever you are facing, you can get through this and find the healing that you need. If you are interested in learning more about how Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC can help you recover, feel free to reach out to us at Sojourner Counseling. We provide holistic, affordable Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC for anxiety and depression, PTSD, children’s counseling, and more. 

The post How Christian Counseling Gets to the Root Issues first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post How Christian Counseling Gets to the Root Issues appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

The Basics of Christian Counseling

Simply put, Christian counseling is a counseling form or therapy that includes Christian beliefs or principles. Christian therapy recognizes faith as an important part (if not, central) part of a person’s well-being. Christian counseling considers an individual from a holistic perspective, including mind, body, and spirit. It approaches the counseling perspective from a Christian worldview. 

What are Christian counselors?

Christian counselors are graduate level trained individuals who use counseling techniques and biblical teachings to guide individuals through therapy. Christian counselors at Sojourner Counseling are trained at university programs or seminaries and are licensed or pursuing licensure. As licensed therapists, our therapists can incorporate various therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, EMDR, brainspotting, PCIT, and other helpful psychological models that can assist you with your healing process. 

What Can It Help Me With?

Christian counseling can address various life issues. Anxiety, depression, parenting, OCD, trauma and PTSD, relationship problems, difficulty with school, adoption, life transitions, and grief issues are just a few. You can trust that our clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and responses to struggles. Additionally, they learn to develop coping strategies to assist them in their daily lives.  

Why Is Christian Counseling Important? 

Doing Christian counseling may be important for many reasons. (Check out our other blog post about reasons to see a Christian counselor near me!) Christian counseling aligns with the values that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit play a crucial role in everyday life. It understands that suffering is faced in this life but there is an eternal life beyond this world. It can incorporate the values of love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, need for repentance, peace, joy, thankfulness, and many other fruits of the Spirit. 

What Does a Session with a Christian Counselor Look Like?

In a session with a Christian counselor may vary depending on your concerns, what the counselor recommends or what you desire for sessions. It may include reflective activities, questions and responses; use of art or play for children; reading helpful resources together; and/or using a specific therapeutic approach. It may include direct conversation about the role of your faith, scripture, prayer or other spiritual practices. It may not include discussion around faith directly. Each session varies as you need. 

What If I’m Not Christian?

We welcome you! You may want to see a Christian counselor even if you’re not Christian. You and others who are Christian have the right to determine whether or not faith will play a role within therapy. Faith based counseling is available on request if you would like it, but it can be excluded if you prefer not to have it a part of your counseling experience. Christian beliefs will not be pushed on you. Our licensing boards regard proselytizing or pushing faith beliefs as unethical.

Christian Counseling at Sojourner Counseling Provides Hope for Healing

We know that spiritual growth is important to you along with your mental and emotional growth. Though you may face many trials, Christian counseling can help you find the hope, peace, and healing you desire. We’re ready to provide you with the support and tools you need to navigate joys and struggles in life. At Sojourner Counseling, our team of Christian counselors can help those seeking a Christian counseling in Raleigh NC. We also provide online therapy in NC or those overseas from the comfort of your abode. 

The post Understanding Christian Counseling: A Complete Guide first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Understanding Christian Counseling: A Complete Guide appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

A Christian Counselor Uses a Faith-based Perspective: 

Working with a Christian counselor allows you to work through any mental health challenges through a Christian worldview and biblical lens. Your Christian therapist will help you see how faith can connect to the issues you face and encourage you to grow in the spiritual aspect of your life. If you consider faith a central or important part of your life, working with a therapist who understands your faith can keep what you value an important part of your counseling experience.

A Christian Counselor Incorporates Faith and Mental Health: 

A Christian counselor is trained in psychological and therapeutic techniques. These techniques can assist you in addressing problems or concerns that you’d like to change or work on. Christian counselors are licensed and have graduate level training. Additionally, they often receive specialized training in various specialties that help them to address unique concerns and stay up to date on the latest evidence based practices. In addition, these licensed and trained counselors are Christians who understand your faith and can integrate Christian beliefs with these therapy practices. 

You Can Practice Spiritual Exploration: 

While a Christian counselor is not a pastor or minister, your therapist can be a safe person to explore areas of spiritual confusion or conflict. We all experience areas where faith and daily life can seem at odds. It can be hard to reconcile where faith and challenges meet. You might find it hard to express doubts or struggles to a pastor or someone in your faith community. You might be temporarily displaced from a church community. Whatever the reason, your therapist can help you explore areas of faith. Your counselor will not tell you what to believe or where you should stand theologically but can be a place to voice or express matters related to your spiritual growth. Finally, in doing so, a Christian counselor can help you wrestle in and/or deepen your relationship with God. 

We provide a Safe, Supportive Environment: 

A therapist’s job is to provide a safe, protected environment. Christian counselors are bound by confidentiality, meaning a therapist cannot share information discussed in sessions. (There are a few limitations to this, such as your or another individual’s safety in jeopardy.)  What you discuss cannot be shared to friends or family or even your pastor or faith community without your consent. Additionally, a counselor strives to help you feel safe and understood. The counseling office is a compassionate, caring space to address hardships or to have a listening ear when you’re unsure who to talk to or feel misunderstood by others. 

We Can Help Prioritize Your Relationship with God: 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 

Jesus’ words in John 15 show the necessity of being in relationship and abiding in God. There is a promise to bear fruit when abiding in God. For the Christian seeking to abide and deepen his or her relationship with God, a Christian counselor assists you with exploring more of who God is, how God sees you, and how you view God. You can invite God into your healing process as the ultimate source of healing, peace, joy and rest in times of suffering and struggles. 

Christian Counselors Offer a Mind-Body-Spirit Approach:

Searching for a Christian counselor near me who uses a holistic approach? That’s a benefit of working with a Christian therapist. A Christian therapist sees a person holistically as being composed of mind, body, and spirit. Assistance goes beyond the behavior and outside of a person. Christian counseling will look at the internal and consider the spiritual, eternal view of an individual. A mind-body-spirit approach allows you to view and understand yourself fully. A holistic approach considers  healing that incorporates mental, emotional, spiritual, relational and physical aspects. 

Looking for a Christian counselor near me or Christian counseling in Raleigh NC?

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Raleigh NC or desiring to work with a therapist through online therapy in NC, Sojourner Counseling provides a space for Christians seeking just that. We specialize in providing Christian counseling; we aim to honor the importance of your faith while addressing your mental and emotional health. We believe in the connection between mind, body and spirit to holistically address your concerns and seek to uncover the root of your concerns. We are Christians ourselves and find joy in meeting with children, teens, women and families to provide therapy. Ready to start with a “Christian counselor near me”? Give our office a call today to get started.

The post Reasons to See A Christian Counselor Near Me first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Reasons to See A Christian Counselor Near Me appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

Considering Priorities

We all need to do a little life evaluation at times. Considering and re-establishing priorities is an important step in that process. Without checking in with yourself from time to time, it’s easy for priorities to unknowingly change. You might find it a helpful exercise to make a list–preferably written down–of your current commitments and priorities, and order them from most important to least important based on where you are currently spending the most time, energy, and resources. Then, make a second list of what you’d like your priorities to be from most important to least important. Consider where faith and growing in your relationship with God falls. Make a commitment to place God first in your life and do some problem solving to figure out what in this current season or life situation can change for you to put God first.

Aim for Smaller Portions of Time

Sometimes, seasons demand more time and energy.  It may seem that finding additional time to do one more thing seems difficult. For example, if you’re a mom of young children or a caregiver, you may find available time in short bursts of time. If you’re in a season like this, using smaller amounts of time might be what you can give currently. It’s preferable to start with five, ten or fifteen minutes in your day and accept that your time may be interrupted by other demands. God is not surprised by your situation. Allow yourself the grace to use these smaller portions of time to spend with God. 

Getting Creative

For the busy individual or one who’s unsure when to spend time, you may need to get creative! Ask the Holy Spirit to give you creative ideas to spend more time with God. He is our helper and can provide insight, inspiration and conviction when needed. Below are some ideas to get your mind going. We suggest thinking of ways to spend time with God before, during or after doing a task. Here are some ideas: 

• Pair your time with God while you’re driving by listening to worship music, listening to a sermon, or spending it in prayer. 
• Practice solitude or meditation while taking a walk in your neighborhood or around your home. 
• Take a lunch break and read the Bible. 
• While doing a chore, add in spiritual practice. 
• Listen to a song that sings Scripture to help you memorize and commit it to memory. 

There are many options. It’s about finding what works for you. Be sure to give yourself permission to try different ways of communing with God and change it as needed. 

Delving Deeper through Christian Counseling in Raleigh NC

Sometimes, making a few tweaks to your schedule or priorities may not be an easy change due to other reasons. You might feel angry, resentful, hurt or bitter towards God. You might have trouble trusting God although you want to. You might have experienced spiritual abuse, trauma or church hurt that makes time with God seem painful or confusing. Alternatively, you might feel an anxious fear or struggle with doubt. In these cases, it may be important to dig further into reasons creating distance between you and God. You might find it helpful to talk with a friend or mentor about these concerns. In cases of deeper wounds and hurts, speaking with a trained Christian counselor can help you navigate your faith and obstacles to having the relationship you’d like with God. If you’re located within NC, our therapists are trained to provide Christian counseling to those located in Raleigh NC and in NC or at certain locations abroad through online therapy. 

The post How To Find Time for God When Life is too Busy first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post How To Find Time for God When Life is too Busy appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

Roots of Negativity

The roots of negativity are complex. Internal and external factors contribute to negative thoughts and emotions. Childhoods can be filled with negative experiences, such as bullying, abuse, neglect, family conflict, or other trauma. Experiences in adulthood, including bouts of suffering, unmet expectations, harmful relationships, or chronic illness or stress, can change the way an adult views themselves, others, the world, and God. With easy access to news and connections through social media, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with discontent and fear. Internal factors, such as a genetic disposition towards certain mental health struggles or personality, can be a contribution. From a spiritual perspective, people battle the flesh, which can succumb to temptation, and face spiritual warfare in their everyday lives.  Everyone’s experience is different to developing negative thinking. But what hope exists for those who find themselves stuck in a thought pattern of negativity? 

The Trap of Negative Thoughts

Think about the old records or CDs. In order to play music, they would turn around and around. If left on, the CD or record player would continue to play music. Like a record or CD on repeat, negative thinking can run on a loop and trap people in a pattern of negative thinking. This occurs when a negative thought automatically leads to other negative thoughts. Soon, a person feels negative emotions connected to the negative thoughts. For some people, their thinking begins to “spiral”. As a person’s mind becomes increasingly familiar with negative thinking, the brain automatically shifts towards thoughts that fall within this framework of thinking. Similar to the CD or record that requires a person to actively stop the music, a person must make a change to change new thought patterns. 

A Christian Faith Approach to Overcoming Negativity

In Christian counseling, scripture can provide an encouraging and truthful reminder about that mind. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” This is an encouragement that people can and must take an active part in renewing their minds. There are several ways to go about doing this:

1. Aligning a person’s mind with God’s word and promises can provide hope for an individual stuck in negative thinking.
2. Identifying lies and replacing them with truth. All thoughts, particularly negative thoughts, are not truthful or reality-based. Because of this, it’s important to counter lies with the truth. 
3. Incorporating prayer individually or with others is a helpful practice of surrender and trust in God. Additionally, inviting God to provide peace, joy, and comfort can be nourishment to a weary individual. 
4. Finding support from trusted individuals who can encourage and provide a truthful perspective can allow the person struggling with a community. 
5. Practicing daily gratitude and thankfulness provides a counter and a fresh pattern of thinking for a person struggling with negative thoughts. This can be spiritual renewing and also create new brain pathways of hope and positivity. 
6. Engaging in moments of solitude and mindfulness can bring calm to a constant chatter of negative thoughts.

Consider Christian Counseling

A person may try all the recommended approaches and still struggle with negative thinking. When that’s the case, it’s time to consider working with a Christian counselor who can help an individual delve into deeper work and transformation. A Christian counselor may employ techniques such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, or other models that can help an individual uncover deeper roots causing a person to be stuck in negative thinking. 

At Sojourner Counseling, we offer Christian counseling in person and online in combination with other counseling techniques to help people with negative thinking. Contact our office today to get started on the road to healing and renewal!

The post Are You Pessimistic? How to Overcome Negativity first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post Are You Pessimistic? How to Overcome Negativity appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy model developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. By using a bilateral stimulation technique, traditionally in the form of eye movements, Dr. Shapiro found that memories and events within the brain could be accessed and reprocessed within the brain in a non-maladaptive way. By doing so, EMDR clients experience decreased distress and reduced problematic symptoms. In sum, individuals can heal from the past, experience less reaction to triggers in the present, and move forward in the future with renewed confidence.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR recognizes the importance of memory networks within the human brain. Brains are constantly processing experiences, whether they are negative or positive. When people experience distressing events, brains can process and store events in a way that builds the memory networks between present occurrences and past distressing experiences. The brain then is “triggered”, and individuals can respond to a current event as if the brain and body were re-experiencing the distressing event from before. EMDR seeks to re-process and store these distressing events in a healthy, adaptive way, reducing triggers and easing the distress connected through these memory networks. To do this, EMDR-trained therapists guided clients through an eight-phase process described below.

1. History Taking

The first phase of EMDR therapy is ‘History Taking’. In this phase, clients will discuss their history with their therapist, who will then create an appropriate treatment plan to address distressing events for reprocessing. This step is crucial as it allows the therapist to understand the root cause of a client’s distress and plan the treatment accordingly.

2. Preparation

The ‘Preparation’ phase involves learning about EMDR techniques and developing emotion regulation skills to assist with reprocessing and emotional distress. An EMDR therapist will guide a client through various techniques and help the person develop skills to manage emotional distress during the therapy
process.

3. Assessment

The ‘Assessment’ phase is when clients and therapists identify a target event to reprocess. This includes identifying the related target image, negative and positive cognition, body sensations, and emotions. The goal is to pinpoint the specific event that causes distress to be addressed through the EMDR process.

4. Desensitization

In the ‘Desensitization’ phase, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements, is applied while thinking of the distressing memory. This continues until the distress is lowered. During this phase, new thoughts, emotions, images, and body sensations may emerge as the mind processes the distressing
memory.

5. Installation

The ‘Installation’ phase involves strengthening the positive belief associated with the target memory, while replacing the old negative belief. This is an important step in helping clients shift their mindset from a negative to a neutral or positive perspective about the distressing event.

6. Body Scan

The ‘Body Scan’ phase involves scanning the body for any leftover distressing body sensations until all signs of distressing sensations are processed out. This phase helps to ensure that no residual distress is left in the body after the reprocessing of the memory.

7. Closure

The ‘Closure’ phase involves returning to a calm state at the end of the session through relaxation techniques. This ensures that a client leaves the therapy session feeling calm and composed, ready to face the world again.

8. Reevaluation

The ‘Reevaluation’ phase happens at the beginning of the next session. During this phase, clients and trained EMDR therapists review the progress of the target event, check for current distress, and identify a new target event if needed. This phase ensures that the therapy is progressing well and that any new distressing events are addressed promptly.

Conclusion:

EMDR is an empirically supported approach for targeting many difficulties you or your loved ones may face. While research shows the impact of the eight-phase approach with applied BLS, what’s most important is the healing many clients receive from current struggles and distressing memories. By becoming “unstuck”, you or your loved ones can pursue everyday life without the impairment that keeps them moving forward. With the guidance of a trained or certified EMDR therapist, you or your loved ones can begin to experience a new life.

Ready to become unstuck with the help of EMDR?

If you’ve landed on this page by searching for an “EMDR therapist near me” or “EMDR
therapy Raleigh”, then you’ve come to the right place. EMDR works effectively in person
and through online therapy, and Sojourner Counseling provides both options for those
seeking help. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with a trained
EMDR therapist.

The post What is EMDR, and how does it work? first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post What is EMDR, and how does it work? appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.