Elizabeth Molina, LPC-Associate | *Oftentimes, the fear of the storm is a lot scarier than the storm itself. To a greater degree, the fear of feelings is a lot scarier than the feelings themselves* From the intricate details of the brain to the complexity and mystery of the universe, God’s creation never ceases to amaze and awe. There is much insight we can observe and glean from God’s innovation and design. For instance, while cattle are similar in some ways to buffalo, there are some significant differences in their responses to stress.  Imagine a scene of a threatening storm approaching—l...  Read More

Michelle Johnson-MA, LPC | But what happens if what happens isn’t what was supposed to happen? Due to an increasing number of difficulties surrounding infertility, poor health or complications in pregnancy, a history of PTSD, a negative subjective birth experience, having an operative birth (i.e., assisted vaginal or caesarean section), and lack of support during birth (Ayers, 2017), to name a few, some women find themselves tangled in a web of emotions that they neither understand nor can communicate.  Read More

Nicole Parker, MA, LPC-Associate | Without warning, you suddenly feel it come over your body and the familiar dread drapes down upon you. Your chest feels like someone is sitting on it – or worse yet, squeezing it. You notice that you’re not breathing normally; your breaths become quick, and they feel impossible to slow.  Read More

Hannah Pitman-MA, LPC| When adding in structure or nurture, start small! A goal could be to pick one connecting activity, noticing one match a day, or setting aside connecting time once per week. Pick one structure thing you want to add in, start with one ritual every day at bedtime or pizza night once a week. If you start too big it is easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged and not do any of it. Have grace for yourself and use your strengths to help you build in the areas that are more difficult. Also, press into those strengths! Keep doing the things you are already doing well and good luck!  Read More

Regina Gray-MS, LPC-Associate| Social media has de-stigmatized therapy in recent years, leading to many productive conversations about mental health. However, I have noticed the word “process” frequently thrown around with little or no context. Many of my clients come in asking to process different areas of their life, and I always start with the same question: “What does processing mean to yo...  Read More

Mary Kate Sowell, MS, LMFT-Associate| “I’ve already forgiven him,” Riley shared, “so why can’t I get past this?” Riley and Alex came to therapy a few months after Riley learned of Alex’s infidelity. They had become exhausted by a conversation that seemed to repeat itself on a never-ending loop. Riley would find herself overwhelmed with anger and sadness after something reminded her of husband’s betrayal. She would pull away from him o...  Read More

Hannah Pitman, MA, LPC | The start of the new year is an opportunity for reflection and goal-setting, and perhaps the most transformative action we can take this year is learning how to connect more meaningfully with our partners and children.  Read More

Candice Reece, MS, LPC-Associate, supervised by Kerry Williamson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST | ALCS is committed to helping you build healthy, life-giving relationships. Today on the blog, Candice walks us through the value and benefit of premarital counseling.  Read More

Hannah Pitman, MA, LPC | Hannah offers us a spiritual perspective on purpose and hope during this pandemic, reflecting on a quote from C.S. Lewis in "The Weight of Glory."  Read More

Carolyn Dixon, MSW, LCSW | In her second "My Favorite Things" post, Carolyn offers her thoughts on keeping your marriage healthy in the midst of COVID-19 and too much time at home with your spouse.  Read More

Carolyn Dixon, MSW, LCSW | Life is about RUPTURES AND REPAIRS. The bottom line is that the goal is not to never have a conflict. The goal is to know how to repair conflict. Trying to dissolve all of our relational problems is not a realistic option.  Read More

Rachelle Honohan, MSW, LCSW-S & Hannah Pitman, MA, LPC | While increased time at home for your family may feel overwhelming, it can also be an opportunity to slow down and focus on your relationships with your spouse and children. Read on for some tips to help this challenging time become smoother and even enjoyable!  Read More