Individual Counseling

It starts with a smile text message: “Can I call you?” Your stomach drops. Can you call me? Can you call me? Your mind immediately answers, “NO!” but your fingers don’t quite let you type out those words. After all, you don’t want to be rude and want to honor God in all things, even something as simple as a text response. But you also dread the idea of a phone call. If you’re an introvert, an unexpected phone call is about as unnerving as an unexpected visitor knocking on your door during a perfectly peaceful night at home. It helps to notice the signs of anxiety. The Overanalyze Stage While your first instinct is to ignore the text, upon further mulling, you realize that would be far too simple. No, your brain must analyze the message from every possible angle. Is it an emergency? Are they mad at me? What do they need that they can’t just text to me? Am I about to get roped into a long conversation? The Internal Debate If you haven’t immediately answered the text, you are likely to transition into the great decision step of the process. Time to decide whether you’re going to ignore the text or panic-reply with “Why?” but probably immediately regret it, as it might come across as needy. You could say “Sure,” but you will likely regret every life choice that led to that moment only seconds later. Of course, throwing your phone into the nearest body of water and living off the grid is an option. A rather harsh and expensive option, however. Sure, none of these options sounds ideal, but it appears that you are already knee-deep in decision paralysis. The Escape Attempts If you’re really committed, you might try some classic introvert avoidance tactics, [...]

In a fallen world with its demands and uncertainties, tension abounds. Sickness, job loss, life transitions, relationship issues, financial and political pressures, a crisis of faith, the list goes on. Life can feel overwhelming and heavy, or out of control, which can create a sense of anxiousness. According to Merriam-Webster, anxiety is defined as “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.” “Life will have its struggles, as told in John 16:33 (NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” It does not say if you have many trials and sorrows, but “you will” have many trials and sorrows; it is unavoidable, but you do not have to navigate alone. Christian counseling helps reduce stress, bring greater peace, and gain clarity. Providing Biblical truth, along with encouragement and guidance, allows for symptom relief and spiritual growth. Drawing on the healing power of Jesus for spiritual guidance, coupled with practical tools, can help you navigate the challenges when you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive. God created all emotions; Jesus experienced each emotion. He got angry, he wept with sadness, and experienced tremendous joy. Fully human, He also experienced intense anxiety while processing his future crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane. Anxiety is not sinful as it keeps us safe, alerting us to dangerous situations – the dark alley we should not go down or the person who feels threatening. But if you find yourself in a constant state of worry, have [...]

Caroline lay awake in bed, after hitting her snooze for the 3rd time, thinking through the day ahead. The “what ifs” begin to cascade through her mind. What if her boss is disappointed with the presentation she prepared? What if her car breaks down? What if the kids get sick? What if the headaches she had recently were something serious? All her thoughts caused tension in her shoulders and worry to cloud her mind. This was not an isolated occurrence but something she struggled with daily. At times, she could be rational and not let the worry win. But too often she asked herself, “Why can’t I let go of these thoughts and just relax?” Do you relate to Caroline? Is your mind crowded with “what ifs”? While anxiety feels overwhelming, it is common and normal. In the U.S., 40 million adults face anxiety. Women are twice as likely to have anxiety. It affects all ages and backgrounds. Anxiety is not a sinful condition; it is a natural response to a fallen, broken world. Rather than reflecting a lack of trust in God, anxiety can draw us closer to Him. As Proverbs 3:5-7 (CSB) reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” Jesus wants us to bring our concerns to Him, and as we journey through life, we will encounter troubles that may spark many emotions. Everyone will struggle with worry at some point. Occasional concern is human and, at times, wise. Many things contribute to feelings of anxiousness: busyness, over-commitment, life changes, losses, and world events. The list goes on. Excessive worry that interferes with daily life – such as interruptions in relationships and responsibilities [...]