Individual Counseling Archives | Frisco Christian Counseling

6 Stress Management Activities to Try Today

6 Stress Management Activities to Try Today

Melissa Plantz2025-08-01T08:31:34+00:00August 1st, 2025|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Spiritual Development|

Stress and anxiety can make daily life challenging. You may find that your job or family responsibilities trigger a complete meltdown. You might struggle with shallow breathing, headaches, rapid heart rate or palpitations, trembling, and restlessness. Practicing stress management activities can help. Stress Management Activities to Try Today Pausing throughout the day to practice stress management activities as part of your morning, afternoon, and evening routine will make it a habit and lower your stress levels overall. Try not to wait until you are a bundle of nerves and ready to scream at your boss. Pick a few stress management activities to use at different times of the day. For example, try deep breathing exercises before you enjoy a cup of tea at lunchtime, pray and journal with your first cup of coffee in the morning, or relax in the evening after dinner with an adult coloring book before going to bed. When we make these activities part of our daily routine, we give ourselves a small break to decompress and find peace. Incorporating Physical Movement Exercise triggers endorphins and leaves you feeling happy and accomplished. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine boost your mood, improve confidence, and lower stress. Physical movement also lowers blood pressure and regulates heart rate. Try streaming a walk-at-home video on YouTube or walking around your block in the mornings. While dinner is cooking or after you eat, consider a walk around your neighborhood or a short jaunt on the treadmill. Deep Breathing Stress causes you to breathe more quickly and shallowly. By breathing deeply, you can force more oxygen into your lungs and oxygenate your cells. Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day. Try inhaling through your nose for the count of four, holding your breath for four counts, and then releasing it from your [...]

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Why Seniors Should Take Up Journal Writing in Later Years

Why Seniors Should Take Up Journal Writing in Later Years

Grace Mavindidze2025-06-30T04:21:53+00:00June 30th, 2025|Aging and Geriatric Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Spiritual Development|

Journal writing is one of those simple activities that offers tremendous benefits, especially for seniors. It’s an excellent, tried and tested way to express thoughts, preserve memories, capture memories, and keep the mind sharp. If you’ve never thought about journaling before, you might be surprised at just how helpful it can be. It’s something anyone can start at any age, and it’s an easy way to take care of someone’s emotional and mental well-being. As we get older, everyone starts thinking more about the past. Years of stories, experiences, and memories that shape who we are, even though sometimes these memories fade with time. Writing them down in a journal is a great way to capture those moments before they slip away. Remembering that funny story from childhood, a special trip, or even the smaller, everyday moments, and putting these things in writing makes them last forever. Not only will your journal become a treasure for you, but it will also be a way for future generations to get a glimpse into your life and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Why Journal Writing Matters for Seniors Preserving precious memories Writing down life stories and special moments is a wonderful way to keep memories alive. It’s a chance to share experiences that can be passed down to children, grandchildren, and others in the family. By journaling, seniors leave behind a legacy of their life journey. Cleaning the mind In an older person, thoughts and emotions sometimes become cluttered. Writing in a journal helps organize those thoughts, making it easier to process difficult feelings. Putting thoughts on paper helps clear the mind, reduces stress, and makes everything seem more manageable. Boosting emotional health Writing about things you’re grateful for or positive moments from the day can improve your mood. Journaling [...]

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Talking Hearts: Improving Communication With Others

Talking Hearts: Improving Communication With Others

Kate Motaung2025-05-29T08:58:09+00:00May 29th, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

Communication is a vital and undeniable part of managing and growing relationships. Whether we talk with words or gestures, the practice of expression and absorbing messages is built into every human exchange. We convey and receive, exchanging the sentiments that would otherwise remain buried. Though essential, communication can get convoluted when we don’t know how to engage with one another from a place of love. Speaking God’s truth, yet in love, is an important place to begin as we consider the nature of our talking hearts. Words Into Worlds Though we have freedom in Christ, we do not have a license to say whatever we please, whether we are intimately connected with them or not. We may not always recognize the power of words. Words hold the potential to speak worlds into being. God demonstrated this at Creation when the Spirit hovered above the murky deep. Instead of exclaiming and giving credence to the darkness, God exercised words of life to speak light into being, setting in motion a pattern for the world we now know. All of creation followed, unfolding and flourishing at the command of the Almighty. He created us in a similar fashion, first taking counsel with Himself to contemplate making humankind. Likewise, Adam, formed in God’s Image and by God’s own Hand, followed the Father’s example, naming the animals as part of his garden stewardship. Curiously, Adam did not exercise the power of his words to arrest the serpent who deceived him and his wife into accepting the forbidden fruit. Whether we speak or avoid declaring God’s words, we have the choice to release or suppress the power God intended for us to shift with words. Consider Christ, Our Communication Guide Thankfully, Jesus, who is often referred to as the Second Adam, didn’t just verbalize, [...]

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ADHD and the Myth of Laziness

ADHD and the Myth of Laziness

Stephanie Kramer2025-04-18T07:21:20+00:00April 3rd, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Does this scenario sound familiar? Maybe it’s 6 pm and you’re still in your pajamas, you’ve been wanting to tackle that stack of dishes all day, but yet, they remain on your counter, unwashed and crusted over. Or maybe you’ve known that you really should fold that mountain of laundry, but you just don’t move? This may indicate ADHD. Oh, the agony and angst of a homework assignment with a hard deadline. And what about those plans you made last week, because, it seemed so far away at the time, that now loom over you? But yet you sit there. Staring at your phone, scrolling through cat videos. Contentment and hyperfocus soon give way to the gnawing guilt. It whispers “You’re lazy” in your ear. And maybe other people in your life confirm that sentiment. If you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), this struggle is all too familiar. But here’s the truth, and it’s good news: you are not lazy, despite what you may think and may have been told by a parent, spouse, boss, or teacher. Laziness is often the label someone gets when it appears that they are procrastinating or not putting in the appropriate amount of effort to accomplish that thing they need to do. But ADHD is not a problem with willpower, though that is what is popularly believed. And though it is not a battle with laziness, ADHD behavior can be deceptive and look like laziness to those around you. Why? Because ADHD causes your brain to access motivation differently, giving the appearance of laziness to those whose brains work differently. Frisco Christian Counseling can help you or your loved one better understand and manage ADHD with compassion and effective strategies. Why does ADHD look like laziness? Several characteristic behaviors in people with [...]

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What Codependence Feels Like

What Codependence Feels Like

Wade Van Staden2025-04-18T07:17:47+00:00March 13th, 2025|Codependency, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Codependence can be crippling to friendships and relationships, but what is it, and how do you know if you are experiencing it? It’s not always apparent. People might spend years in a codependent relationship without either party realizing it. Rather than explain what codependence is, it might be more helpful to describe what codependence feels like. The Problem with Codependence Codependence is a dynamic in a relationship where two people have become entirely reliant on each other in a practical, emotional, and psychological way. It often takes the form of one member being a constant “victim” while the other person becomes a “rescuer.” This dynamic can feel safe and even wholesome at times, but it fosters complex trauma and prevents both people from finding independence and freedom. The imbalanced dynamic also means that one person becomes indebted to the other in complicated ways. For example, the rescuer in codependent dynamics is often narcissistic, dictating how the victim should behave. The victim is often a people-pleaser and eager to bend over backward for the sake of the rescuer. Each instance of codependence is unique, and it can be complicated to understand and confront. Frisco Christian Counseling can help you navigate these dynamics and work toward healthier relationships. What Codependence Feels Like The first step in healing from codependence is recognizing it. People in codependent relationships might not know what codependence is, but they might begin to feel unwell or concerned about the relationship. Some people understand themselves the best through their feelings, and so this is what codependency often feels like. Needing constant validation or affirmation Even though you might have been in the relationship for a long time, you never feel fully secure in it. You are constantly worried that you might somehow cause the end of the relationship. [...]

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Signs of an Emotionally Unavailable Partner

Signs of an Emotionally Unavailable Partner

Kate Motaung2025-04-18T07:10:10+00:00January 17th, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

The healthiest relationships draw out the best in people. They are based on qualities such as mutual respect, honesty, willingness to compromise, and vulnerability. Without these, it’s hard to form the bonds that give the depth and connectedness needed to make relationships meaningful. These qualities are what create emotional availability in a person for the sake of their relationships. Where these are lacking, it can make a person emotionally unavailable. If you’re in a relationship with an emotionally unavailable person, the relationship can feel stagnant, surface-deep, and frustrating. It’s helpful to know the signs of emotional unavailability to make any needed adjustments in the relationship and how you relate to each other. Frisco Christian Counseling can support you in recognizing these signs and navigating the changes needed for a healthier connection. Defining Emotional Unavailability A relationship functions best when it is a two-way street. Healthy relationships contain a good dose of give and take between the parties. While it’s never exactly fifty-fifty, the people in the relationship support each other and show up for each other in meaningful ways. They are aware of and take steps to care for each other’s needs. Likewise, they can share what they are feeling with one another. An emotionally unavailable person will struggle with these elements of a relationship. They routinely won’t show up for their partner, and struggle to reciprocate by being aware of, prioritizing, valuing, or respecting the needs of their partner. They may come across as cold or detached, though that’s not always the case. Being emotionally unavailable is rooted in childhood or life experiences. If a person is going through a tough season or issue like depression, or if they are pouring their focus into helping a loved one who’s struggling, or whose energy is being consumed by furthering [...]

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Coping Skills for Anger in Women

Coping Skills for Anger in Women

Caitlin Mallery2025-04-18T06:53:30+00:00November 21st, 2024|Anger Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling, Women’s Issues|

In a society that dismisses anger in men as usual and anger in women as undesirable, it can be challenging to assume there are any healthy coping skills for anger other than suppression. However, anger, like other emotions, is a symptom of a problem. Anger floods the body with hormones that can make it challenging to find the source of the problem. By developing healthy coping skills for anger with support from Frisco Christian Counseling, you can identify solutions that go a long way in preventing anger from happening in the first place. Anger in Women: Start with Self-Awareness Self-awareness is challenging in the heat of anger, but noticing your anger will be the quickest way to resolve it. Take a moment to take some slow, deep breaths, slow your heart rate, and get some oxygen to your brain before you become overwhelmed physically and mentally by anger. Focus on Facts Anger can start with one thing and spiral to many other things. When you are angry, it is important to focus on objective facts. It can be difficult to bring facts to an emotional fight, but it’s better for you to do it yourself rather than have others point it out to you. If you can write out the facts of the situation that triggered your anger, you might be able to find solutions. Sometimes, you are angry because of your environment. If you are too hot, or too cold, if your clothes are uncomfortable or the music is too loud, you might feel anger starting to rise. Are you tired? It might be time to take a break. Are you hungry? Get a snack (ideally some fruit or protein). Do you know what stage of your cycle you are in? The ebb and flow of hormones does [...]

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Helpful Tips for Recovering From Codependency

Helpful Tips for Recovering From Codependency

Kate Motaung2025-04-18T06:31:31+00:00October 17th, 2024|Codependency, Couples Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

We are deeply relational and social creatures, which means that we are at our best when we are in healthy relationships with others. It’s truly said that no person is an island. We’re all caught up in a web of relationships in which we rely on others and others rely on us. The difficulty comes when that healthy reliance and dependence becomes something else. Codependency is one way to have an unhealthy reliance on others, and recovering from codependency can be complicated. Signs of a codependent relationship The term “codependency” describes a situation where a person’s sense of self isn’t well developed, and they rely too much on others for their identity. A codependent person defines themselves by the likes and acceptance of others. This means that they don’t have a stable sense of self rooted in something deeper than their present circumstances. Codependency happens for many different reasons, including dysfunctional family dynamics, social or cultural expectations, attachment issues, or unresolved childhood trauma. There are a few common signs that indicate codependency, and these include the following that you can look out for in your life: Having difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries Codependent people struggle to say “No” or to set limits with others. This inability to set limits, coupled with often prioritizing the needs of others, will lead to feelings of resentment, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. A counselor from Frisco Christian Counseling can help you work through these challenges and develop healthier boundaries. Excessive reliance on others If your emotions rely excessively on others, that could be a sign of codependency. This might look like having a strong need for constant validation, reassurance, or emotional support from others, often at the expense of your own emotional well-being. Loss of personal identity If you feel like you have [...]

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OCD and Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

OCD and Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

Stephanie Kramer2025-04-18T06:07:54+00:00August 30th, 2024|Anxiety, Featured, Individual Counseling, OCD|

Intrusive thoughts, which are common in OCD patients, are involuntary, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that can be disturbing and distressing. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform. Intrusive thoughts often revolve around themes of harm, violence, or other negative content. It is important to note, that simply having them does not mean that you will act on them or that they are true. These thoughts do not reflect a person’s desire or intention, or what is true about a situation. Instead, they are a common experience in anxiety disorders and OCD patients where the mind fixates on potential threats and catastrophes. Practical Strategies for Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts There are many behavioral-based approaches that therapists use to help those who suffer from intrusive thoughts. A therapist from Frisco Christian Counseling can offer personalized recommendations to their clients based on their unique needs. Here are a few practical strategies that can also help you manage them. Thought stopping This technique involves consciously interrupting the intrusive thought process by mentally shouting “Stop!” or visualizing a stop sign. While this is not a long-term solution, it can provide immediate relief. For people who follow Christ, speaking the name of Jesus whenever an intrusive thought comes to mind is also an effective method. Memorization and meditation Memorize and meditate on the Bible to help combat intrusive thoughts. Write out and try to memorize scriptures that focus on the goodness of God to help retrain your brain to focus on Him rather than your intrusive thoughts. Cognitive defusion This mindfulness-based technique involves distancing oneself from intrusive thoughts by observing them as external events rather than internal truths. For instance, instead of thinking “I am [...]

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Identifying an Emotionally Abusive Relationship and Finding Healing

Identifying an Emotionally Abusive Relationship and Finding Healing

Jennifer Kooshian2025-04-18T06:04:49+00:00August 14th, 2024|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Trauma|

People can do the worst kind of harm to other people. Instead of using the gift of speech to celebrate one another, or to encourage each other, we can tear each other down, lie to each other, or undermine one another (Ephesians 4:29; James 3:1-12). Such harm can occur even in our closest relationships, which makes it all the more painful because we are most vulnerable to the people we love, which is why an emotionally abusive relationship is so devastating. If you’re in a situation where you’re being subjected to emotional abuse, it’s possible for it to feel normal and part of how you relate to one another. This can make it doubly hard to address the issues in the relationship and change patterns of thought and behavior to draw the relationship toward healthy outcomes. If these harmful patterns are identified, with hard and consistent work from both parties, Frisco Christian Counseling can help things turn around. Identifying an emotionally abusive relationship Emotional abuse is a form of behavior that’s aimed at controlling another person by chipping away at their self-confidence, isolating them, shaming them, blaming them, and undermining their self-esteem. It usually takes the form of bullying behaviors and words intended to undermine the value and well-being of another person. It may sound surprising that emotional abuse can be hard to detect. However, emotional abuse can be quite subtle, and the way it affects people can make it hard for them to confidently pinpoint the abuse as it’s happening. When a person suffers emotional abuse, one effect is to undermine their sense of self, their self-worth, as well as their self-esteem, and that can create a psychological dependence on the abuser. Emotional abuse can feel normal, and all the more so if you question your own judgment [...]

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