Individual Counseling Archives | Loma Linda Christian Counseling

ADHD Adult Therapy: Options to Consider

ADHD Adult Therapy: Options to Consider

Sandra Stein2024-09-28T12:01:42+00:00May 10th, 2024|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

ADHD (attention deficit disorder) is a neurodivergent mental health condition that affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is where the executive function area responsible for self-regulation, working memory, organization, time management, and planning is located. The brain of a person with ADHD processes information differently than does a neurotypical one, and he or she experiences life differently as well. Symptoms of ADHD typically manifest as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity, trouble staying focused, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties persisting in projects that require sustained mental effort. However, by the time a person with ADHD becomes an adult, he or she has usually come up with compensatory ways of managing or even hiding their symptoms, so they may not be as noticeable to others. Nevertheless, he or she still struggles with difficulty getting started on tasks, planning ahead, prioritizing, time management, organizing, and remembering details. ADHD adult therapy ADHD adult therapy is different than regular therapy. Most adults with ADHD already know what they should be doing, but they lack the necessary skill set to do it. What they need is concrete, practical help for dealing with symptoms such as disorganization and inability to focus that are interfering with their life, rather than delving into personal issues. They need help learning how to improve the way they function at work and in their relationships. ADHD adult therapy is geared toward educating you on living with ADHD, helping you identify and tap into your unique strengths, teaching you how to build structure in your surroundings, and how to be present in the moment. Your therapist will work with you on skills such as communication, focus, emotional regulation, and time management, as well as assist you in finding ways to reduce the impact of your symptoms so you can lead a more productive [...]

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Different Types of Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa

Different Types of Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa

Melissa Plantz2024-09-28T12:00:50+00:00April 10th, 2024|Christian Counseling For Teens, Eating Disorders, Featured, Individual Counseling, Women’s Issues|

Eating disorders are varied and span from anorexia (known for starvation) to bulimia (known for purging behaviors) to binge eating (consuming enormous amounts of food in one sitting). This article will cover the dangers of bulimia nervosa, the eating disorder’s symptoms, and treatment options. The Lord created food to nourish and sustain us, and often, eating brings us pleasure. But when we turn to food to fulfill a need deep inside, it creates a problem that can lead to different types of eating disorders. When we turn to God to fulfill that spiritual need and allow Him to change our negative thoughts and behaviors, our eating habits align with what He intended. What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by purging behaviors. The person with bulimia may eat average-sized meals or overeat but then purge the food to empty the stomach before the body has time to digest the food thoroughly. Purging methods can include forced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, and overexercise. Some people employ a variety of purging methods. For example, a person living with bulimia may induce vomiting after a large meal and then exercise for an hour to ensure that they have burned any calories they missed. Purging becomes an impulsive behavior. It may reach the point that the body will no longer physically tolerate food. When bulimia reaches a dangerous level, medical treatment is imperative to stabilize physical health. Symptoms of bulimia nervosa The symptoms of bulimia include: Binging behaviors. Disappearing into the bathroom after a meal. Cuts and scrapes on the fingers and knuckles from induced vomiting. Dental cavities, enamel erosion, and discoloration from vomiting. Bad breath. Constipation. Dehydration. Fatigue. Anxiety and depression. Poor body image. Absence of a menstrual period. Spending too much time exercising. Obsessed with exercise and dieting. [...]

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How to Handle Setbacks as You Exercise for Mental Health

How to Handle Setbacks as You Exercise for Mental Health

Jennifer Kooshian2024-09-28T12:05:07+00:00March 15th, 2024|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

When you set off to do something different or out of your usual routine, you can be sure that you’ll encounter challenges along the way. Some of those challenges may be related to learning new habits or exercise. Picking up healthy new habits like exercising for your mental health can help improve your overall sense of well-being. However, that journey won’t be without its fair share of setbacks. What do you do when you find yourself in a tough spot? Kinds of setbacks you can encounter on your exercise journey As you start on your journey toward greater fitness to improve your mental, emotional, and physical health, it won’t necessarily be smooth sailing all the way. To begin with, one of the first challenges you might encounter is deciding what to take up as your form of exercise. Some forms of exercise, such as those that require equipment, may be expensive to get into. In other cases, your health may not allow you to take up certain forms of exercise. Other kinds of obstacles may include getting injured during whatever form of exercise you’ve chosen. That can be a setback because it can take time to heal and become strong enough to pick up where you left off. Sometimes, physical injuries can cause an emotional or mental block, leading to a negative association with that form of exercise or experience that will take time to overcome. Another setback you can experience on your fitness journey is that it can start to feel hard, or even boring. Waking up early, carving out time in your schedule, putting in the effort to do your workout and make sure you’ve planned your meals for balanced nutrition can feel hard or boring. It can lose some of its initial allure as you get [...]

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6 Tips for Relieving Mental Stress and Anxiety

6 Tips for Relieving Mental Stress and Anxiety

Melissa Plantz2024-09-28T12:02:10+00:00January 24th, 2024|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Mental stress is the preoccupation with worries and fears that lead to anxiety and other psychological and physical conditions. It is the inability to turn your mind off when it is time to sleep. It is the worry about something out of your control that causes you to freeze or isolate yourself. It is the fears behind the what-if questions. 6 Tips for Relieving Mental Stress and Anxiety When mental stress gets out of control, the anxiety can derail your daily schedule and relationships. You can take control over your mental stress. Try a few of the following tips for relieving mental stress and anxiety. Get up and move. A powerful anti-anxiety medication is exercise. Endorphins and other brain chemicals are released when you get up and move more consistently, leaving you feeling happy and thinking clearer. The tension in your muscles dissipates as you fill with confidence. You feel on top of the world after a good workout session. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly to reap the benefits. Even a brisk 10-minute walk when you are short on time can help. Pause and stretch. Those tense muscles, combined with anxiety, headaches, and stomachaches, can leave you feeling drained and irritable. Instead of going to bed, try a stretching video. Stretching increases serotonin, another brain chemical that regulates mood. You can find stretching videos online or consider taking a local class to learn about proper form. Regular stretching practice is the best way to manage mental stress. Eat healthier meals. The foods you eat play a major role in how you feel. Sugar-laden and fatty foods can leave you feeling sluggish and stressed. Instead of reaching for junk food or pulling into a drive-through, learn to menu plan and make healthy meals at home. [...]

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Understanding Early-Onset Dementia: Signs and Support

Understanding Early-Onset Dementia: Signs and Support

Joanna Kucherera2024-09-28T12:02:23+00:00December 26th, 2023|Aging and Geriatric Issues, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Early onset dementia is a condition that affects individuals under the age of sixty-five presenting a unique set of challenges for both patients and their families as most of them would still be in their productive years holding jobs and actively participating in their family’s lives. As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise worldwide it becomes imperative to understand the early warning signs and symptoms that may signal the onset of the disease. In this article, we will delve into the various symptoms associated with early-onset dementia. We are going to explore how they differ from those commonly seen in older individuals and by shedding light on these symptoms we aim to raise awareness, promote early detection, and provide support for those affected by early-onset dementia and their loved ones. Dementia is a general term for a group of progressive brain disorders characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities and a deterioration of social and occupational functioning. It is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions. Early-onset dementia can be caused by different types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia among others. The specific symptoms and progression of early-onset dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms of early onset-dementia. Early-onset dementia manifests with a variety of signs and symptoms that may indicate cognitive impairment. It’s important to note that the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of dementia. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Early detection and diagnosis allow for timely treatment and support to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some common early signs of early-onset dementia symptoms to be aware of: Memory problems. It is one [...]

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Setting Essential Boundaries in Dating

Setting Essential Boundaries in Dating

Kate Motaung2024-11-07T12:07:12+00:00October 23rd, 2023|Couples Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Issues|

When you start a relationship with someone, you’re in an exciting and at times bewildering period of discovery. Not only are you discovering more about the person you’re with, but you’re also finding out more about yourself. Certain people bring out things in us that other people couldn’t, and so it’s likely that you’re finding out more about yourself too. This is why boundaries in dating are so important. As you embark upon this journey of discovery, you must remain true to who you are even as you explore new possibilities and are stretched. That can be a tricky balance to maintain, but it is important to manage in a relationship. When you’re in love with someone, you can be swept up by your emotions and the sheer weight of your intimacy into situations that compromise you. The value of boundaries. Boundaries matter, and one reason for this is that your individuality matters. You are who you are, with your distinct personality, likes and dislikes, things that energize and deflate you, and so much more. Boundaries help you maintain that integrity so that you don’t become a mere extension of another person. You can remain yourself and be able to meet your needs in the relationship. All healthy relationships need boundaries so that the people in them don’t collapse into one another to become an indistinguishable mass. It’s important to set healthy boundaries in dating because that sets the tone for your relationship going forward. If the boundaries you have are unworkable for one or both of you, then it’s likely that you will have the same issue later in your relationship. Some boundaries to set when dating. You can set boundaries around different areas of your life. Sometimes you don’t know that you already have a boundary until [...]

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Practical Tips for Repairing Broken Family Relationships

Practical Tips for Repairing Broken Family Relationships

Sandra Stein2024-09-28T12:00:20+00:00October 3rd, 2023|Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

A broken family is a family that is not functioning the way it did when it was originally formed. The connection between family members has been ruptured, causing pain and instability. Most commonly, this is the result of divorce, separation, or death, but it can also refer to a dysfunctional family in which parents are not good role models, family members are hostile toward one another, and there is conflict and estrangement even though the family unit is physically intact. Do we know our poor people? Do we know the poor in our house, in our family? Perhaps they are not hungry for a piece of bread. Perhaps our children, husband, wife, are not hungry, or naked, or dispossessed, but are you sure there is no one there who feels unwanted, deprived of affection? – Mother Teresa Family units are meant to provide a foundation of support and love. Studies indicate that well-adjusted children are more likely to come from intact, happy homes. However, they also indicate that the emotional climate in the home has a greater effect on the development of a child’s personality than does its structure. Children who come from intact but dysfunctional families can experience the same or even more severe adjustment issues than children coming from broken homes. Growing up in a broken family and being exposed to fractures in family bonds and experiences arising from toxic family dynamics can leave lasting imprints on a child’s heart and mind. These things shape perspectives and impact future relationships in profound ways. Common causes of broken families Divorce or separation. Death of a family member. Changes in living arrangements. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Poor communication. Addiction. Mental health issues. Financial hardship. Differing political or religious beliefs. Failure to respect boundaries. Disrespect. Unmet expectations and/or misunderstandings. [...]

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Women’s Insecurities: Substituting Worry for Peace and Laughter

Women’s Insecurities: Substituting Worry for Peace and Laughter

Valeria Arias, Kate Motaung2024-11-13T11:40:03+00:00August 21st, 2023|Coaching, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Spiritual Development, Women’s Issues|

Many women will admit to struggling with insecurities. The ageless question of “Am I enough?” can plague a woman’s mental and emotional wellbeing. As difficult as it is to deal with these women’s insecurities, living in the age of social media only adds fuel to the fire. Women deal with a society that flaunts its successes and either hides or ridicules people’s mistakes. This adds to the pressures of living up to vague and intangible ideals. Areas of women’s insecurities. A woman may struggle with insecurities in many areas. They affect fears for her personal safety and concerns about her social status, relationships, or sense of self. She may wonder whether the people around her accept her or secretly judge her appearance or actions. This will affect the way she views herself, how she dresses, the way she behaves, what she shares on social media, and so much more. These issues aren’t only isolated to women, but many women find themselves struggling with one or several of the following insecurities. Identity issues. The question “Who am I?” is a perennial one in women’s insecurities. A woman often finds herself asking what roles she should occupy in a turbulent culture. Loud voices on one side say she should pursue radical independence coupled with sexual freedom, career and professional achievement. Other voices are urging the pursuit of more traditional roles. There is enormous pressure to do it all, and there’s no shortage of ideas about what that means. Many women juggle career and family in an impossible circus act that leaves them emotionally and mentally worn out. There is much internal and external pressure to be the perfect mom, lover, or friend, even though this is not achievable. Society sends women mixed messages, which can lead to a deep sense of [...]

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Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness in Motherhood

Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness in Motherhood

Valeria Arias, Kate Motaung2024-11-13T11:40:21+00:00July 22nd, 2023|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development, Women’s Issues|

Motherhood alters your identity. No longer are you an individual, only responsible for your needs, wants, and whims. As a mother, you become responsible for another person and everything he or she needs. That includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as teaching them how to grow. That is a big responsibility, and one liable to loneliness. Handling this responsibility paired with the effects of shifting your entire identity can be challenging. Many times, it leaves moms feeling lonely. This loneliness is not necessarily indicative of being alone (although that can be part of it), but it stems from the isolation many women feel as they walk through this process. If you are a mother experiencing loneliness, you should know that you are not alone. Many women feel the same way. This loneliness is not inevitable. There are simple, practical things you can do to combat loneliness. But first, you need to understand it. Are moms really lonely? Identifying and understanding loneliness in moms is challenging because it often seems like moms are never actually alone. But we cannot equate loneliness with whether there are other people around you. Loneliness is more of a feeling than a physical presence. Loneliness stems from a gap that people feel between the connection and support they desire and what they perceive having in their actual life. It is the feelings associated with this gap that create and breed loneliness. For moms, this gap can be felt for a variety of reasons: Constant caring for children. Juggling caring for children with work. Feeling overwhelmed. Lacking time to connect with other people on a meaningful level. Exhaustion limiting ability to connect with people. Struggling to find people that they can connect with. In a Harvard study from 2020, 51% of moms with [...]

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Moving from Unrighteous Anger to Righteous Anger: Bible Verses About Anger

Moving from Unrighteous Anger to Righteous Anger: Bible Verses About Anger

Kate Motaung2024-11-07T12:09:10+00:00July 7th, 2023|Anger Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

Do you experience righteous or unrighteous anger? When you experience anger, it shapes how you relate to it and how you act when you’re angry. Having an angry parent that acts out can provide an unhealthy blueprint for how to deal with anger when you grow up. Thankfully, that blueprint isn’t something you’re destined to follow; it’s possible to overcome what’s been modeled for you and deal with life’s circumstances in a healthy way, with the help of these Bible verses about anger. For some people, anger is a part of themselves that they keep shut away from public view. This may be because they struggle to deal with conflict, or because they fear what may happen if they get angry and let that anger loose. One possible result of holding anger back in this way is that it can affect their mental and physical health, and that’s to say nothing of the resentment toward others that often accompanies repressed anger. For others, their anger is often in full view, and they hold nothing back. When they are angry, everyone knows it. Perhaps they regret the things they’ve said and done in anger, or they may feel justified for giving full vent to their anger and see nothing wrong with expressing that anger in colorful ways. Typically, venting your anger can cause you to say and do hurtful things, compromising or even breaking relationships. Your relationship with anger may color how you read Bible verses about anger; maybe it strikes you as odd that God gets angry because you see anger as an evil thing. Perhaps being told to control your anger seems like an impossible command – one that you feel stifles a part of your identity. Bible Verses About Anger Whatever your history and relationship with anger, [...]

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