Stephanie Kramer

About Stephanie Kramer

Stephanie Kramer is the Editor-in-Chief of a leading faith-based publication. She holds a BA in Art History and Visual Anthropology from Western Washington University and brings extensive experience from her previous role as Editor of a prominent faith-based magazine. With a rich background in graphic design, media, ghost writing and promotions, Stephanie has successfully managed and directed various media campaigns for non-profits and political organizations. Additionally, she has served on several boards, contributing her expertise in strategic planning and community outreach. A dedicated mother and homeschool educator, Stephanie is also a committed youth mentor, passionate about using her skills to inspire and empower others through her work in publishing.

How to Love Your Friend with ADHD Well

How to Love Your Friend with ADHD Well

Stephanie Kramer2025-11-04T08:21:24+00:00November 4th, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Oh, how frustrating it is to be interrupted mid-sentence. What a drag it is to have your favorite sweatshirt, the one your friend borrowed, lost. If you have a friend who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you are probably familiar with these little quirks. You’re probably reading this right now because you’re waiting for that friend who is, once again, late for your coffee date. You’ve referred to your friend as “scatterbrained” a few times, mumbled under your breath, of course. You’ve sighed when they forget your birthday, even though you reminded them twice. You’ve texted, “No worries” with the gratuitous smiley face while actually stewing a little. And yet, here you are, waiting, but still showing up for them for your once-a-week standing coffee date, even when they are nowhere to be found. Loving someone with ADHD forces you to let go of the idea of perfection. Letting go becomes a lot easier when you realize that the same brain that forgets your birthday also remembers the lyrics of every obscure indie song that you love. While that brain that you adore may be a little chaotic, it is also wildly creative, intensely loyal, and deeply feeling. How to Show Love to Someone with ADHD One of the best ways to show your friend with ADHD love is through the giving of grace. Not the “passive-aggressive” kind that wants to squeeze in a few snarky remarks, but the real kind of grace that we see modeled in the life of Christ. Offering grace is much easier to do when you remind yourself that their forgetfulness isn’t careless and being late doesn’t mean they don’t value your time. It’s just a byproduct of the unique way that their brains are wired. Showing grace is easier said than done, [...]

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Silent Night, Anxious Head: ADHD and the Holidays

Silent Night, Anxious Head: ADHD and the Holidays

Stephanie Kramer2025-10-17T06:10:35+00:00October 17th, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Christmas time is supposed to be a joyous time full of family and friends all gathering together to celebrate Christ’s birth. But along with all of the celebrating comes unique triggers for those who have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Twinkly lights, a barrel of sugar, and an unpredictable schedule are enough to derail those with ADHD. The holidays also require a higher level of organization, emotional and impulse control, and time management than everyday life. These skills don’t tend to come naturally to those with ADHD. Why the Holidays Can Be Difficult if You Have ADHD If you have ADHD, you probably thrive on routine and predictability. You see, predictability reduces the anxiety that often comes with ADHD. Knowing what to expect and being able to prepare for what will come can bring comfort and peace. The holidays, in most cases, are the very opposite of predictable. A once peaceful and minimalistic world is suddenly covered with flashing lights, and the constant sound of “All I want for Christmas” fills the air. Family gatherings mean the mingling of many different personalities and dynamics. While some families can keep the peace during their get-togethers, more families than not experience at least some type of conflict. Add to the mix varying schedules, challenging weather, the stress of the financial burden that Christmas often brings, and decadent foods, and you are creating the perfect holiday recipe for stress, especially for those with ADHD. How to Bring the Peace Back to the Holidays Do you dread the holidays? Don’t wipe your calendar free of all your holiday commitments just yet. Here are a few tricks to help you better navigate this festive but stressful time of the year. Control your own space Just because everyone else in the world is putting tinsel on everything, [...]

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The Grieving Process: Did I Miss the Signs?

The Grieving Process: Did I Miss the Signs?

Stephanie Kramer2025-04-29T05:32:37+00:00April 29th, 2025|Featured, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling|

The grieving process can be cruel. One of its insidious tactics is to whisper lies and shove doubts down the throats of its victims. It whispers “what if” into the ears of grieving caregivers after the death of their loved one. It twists love and dedication into guilt and self-doubt, and worse, self-blame. It’s an unforgiving, shrill voice that makes the caregiver question every choice, every missed moment and every subtle sign they might have overlooked. This inner turmoil can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve poured so much of yourself into caring for a loved one. But before you let these thoughts consume you, it’s important to recognize them for what they are – a natural but painful part of the grieving process, not a reflection of your worth or the value of the care that you provided. Feelings Often Attached to the Grieving Process A lot of caregivers get immediately absorbed in this sticky web of self-blame after their loved one passes away. In an effort to make sense of the trauma that they are going through, they try to orient themselves and contextualize the situation by replaying the events leading up to the death of their loved one. During this part of the grieving process, many wonder if they missed some obvious sign that their loved one was at the end of their life. If you were the caregiver to someone who passed away and these thoughts are running through your mind, let me assure you that it is a common question attached to a common reaction, guilt coupled with feelings of inadequacy and regret. The occurrence of these feelings is most common in caregivers whose patients dealt with complex or progressive illnesses, as these types of long-term illnesses may show more subtle changes than those with [...]

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Emotional Baggage, Communication, and the First Year of Marriage

Emotional Baggage, Communication, and the First Year of Marriage

Stephanie Kramer2025-01-22T05:41:54+00:00January 22nd, 2025|Couples Counseling, Featured, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Bringing emotional baggage from past relationships into your marriage can significantly impact communication and intimacy. Past trauma or unresolved issues can color your perceptions and your reactions. It’s important to address your emotional issues individually and as a couple to ensure that they don’t interfere with your marriage. Understanding Emotional Baggage We often hear the term “emotional baggage” in everyday life, but until it is applied to and interfering with our own lives, we may not fully understand the impact it can have on a relationship. Sometimes the term gets used out of context or is misused to mean past experiences. We have all had negative or damaging experiences in our lives but that doesn’t mean that we are forever broken. We may be broken, but we can be put back together, mended, and healed through God’s grace and compassion. Just because we have an experience, doesn’t mean that we are allowing those things to damage our current or future relationships. True emotional baggage refers to the unresolved emotional issues from past experiences that individuals carry into new relationships. This baggage can manifest in various ways such as distrust, fear of vulnerability, or unresolved anger. In a marriage, this baggage can create barriers to open communication and emotional intimacy, as past traumas or unresolved issues may color perceptions and reactions, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Impact on Communication The presence of emotional baggage can significantly impact the way partners communicate. Here are some common ways it can affect communication: Distrust and Suspicion Past betrayals or infidelities can lead to distrust in a new relationship. This distrust can manifest as suspicion and constant questioning, which can strain communication, undermine intimacy, and create tension. Fear of Vulnerability Emotional wounds from past relationships can make individuals hesitate to open up and be [...]

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Understanding Each Other’s Family Dynamics Through Premarital Counseling

Understanding Each Other’s Family Dynamics Through Premarital Counseling

Stephanie Kramer2024-10-25T09:02:24+00:00October 18th, 2024|Couples Counseling, Featured, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Premarital counseling is a common practice and has become a staple in many faith-based communities for good reasons. It helps couples prepare not just for their wedding day, but for the lifelong journey that follows. Some studies have shown that couples who go through premarital counseling have a lower instance of divorce than those who don’t. When doing premarital counseling for couples with children from other relationships, most pastors or therapists prepare couples by helping them learn better communication skills or how to adjust expectations for their new married lives. Still, many fail to discuss the importance of family dynamics and the process of becoming a stepfamily with their engaged clients. Many stepfamilies receive no premarital preparation whatsoever. Mature brides and grooms don’t see the need for counseling as most of their first-time married counterparts do. And when they do receive counseling, it typically follows the same framework used for first-time married couples. While this might be helpful to a certain extent, it doesn’t address the targeted support they need to address the complexities of blending families. This might leave the couple feeling unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Tips for effective premarital counseling To address these challenges, effective premarital counseling for blended families should include: Talking with the children Including children in the discussion about the new family structure and the wedding can make the transition smoother. Children who feel involved and heard are more likely to embrace the new family dynamic positively. Adjusting expectations Couples should recalibrate their expectations about family bonding. Blending families takes time and patience, and recognizing this can help them avoid unrealistic expectations. Acknowledging grief Recognizing and addressing the grief children (and sometimes even the couple themselves) may feel from past losses helps to build stronger bonds between stepparents and children. Establishing [...]

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