Individual Counseling Archives | Longview Christian Counseling

What to Know About Thought Distortions So You Can Think Clearly

What to Know About Thought Distortions So You Can Think Clearly

Melissa Plantz2026-09-25T06:22:10+00:00September 25th, 2026|Anxiety, Featured, Individual Counseling|

The statement, “It all starts in the mind,” is true. Our thoughts determine our lives and how we feel. Thought distortions, also referred to as cognitive distortions, increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression. What are Thought Distortions? Our brains form patterns, familiar neural pathways, that are almost comforting to the mind. Unfortunately, these thought patterns may be negative in nature. Thought distortions twist reality and create anxiety-prone moments, as well as physical issues, such as high blood pressure and other stress-related problems. Types of Thought Distortions Thought distortions create a cycle. Overwhelming stress triggers negative and distorted thoughts, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These feelings only serve to reinforce distorted thinking. Knowing the types of thought distortions can help you recognize them and break the patterns. Fortune Telling Fortune-telling thought distortions may start as, “I bet you anything,” followed by a negative outcome. These thoughts try to predict the future, but always lean toward negativity. It is a pessimistic outcome. For example, “I bet you anything I won’t get the job.” These thoughts cause you to give up without really trying. They’re a coping mechanism to buffer against bad news. Lean toward a mindset that says you are doing your best, leaning into God for strength and support. After all, He holds the future. “Should” Statements “Should” statements hold onto the past and block you from finding solutions in the present or moving forward. You may also hear “I wish” statements. For example, “I should have followed up on that call,” or “I wish I had never gone there.” Eliminate this mindset and focus on the present by finding solutions and setting goals. Exaggerating and Minimizing If you focus on the negative during an event or situation, then you may be giving in to exaggerating [...]

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Stay Local: Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Without Going Far

Stay Local: Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Without Going Far

Caitlin Mallery2026-08-28T18:46:46+00:00August 28th, 2026|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Improving our mental health is often about the small choices we make every day. Making choices to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, and get enough sleep are all essential ways to boost your mental and physical health. We can also enhance our mental health through various activities within our communities. In this article, we will suggest four places/people to visit as a way to improve your mental health. Visit the Local Library Libraries are cornerstones of community. Not only do you have access to every genre of literature available, but there are often clubs and gatherings that meet in libraries. Librarians can share information about community events, classes, and other ways of social engagement. Many libraries offer lending programs that extend beyond books. Board games, tools to try out new hobbies, and even apps that give you access without taking dollars from your bank account. Using the library to enhance your mental health is beneficial from multiple angles. Whether it’s escaping into fiction, learning something about the world, or gathering with community, the options for improving your mental health are only limited by your choices. Visit State and City Parks Being outdoors is known to boost your mental health. The physical activity, the fresh air, and being surrounded by plant and creature life all provide you with small doses of serotonin, the hormone that increases happiness. State parks are often inexpensive and easy ways to learn about the flora and fauna that are native to your area. City parks typically offer a range of amenities, including sports complexes, playgrounds, and well-maintained walking paths. When being outdoors is not an option due to weather, other commitments, or location, there are still ways to enjoy life. Try setting a soothing nature background on your television. Check out the [...]

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Emotional Self Regulation: Refreshing Habits for a Challenging Year

Emotional Self Regulation: Refreshing Habits for a Challenging Year

Grace Mavindidze2026-07-30T05:14:33+00:00July 30th, 2026|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

The year 2026 has already proven to be a year when so many things are changing, not only here in the United States, but globally. It seems now more than ever that everything is revolving around being digital-first and being prepared for the most unexpected things to change anytime. As you fight daily to stay afloat, balancing work, friendships, and the endless stream of online content that never seems to pause, you need some kind of grounding technique to keep you balanced. In this environment, emotional self-regulation is more important than ever. It is the skill of managing your feelings in ways that help you stay grounded, make better decisions, and protect your mental health. This year calls for habits that feel fresh, practical, and suited to modern life. Here are a few helpful ideas to get you started: Start with a Digital Detox Minute Instead of long breaks from technology, try one minute each day where you completely disconnect. No phone, no music, no scrolling. Just sixty seconds of silence. This short pause helps reset your brain and gives you space to notice how you are feeling. It is surprising how much clarity comes from such a small habit. Practice Micro Gratitude Gratitude lists have been around for years, but in 2026, the trend is micro-gratitude. Instead of writing down three big things, focus on one tiny detail each day. It could be the taste of your morning coffee, the way sunlight hits your desk, or a funny text from a friend. Use Mood Pairing with Music Music has always been a powerful tool, but this year, many young people are experimenting with mood pairing. Instead of only listening to upbeat songs when you feel low, try matching your playlist to your current mood first. If you feel [...]

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A Day in the Life of Family Counselors – What Faith-Based Mental Health Support Should Look Like

A Day in the Life of Family Counselors – What Faith-Based Mental Health Support Should Look Like

Grace Mavindidze2026-08-19T07:52:40+00:00June 30th, 2026|Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Faith and family are two of the strongest anchors in life. When either one feels hard, the impact can ripple through every part of a person’s world. Family counselors step into this space with compassion, wisdom, and practical tools to help restore peace. If you’re considering a career in faith-based counseling, understanding what a day in the life of a family counselor looks like can provide clarity and encouragement. We’ve prepared a great guide for you to have a glimpse into what this can and should look like with the right support system. Morning: Preparing the Heart and Mind A family counselor’s day needs to begin long before the first session. Many counselors start with prayer, Scripture reading, or quiet reflection to center themselves. This spiritual grounding is not just personal; it sets the tone for the work ahead. Families arrive carrying burdens, and a counselor’s ability to listen with patience and respond with wisdom depends on being spiritually prepared. Administrative tasks also fill the morning: reviewing case notes, preparing resources, and coordinating schedules. In a faith-based practice, counselors also get time to align therapeutic approaches with biblical principles, ensuring that the guidance they provide integrates both professional expertise and spiritual truth. Midday: Meeting Families Where They Are Sessions with families should always be the heart of the counselor’s work. Each meeting is different, shaped by the unique dynamics of the family. Some sessions focus on communication breakdowns between parents and children. Others address marital strain, grief, or the impact of external stressors like financial hardship or health challenges. Faith-based family counselors bring a distinctive perspective to these conversations. They don’t just address surface-level conflict; they help families explore deeper questions of purpose, forgiveness, and resilience. Prayer, Scripture, and spiritual encouragement may be woven into sessions alongside evidence-based therapeutic [...]

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Practical Tips for Building Your Relationship with God

Practical Tips for Building Your Relationship with God

Melissa Plantz2026-04-10T12:25:06+00:00February 27th, 2026|Featured, Individual Counseling, Spiritual Development|

Your relationship with God is more important than any other relationship you will form. To be close to the Creator, the One who has known you since before you were born, should make you feel loved. But many people struggle in their relationship with God. They don’t know much about Him, and what they do know is mostly head knowledge, what they learned in Sunday School or Bible studies. But a personal relationship with God allows His Spirit to move around and through you. It is about knowing that you can come to Him directly and ask for His forgiveness, grace, and wisdom. That personal relationship transforms you so that not only are you in His likeness and image, but you display the character of God. Ways to Build Your Relationship with God Often, we struggle in our relationship with God because we neglect to spend time with Him, whether in prayer, worship, or reading the Bible. We allow our schedules to drown out spending five to thirty minutes a day forming the most important relationship we will ever have. The following are several ways you can grow in your relationship with God: Spend More Time in Prayer. Before you get out of bed in the morning and drift off at night, spend a few minutes praying. This does not need to be a formal prayer, although that is fine. You want to pray from your heart. Thank God for the day, confess anything troubling you, and ask for His wisdom and guidance. Bring your concerns before Him and praise Him for being the Almighty Creator. Worship in the Moment. You can fit in worship moments throughout your day. For example, listen to a worship song or album during your commute or while making dinner. Or make up your [...]

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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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Facing Abandonment and Neglect From Family as a New Christian

Facing Abandonment and Neglect From Family as a New Christian

Grace Mavindidze2026-03-26T12:46:21+00:00October 28th, 2025|Abandonment and Neglect, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Spiritual Development|

Choosing to follow Jesus is one of the best decisions you have ever made. For many new believers, though, it can also be difficult because some family members may distance themselves or even reject your new faith. Many people who begin their walk with Christ find themselves facing the pain of family rejection. These emotions are real, and it’s important to remember that God sees your hurt and is with you every step of the way. When we face abandonment and neglect, especially from family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The transition into a new life in Christ can be difficult enough on its own, but when the people you love most seem distant or unsupportive, you may feel isolated, misunderstood, and discouraged. Through it all, God’s love is a constant source of strength, and He has a plan for your healing and growth. Your new faith can be the foundation you need to navigate these tough moments, knowing that God will never leave you or forsake you. New Changes in Your Life and Faith Journey As you take steps in your new faith, you may begin to notice shifts in your values, your behavior, and even your relationships. It’s completely natural for your faith in Christ to change the way you live and see the world. These changes sometimes cause friction, especially with family members who do not share your new beliefs. If your family is struggling to accept your faith, it’s natural to feel conflicted or hurt. Remember, however, the changes you’re experiencing are part of your spiritual growth and transformation. Change is hard. The people around you may need more time to understand your new way of life. Give yourself grace during this time. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to experience uncertainty. One of the hardest [...]

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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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8 Signs of a Toxic Relationship

8 Signs of a Toxic Relationship

Melissa Plantz2025-09-24T06:49:41+00:00September 24th, 2025|Couples Counseling, Individual Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Toxic relationships can leave emotional scars, not only physical ones. You should know the signs of a toxic relationship to recognize those red flags in your own relationship or the relationship of someone you love. Eight Signs of a Toxic Relationship There are eight common signs of a toxic relationship. Your relationship does not need to display all eight signs to be unhealthy and traumatic. Yours may only display one or two. For example, your significant other may not control the finances or talk badly about you behind your back (as far as you know), but this person makes mean comments and sometimes hits you or demands sex from you. This is abuse and should be dealt with carefully. Once you recognize the signs of toxicity in your own relationship, you may need professional help to resolve it. You may need law enforcement, legal counsel, family law (if you have children), and counseling to move through the trauma and start fresh. A Christian counselor can walk you through the steps and help you end a toxic relationship. Read more to learn eight signs of a toxic relationship. Tells Others You are “Crazy” An abuser needs sympathy from others. They want the focus on them and for people to understand what they are “dealing” with at home. An abuser will tell others you are crazy, hard to live with, or hostile toward them. These are often lies to remove your credibility and to gain sympathy for themselves. This can also trigger isolation as other people distance themselves from you. Lies to Gain Sympathy An abuser may exaggerate or outright lie about you to others to gain sympathy. They crave attention but do not want their narrative questioned. They may do whatever they can to keep you isolated and limit the [...]

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Coping with Psychological Trauma

Coping with Psychological Trauma

Sandra Stein2025-08-22T07:23:13+00:00August 22nd, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Trauma|

Psychological trauma refers to the emotional distress caused by a frightening event that shatters your sense of security, overwhelms your mind’s ability to cope, and can leave your nervous system stuck in fight or flight mode. Though it often involves a life-threatening incident, it’s not the actual circumstances that determine whether something is perceived as traumatic or not, but rather, it’s your subjective experience of it. The more shocked and helpless it makes you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized by it. Signs Of Psychological Trauma People respond to psychological trauma in different ways, but some of the most common signs include: Feeling helpless, isolated, and overwhelmed. Feeling unsafe, edgy, and easily startled. Trouble concentrating or staying focused. Persistent feelings of fear and anxiety. Trouble sleeping. Avoiding people, places, activities, and conversations that remind you of the trauma. Feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust people. Having flashbacks where you suddenly feel as though you are reliving the experience in the present. Common Causes of Psychological Trauma Some of the most common causes of psychological trauma include experiencing or witnessing (first hand or vicariously) a distressing event such as a car accident, plane crash, physical assault, terrorist attack, medical emergency, or natural disaster; being exposed to repeated, stress-producing incidents such as domestic violence, bullying, or neighborhood crime; or the shock of a loved one’s sudden demise, the unexpected breakup of a significant relationship, or receiving an unwanted diagnosis. Helpful Tips for Dealing with Psychological Trauma Acknowledge your feelings Acknowledge and accept your feelings without judging them, and allow yourself to feel what you feel when you feel it. Learn how to calm your nervous system Learn how to calm your nervous system by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises that ground you in [...]

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