Sarah Harris, Plano Christian Counseling

The Enneagram and Bipolar Personality Disorder

The Enneagram and Bipolar Personality Disorder

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2026-04-28T14:58:39+00:00April 28th, 2026|Bipolar Disorder, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

When an individual deals with personality and mental health struggles, it can feel overwhelming. Those who experience the extreme mood changes of bipolar personality disorder often find it helpful to understand basic personality patterns to see how bipolar personality disorder may express itself in different personality types. One tool that helps us understand personality types is the Enneagram. It is a system that helps explain nine personality types and shows what motivates the individuals of those types. Knowing your personality type can help you be mindful of vulnerabilities and also use your strengths. It can be used to help you self-reflect and grow. Some individuals get confused about what their natural personality is and what a mental health issue is. Understanding the differences is key to getting the right treatment and feeling better in the long term. Knowing who they are naturally and how mental health affects them plays an important role in healing and getting better. God desires for us to be whole and healthy, no matter what we face. The Enneagram and Bipolar Personality Disorder Bipolar personality disorder causes individuals to have heightened mood swings, depending on energy levels. They experience mania during high-energy times and depression during low-energy times. These mood swings can cause chaos in relationships and daily life. Many individuals are affected by bipolar personality disorders. The symptoms are unique for each person. Knowing your Enneagram number might help in understanding how your personality types may cope with or specifically exhibit bipolar symptoms. For each Enneagram type, there are specific fears and wants that can combine with bipolar symptoms in different ways. Here are some examples: A type four’s biggest fear is being ordinary. This fear could worsen during sad times. A type eight’s need to be in control could show up differently during [...]

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ADHD and Trauma: How They’re Related and Where to Find Support

ADHD and Trauma: How They’re Related and Where to Find Support

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2026-03-04T07:46:54+00:00March 4th, 2026|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling, Trauma|

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can pose some serious challenges. Dealing with trauma and living in its aftermath can also be life-altering. But combining the two -- ADHD and trauma -- can make life even harder. The Intersection of ADHD and Trauma Trauma is inevitable. Relationships shatter, employment ends, and accidents happen. No one is immune to shifting and evolution in their lives. And while these big traumas can impede life for non-neurodivergent people, they can be devastating for those with ADHD. But why does trauma hit so hard for those who have it? ADHD affects the prefrontal cortex, which is the parts of the brain that help with focus, planning, and decision making. ADHD also affects dopamine regulation, which is a chemical messenger in the brain that controls motivation, reward, and emotional responses, making it harder to stay engaged in tasks or maintain consistent focus. Trauma, on the other hand, activates the amygdala, the brain’s alarm system. This makes it hard to think clearly and stay calm. When these two collide, your brain gets stuck between panic and chaos. Can’t Concentrate in a Crisis When a crisis hits, like a car accident, you’ve been hit by a hacker, or a pet has gone missing, one of the most effective ways to mitigate the damage is to keep a level head. If you can think clearly, you can quickly react to the situation with reasonable and actionable steps. You can remember the number for emergency services, think about canceling your credit cards, or be thorough in your search. But if you have ADHD, that level head is as elusive as the crisis is stressful. Your ADHD brain cycles when you’re in a crisis, more than non-neurodivergent people. The logic that you need to respond to the crisis effectively [...]

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Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2026-01-08T06:00:29+00:00January 8th, 2026|Featured, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling|

Everything changes, and things don’t stay the same. These common reminders are especially true when something as tragic as the loss of a loved one occurs. In particular, the loss of a parent can set off a variety of emotions, thoughts, and memories that reinforce the painful reality that things don’t stay the same. If you lose a parent, there are healthy and unhealthy ways of dealing with the loss and grief that follows. Ways of Losing a Parent The loss of a parent can happen in different ways. Loss occurs in myriad ways. Generally, when we refer to loss, it typically means the death of a loved one. When a parent dies, whether through illness, suddenly, or as the result of old age, it is a deep loss, even when it’s expected. It’s also important to acknowledge that loss occurs in other ways as well. Sometimes, a person feels guilty for grieving their parent because their loss doesn’t look the same as what others have experienced. Loss can sometimes be more ambiguous, like if a parent abandons you and their whereabouts or circumstances are unknown. Loss can also occur if your parent has a degenerative condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia, which can feel like losing pieces of your parent each day. If your parent is terminally ill, their ill health and slow decline can result in anticipated grief. It can feel as though you’ve already lost them before it actually happens. Loss, then, takes many forms, but regardless of its guise, the grief that comes with that loss is real. Losing a Parent – Distinct from Other Forms of Loss It’s never wise to compare different forms of loss or pain. Each situation is unique, and you shouldn’t have to justify the pain you feel. All forms of grief [...]

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Social Media and Body Image: When Filters Distort Reality

Social Media and Body Image: When Filters Distort Reality

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-12-04T07:22:38+00:00December 4th, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Chances are that you’ve done this or are doing it right now: scrolling. You’re just checking your feed, right? No big deal. But before long, you begin to feel it. That little ache in your chest, or the pit of your stomach, and the faint whisper in your ear that says that you’re not as attractive or accomplished as those images on the tiny screen. You’re certainly not thin enough after that hearty breakfast. You’re obviously not strong enough because you succumbed to checking out “his” social media again. You must not be attractive enough since all those in your social circle seem to be finding love, and you’re not. Social media often tells you that you’re not enough in some measurable way. Social media is supposed to connect us, hence the inclusion of the word “social” in the name. And sometimes it does exactly what it is supposed to do. It brings joy, celebration, and builds community. But for many, especially women and young people, it also provides a critical mirror that distorts reality. It becomes a filter for lies and a highlight reel that confidently celebrates everyone else’s wins and quietly chips away at your self-esteem. When life is going great, you might enjoy consuming a few images from influencers, fitness gurus, or even peeking into the lives of your most accomplished and polished friends. And there might not be any harm in doing that occasionally. But there are times when social media can become toxic to consume. Somewhere between the endless reels and the perfectly posed selfies, your brain starts comparing. And comparison, as has been said, is the thief of joy, but it is also the thief of identity. You were never meant to find your identity in the confusing halls of the internet or to [...]

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How to Tell If You’re Engaging in Emotional Eating

How to Tell If You’re Engaging in Emotional Eating

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-10-17T06:31:17+00:00October 17th, 2025|Eating Disorders, Featured, Individual Counseling|

How do you know if you’re doing too much of a thing? One possibility is in what the apostle wrote: “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12-13, NIV). Not everything we can do is beneficial to us, and even when we have the right to do something, when that thing becomes our master instead of our servant, something needs to change. There’s a sense in which we live at an amazing time when it comes to food. You can drive to a grocery store and get spices, fruit, grains, drinks, vegetables, and proteins from across the world, something that people set sail on long voyages for in previous centuries. There’s a glut of cooking shows, tutorials, and masterclasses available to motivate and help you prepare tasty food. All this notwithstanding, our relationship with food can be complex and messy. Food is often a major area of inequality, as some are calorie-deficient while others have a surplus. Food can also play a role that goes beyond sustenance. It can become a source of comfort and a way to deal with difficult emotions and situations. Emotional eating is a struggle that many have, and it can be quite damaging to your well-being. The Deep Connection Between Food and Our Feelings Food isn’t something that just sustains our bodies. We form bonds of fellowship over meals or drinks, and these relationships can last a lifetime. For many, some of their fondest memories are connected with food in one way or another. It could be a gathering like Thanksgiving dinner, a first date, cherished childhood memories at a particular sweet or dessert place, and so on. Food [...]

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Raising Kids: Parenting Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed

Raising Kids: Parenting Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-09-05T07:08:33+00:00September 5th, 2025|Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

When you encounter verses such as Psalm 127:3, you might feel a mixture of emotions. The verse reads, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3, NIV). One thing a parent might feel is a deep sense of responsibility for their children, perhaps accompanied by gratitude to the Lord for the gift of a child. These emotions can be empowering, but they can also make parents feel overwhelmed due to their gravity. If you take your parenting seriously and your faith and walk with the Lord seriously, it leads to the conclusion that one’s children are a gift over which to exercise wise stewardship. They belong to the Lord, and like all His gifts, we are to handle them carefully. Parenting in the 21st century can be a complex and overwhelming experience. We all need help with handling this vital role. Reasons Parents Feel Overwhelmed Raising a child is a task and responsibility that takes every ounce of energy, and it requires perseverance and ingenuity to accomplish. There are many reasons why a parent or caregiver might feel overwhelmed. Depending on the reason, there are different approaches to take to relieve the sense of pressure and to walk with a greater sense of freedom and joy in your parenting. You may feel overwhelmed because you have too much to do. Many parents can attest to this. Whether you’re a single parent, co-parenting, or in a relationship, you might be stretched thin because there’s just too much to do and you can’t get to it all. You have work, daily chores, school runs, you need to stay fit and socialize, and a thousand little fires that need putting out in a given day. A parent may feel overwhelmed because their child has needs that [...]

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More Than Schoolwork: Dealing with Today’s Teen Issues

More Than Schoolwork: Dealing with Today’s Teen Issues

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-08-13T07:04:14+00:00August 13th, 2025|Christian Counseling For Teens, Featured, Individual Counseling|

As adults, most people can agree that the teen years were tumultuous. This is when teens seek independence, yet they still rely on their parents (and desperately need them). Part child, part adult, these older children are planning their future, looking for part-time after-school jobs, and have few bills to pay, if any. Although they may not have a mortgage or a car payment, teens face challenges. Some of these teen issues are the same ones young people have experienced since the beginning of time. Other difficulties stem from today’s technology. Being aware of what teen issues your teenager will face can help prepare them for an easier transition into adulthood. Dealing with Teen Issues Faced by Teenagers Today Substance Abuse The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics states that the percentage of drug use by eighth graders grew by 61% from 2016 to 2020. About half of teenagers have misused drugs, according to the same organization. It seems unbelievable that children are introduced to drugs at such a young age, but there are cases where children are even younger, misusing drugs in early middle school. Not all of these involve illicit drug use. Teens usually have easy access to parents’ and grandparents’ medications, as they are no longer little children, and you may not feel the need to hide these prescriptions. Sometimes, out of curiosity or stress, the teen will take the pills. Unfortunately, no medication is entirely safe without side effects. Drugs taken by someone who does not need the meds or takes too much can easily overdose. Some prescription medications are also controlled substances and are highly addictive. If you suspect your teen is abusing medications or other drugs, reach out for help right away. Peer Pressure Peer pressure seems to be as old as time (Adam [...]

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Social Media and Teens: Helping Your Teen Thrive Online

Social Media and Teens: Helping Your Teen Thrive Online

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-09-27T13:02:44+00:00July 22nd, 2025|Christian Counseling For Teens, Coaching, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

People are highly adaptable creatures, but in other ways, we can become tied to our habits and find it hard to do anything different. There was a time, not that long ago, when getting to meet other people and exchange ideas was something you did largely in person. The world has changed quite rapidly, and now a person’s online presence can be more impactful than what they do in real life, away from their keyboards and social media handles. For teens who don’t know life apart from social media, a person’s online presence carries a lot more significance than what it does for people who are casual or non-users. If you’re the parent or caregiver of a teen, you must teach yourself about social media so you can help your teen navigate the joys and perils of social media. Social Media and Teens: It’s a Thing It should be said from the outset that teens are by no means monolithic. They don’t all enjoy the same things, so they can’t be easily pigeonholed. Broadly speaking, for teens, because of how tech-savvy they tend to be, and because they’re at the stage of life where they are experimenting, learning, being creative, pushing boundaries, and testing the edges of what’s acceptable, social media is a place where these things can be given full vent. Love it or hate it, social media has become an important part of our lives. Social media has become the new town square where people meet to share and debate ideas. Those debates aren’t always civil or informative, but there you have it. Social media is a place for connecting with others, building community, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, social media provides people with space to express themselves, creatively and otherwise. Now, at the push of [...]

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Bipolar in Teens: How to Know The Signs

Bipolar in Teens: How to Know The Signs

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2026-03-31T14:10:04+00:00June 13th, 2025|Bipolar Disorder, Christian Counseling For Teens, Featured, Individual Counseling|

🎧 Listen to this article https://planochristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Plano-Christian-Counseling-Bipolar-in-Teens-How-to-Know-The-Signs.mp3 Does your teen have dramatic mood swings that cycle between periods of extreme highs and periods of extreme lows? Are they causing noticeable changes in the way they normally think or act? It could be a sign of bipolar disorder. Bipolar in Teens Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy level, and behavior. It is characterized by manic episodes during which your teen seems happier than usual, is extremely energetic, and needs little sleep. Those contrast with episodes of depression in which your teen feels sad, apathetic, and fatigued. These episodes may last for one to two weeks or longer, interfere with your teen’s ability to perform daily tasks and disrupt his or her quality of life. Bipolar disorder can appear at any age, but most commonly develops during adolescence. Often it remains undiagnosed because the fluctuating moods are attributed to the normal ups and downs associated with teenage hormones. Early Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens Following are some red flags that should not be ignored. If you recognize several of these changes in your teen’s usual mood and behavior, it is important to follow up with a licensed mental health professional experienced in treating bipolar in teens. Bipolar in teens is highly treatable and manageable. The earlier the intervention starts, the better the outcome will be. Common signs of a manic episode. During a manic episode, your teen may feel wired and euphoric and have an inflated sense of self-esteem, grandiosity, and power. Feeling invincible, your teen might exhibit poor judgment, act impulsively, and engage in risky behaviors. Likewise, they may experience racing thoughts and trouble concentrating, talk fast, or jump from topic to unrelated topic. You may [...]

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Ways to Deal with Emotional Abuse in a Relationship

Ways to Deal with Emotional Abuse in a Relationship

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2025-06-03T06:38:24+00:00June 3rd, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues, Trauma|

If you take a walk in a park, soak in your surroundings in a coffee shop, or look around you as you sit in the vibrant heart of your city, you may have the privilege of witnessing the magic of great relationships. It’s amazing when you see two people whose eyes are alive with joy in each other, oozing genuine affection for each other as they share stories or sit in an easy silence with each other. When a relationship is thriving, it can lift you to amazing heights, helping you to flourish. On the other hand, an unhealthy relationship can cast a pall over a person’s life. You can see a radiant person slowly begin to dull because of a toxic relationship. A healthy relationship can be a great joy, but an unhealthy one can make it feel as though the world itself is crumbling beneath your feet. One way for a relationship to be unhealthy is when it is emotionally abusive. What makes a relationship emotionally abusive? There are different ways to hurt a person. People are creatures made in the image of the eternal and majestic God, and He loves them deeply (Genesis 1:26-28; John 3:16). For many reasons, people deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and compassion. When they are treated in ways that cause them harm and detract from the fullness and flourishing God intends for His creation, that treatment is abusive. In a relationship, emotional abuse consists of a pattern of behavior where one partner relates to the other in ways that diminish their well-being and sense of self. This often occurs through attempts to diminish, control, manipulate, and dominate the other, often through non-physical means. Emotional abuse leverages words, attitudes, and tone to damage another person. Ultimately, what makes a relationship [...]

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