Individual Counseling Archives | Page 2 of 14

Overcoming the Fear and Stigma of Unmasking Autism at Work

Overcoming the Fear and Stigma of Unmasking Autism at Work

Grace Mavindidze2026-01-23T10:54:56+00:00January 23rd, 2026|Autism Spectrum Disorder, Featured, Individual Counseling, Professional Development|

Do you ever feel like you’re working harder than everyone else just to keep up? Maybe you find yourself always forcing eye contact, rehearsing conversations, or holding back the things that help you feel comfortable, like fidgeting or taking breaks. This is the case with those who have autism. These habits feel natural to you by now, but they have always left you feeling drained, disconnected, or confused about why you have to work so hard to appear “normal.” For every functioning neurodivergent person, masking to suppress parts of their personality or behavior is much like wearing a social disguise to blend in. When we talk about unmasking autism, this means the very opposite, permitting yourself to let those habits go, step by step. It’s different for everyone, and there’s no set path or timeline, whether this means sharing your diagnosis with others gradually or simply letting go of behaviors that don’t feel natural in ways that feel safe and manageable. Is unmasking autism even necessary? Revealing details about your diagnosis is not something you have to do, but it’s a very personal choice. For some, letting go of the pretense comes as a huge relief and makes it easier to connect with their true selves. But for others, masking will always feel helpful in certain situations. Coming out of this mask or comfort zone needs to be done in a way that feels right for you. Whether you choose to unmask fully or only in certain situations, your goal should be to find a balance that supports both your well-being and your career. Masking autism often happens without you even noticing it, even if it’s just small, seemingly casual things like forcing yourself to maintain eye contact for longer than what feels comfortable or pretending to follow small [...]

Comments Off

Teen Help For Parents of Troubled Teens

Teen Help For Parents of Troubled Teens

Hannah Parks, Kate Motaung2026-01-14T07:28:48+00:00January 14th, 2026|Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Teens go through major physical and emotional changes as they transition into adulthood. Growth spurts triggered by surges in hormones can contribute to mood swings, as can changes still happening in their brains. A teen’s brain is wired differently from a mature adult’s brain. It is still in the process of developing and being restructured, and does not reach full maturity until the mid-20s. The prefrontal cortex, which is the area primarily responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, self-control, and emotional regulation, is still forming new synapses. As a result, teens are often unable to think through things on an adult level and may be prone to making poor decisions and acting impulsively. It is also the reason why teens differ from adults in their ability to interpret emotional cues in the facial expressions of others and tend to misread them. Whereas the adult brain uses the prefrontal cortex to do this, teens rely on the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions. Typical Teen Behavior Versus Troubled Teen Ones Changing Appearance Keeping up with fashion trends is important to teens because it helps build their confidence, enables them to express their individuality, and is a way of fitting in with their peers. It only becomes a red flag when it is accompanied by negative changes in behavior, problems at school, self-harm, or extreme weight loss or weight gain. Arguments and Rebellious Behavior As teens start striving to become independent, they may argue and butt heads with you. It only becomes a red flag if the arguments escalate, your teen becomes violent, gets into fights, or has run-ins with the law. Mood Swings and Irritability Rapid growth and hormonal changes in teens often lead to mood swings, irritability, and trouble managing their emotions. [...]

Comments Off

6 Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

6 Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

McCartney Paul, Kate Motaung2026-01-14T07:23:13+00:00January 14th, 2026|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling, Men’s Issues, Women’s Issues|

Finding online research about the symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult. While there are plenty of articles about symptoms of ADHD in children, the research for adults is limited. However, based on qualitative findings and some quantitative research, here are six behaviors that can signify ADHD in an adult. Possible Symptoms of ADHD in Adults You struggle with restlessness For children, this may look like hyperactivity. In adults, it often feels like an inability to stop fidgeting or perhaps thoughts that run through your mind at a rapid pace. If you find yourself unable to focus on a task because your task makes you think of something else, and then another thought, and then a different thought, this could be a signal of restlessness. Still, other symptoms also need to be present (and comorbidities ruled out) before an ADHD diagnosis can be confirmed. Other symptoms of restlessness might include a fixation on stressful occurrences in your life or others’ lives, getting easily agitated by everyday concerns, or going from frustrated to extreme anger in a short period of time. Restlessness in adults can be a symptom of other issues, so it’s always best to reach out to a counselor at one of our offices to start the diagnostic process. You misplace items frequently Because focus and attention are typically a struggle, one of the symptoms of ADHD in adults that can change from childhood to adulthood is organization. If you were diagnosed as a child, this may mean you did not turn in projects on time, you frequently lost important homework or books, or you had a hard time keeping your room clean. For adults, the struggle with organization can be masked. However, it may be easier for you to recognize if the following “I” statements sound [...]

Comments Off

How Depression Affects the Whole You: Mind, Body, and Spirit

How Depression Affects the Whole You: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Ashlynn Barnette, Kate Motaung2026-01-13T06:51:21+00:00January 13th, 2026|Depression, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Depression can seem daunting and intense, even scary. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether you or a loved one struggles with depression. Understanding how depression can present and the effects it can have can prove to be empowering.Symptoms of DepressionMaybe you’ve been asked a series of questions by a doctor or provider to determine if depressive symptoms are present. Some common depressive symptoms include:Little interest or pleasure in doing thingsExcessive tiredness/exhaustionLack of appetite or overeatingFeelings of sadnessHopelessnessDifficulty sleeping or sleeping too muchNegative self-talk/self-esteemDifficulty concentratingAbnormal movement cadenceSuicidal tendencySome additional symptoms can be social isolation, lack of motivation, irritability, negative self-talk, negative thoughts about others, or the world. It is important to note that the presence of any of these symptoms does not automatically mean you are depressed.The Whole YouMind, body, spirit – multiple intricate parts make up the whole you. Our Creator made us “fearfully and wonderfully” (Psalm 139:14) in our mother’s womb. Anyone who has studied the human body and all its intricacies can conclude that the body works together to achieve homeostasis.Consider how a “problem” or “issue” in one part of you can affect others. It is common to hear how a defective or weak part of the body can negatively impact another part of the body entirely. The same can be true with mental illness. As we examine the symptoms of depression, let’s look at how other areas of our lives may be feeling the toll as well.The MindDepression can be a result of improper brain functionality, whether it be a “hardware” or “software” issue. Let’s think of “hardware” as the biological components of the brain and “software” as the thoughts. Both can be contributors to symptoms of depression.Our thoughts can have a direct impact on our mood/emotions, physiological responses, and behavior. Additionally, our thoughts can form neural pathways over [...]

Comments Off

How Can Anger Management in Children Be Helped With Counseling?

How Can Anger Management in Children Be Helped With Counseling?

D. Nicole Ready, Kate Motaung2026-01-13T06:42:58+00:00January 13th, 2026|Anger Issues, Christian Counseling for Children, Featured, Individual Counseling|

What are your evenings at home characterized by? Are you exhausted from the anticipation of your child having another bad day at school? Have you tried positive reinforcement, pep talks, consequences, and times out with no luck? Do explosive emotions, angry outbursts, meltdowns, meanness, tantrums, and aggressive behavior characterize the life of your child? The Need for Anger Management in Children These scenarios might lead parents to seek out the help of a counselor for their child and family. Honestly, even as adults, anger can sometimes get the best of us. Anger can quickly overwhelm us and cause destructive patterns of emotional response. The interesting thing about anger is that it is often a secondary emotion, meaning that there are likely other primary feelings that are hiding underneath the display of anger that need to be identified to bring change to the cycle of negative emotions and behavior. Counseling for anger management and other destructive emotional behavior patterns in children will often begin with psychoeducation. Simply put, initial counseling sessions are used to educate the client about a wide array of emotions. For children, this must be done in an environment where they feel safe and seen. Parents need to find a therapist that they feel comfortable with and one that can build relationally with their child. Approaches to Anger Management in Children Once care is established, you can say, “Let the games begin.” There are many games and activities available to help children begin to learn more about what and why they are feeling so much anger and outrage. Approaching therapy this way with children will allow them to avoid feeling like therapy is punitive. Therapy will allow children who are struggling with big emotions to safely explore all feelings. Over time, children will be able to identify [...]

Comments Off

Controlling or Repressing Anger? Addressing Repressed Anger

Controlling or Repressing Anger? Addressing Repressed Anger

Bryan Ferguson, Kate Motaung2026-01-12T10:16:11+00:00January 12th, 2026|Anger Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling|

For the most part, whenever the topic of anger comes up, the call is to control our anger better and find ways to blow off steam to avoid bringing destruction into our lives and relationships. It can feel odd to then say that in some instances, a person may not be angry enough. There are many different issues a person may have with anger, and sometimes that might include avoiding it or pretending it doesn’t exist. The Idea Of Repressing Anger At first glance, telling someone that they need to recognize and not hold back their anger may seem like inviting disaster. There are way too many people in our world who feel comfortable being angry in ways that cause harm to others. This happens in parking lots, on the internet, in homes, on playgrounds, in the workplace, at restaurants, and anywhere else you can think of. However, there are some good reasons for a call to recognize and express anger. For one thing, not every expression of anger is healthy. The main problem with a lot of the anger we encounter is that it’s unhealthy, both for the person expressing it and for the people around them who are subjected to it. This is a huge reason those who shy away from anger do so. Healthy expressions of anger do exist, and you’ve likely experienced them without recognizing them as such. When you hold your anger back and don’t express it, it can be just as damaging as when you express it in an unhealthy way that causes harm to you and other people. A person can choose to deal with anger in several ways, including repressing or suppressing it. These two ideas are connected, but somewhat different. When a person suppresses their anger, they are consciously hiding [...]

Comments Off

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 [...]

Comments Off

7 Types of Behavioral Problems in Children

7 Types of Behavioral Problems in Children

Melissa Plantz2025-12-31T06:33:11+00:00December 31st, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Children often react in ways that frustrate their parents. However, when should you be concerned about behavioral problems? When are their actions no longer typical and become an issue? Knowing the common behavioral problems in children can help you navigate this season and ask for support when needed. 7 Common Types of Behavioral Problems in Children Temper tantrums, outbursts, hitting other people, and knocking over things are common behaviors in children with behavioral problems, but so are changes in sleep patterns and appetite, social withdrawal, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. There are several types of behavioral problems in children that are often categorized as disruptive behaviors, neurodevelopmental disorders, or emotional disorders. ADHD Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder characterized by the inability to focus and concentrate, disorganization, fidgeting, and sometimes impulsive behaviors. Children with ADHD may forget more often or lose homework. They can be impatient at times. Unfortunately, many adults label ADHD children as difficult, which can lead to children fulfilling the adults’ expectations, making their behavior worse. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Children go through rebellious stages, but children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder constantly argue with others, have issues with authority, blame others for their own mistakes, and try to annoy other people. They break the rules and question why they should have to follow them in the first place. They may hit others and say mean things. A child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may find it hard to make and keep friends unless they learn how to manage their behavioral problems. Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The spectrum runs from mild symptoms to severe. One child with autism may only suffer from social interaction issues and the inability to relate to others and empathize. In contrast, another child may have communication [...]

Comments Off

Fighting Negative Body Image

Fighting Negative Body Image

Ashlynn Barnette, Kate Motaung2025-12-20T06:39:45+00:00December 22nd, 2025|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Women’s Issues|

Perfect bodies. Perfect hair. Perfect clothing. Everywhere we look, we see society’s ideals of beauty and health. Yet, these ideals are unrealistic. Often, images are edited, filtered, touched up, or created by AI. But the outcome can leave us feeling inadequate and unattractive. Negative body image results in low self-esteem, poor self-confidence, and a dislike of the body and appearance. We stop taking opportunities because of self-consciousness. However, you can learn to fight negative body image and boost body positivity. What is negative body image? Negative body image is how you perceive yourself, often comparing yourself to others or society’s ideals, or listening to judgmental voices of other people. Negative body image can have a major impact on a person’s mental health. It can trigger anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a loss of confidence. People with a negative body image may also find it difficult to maintain relationships, especially intimate ones. They may form toxic relationships or distance themselves from their spouse because they feel uncomfortable. Negative body image also contributes to extreme behavior, such as looking at oneself in the mirror excessively and having extreme or numerous cosmetic surgeries to attain a particular look. Even after all of these changes, an individual with negative body image may still feel unattractive. Overcoming negative body image requires acknowledging that there may be something missing, some deeper reason behind the thoughts and fears. Boost positive body image To overcome negative body image, we need to boost positive body image. A positive body image appreciates the body that you have, right now. It acknowledges the body’s capabilities and usefulness. It also makes us more aware of who we are aside from our appearance. When you appreciate your body for where it is now, you feel a sense of confidence and worth. You [...]

Comments Off

Mental Disorders in Children: 6 Signs Your Child May Need Help

Hannah Parks, Kate Motaung2025-12-09T08:35:33+00:00December 9th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Childhood is a precious time. Children play, make friends, and absorb knowledge in everything they do. It is a moment in a parent’s life that they will look back and wish their children were that age again. But for some, childhood brings the emergence of mental disorders. Many mental conditions display signs in the teenage years or as early as grade school age. Signs That Your Child Might Need Help Kids display signs of mental disorders, although they may be subtle initially. These conditions affect emotional, mental, cognitive, and behavioral health. Not all children complain or can explain that they feel “off.” Academic Problems Slipping grades, fights at school, problems with friends, and defiant behavior toward teachers and authority could be a sign of a mental condition. By eliminating other factors, such as bullying, your doctor can better pinpoint the root of the problem and determine an accurate diagnosis. Behavioral Issues Fighting, hitting, arguing, isolating, and other behavioral issues could indicate that something isn’t right. If your child’s behavior escalates to the point that teachers and authorities need to step in or if your child withdraws from the world, a professional mental health assessment may be due. Appetite Changes Appetite changes can be subtle. You may not notice if your child is eating too little or too much for a while, especially in a busy household. Take note of your child’s appearance. Do they seem to be rapidly gaining or losing weight? Watch them at mealtimes and observe if they are snacking excessively. Childhood and the teenage years are particularly prone to developing eating disorders, which can also coexist with other mental health conditions. Sleep Changes Your child may not express any sleep issues, so you may need to observe their physical appearance and behavior. Many mental disorders can cause [...]

Comments Off

Individual Counseling

CONTACT INFO

Plano Christian Counseling

ABOUT US