Individual Counseling Archives | Page 5 of 16

Controlling or Repressing Anger? Addressing Repressed Anger

Controlling or Repressing Anger? Addressing Repressed Anger

Bryan Ferguson, Kate Motaung2026-03-27T10:08:24+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 [...]

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Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Sarah Harris, Kate Motaung2026-05-16T07:47:08+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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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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

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

Kate Motaung2026-06-04T20:34:46+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 [...]

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The Link Between ADHD Procrastination and Perfectionism

The Link Between ADHD Procrastination and Perfectionism

Bryan Ferguson, Kate Motaung2025-12-06T07:34:06+00:00December 8th, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Many people with ADHD are seen to be lazy or disinterested in their studies, tasks at work, friendships, and even in their romantic relationships. This is because most of those with ADHD are procrastinators, frequently leaving things unfinished and appointments unattended. While it might be easy for others to judge them, the truth is that their tendency to procrastinate is far more complex than it would seem. The tendency to procrastinate in people with ADHD is often linked to an instinctive need they have to make things perfect. In other words, ADHD-related procrastination goes hand in hand with perfectionism, and it’s important to understand why. More Than Meets the Eye People with ADHD are frequently the subjects of misunderstanding and undeserved contempt. They are seen to be rude, standoffish, uncaring, exhausting, too direct, and perhaps worst of all, lazy. In truth, those with ADHD are as imperfect as every other person. Like all of us, they may exhibit these character flaws. There is, however, often a deeper reason as to why they are perceived in these ways. They might not be able to articulate the reasons if questioned, but many neurodiverse people are impacted by the judgments people pass on them. Your loved one or coworker with ADHD is not overemotional; they have struggles regulating their emotions. They are not as careless and disorganized as they are impaired in punctuality and planning. They are not disinterested, disengaged, or lazy because they fail to complete tasks, miss deadlines, or fail to produce results. They are most likely afraid to fail, have standards that are too high to attain, or might be paralyzed by self-doubt. Most people with ADHD struggle in ways you could never understand as a neurotypical person. They require patience, and you refrain from judging them if they [...]

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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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Can Adults Have ADHD? 6 Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD

Can Adults Have ADHD? 6 Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD

McCartney Paul, Kate Motaung2025-12-02T08:49:13+00:00December 2nd, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly seen in children but can follow them into adulthood. The symptoms typically diminish and become less severe as the children grow. However, adult ADHD symptoms can interfere with daily activities at home and work. Inability to concentrate, losing patience, and disorganization can affect your relationships. Although there is no cure for adult ADHD, once you recognize the symptoms, you can seek help. What is adult ADHD? Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects millions of adults worldwide, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Global Health (February 2021). Whether the adults experienced ADHD symptoms as children or not, this mental health disorder is taken seriously. There are several reasons why someone may develop ADHD. These include genetics (hereditary traits), environmental factors, and central nervous disorders. ADHD can also coexist with mood and anxiety disorders. According to diagnostic testing, adults must consistently exhibit at least five symptoms over six months before being diagnosed with ADHD. However, only a professional mental health specialist can make the determination. Adult ADHD Symptoms Perhaps you were never officially tested for ADHD while growing up. Many of the symptoms in children are sometimes chalked up to a child being too excitable or even referred to as a troublemaker by those who do not recognize the signs. Many of the symptoms listed are seen in childhood but escalate as adults. How many of these symptoms did you have as a child and still have today? You are easily distracted Do you often sit at your desk trying to work but catch yourself daydreaming out the window? How often have you set out to do a task but end up distracted by new tasks, scrolling social media, or watching videos? Inability to stay focused is one of the most common signs of Attention-Deficit [...]

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Help for Single Moms: Ways to Find Support

Help for Single Moms: Ways to Find Support

D. Nicole Ready, Kate Motaung2026-03-27T10:13:00+00:00November 25th, 2025|Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Women’s Issues|

Being a parent brings many ups and downs. Children can bring loads of joy, but they also come with their fair share of strain and hardship. The cost of raising a child to adulthood in the United States was approximately $267,233 in 2021, according to a report by US News and World. Paid maternity leave, subsidized health and childcare, and universal preschool can help if you have access, but, regardless, raising children can cause incredible financial pressure to parents. How much more of a strain can it be if you are a single parent! Single moms face not only financial challenges, but also other unique difficulties. Besides being exciting and life-altering, motherhood also gives self-doubt, sleepless nights, and endless worries. Motherhood requires a great amount of patience and selflessness, and let’s be honest, every mother needs help along the way. The more support you have, the better. Whether you are a single mom who is looking for ways to flourish or you are someone seeking to be helpful to a single mom, this article is for you. We all need support from others to live our best lives, and in this, single moms are no different. If You Know a Single Mom If you have a single mama in your world, there are several things that you can do to help lighten her load. Some of these will take some emotional and financial investment, while others will require that you simply give of your time and thoughtfulness. Don’t require a backstory before you decide to help out The journey to someone being a single mom doesn’t look the same for everyone, and there are many reasons why someone may be a single mom. Whatever path has led her to being a single mom, you don’t need to know the [...]

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What to Expect in Therapy for Teens in Plano, Texas

What to Expect in Therapy for Teens in Plano, Texas

Melissa Plantz2025-11-04T08:19:28+00:00November 4th, 2025|Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Looking for Christian therapy for teens in Plano, Texas? If so, we can help. Everyone talks about how challenging it is to raise toddlers. They are perhaps the first age group that tries their parents’ patience and has them down on their knees in prayer. The second major age group that parents often worry about is the teenage years. Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. Your child wants independence, but also wants to know that you are still there for them. At that age, teens are curious, rebellious, and often a bit like their parents. This can be a challenging time for both teens and parents. However, the good news is that more parents are finding solace in therapy for teens, a resource that can provide much-needed support and guidance during this season. Topics Covered in Therapy for Teens in Plano, Texas Many of the topics that teens face today, their grandparents also faced as teens, such as smoking, peer pressure, underage drinking, and teen pregnancy. However, there are some things that, as parents, we never had to worry about until the 21st century. For example, social media and cyberbullying are among the issues that teens face. What once used to be name-calling on the playground has turned into full-blown attacks across the internet, leading some teens to depression and suicide. The following is a list of common topics we cover in therapy for teens in Plano, Texas: Peer pressure Drug addiction Teen sex Sexual confusion Teen pregnancy Bullying (in all forms) Identity confusion Academic pressure Athletic pressure Addiction to social media platforms and gaming Family issues Conflict at school Communication Anxiety Depression Eating disorders Spiritual questions Grief and loss Divorce and family changes Trauma, abuse, neglect, or abandonment Plano is home to many excellent schools—such as [...]

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