“Extra Attention Required” Parishioners

By: Cindy Raices, MA

Did you ever find yourself making time for the same person over and over again? Are there people in your church that are known to be “needy” or “attention seeking”? As pastors, you encounter a variety of personalities and backgrounds in the people that attend your church every week. Each of them have different needs, strengths and weaknesses. However, there are times that people pass through the church that require a large amount of attention and time. Sometimes, these parishioners have tragedy after tragedy in their lives. Others, may be asking for money because there is always lack in their lives, regardless of the resources available to them. Believe it or not, some pastors are dealing with people who feel the need to discuss every complaint they have about people and the way things are done in the church. In churches across the nation, these people are written off as “attention seeking” or “needy”. More often than not, they are experiencing deeper issues such as anxiety, rejection or simply, victims of family dysfunction. 

Because God has called us to work with those in need and to build disciples, pastors do not think twice before working with these people. Pastors take time to get to know their sheep, pray for them and guide them. The problem arises when pastors are constantly being interrupted with the same issues they addressed the week prior. When these “needy” parishioners begin to expect or demand the pastor's time, the relationship is approaching codependency. 

It is essential that pastors recognize this behavior as soon as possible for the emotional health of both the pastor and the parishioner. This unhealthy dependence on the pastor can hurt both parties individually. Once a pastor is constantly pouring into this person without any improvement, the relationship will become draining. The pastor will soon begin to dread meeting with this parishioner causing the meetings to be unproductive. Encouraging this dependency, will not help the parishioner.  It is simply putting a bandaid on their issues. 

The best way to work with parishioners who require extra attention is to first, set boundaries. As pastors, it is likely that you already have some sort of boundaries established between yourself and the church members. If you do not already, make sure you establish and communicate clear boundaries. These boundaries should include the amount of time you will meet, how often and what is expected of both yourself and the parishioner. This way, it is clear on both ends, about what can be done to help and what is out of your reach.

The best attention you can give a person that requires extra is the love of Jesus and support. Now this does not mean all of the love and support needs to come from you! Lead these parishioners to seek resources from the community. Ask them if they have friends or family they can depend on. If the person you are working with appears to have chronic need or a history of unresolved problems, encourage him or her to seek professional help. As I mentioned before, many of the people requiring extra attention are struggling emotionally. Some people may be hesitant to take the step towards getting counseling and support from their pastor may be just what they need. What better help than to teach them to lean on God and the resources available to them?

Guilt and Shame

By: Cindy Raices, MA

Many can acknowledge accomplishments and victories they have experienced in their lives. On good days, it is easy to come up with a list of things we have overcome, even challenges we have faced and grown from! The problem seems to be on days where things begin to go wrong. Then, one by one, thoughts of insufficiency, guilt, shame, and inadequacy begin to snowball in our minds. “If I haven’t gotten that promotion yet, it is because I am not good enough.” “I would not being going through this mess if I would have been more careful.” “If they were to know who I really am, they might not talk to me anymore.” Thoughts like these, make it difficult for us to see God’s freedom and eternal love. 

We have been set free from the imprisonment of guilt and shame, so what is it that keeps us there? Guilt can be broken down in two ways, true guilt and false guilt. True guilt derives from sin and is God’s way of calling us back to him. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV states, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Guilt does not have to be a bad thing. When guilt leads us to checking our hearts and we are able to receive God’s forgiveness, it is liberating! It is false guilt or “worldly sorrow” that the Bible warns us about because it will bring death. False guilt refers to the guilt is focused on ourselves. It is a guilt that is focused on our hurt, offenses, and not meeting others’ expectations. 

It is important that we are aware of where our guilt and shame is coming from. It is normal to experience regret and sadness, but lasting despair interferes with our ability to see God’s freedom and eternal love.  

Values Clarification

By: Francine Costanza, LCPC

Often we may think that our values are very clear and that we are living up to them each day. However, taking an occasional inventory of our values and assessing how well we are living them out can be a beneficial exercise. One way to do this is to make a list of the different areas of your life and write them as column headings on a large piece of paper. 

An example of some areas are; marriage, children, extended family, work, friends, church, self-care, and leisure. You may have more areas, different ones or fewer ones. Each person's life is their own tapestry.  After identifying the different areas of your life, think about what values are important to you in each area. For example, under marriage some possible values are trust, honesty, and communication. There are many more values that could be included here. Whatever comes to mind, write it down. When you get to the next area, write down any new values that come to mind. You may think of some values that also fit in some of the other areas. For instance if you have children as an area of your life you may think of “spend time together" and then realize that this is important under marriage as well. Continue writing the values that come up under each area. Even though they might fit under all the areas, the important thing is to identify them. 

Looking at each separate area can help bring different values to mind. (for example, under the work area the value of excellence may be thought of}. Once you have finished filling in each column, you can circle each value that you would like to improve on. Maybe you recognize that time with those you love is important and that you aren't making it a priority. Any of the values that you don't feel are being fulfilled adequately in your life are the ones to circle. Maybe it's patience, listening better, or eating healthy. This then can be a basis for setting goals. A goal can be formulated for each circled value.  For example, if spending time with children is something that came up as an important value that needs improvement, the goal can be to come home earlier or engage with the children at  a certain time each day such as before or after dinner. 

When we choose to spend time in self-examination we are able to discover what we might be overlooking or taking for granted, or short-changing ourselves and others of what really matters to us. Looking at our values and setting goals can motivate and inspire us to make new choices and grow in he direction of our values and dreams.

If you are ready to start your counseling journey, visit our website by clicking HERE or give us a call at 815-577-8970.

So You're Thinking About Therapy?

By: Jeannette Sziler, LCPC

It is an incredibly difficult and courageous thing for someone to seek help when they are struggling with mental health concerns. Taking that step can be scary for people however this step is one of the most beneficial things that someone can do for their overall well-being. That being said we need to address what to expect from therapy.

As a therapist who has been in this field under many different hats before entering private practice, I have heard a lot of different things about what Clients initially thought therapy would be. I have heard, “therapy is like talking to a friend”, “I keep thinking my therapist will solve this for me”, “how long does this take?”, etc. The funny thing about therapy is....it isn't about friendship, it isn't about problem solving for a Client, and therapists cannot guesstimate exactly how long therapy will “take”.

While therapy is all about you, your family, your goals, it is not about cultivating a friendship with your therapist. What it is about, is cultivating a trusting relationship with your therapist in order to meet a set goal. While you can like and certainly be friendly with your therapist, you two are not friends. Friends are not objective people in your life who can guide you to a solution without their own biases getting in the way.

Speaking of goals. Therapists assist in goal setting, exploration and processing of concerns. They do not do not solve problems for you. What Clients need to realize is that therapists do not give solutions, they aid Clients in searching for their own answers that are healthy and appropriate for their needs and their lives.

When one is considering therapy it is important to keep those things in mind. It is also helpful to remember that therapy can be brief or it can span years. The length of time is contingent on many things particularly on the amount of consistent work the Client is willing to put in to the therapy. Therapists can provide all the tools in the world, they won't do much good if they aren't being used.

The last thing I can recommend for those daring to take this wonderful step is, if you aren't feeling connected to the therapist, ask yourself what is preventing that trusting relationship from developing? Is the therapist not going where you need them to be? Are they disclosing too much about themselves? Not of enough coping skills that you feel play to your strengths? 

Whatever it is that you need, ask for it. There is no better relationship in where you can ask for what you need without the fear of repercussions, than in the therapist-client relationship. Therapy is a commitment that is worth the time investment. Be kind to yourself and take that step if you think you need it, like a friend once said, “I've never sat down with my therapist, had a session and thought, 'boy I wish I hadn't done that'”.

If you are ready to start your counseling journey, visit our website by clicking HERE or give us a call at 815-577-8970.

Quick Tips on Improving Mind, Body and Soul

By: Terri Griswold, LCPC

Mind – Take-up a new hobby, one that stimulates the mind. Find something challenging, something you’ve always wanted to do. Even puzzles work. Stimulating the mind will help keep it fresh, active, and clear and will help prevent mental disorders later in life.

Body – Get active during leisure time. Plan the day ahead and include leisure activities into your schedule. It could be anything from a walk in the park, physical activity, sport, yoga, anything except running errands and work. 30 minutes a day will improve the quality of life.


Soul – A source of expression is the stamp of authenticity. A creative outlet to express the soul will keep you feeling young and alive, with a sense of purpose. Creativity is more than drawing and painting, it’s playing an instrument, dancing, writing, and gardening. Creativity is anything you put your heart and soul into.

Give it a try and let me know what you are doing to improve your life!

Resolution Momentum

By: Nick Smith, LCPC

If you started this year with a resolution, I first want to congratulate you on making a commitment to change. I hope this post serves as some encouragement on your journey. There is no doubt that this journey will be difficult at times but here are some ideas to help keep you going.

1. Start Small: Typically the “Go Big or Go Home” mentality leads many people to just “go home.” If you can start making small changes here at the beginning of the year, you can build momentum. It’s better to frustrated about feeling like you can do more than to feel frustrated by the daily difficulty of it.
   
2. Change is difficult. If it weren’t, you would have done it already. Remember this when your mind starts to condemn you for being “weak” or “slow” or “unable.”
   
3. If one day you want to quit, do something small. If you committed to going to the gym, then go for 5 minutes. If you committed to eat more greens, then eat one leaf of spinach. But achieving your goal in a small way will help momentum.
   
4. Reassess goals often. At the beginning of the year it’s easy to say, “I’m going to go to the gym 5 days a week,” then come to remember after the first week how difficult that is. It’s possible that you have overcommitted and that’s ok. Overcommitment helps to see what a more realistic goal could look like. Also, life circumstances change and we have to reassess our goals in those times. 
   

Achieving your goal is possible! Try to stay positive and surround yourself with people who support you. You can get there! 

As a Tree Grows

By: Francine Costanza, LCPC

As I look out at the trees, now void of leaves on this brisk December day, I am reminded of the story that is framed and hung in the hallway of Heritage Counseling Center. It is a fable about a young tree whose leaves are starting to change color and the tree feels confused and frightened. The tree talks to God about what is happening. It is a great analogy to what we often feel when changes happen outside of our control. A copy of the story is available at Heritage. You can ask for one at the office or any counselor can get one for you.

There are so many great tree analogies. I like the verse in Jeremiah (7:22), which says, “Those who trust in the Lord and whose confidence is in Him will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” When I think of our roots going down deep into the ground, I think of being rooted and grounded in Christ. I believe that this is what gives us the rich spiritual nourishment we need to make us the strong and healthy, able to withstand any storm or wind that comes our way. 

The idea of a tree bearing fruit is also mentioned in the Bible, indicating our spiritual growth and the evidence of our faith in Christ. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus talks about good fruit and bad fruit being shown in people when He says, “By their fruits you shall know them.” Them refers to those who demonstrate the character qualities that God desires in us. And what exactly are these qualities or good fruits that Jesus is talking about? Galatians 5:22 explains it clearly. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” On our own these fruits can be hard to come by. Patience and gentleness are not always easy. And the Bible teaches that joy is not based on circumstances. God is the one who can bring these qualities about in us when we can’t. Left to ourselves we are inconsistent in our abilities to maintain them. But with God working in us through the Holy Spirit we can. As we spend time with the Lord, meditating on his Word and praying, these fruits will blossom and grow in us.

May each of you who reads this, grow strong in the Lord and in the power of his love with deep roots and may you bear the ripest and best of fruits!

Therapist Anxiety

By: Samantha Hicks, LCPC

Seeking therapy can be an anxiety provoking experience. There can be so many questions on where to start and how to find someone who is a good fit for you. It is difficult to even figure out where to begin. Here are some helpful questions to think about and hints to make the process easier for you!

What do you need help with?

Starting with what you are seeking help for can be helpful in finding a therapist. Therapist typically specialize or have experience in areas. The website biographies are a perfect place to look for this information. Click HERE for our counselors.

What type of therapy are you looking for?

Do you want a male or female therapist? Christian therapist? Someone who is challenging, or has you guide the session? Do not be afraid to try a few therapists out to identify which one you feel works the best with you.

As therapists, we want the best fit for you that is going to help you achieve your goals. A way to get to know us better before we have a session is call us to get to know our therapy style a little better. Some questions to ask in that phone call could include:

• Do you have any specialties?
• Do you have experience working with (what you are looking to have help regarding)?
• What is your therapy style?

There is nothing wrong with calling a few therapists prior to scheduling a session with any of them. Also, do not hesitate to therapist hop if it does not seem right. You are taking a courageous step in seeking therapy and we want to make it the best fit for you. It can be uncomfortable to talk about situations that are affecting you so take it at your own pace. Just don’t give up!

Making Amends

By: Jeanette Sziler, LCPC

Making amends, seeking repentance can feel as if it is an impossible step to take as it demands quite a lot of the self. If one is willing to seek amends for the harm and hurt that their actions have caused others, growth will happen. Making amends is not simply a change of heart and mind that leads one to do what is right; it is an action that one takes to wrong what has been done. For an example, if the act was stealing then confess and return what was stolen. 

Expressions of humility and regret when we hurt others is important as it shows that the person understands the damage and pain they have caused others. Confessing in a radically honest way means owning the wrong that was committed. This means saying, “Yes, I stole your money, my actions are inexcusable”. It does not mean saying, “Yes, I stole from you but, it wasn't me, I was on drugs.” Confessing and owning leaves out the “buts” or any type of justifications. Seeking mercy, forgiveness, and healing of the relationships that were damaged is part of making amends. Remember however that restoring a relationship is not always possible. Sometimes owning the hurt, confessing, and apologizing doesn't open the door for reconciliation, and that has to be okay for the one making amends. If when making amends the relationship is not repaired the way it was “suppose” to go, take ownership of that for it is a consequence of poor and unwise choices. Making amends is not about anticipating how others will react or respond to it, it is about changing the heart, mind, and actions regardless of the outcome. Making amends is about growing and evolving as a person and understanding the impact of how it has effected others.

The Power of Change

By: Cindy Raices

In a world of constant change, we can become apprehensive about what the next step in our lives will look like. Whether the next step be an empty nest, a new job, a new child or a new ministry, change can be difficult. As humans beings, we crave comfort and stability. When change approaches, instead of embracing it, we resist it. We tend to resist change, even while we are in dysfunctional conditions. No matter how bad things around us, we believe it's safer for things to stay the same rather than embrace change. 

Many people fear change because of the unknown and lack of control that is tied to change. It is challenging to take the first step when we do not know what will follow. Others find change to be problematic because they believe the demands of change are out of their reach. While change may seem out of reach or too scary to fathom, here are some simple steps to approach it.

Begin by taking the first step. One of the most difficult parts of change is simply getting started. Many times our fears convince us to just focus on what is in front of us. They highlight the challenges and risks involved in moving forward. However, it is usually after taking that first step that things begin to clear up. New opportunities are birthed through embracing change. All we have to do is take the first step. 

After you’ve taken the first step, don't give up. There may be times when adversity will encourage you to go backwards. However, you must continue forward. A good way to sustain the change you have embraced is by having support and accountability. Your support can come from family, friends, or even your hope for the future. Whatever it is, make sure is something that keeps you moving forward. Forward is always a powerful direction. It causes you to grow and exposes you to more possibilities. 

There is something that happens inside of us as we change. Despite the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with change, change will always produce new opportunities, perspectives and growth if you are willing to embrace it. Take the first step and you will see how change is powerful. 

Ovecoming Anxiety and Worry

By: Francine Costanza, MA, LCPC 

In this world it is an accomplishment to keep free from anxiety and worry. So many things happen beyond our control. Daily there are things in the news that cause us all to shudder. How can we keep a positive attitude? How can we bounce back over and over again?

What I have found to be the best antidote for worry and anxiety is the Word of God. There are many verses which speak to us about what to do when we are plagued by disappointment, fear and worry. God wants us to trust Him no matter how trying the times. He wants us to turn to Him for strength, for comfort and for direction. A relationship with God would be pretty unimportant if we could do everything with ease and control every adversity.  The longer I live the more I realize how little I can really control and how much I need the Lord each day. Reading the scriptures reminds me of how to think which I need often because it's easy to slip into negative thoughts and doubt.  Just as we need food and water to maintain a strong healthy body we also need spiritual nourishment to have a strong and healthy spirit and mindset.  2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive  to the mind of Christ. As we read and re-read the Bible, these verses become internalized. When trouble comes, rather than fear the worst, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control and that He will work all things out for good for us. (Romans 8:28). 

Below are some verses which are well worth memorizing or at least keeping in a convenient place to refer back to when fear and doubt take over.  God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5).  The more we trust those words and turn to Him in our times of need, the stronger we will get and the freer we will be to think positive no matter what the circumstances.  And in this way, the power of Christ is evident in this dark world. 

The recent events in Las Vegas were  horrible and devastating. Yet in the midst of such evil, the love and courage of many was witnessed and experienced. People helped one another, police stood in the way of fire to protect those who were there. Everywhere kindness and support were shown.  No-one and no-thing can stop love and goodness from flourishing just as darkness cannot put out the light. May we trust that God will give us the strength to meet whatever challenges come before us. Through Him we can have peace and know that the victory is ours in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"  Luke 12:22-24

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:30

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

A Review on ‘To the Bone’

By: Samantha Hicks, LCPC

‘To the Bone’ is a Netflix movie about a young girl who is struggling with an eating disorder. This movie depicts a couple of treatment programs the main character goes through and her struggles with her family. Without giving away details of the movie, if you are interested into the struggle of an eating disorder and difficulties of treatment this movie will help provide some insight into what that world is like. 

Treatment for an eating disorder can be extremely difficult. Unlike treatment with an addiction where someone can avoid the substance they abuse; someone with an eating disorder has to learn an entirely new relationship with food. We are surrounded by food and food advertisements all of the time, so relearning that relationship can take a very long time.

I also appreciate in this movie, even though it is not the focus, that it makes mention of other forms of an eating disorder; such as binge eating. A common thought regarding eating disorders is that it is not a problem because the person is not “too skinny.” According to the DSM, which is how the mental health field categorizes disorders, it states that “…eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning (p.329).” Depending on the diagnosis there can criteria for weight limits, however most eating disorders are not categorized by below average weight. 

Eating disorders take form in one or multiple of the following ways:

• Restricting- reducing the amount of food intake
• Binging- eating an amount of food in large portions than typically seen
• Purging- throwing ingested food back up
• Over-exercising

The important thing to remember if you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder is seeking help in a variety of ways. Therapy, whether in group or individual, is very helpful to process through the underlying feelings of the behaviors. It is not as simple as just eating. Effective treatment includes other disciplines as well such as a dietitian, doctor, and psychiatrist. Like stated previously, treatment is very difficult and for some it takes an eye-opening or scary incident for true change to occur; which this movie also shows.

Dysfunctional Self-Care Repeats Itself

Dysfunctional self-care would be the things we do to relieve ourselves of our hurt or fear or our anger that ultimately lead to more hurt, fear or anger, etc. An example would be buying stuff excessively on Amazon or another of our favorite shopping places (online or brick and mortar) or explosively venting on the ones we love or trying to manipulate people in order to obtain a specifically desired outcome because we believe that if that outcome happens, our intense hurting feelings would dissipate.

Usually these attempts to care for our wounded feelings are externally focused. Anything or anybody outside of our inner self is the target. We might think, ‘if only I could get THIS, then I would feel better’. THIS could be a new wall color in our bedroom or a specific promise from a lover or a certain pay grade at work or...anything else outside of your own heart that you want. THIS might also include payback to someone who rejected or betrayed or disappointed us. If somebody else changes or something else changes...I would get relief—if only for a while.

People who use porn as a way to find relief from stress or anger are dysfunctionally caring for themselves. A betrayed spouse who obsesses on catching his partner cheating believes he will feel better if he can monitor every phone call and social interaction his wife has and prevent another cheating moment. The belief that if I can show enough rage, scream loud enough or shame completely enough, I can prevent any type of behavior that could hurt me.

Here is the rub: dysfunctional self-care repeats itself. Ask anyone who uses porn or smokes weed or some other life-controlling behavior how they feel soon after his or her latest use and the common answer is ashamed, embarrassed, fearful or worthless. Those specific feelings: shame, embarrassment, fear or worthlessness are among our most painful feelings. Do you see how externalizing our self-care dysfunctionally perpetuates itself? If you use your acting out behavior as a way to soothe your difficult feelings and it leads to more painful feelings, you are very likely to be right back at it again in order to find relief from more pain not less pain.

Was it Einstein who said, 'doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different outcome is insanity’? Maybe we all have a little crazy in us but trying to soothe our hurt or fear, etc. by doing something that leads to more feelings that need more care really is crazy—we are all strugglers in some way. I also realize the short-term relief that comes from our acting out brings us back to it. It is rather addicting for sure!

Because it is so addicting, it’s really difficult to simply stop on our own. Find some key relationships that can encourage, speak truth, support and/or just be present with you without judging in your struggle. My faith in Jesus and important truth-tellers in my life have provided me many of these. A skilled counselor can help, a wise mentor, Pastor or healthier family member can as well. Reach out! There are people and resources who are equipped to help with such a struggle. 

By: Scott Hendrickson, LCPC

Seasonal Affective Disorder

For many people in the country, autumn is a celebrated time of year with trips to the pumpkin patch, apple orchards, and halloween decorations.  But for others, autumn marks the beginning of their Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Like the slow change of the leaves from green, to yellow to red, SAD also comes gradually.  SAD is a form of depression that brings a potentially heavy list of symptoms including; loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, low energy, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, moody, sluggish, agitated, hopelessness and even suicidal thoughts.

There are three types of treatment that have been proven to help with SAD.  The first is talk therapy.  That means meeting with a counselor to discuss symptoms and then coming up with strategies to cope with the difficulties that you are currently facing.  Phototherapy (or light therapy) is another form of treatment which involves sitting under special lights that produce ultraviolet light, simulating the sun’s rays.  The third form of treatment is medication which you could discuss with your doctor.

At Heritage Counseling Center, we partner with our clients to work through the frustrations associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Don’t let another winter go by while suffering with these symptoms, we are here to help! Call 815-577-8970 today to schedule an appointment.

815-577-8970.

24020 W. Riverwalk Court

Suite 100

Plainfield IL 60544

By: Nick Smith, LCPC

Five Reasons to Forgive

Forgiveness can be a very hard thing to do at times.  It is a mental action which we can do one day and then feel anger or resentment come up on another day after we have chosen to forgive. Sometimes it can seem futile and confusing as to whether we have forgiven or not.  From what I have experienced, it is a daily practice as are so many things when we are in touch with God and know what He wants us to do, yet find that doing them is not always the decision we make.  Thankfully, we have a very forgiving God Who takes us back time and time again when we have fallen short of the standard we know is best for ourselves and others. 

So, from my own frame of reference, the first reason to forgive is that God has forgiven us. How do we know that?  Because of what He did for us as a demonstration of His great love and ability to forgive. How many of us would be able to be bullied, beaten and killed for our enemies? As we know, that is what Jesus did and it is even incomprehensible to someone who does not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Who would forgive a murderer? Who would forgive a rapist? Only someone whose love surpasses our understanding. And who knows our weaknesses better that we ourselves do. When God asks me to forgive, it is a small thing in comparison to what He has accomplished on the cross.

The second reason that I see is because of my awareness of my own sin. It really helps when I can recognize the many mistakes that I have made over and over again. No, I haven't killed anyone physically, robbed a bank or committed a felony, but I know that many a time I have been the cause of deep hurt in another, have wasted time that cannot be replaced, and have been thoughtless in my actions. If we are honest with ourselves, we have all done things wrong, hurt another person and made mistakes in our lives. As I grow in my relationship with the Lord, I become more sensitive to my own behavior and the impact it has on others. It makes it easier to forgive having the self-awareness that God provides when I seek His truth. Knowing that I need forgiveness too and being thankful when it's given is a reason for me to also forgive others.

The third reason I think forgiveness is important is that unforgiveness is harmful to our own bodies, minds, souls and spirits. Unwillingness to forgive leads to resentment. It has been said that harboring resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Resentment can lead to bitterness and hardness of heart, which can cause more stress, high blood pressure, depression and a host of physical and emotional ailments. The only one being hurt is the one who got hurt in the first place. Therefore it is essential that we come to a place where we realize that letting go of resentment and unforgiveness is about our own mental and physical health as well as our happiness in life. 

The forth reason to forgive is that God is just and God is merciful. He has shown mercy and will continue to forgive us throughout our whole lives. He asks that we confess our sins and repent of them. That is part of being a true Christian. Sometimes we don't know what we have done. Jesus said at the cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they've done." (Luke 23:34).  Oftentimes when we have been wronged, the other person is not in touch with how much we've been hurt. We may need to ask God to put the forgiveness in our hearts, especially if they're not aware of what they've done or aren't willing to apologize. God is a just God and I believe that each person will learn at some point what the truth is.

The fifth reason for forgiveness that comes to my mind is because love requires it. A relationship cannot survive without it. Sometimes a hurt is so strong and the damage that's been caused prevents the relationship from being able to reconcile. However forgiveness is still needed based on the reasons above. For ongoing relationships, there will be times when each person makes mistakes, slips back into old behavior, or steps on our toes. Talking it through, sharing feelings, and listening to each other in order to understand why things happened the way they did, can facilitate forgiveness and healing. As each person does their part in taking responsibility for making amends and forgiving each other, a love relationship can grow and thrive. Forgiveness, to me, is one of the foundational actions of a solid, loving relationship.

By: Francine Costanza, MA, LCPC 

Overdose Awareness

August 31^st was International Overdose Awareness Day. Raising awareness over this day is crucial. There is a large stigma around substance use which causes people to struggle with getting the help that they need or even admitting that they need help. Overdose is a preventable death and thousands of people die each year from overdose that come from all walks of life.  

Some signs of overdose are below and if you notice them do not hesitate to seek medical attention;

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Seizures
• Diarrhea 
• Chest pains
• Any drastic changes in behavior

Not only is this day important to acknowledge overdose and work towards further prevention of this death; it is also important to support the people who have lost someone to overdose. It is a very difficult topic for someone to discuss when they have lost someone in such a drastic, unpredictable way. 

Personally, I experienced an overdose of someone very close to me when I was in college. He had almost two years of sobriety when he relapsed. I did not want to talk about it and did not acknowledge any thoughts or emotions for two years. Eventually, the emotions began to come out in ways that I did not expect and I was forced to talk about it to begin the grieving process. Talking about it has lifted a burden I did not know I was carrying. It has helped me connect to my clients and other people in my life on a deeper level. There is no shame in talking about someone who has passed away from overdose. In allowing ourselves to talk about this we can find support and comfort in others. I have now even found a way to honor him in the work that I am doing each day. 

There is no shame in seeking substance use treatment for someone you love or for yourself. There is no shame to talk about someone who has passed away from overdose. We have to bring a voice to this cause.

By: Sam Hicks, LCPC

Peace of God Beats Anxious Desperation

Why do you suppose God advises we find our peace in Him rather than our circumstances? To some people this seems obvious and therefore silly to even ask. To others this is a real question that is very difficult to even focus on due to the intensity of the fear they feel. I don’t ask the question to cause guilt or shame. Fear is a very real feeling caused by a number of components.

Fear and anxiety can be such a painful and uncomfortable feeling—so painful or uncomfortable that it leads to a desperate search for relief. That desperation pushes us to look at our circumstances to force-quit our anxiousness. We start to believe that if we can alter our circumstances, we can force our anxiousness to subside. There is a problem with this thinking however and that is that many circumstances are out of our control OR require us to control someone else. There is no ‘force-quit’ mechanism as much as we might try. How do we do this?

We use anger or fear to get people to change their way of thinking or behavior OR we obsess about the outcome that we believe would make our anxiousness go away.  All at the end of the day will more than likely leave you feeling as much or more anxious. The hard truth is that the more we go to our old methods to cope with our desperation, the more we are returned to the same old desperate, unresolved feelings of anxiousness. If this has been a struggle for you, then you know exactly what I am writing about.

More often than not, even if our best-case dreams happen, the anxiousness might subside only for a moment or a few days if we are fortunate.  Anxiety feelings lead us to magical thinking—if a certain hoped for outcome happens, I will be okay, if it doesn’t happen, I will not be okay—so I better put all my efforts into making it happen. As you wait and try to orchestrate your outcome, your anxiety will almost surely escalate back up to the desperation stage.

What is the answer to the question? God knows that only He is the solid Rock that won’t crumble when life challenges us to the core. Jesus is recorded in the Gospels as saying, ‘I will never leave you’. In your worst moment of fear, He is with you. You do not have to try harder, think smarter, perform better. He is here with you.  That is why the Apostle Paul described a peace that transcends our circumstances that will guard our hearts and minds.

This kind of faith seems abstract but as you allow it to grow, you will find a place to come and rest in your mind when your anxious feelings begin to ramp up again.  Knowing of His presence can help you give up the desperate trying and rest…and wait as your anxiousness floods over you and then subsides. 

By: Scott Hendrickson, LCPC