Emotional connection is one of the ways to close the gap of intimacy in a relationship. This goes hand in hand with learning to communicate our expectations. Connection fosters trust and safety. It creates a felt sense of attachment.

As I’ve sat with numerous men and women, listening as they tell their stories, there’s been a recurring theme…mothers. I find it a little ironic considering the amount of statistics you can easily find on the importance of fathers and their role in a child’s life. However, when we look at those statistics and see the higher rates of substance abuse, school drop out rates, suicide, etc., there is no doubt about the crucial part dads play.

Have you ever heard of EMDR? You’re not alone if you haven’t. For many, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) sounds like a bunch of words mixed together and it can feel pretty ambiguous on what it is exactly. For you Star Wars fans out there, it might sound akin to when Obi-Wan used the force to convince those stormtroopers to let them pass. However, EMDR is actually a powerful evidence-based therapy that has helped many people heal from trauma and emotional distress. 

One powerful, yet simple, way to reduce anxiety and stress is the practice of embodiment. Embodiment moves us away from or out of the overwhelming swell of thought and more substantially into bodily awareness. We do this by intentional progressive transition through our five senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight) to calm the mind.

You wouldn’t frown upon an injured/sick person going to the doctor.

You wouldn’t frown upon someone who is out of shape going to the gym.

Therefore, therapy which can be both exercise and healing of the mind and heart should be treated no differently.

One powerful, yet simple, way to reduce anxiety and stress is the practice of embodiment. Embodiment moves us away from or out of the overwhelming swell of thought and more substantially into bodily awareness. We do this by intentional progressive transition through our five senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight) to calm the mind.

Anxiety is a normal part of our lives. Sometimes, a little bit of it can motivate us. When anxiety is too much or lasts too long it can be detrimental, even crippling. A working definition of anxiety is an “overestimation of threat and an underestimation of resources (the ability to cope).”

Situationship. We’ve heard the term before. It’s a fancy name we’ve given to a not so glamorous approach to dating, and sometimes even marriage. In the past it’s been referred to as friends with benefits or maybe a fling. But as with anything, a new generation has come along, slapped a new label on it and ta da…you have the awkward in between friends but not in a relationship, situationship. It’s sex with no real commitment. Vulnerability with the lack of emotional intimacy. 

Most people are repelled by the thought of being “addicted” to anything, especially to sex or pornography. It makes us want to hide. We want to change the subject or point the finger to someone else. 

That word “addict” images dirty, uncontrollable, sexual thoughts and behavior that we don’t want to be associated with. 

“How was your day?”

“Good”

“...”

What a profound conversation! Have you ever found yourself in this exact conversation, attempting to connect with your teenager? First, you’re a hero. Parenting teenagers is not for the faint of heart. I just work with them, you live with them!

Choosing a therapist may feel like a mix between looking for a primary physician and going on a date. One you hope you only have to see once, and the other, you hope you’ll be able to see for a long time. Whichever it is for you, congrats on making a step toward your own health! It’s scary, but it’s incredibly important. Here are a few things to consider as you look for a therapist to join you on your path toward healing.

There’s something in that phrase that explains itself. There is a feeling and a longing that wells up in our souls when we hear it. “The Heart of the Father”. Our hearts reach out for something that we either had as children and want more of, or missed out on and deeply long for, but never really put words to. “The Heart of the Father”.

That’s my dog. You know what he’s doing? He’s bringing glory to God. You know how I know? Because he’s doing what dogs do. He’s being completely dog-ish. Sometimes he does other things. He chases squirrels, he digs for voles (our yard is evidence of this), he barks at Steve, our neighbor, he eats, and well, other things. These are all things that dogs were designed to do. When he does what he was made to do, he brings glory to his Creator. 

Kardia Collective was formed in October of 2014 with the desire to help individuals heal and grow so they could live with courage, hope, and freedom and multiply the number of effective counselors and coaches in our community.

One of the painful realities of life is unmet expectations. Desires unfulfilled. Dreams shattered. This, at the very least, is disappointing. Disappointment can bring anger, sadness, and anxiety that last for a day, a weekend, or, sometimes, months and even years. Disappointment’s ache can last so long and be so deep that it alters our outlook on life and even our sense of who we are.

Presently, I can’t remember the last day that passed when I didn’t shed at least one tear.  Part of me is embarrassed to admit that, and another part is grateful to be able to access my tears–to experience that part of my heart daily.

Anxiety is on our radar a lot these days. It is a very real and rising reality of our time. But for the Christian, just as with the emotions of fear and anger, the eyes of disdain can easily look down upon anxiety. We aren’t supposed to experience this stuff. It means something is wrong with us.

“I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.”

You don’t have to look too hard or far to hear it. People back-peddling from their needs saying, “oh, but don’t go through too much trouble” or “it’s not that big of a deal, I’ll be fine.” It’s a funny thing when you think about it. In reality, we are all burdens. None are free from being dependent. One of the greatest lies we tell ourselves is that we don’t need people.

Many people may ask why participate in Lent? It seems so stuffy and religious, perhaps outdated. So why take part in it?

The story of Kardia is one of pain, truth, and restoration. In this interview, Shad and Tim share how Kardia came to be, the nuances of worry, anxiety, and loss, and how we can pragmatically manage such experiences in our own lives.

Have you ever thought about what it means to be, “patient”? The definition means, “able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious”.

A positive pregnancy test. Immediately, my heart swelled, and my thoughts swirled: How fortunate are we to be pregnant a second time?! Are you a boy or a girl? What will life be like with two young children? I can’t wait to meet you. I love you. Logic tells us not to get attached until it’s “safe.” Statistics show us that many pregnancies end in the first trimester. My brain tried to protect my heart, but my heart attached anyway.

Motherhood is hard. Why do we feel guilty for speaking the truth? Modern society tells us that we can have it all. We can have a career and a family.

If you’re like me, then you likely have an internal monologue or a running internal conversation. This doesn’t mean that you’re crazy or something is wrong; most people talk to themselves. Often we ask rhetorical questions like, Why does my head hurt? What do I want for dinner? Why do I feel this way?” We discuss the reality around us as we navigate our internal world.