Walk In Truth Counseling

06/21/2017

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Understanding Your Emotions #1: What do I Feel? Emotions are the vehicle when words are inadequate. However, being “emotional” often connotates in our society a flighty, moody woman who is a drama-queen. It is true that an overflow of emotions is often results in mental illnesses: depression, anxiety, addictions, and obsessive-compulsiveness to name a few. However, we were created with emotions for a reason: they can protect us, provide a moral pathway, and help us to connect with others. Are you aware of what you feel? So many I talk with in counseling, have not stopped to analyze exactly how they feel about themselves, others or a situation. Sure people think of the basic emotions: fearful, angry, sad, and happy. But there are so many more! Look up “The Feeling Wheel” on Google images. This will help you to define what it is that you are feeling. It will bring more self-awareness, which is a key to lasting change. AND be a gift to those that love you if you can express them!

06/16/2017

HANDS ON: The Power of Human Touch ; ; . Reach out and call (941) 315-1211 today. Humans were created for connection. Life tells us. Scientific evidence tells us. God tells us. Even animals bask in touch. It has remarkable healing power and can influence, soothe, and communicate love in a way no other vehicle can. Touch has a function like no other; it builds trust. It says, “I am safe. You can trust me. I’m on your side. We are a team!” It influences anothers’s opinion of you… both good and bad. Given lovingly and appropriately touch is the essence of well-being and connection. On the other end, unwanted touch can damage a soul for all of life. Given in appropriately, it can result in permanent internal change and scarring. Lack of touch results in impoverishment: physically, emotionally and mentally. Depression, anxiety, diminished mental capacity, attachment & emotional issues, stunted growth, weakened immune systems and the list goes on. Who is the person in your life that needs a loving touch? The elderly lady next door? The child who lives down the street? Your co-worker who just went through a divorce? Reach out today and touch someone!

06/15/2017

; ; , Call (941) 315-1211 Valuing Repsect: Essentials For Relationship Success
How do you feel respect from your partner?

Attention Screaming Couples! Remember Dr. Seuss and Green Eggs and Ham? He also said “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Respect for all is needed in today’s world! It has been said, “Men need respect, and women need love.” In reality, it works both ways: women need & desire respect but it looks very different than for a man. Sometimes this surprises men. How would that look to a woman? Great question… men read on (and women, print & pass it to your honey).

• Make Communication a Priority… Engage in Conversation DAILY
• Work Hard to Provide the Security a Women Craves
• Help around the Home
• Parent so that your children listen, respect & contribute to their mother.
• Ask for & seriously consider her opinion on decisions.
• Have eyes only for her.
• Support her dreams & encourage learning.
• Continually pursue her.
• Plan & Guard time together, one-on-one.

05/03/2017

, , , Contact (941) 315-1211 for support today!
Respect: Essentials For Relationship Success
How do you feel respect from your partner?
Respect is based in the inherent worth that comes from being human. It is acted out by kindness, acceptance, fair treatment, lack of judgment and valuing each other. Treating each other with dignity and honor is the foundation of any relationship. Oftentimes, others say, “Men need respect, and women need love.” In reality, it works both ways: women need respect and men need love also! When the relational waters become turbulent, couples come for counseling. The commonality is that neither feels valued. When respect for each other is prominent, the level of martial satisfaction and couple happiness is predictably much higher. Through my own experience and compliling feedback from others and various sources, today is Part 1: Ways Men Feel Respect. If you would like a handout with further descriptions of these points, please send an email and I’d be happy to send this to you. Finally, I welcome and appreciate any feedback or additions to these thoughts!
• Choose Joy.
• Be Content to live within your means.
• Build him up with your words in public & in private.
• Make the bedroom a priority.
• Laugh together.
• Trust his judgment
• Have his back.
• Be a partner, not his mother.
• Do the simple, everyday expressions that show your appreciation.

05/02/2017

Respect: Essentials For Relationship Success
How do you feel respect from your partner?

Respect is based in the inherent worth that comes from being human. It is acted out by kindness, acceptance, fair treatment, lack of judgment and valuing each other. Treating each other with dignity and honor is the foundation of any relationship. Oftentimes, others say, “Men need respect, and women need love.” In reality, it works both ways: women need respect and men need love also! When the relational waters become turbulent, couples come for counseling. The commonality is that neither feels valued. When respect for each other is prominent, the level of martial satisfaction and couple happiness is predictably much higher. Through my own experience and compliling feedback from others and various sources, today is Part 1: Ways Men Feel Respect. If you would like a handout with further descriptions of these points, please send an email and I’d be happy to send this to you. Finally, I welcome and appreciate any feedback or additions to these thoughts!

• Choose Joy.
• Be Content to live within your means.
• Build him up with your words in public & in private.
• Make the bedroom a priority.
• Laugh together.
• Trust his judgment
• Have his back.
• Be a partner, not his mother.
• Do the simple, everyday expressions that show your appreciation.

03/07/2017

; ; ; (941) 315-1211 Anger Management:
Can anger be a “good” emotion? Some believe that all anger is negative (therefore “bad”), hence the many strategies for dealing with bad anger such as: deep breathing, counting to 10, exercising, giving yourself reality check, or distracting yourself with another outlet. It is important to get to the root of your anger so as to seek a solution. Is it from fear? For example, your husband drives irratically and you yell at him. Is it from frustration? “I hate this…” and there has been no change or progess in a long-term situation. Is it from hurt? It may be such as when good friend did not show up for a special event without letting you know, and so you are miffed and stew for several days. Trace the root and address this need. Now, not all anger is negative believe it or not. If anger is against injustice and is the motivator behind change, then it can result in positive. Take for example, Candace Lightner, who founded the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 1980. Her 13-year-old daughter Cari, was killed by a drunk driver. This organization has educated many in high schools about the dangers of drunk driving. Who knows how many deaths might have been prevented by passionately presenting their message? So ask yourself: Is my anger productive or destructive?

12/12/2016

Holiday Expectations: Does your family gathering look like the Beaver Cleaver family, or is it less than ideal? , , , Call (941) 315-1211 for help.
The Holiday Season is a stressful time of coming together with small and large gatherings. Oftentimes people assume that because relatives are "family" then they should love, support, get along with, and have warm feelings towards these people. Just because people are blood related, an automatic bond, feelings of affection, or comfort are guaranteed. If one does not "like" another relative, then that is ok. Some personalities bond better than others. Being aware of the possible problematic people or conversations helps you to not take the bait, and get sucked in to a controversial subject or argument. Make up your mind in advance, that you will enjoy the moment, appreciate "what is" and not what you "think it should be". Disengage when appropriate from controversy, and refused to bite that hook and be reeled in. Don't expect that the affirmation, validation or appreciation you have longed for perhaps for many years, will be there now. People are either unable, or unwilling to give what you need, and only God knows the true heart. Either case warrants us to walk in a spirit of forgiveness and grace, which is at the heart of the story of Christ.

10/17/2016

09/08/2016

DO YOU TRY AND HIDE? (But it’s not working!) ; ; . (941) 315-1211. It is human nature to avoid pain… physical, emotional or mental. After all, the world can be a cruel place. Just visit your local middle school’s lunchroom. People wear many masks in an effort to hide their true self; who you are, and how you feel. We do this out of insecurities, fear of judgment, or feelings of powerlessness. In part, it is effective and gives us the illusion of protection. It’s a way to avoid the sticky mess of dealing with real emotions. The only trouble is with hiding, is that you can lose yourself: your thoughts, feelings, opinions, desires and dreams. Which mask do you hide behind?

The Happy –Yappy Mask: “Everything is peachy-keen. You don’t want to go to the concert tonight, even though I already bought the tickets? Oh no, it’s no problem, it’s no big deal.” (Of course I feel hurt). The People-Pleasing Mask: “Tonight at the restaurant, my friends started making fun of the disabled man at the next table. I felt uncomfortable, but didn’t say anything because I didn’t want them to think I was a prude.” The Anger Mask: “Back off dude. Just get in, sit down, shut up and hang on. It’s my way or the highway.” The Avoidance Mask: “Why say anything… after all it’s easier to ask forgiveness, than permission.” It’s the “Don’t ask and don’t tell” approach to life.

Which mask do you wear? More importantly, what’s the solution? 1. Be true to yourself and drop the mask… own your own feelings and decisions. 2. Develop new skills: Awareness=How to identify your emotions; Communication=how to express yourself; Coping skills for stress=good self-care 3. Face what you have been avoiding. 4. Become your own best friend. After all, you will be with you the rest of your life!

08/31/2016

INHALE LOVE, EXHALE GRATITUDE! , , , www.WalkInTruthCounseling.com (941) 315-1211. Do you live in appreciation for all that you have? Gratitude is the powerful process of shifting your energy and focus to the beautiful, the virtuous, the positive things in life. It transforms ordinary days into thanksgiving, and brings an attitude of joy. Every single day we have a choice… am I going to fix my mind on what I DON’T have, what my losses have been, what perceived or real failures have been, and what I CAN’T do anymore? Many people think that they were born a pessimist or an optimist. NOT SO! Gratitude is like a muscle… it becomes stronger when exercised. One can train their mind, to look at the positive in the situation. You control this from the inside. Philippians 4:8 reaffirms this principle of focusing our mind: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”