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Statistics show that life coaching can have a profound impact on personal growth and success. Studies reveal that individuals who engage in life coaching experience a significant increase in self-confidence, with 80% reporting improved self-esteem. Moreover, 70% of clients reported enhanced goal attainment, leading to greater overall satisfaction in various areas of life, such as career, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Life coaching empowers individuals to overcome challenges, with 85% reporting improved problem-solving skills and resilience. Having a life coach can provide numerous benefits, including: Clarity and Goal Setting: A life coach helps you gain clarity about your values, passions, and aspirations. They assist you in setting meaningful and achievable goals, ensuring you stay focused and motivated. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Life coaching supports your personal growth journey by helping you identify and overcome limiting beliefs, patterns, and obstacles. It encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, leading to enhanced self-discovery and personal transformation. Accountability and Motivation: A life coach serves as an accountability partner, keeping you on track and holding you responsible for your actions and commitments. They provide the necessary motivation and support to help you overcome obstacles and stay motivated toward your goals. Improved Decision-Making: Life coaching can enhance your decision-making skills by helping you gain clarity, explore different perspectives, and weigh the pros and cons of various options. This leads to more informed and confident decision-making in both personal and professional realms. Enhanced Self-Confidence: Working with a life coach can boost your self-confidence and self-belief. They help you recognize your strengths, celebrate your achievements, and develop a positive mindset, enabling you to overcome self-doubt and step out of your comfort zone. Effective Problem-Solving: Life coaching equips you with problem-solving skills and strategies to navigate challenges and obstacles. Your coach can provide fresh perspectives, ask thought-provoking questions, and guide you in finding innovative solutions to overcome hurdles. Improved Relationships: Life coaching can have a positive impact on your relationships. It helps you develop effective communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, and cultivate deeper connections with others. It also aids in resolving conflicts and improving overall relationship dynamics. Work-Life Balance: A life coach can assist you in achieving a harmonious work-life balance. They help you prioritize your commitments, manage time effectively, and establish boundaries, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life. Stress Reduction: Life coaching can support you in managing stress and overwhelm. Coaches provide techniques for stress reduction, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management strategies, enabling you to maintain a calmer and more resilient mindset. Overall Well-being and Fulfillment: Life coaching focuses on holistic well-being, encompassing various aspects of your life. By aligning your actions and goals with your core values, a life coach helps you experience a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and greater overall well-being. Remember, the specific benefits you derive from life coaching may vary based on your individual needs, goals, and the expertise of your coach. Want more information? Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with a Life Coach. Join the growing number of people benefiting from life coaching and unlock your full potential today!

Mental health coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people become aware of its many benefits. Clinical therapy and mental health coaching are emerging as innovative new ways to promote mental health and well-being. Mental health coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals identify and address problems in their mental health. It is often used to help people make positive changes in their lives, such as setting goals, developing healthier habits, and improving their overall mental health. Mental health coaching helps to improve overall mental well-being. When someone is struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult to make progress on their own. A mental health coach can help to identify areas of difficulty and provide support and guidance to make positive changes. Through mental health coaching, an individual can develop better coping skills, set realistic goals, and identify areas needing improvement. This can lead to improved mood, increased self-esteem, and better relationships. Mental health coaching also helps to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues that can lead to difficulty functioning in everyday life. Mental health coaching can help individuals learn strategies to better manage their stress and anxiety. As a result, individuals can feel more in control of their emotions and better equipped to cope with challenging situations. Mental health coaching can also provide an objective and unbiased perspective. When an individual is struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult to make decisions from an objective point of view. A mental health coach is able to provide an objective view of a person’s situation, which can help them make healthier choices and better decisions. Finally, mental health coaching can help to increase motivation. When an individual is dealing with mental health issues, it can be difficult to find the motivation to make positive changes. A mental health coach can provide the support and guidance needed to help an individual take the necessary steps to improve their mental health. Through mental health coaching, individuals can gain the confidence and motivation needed to achieve their goals. Mental health is an incredibly important facet of overall health. Unfortunately, there is still a significant stigma associated with seeking professional help when mental health struggles arise. This is why the collaboration between a clinical therapist and a mental health coach can be so beneficial. In many cases, pairing a clinical therapist and a mental health coach can offer a holistic approach that helps individuals achieve optimal mental health. A clinical therapist is a mental health professional who is trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues. Clinical therapists typically focus on working with patients to understand their issues and identify underlying causes. They often use evidence-based treatments to address their clients' mental health concerns. Mental health coaches, on the other hand, focus on developing personalized strategies that help clients cope with and manage their mental health issues. Unlike clinical therapists, mental health coaches are not typically trained in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Instead, they work with clients to set achievable goals, create personalized action plans, and develop healthy habits to help clients make sustainable changes; this too can be accomplished in therapy. The collaboration between a clinical therapist and a mental health coach can be highly beneficial to individuals needing mental health support. A clinical therapist can provide evidence-based treatments to address mental health issues while a mental health coach works alongside them to create personalized strategies that support long-term change. For example, the clinical therapist might work through unresolved wounds to help with restoring functioning while the mental health coach works with the client to identify healthier coping strategies and practices like journaling and exercise. Research has shown that the combination of evidence-based treatments and personalized strategies has a positive long-term effect on mental health. A study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that individuals who received combined treatment from both a clinical therapist and a mental health coach reported improved mental health and sustained changes in their behavior and attitudes about mental health. Overall, the collaboration between a clinical therapist and a mental health coach can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to improve their mental health. Combining evidence-based treatments with personalized strategies can help individuals make lasting changes and achieve optimal mental health. If you are struggling with mental health issues, consider reaching out to start taking steps toward healing and improving your mental health. Selah Counseling Center offers psychotherapy and mental health coaching services. We look forward to partnering with you in helping you heal.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment that has been developed to help people recover from traumatic events. It is a cutting-edge therapeutic technique for individuals struggling with negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This innovative therapy is an effective means of treating psychological issues and it has become increasingly popular. EMDR is based on the premise that any traumatic or distressing life experience can leave an imprint on our minds and create mental and emotional blocks. These “blocks” can lead to a wide variety of negative reactions. It is based on the idea that unresolved traumatic memories can interfere with a person's daily life and prevent them from fully moving forward. The goal of EMDR is to process the trauma and free the individual from its grip. EMDR has been used since the late 1980s. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, a psychotherapist who observed people naturally moving their eyes while talking about a traumatic experience. This observation sparked a new form of treatment, which has been tested and studied extensively. EMDR is based on the idea that the brain is unable to fully process traumatic memories by itself. The therapy aims to unlock the door to the unconscious mind so that the individual can access and process the memory in a healthy manner. To achieve this, a trained therapist will lead the person through a process involving eye movements and talk therapy. The therapist will ask the person to focus on the trauma, and will then guide them through a set of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. Each eye movement or stimulus is timed to target specific aspects of the trauma. By focusing on the negative emotions connected to the traumatic event, the person is able to resolve their feelings and gain a greater understanding of what happened. This allows them to gain a sense of control and move forward in life. The effectiveness of EMDR has been demonstrated through multiple studies. It has been used to help those suffering from PTSD and other forms of psychological trauma. It is often recommended as a treatment for victims of abuse, war veterans, and those who have been involved in natural disasters. The benefits of EMDR can be profound. Some benefits include: 1. Improved Mental Health: EMDR has been used to successfully treat various mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 2. Reduced Stress: EMDR can help reduce anxiety and stress, and create a sense of peace and well-being. 3. Improved Relationships: EMDR helps build empathy and understanding between people, which can improve a relationship. 4. Improved Sleep: People often report that they have improved sleep following EMDR sessions. 5. Reducing Negative Beliefs: EMDR can help identify and replace negative beliefs with more positive ones. 6. Improved Memory: EMDR therapy has been shown to reduce the symptoms of traumatic memories. A Faith-Based View: As Christians, we are called to be more than just emotionally healthy – we are called to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. EMDR can be a powerful resource for the healing of individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle to cope with its symptoms. By allowing individuals to process difficult memories, EMDR creates an opportunity to work through emotional and spiritual issues that may have been previously too overwhelming to manage. EMDR is a valid and beneficial form of therapy that provides significant relief to many people. While EMDR has been investigated thoroughly, there are still limitations to its effectiveness, so those seeking to use it should be sure to seek appropriate guidance and support. It is important to pray and seek counsel from trusted spiritual advisors to guide decisions about its use. Ultimately, Christians can be confident that EMDR is a tool that God will use to bring them comfort and healing. The Bible teaches that God is a source of comfort and healing, and while the use of EMDR is not specifically outlined in Scripture, it can be an effective tool in seeking the help and guidance of God. EMDR may also help to strengthen a person's faith by providing a safe and trusted space to process their experiences and ultimately find peace, hope, and purpose. EMDR can provide the healing and insight needed to strengthen this relationship and bring us closer to a life of joy and peace. By delving into our innermost thoughts and feelings, EMDR can help us to bring our most deeply held beliefs to the forefront of our minds, allowing us to make decisions that honor and glorify our heavenly Father. As we look to God for peace, comfort, and healing, EMDR can be a powerful tool to help us on our journey.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and well-recognized mental health disorder that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to control their behavior and pay attention. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and developmental factors. However, even those who have been diagnosed are not completely aware of the spiritual aspects of ADHD. The Christian perspective of ADHD is a fascinating and complex one. On one hand, the Bible states that all people, regardless of any physical or mental illness, are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and should be respected and loved. This means that those suffering from ADHD should be treated with compassion, understanding, and love. On the other hand, Christians also believe in the fallen nature of man in Genesis and how that can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty focusing and paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. When considering any medical diagnosis, it is important to understand the various perspectives that can be applied. ADHD is a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to pay attention and focus on tasks, leading to difficulty in staying organized, being able to finish tasks, and in general being able to cope with the demands of day-to-day life. People with ADHD often face a higher degree of stress and anxiety, which can carry over into spiritual, social, and familial lives. While ADHD can be a difficult disorder to navigate and manage, it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With proper medication, lifestyle changes, and a strong support system, those with ADHD can learn to manage the disorder, lead a healthy and productive life, and live out their faith and purpose. At the end of the day, no matter what challenges you may face, God still loves you and has a plan for you. The key is to not allow those challenges to define you, but instead to turn to God for strength, courage, and hope in spite of them. With this understanding and perspective, those with ADHD can be assured that there is no reason for them to feel ashamed or inferior, but that instead they can live a life of purpose and fulfillment. What can I do to cope with ADHD? 1. Establish a Daily Routine - Consistency is key for people with ADHD. Having a daily routine for yourself can help to stay organized, on track, and to manage your symptoms. This can include setting daily goals and creating a designated space to work and study. 2. Get Adequate Exercise - Exercise can be a great way to release energy and reduce stress. Exercise can also help to sharpen focus and improve sleep quality, which are both important for managing ADHD. 3. Limit Screen Time - Reducing the amount of time spent in front of screens can help to reduce stimulation and improve focus. 4. Take Breaks - Taking frequent breaks throughout the day can help to reset the body and mind. This can help to reduce fatigue, which is often a major challenge of ADHD. 5. Eat a Balanced Diet - Eating a balanced diet is key for managing ADHD symptoms. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help to reduce sugar cravings, balance mood, and improve focus. 6. Get Enough Sleep - Getting adequate sleep is essential for managing ADHD. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. 7. Talk to a Therapist - Talking to a therapist can help to identify triggers and establish coping skills. A therapist can also provide valuable education and insight into how to effectively manage ADHD. The Bible does not directly mention ADHD, as it was not a medical disorder known to the ancient world. However, the Bible does speak of having a “disordered mind” and speaks of being gentle, patient and humble. Examples of Biblical advice applicable to living with ADHD include: 1. Philippians 4:8: “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.” 2. Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” 3. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 4. Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word cheers him up.” 5. 1 Corinthians 2:16: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Moreover, from a Christian Perspective, the following are suggestions on ways to cope with ADHD: 1. Pray to God for strength and courage in dealing with the challenges of ADHD. 2. Believe that with the help of God, you can overcome obstacles and make progress. 3. Remember to be thankful for the gifts of life and all that you have accomplished, no matter how small. 4. Find solace in fellowship with other believers who understand ADHD and can offer support. 5. Believing that with God’s love, you can do all things. 6. Seek to develop a deeper relationship with God by reading His word and prayer. 7. Utilize Christian counseling to assist with spiritual needs. 8. Keep your faith in God even when dealing with the difficult symptoms of ADHD. Navigating ADHD through the lens of faith can be an important journey for those who are struggling to make sense of the condition. By looking to the teachings of their faith, individuals can learn to accept and manage the symptoms associated with ADHD. Through the processes of faith, individuals can gain a sense of peace, understanding, and purpose. It is an empowering journey that allows those affected to live a life of meaning and purpose. Faith can help those affected by ADHD to accept their unique gifts and strengths and to become their best selves.

Trauma refers to a psychological and emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event or series of events that are experienced as overwhelming, frightening, or life-threatening. Traumatic events can take many forms, such as physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, war or combat, or the sudden death of a loved one. Trauma can have a significant impact on a person's mental health, and it can affect their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors long after the traumatic event has ended. Trauma can also interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop trauma. The impact of trauma can vary from person to person, and factors such as pre-existing mental health conditions, social support, and resilience can influence a person's ability to cope with trauma. Trauma can have a wide range of effects on a person, both physical and psychological. Here are some common effects of trauma: Physical effects: Trauma can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems. It can also have long-term effects on the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illnesses. Emotional effects: Trauma can cause a range of emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame. It can also lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Behavioral effects: Trauma can cause a person to engage in negative behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, or risky sexual behavior. It can also cause a person to isolate themselves from others. Cognitive effects: Trauma can affect a person's ability to think clearly and concentrate. It can also cause a person to have negative beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them. Interpersonal effects: Trauma can affect a person's ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. It can cause a person to have trust issues, difficulty with intimacy, and difficulty communicating with others. Healing from trauma is a personal and unique process that can take time and effort. Here are some strategies that may help in the healing process: Seek professional help: Trauma can be overwhelming, and seeking help from a trained therapist or counselor can be invaluable in the healing process. They can provide support and guidance as you work through your trauma. Practice self-care: Trauma can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Taking care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help improve your overall well-being. Develop coping skills: Learning healthy coping skills can help you manage the symptoms of trauma. This can include techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or journaling. Build a support system: Connecting with others who have experienced trauma can be helpful in the healing process. This can include joining a support group or seeking out trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support. Consider medication: In some cases, medication can be helpful in managing the symptoms of trauma, particularly if you are experiencing depression or anxiety. It's important to remember that healing from trauma is a process, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself, and seek out the support you need to facilitate your healing journey. Healing from trauma is a process that can take time and effort, but it is possible with the right support and resources. There are also several self-care practices that can aid in healing from trauma. These include: Exercise: Physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and control. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in anxious or negative thoughts. Creative expression: Activities such as art or writing can be cathartic and help you process emotions. Social support: Spending time with friends and loved ones can provide a sense of belonging and support. Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet can help support physical and emotional well-being. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can be viewed from a Christian perspective as a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their faith. Christians who experience trauma may struggle with the effects of PTSD, which can include anxiety, depression, nightmares, and flashbacks. From a Christian perspective, healing from PTSD can involve both spiritual and practical approaches. Here are some ways that Christians may approach healing from PTSD: Pray and seek God's guidance: Christians may turn to prayer and seek guidance from God as they navigate the healing process. This can involve praying for strength, comfort, and wisdom, as well as seeking God's direction for any practical steps that need to be taken. Seek professional help: Christians may seek out professional counseling or therapy to address the symptoms of PTSD. Many Christian counselors are trained to integrate faith and spirituality into their therapy sessions, which can be particularly helpful for those who seek to incorporate their faith into their healing journey. Turn to Scripture: Christians may turn to the Bible for comfort and guidance as they navigate the healing process. Many passages of Scripture offer encouragement, hope, and wisdom that can be applied to the challenges of PTSD. Build a support network: Christians may seek out the support of other believers, such as friends, family members, or members of a faith community. This can provide a sense of connection, encouragement, and accountability as they work towards healing. Practice self-care: Christians may view self-care as an important aspect of healing from PTSD, recognizing that caring for one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can support the healing process. This may include activities such as exercise, healthy eating, rest, and engaging in hobbies or interests that bring joy and fulfillment. If you are dealing with trauma, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you process the traumatic event, work through the emotions associated with it, and develop coping strategies for moving forward. They may use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps desensitize traumatic memories. It's important to remember that healing from trauma is not a linear process. It may involve setbacks and struggles, but with time and support, it is possible to move forward and find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Depression is a common mental health condition that can profoundly impact individuals, including those of faith. It can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and isolated, making it difficult to function in everyday life. While professional treatment is necessary for depression, many people also find comfort and support in their faith. In this brief article, we will explore practical ways to deal with depression from a Christian perspective, including: Connecting with a faith community Practicing prayer and meditation Engaging in acts of service Reading the Bible and other faith-based materials Seeking professional help Connecting with a Faith Community One of the most effective ways to cope with depression as a Christian is to connect with a faith community. Attending church services, participating in small groups, and connecting with others who share your faith can provide a supportive network and a sense of purpose. By connecting with others, you can experience the love and support of God through the love and support of others. Practicing Prayer and Meditation Prayer and meditation are essential tools for individuals who are struggling with depression. Spending time in prayer and meditation can help individuals focus on God's love and peace, providing comfort and hope during difficult times. This can be a time for individuals to express their feelings, ask for guidance, and receive comfort. Engaging in Acts of Service Serving others can provide a sense of purpose and help individuals feel connected to their faith and community. Whether volunteering at a local charity, visiting someone in need, or simply helping a neighbor, engaging in service can bring joy, hope, and purpose into an individual's life. Reading the Bible and Other Faith-Based Materials Reading the Bible and other faith-based materials can provide guidance, encouragement, and comfort. These materials can help individuals understand the love and care of God and provide hope during difficult times. Seeking Professional Help Depression is a medical condition that requires professional treatment. It is vital for individuals to seek the help of a mental health professional who can provide the necessary resources and support for recovery. This can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Depression can be a challenging and isolating experience, but with the proper support and resources, individuals can overcome this condition and live fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it is vital to seek professional help and connect with a supportive faith community. Remember, you are not alone, and with the love and support of God, it is possible to overcome depression and find hope and purpose.

Motivation is a crucial component of personal growth and success, but it can be challenging to maintain. Life can be stressful, and it can be easy to become discouraged and lose sight of our goals. This can be especially challenging for individuals who are navigating life's difficulties and seeking guidance from their faith. In this article, we will explore practical ways to maintain motivation from a faith-based perspective, including: Connecting with God through prayer and meditation Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals Establishing achievable goals Practicing self-care and self-compassion Remembering the power of God's love and grace Connecting with God through Prayer and Meditation One of the most powerful ways to maintain motivation is by connecting with God through prayer and meditation. This can provide individuals with a sense of peace and purpose, helping to reignite the drive to achieve their goals. When individuals spend time in prayer, they can focus on God's love and grace, gaining the strength to face life's challenges and overcome obstacles. This can also be a time for individuals to reflect on their goals and ask for guidance, receiving the support and motivation they need to achieve their aspirations. Surrounding Yourself with Positive, Supportive Individuals Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can provide a sense of encouragement and motivation. This can include friends, family, and a faith community. By connecting with individuals who share your faith and values, you can experience the love and support of God through the love and support of others. This can help you maintain a positive outlook, even when life becomes difficult, and provide you with the support you need to overcome any obstacles. Establishing Achievable Goals Establishing achievable goals can provide a clear path to success and help individuals maintain motivation. This includes breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, setting achievable milestones, and regularly evaluating progress. By setting achievable goals, individuals can stay focused and motivated, gradually moving closer to their aspirations. Practicing Self-Care and Self-Compassion Practicing self-care and self-compassion is crucial for maintaining motivation. This includes taking time to rest and recharge, engaging in activities that bring joy and peace, and being kind and understanding towards oneself. By taking care of oneself, individuals can prevent burnout and maintain a positive outlook, even when life becomes challenging. Remembering the Power of God's Love and Grace Finally, remembering the power of God's love and grace can provide motivation and hope during difficult times. Trusting in God's plan for your life and knowing that you are loved unconditionally can provide a sense of peace and purpose, helping individuals overcome life's challenges and achieve their goals. Maintaining motivation can be challenging, but by utilizing the tools and resources provided by our faith, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our aspirations. By connecting with God, surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive individuals, establishing achievable goals, practicing self-care and self-compassion, and remembering the power of God's love and grace, we can maintain the drive and motivation necessary to succeed.

People naturally express love in the way they prefer to receive love or feel love. When you have love for another, like your significant other, your family, your neighbor, or brothers in Christ, how do you express love? Love is experienced as an emotional high with intense passion at its onset. This is a euphoric state where chemicals in our brain produce physical and emotional sensations throughout our body. Theories of love propose that there is an inevitable change over time from passionate love to compassionate or conventional love (Edwards, n.d.). When a man and a woman come together in a relationship, they are two complete individuals where in a union of a marriage become “one flesh” (Mark 10:6-9). As individual contributors in the marriage, they become each other’s compliment working together towards one goal. Our instinct and desire is to love and be loved, but sometimes that love doesn’t last in relationships. The idea and illusions of love fades when reality strikes. Healthy relationships between people can be accomplished when one can demonstrate understanding, acceptance, loyalty, commitment, communication, and forgiveness to the other person in a way they can understand. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, there are 5 powerful ways to express love and feel love; he calls them the 5 love languages. Love can be expressed through words of affirmation, acts of service, gift giving, quality time, and physical touch. We have emotional love tanks and we express and feel loved in different languages. Words of affirmation are kind verbal expressions of efforts and values that are acknowledged. It’s giving compliments and positive encouraging words. Acts of service is an action where you freely help without expectations in return. Giving of gifts is a visual symbol and it is a thoughtful gesture of love. It is not materialistic. Quality time is giving undivided attention and spending time together in a meaningful activity. Physical touch would be expressing affection in physical ways such as a hug, hand holding, or a hand on a shoulder for support. What is your primary language of love? 1 Corinthians 13 helps us understand the depth of love we should have for one another. It’s a covenant love where you consciously work in your relationship with intention and this is what helps keep love alive in long term relationships. Take a moment at this time and reflect – Have I maintained love alive in my relationships with my family? Have I demonstrated the love of God in my relationships with others? Scripture‘s greatest commandment for us is love. Our perfect example of love is God because God is love – Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love 1 John 4:8 NRSV. The most ultimate act of love for humanity was the sacrifice that Jesus Christ did on the cross for our salvation. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16 NRSV. God’s love for us is divine and unconditional – Fill your tank of love and share it. References Chapman, G. D. (1995). The five love languages: How to express heartfelt commitment to your mate. Chicago: Northfield Pub. Edward, S. (n.d.). Love and the Brain. Harvard Medical School: Department of Neurobiology. Retrieved from http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/and-brain-series/love-and-brain

Hello Friends and Community, SCC was founded at the onset of a world crisis with the purpose of helping as many people who are struggling with their mental health and their well-being. The need for mental health is greater now than ever. We experienced unprecedented times that left many of us experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and isolation amongst the many struggles that exist. Despite the hardships, our therapists are available and present to provide therapeutic support to those in need. We have answered the call from many seeking help and have served over 3,000 mental health therapy sessions. In 2023, we are looking forward to sharing our vision and partnering with you as your mental health provider. We will continue to grow for our clients as we actively engage and improve accessibility and quality mental health in California. We will continue to thrive as a practice as we provide employment opportunities to therapists that want to grow in private practice. We welcome you to visit our website for more information about Selah Counseling Center. If you have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Enclosed is our brochure. We hope that Selah Counseling Center will be a useful resource for you, your family, your neighbor, your church, and community.

Amid all the disruption and trauma over the last two years, employers have begun to understand the prevalence of mental health challenges in the work place. Recently, I shared my own mental health journey with my friend and founder of Selah Counseling Center, Jasmine Vasquez, LCSW. I struggled to make the make the initial step of seeking professional help because I was too afraid to talk about my mental health. This fear caused me to feel as though I was broken and led me isolate myself from friends, family and colleagues. It took me over a year of having depressive episodes to reach out to a therapist. Since starting therapy, I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. In addition to creating a treatment plan with my therapist, being vocal about mental health and encouraging others to seek help has aided me to continue working on myself. As an HR professional, I have found that having open discussions about my own journey has allowed me to foster deeper connections with my team. Sharing my own thoughts, feelings and fears has continually opened the door to having difficult discussions and ultimately providing helpful information to those who need it. The goal of this post is to inform you that no matter what you’re going through, support for mental health is available. If you don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to request information on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) from your employer/ HR department. EAPs generally offer free confidential assistance to employees with personal and/or work-related problems impacting their performance or mental health. Attached to this post, I have also included the contact information of Selah Counseling Center should you need more information on where to begin. Motivate yourself to take action. #hr#mentalhealth

Welcome to Selah Counseling Centers blog, Chronicles of Selah. This is a treasured place where you can get informed about various subjects related to mental health that occur in our society and across the world. Our authors vary in the expertise of their respected field and are contributing in your growth by sharing their knowledge and advice. We want to have an honest conversation, reduce the mental health stigma, normalize the integration of faith based counseling, and share real life testimonies. This is not a replacement of therapy and its process. Although we are professionals, we are not an exemption to the human experience and suffering. We’re here to encourage you along your healing journey and receive an uplifting message. Our hope is that you are empowered to be filled with love, comfort, peace and grace. Origins of Selah Selah is a Hebrew word that is found in the 74 times in the old testament. The pronunciation of Selah varies in each region. There are several interpretations to Selah (סֶֽלָה). These are some examples: Hebrew words: s_lah, “to praise” and s_lal, “to lift up.” A musical instruction An interlude in preparation for the next verse To pause and reflect Selah Counseling Center (SCC) was founded in 2020 at the onset of a world crisis. The pandemic caused harm across the globe and led for a season to pause and reflect. Our routine suddenly halts so that we attend what was in the mere present. It tested our strength, our faith, our values, relationships, our physical health, crisis management, and more. In the midst of a trying season, SCC was founded with the purpose of providing a therapeutic space for healing. Pause & Reflect For in depth support, we motivate you to connect with a therapist at SCC and dive in deeper to help heal wounds at its root and connect with a healthy version of yourself. Your well-being matters and learning to engage in self-care is important towards your wellness. The therapeutic process is like that of a having garden. What does your garden or landscape look like? Maybe there are weeds that need to get cut from its root? Is your soil dry or overwatered? Has your seed gone deep enough to have good roots? Are there parts that are in rot? Is it in the right environment? Know that a tree or plant starts as a seed in the dirt and it changes its form as it grows in a process as it reaches what its destined to be. Seeds are buried deep and uniquely cared for. With the appropriate care, the seed becomes undone, navigates its way in various directions (sides, down and up) to become what it is destined to be; transformed! The ongoing care helped it bloom and voilà. There is Hope Romans 12:2 teaches us that by renewing our minds, we can be transformed. I encourage you to take a moment for Selah; meditate on the condition of your garden. "As I work on the garden, the garden works on me.” Gayla Trail