Kate Motaung

How do you become friends with someone? For some of us, that’s a no-brainer because we find it easy to connect with others and build rapport. For others among us, that’s a huge ask, as connecting well with others might not be easy or feel safe. It is the same way with intimacy with God. The older you get, the more it’s likely taken for granted that you know how to make friends, and the more awkward our attempts

The effects of trauma and PTSD on a person’s life are wide-reaching both in time span and relational bandwidth. If you find yourself wondering about whether or not you suffer from trauma and PTSD, this article may help! We’ll discuss the definition of both trauma and PTSD, some symptoms to watch for, and four types of treatment that can help a person who has been through trauma and/or PTSD. Here are some possible signs that you or someone you

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stressed? Whether you are experiencing the stress of your busy day-to-day activities or significant life stressor, there are several basic steps you can take to improve your mental health and well-being. Coping mechanisms for stress are linked to your physical and mental health and the health of your relationships with those you care about. 12 Practical Ways to Manage Stress Integrating some of these basic ideas into your daily and weekly

As couples are dating, they are faced with a variety of topics and situations that can test their initial compatibility in a relationship: Is one a social butterfly who wants to talk to everyone while the other prefers standing quietly in the corner and going unnoticed at a party? Does one prefer to “step away” and cool down after a disagreement while the other is adamant that the issue must be addressed right this moment? Was one raised in

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. – Mahatma Gandhi Are self-care and self-love selfish? There is a subtle difference between loving and caring for yourself and selfishness; it lies in motive, consideration, and consequences. Choosing to leave situations or relationships that no longer benefit you, are not sustainable, or are not reciprocal, is not necessarily selfish. Is it selfish for someone to expect you, or for you to expect

Drugs and alcohol permeate our culture, habitually featuring in the entertainment we consume in music, movies, plays, or television shows. In everyday life, alcohol often plays the role of social lubricant. Stoner movies are a whole genre that portray copious drug use in a typically comedic fashion. Some scenarios such as the club scene are synonymous with recreational and other drugs. Often the consumption of drugs and alcohol is portrayed as sophisticated or the hallmark of freedom from convention

Did you know that you can journal for better mental health? Research shows that it is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. You can journal in different ways to process your emotions and gain peace and healing. Though most of us spend our days interacting in the electronic world, writing on paper can be soothing and therapeutic. You don't have to get fancy to get the benefits of journaling. A simple spiral notebook is perfectly fine.

If you struggle with a combination of anxiety and procrastination, this article is for you. Reading through the Gospels presents like an adventure novel. We watch Jesus’ great exploits unfold on the canvas of a developing movement of miracles, signs, and wonders. As Messiah, He is our inspiration and perfect example. Yet, when we encounter the promise that Christ’s Church would do greater works, it seems overwhelming in life and for times we were chosen to occupy (John 14:12).

“I feel like I’m walking through mud.” Those are the words that came out of Kevin’s mouth every time he was honest about the way he was feeling. Kevin had been depressed for years, he had tried antidepressants, mindfulness training, prayer, talking with his pastor, and he’d even tried counseling. At the end of it all he still felt depressed. Kevin’s wife Katie was at her wit’s end. She hadn’t married a depressed man; she wasn’t even sure when

The Big Five Personality Types, also referred to as the Five Factor Model attempts to assess, define, measure, and describe human personality. There have been many theories proposed out there to describe personality and try to understand human behavior. This is the most widely accepted, though there are still studies being done to understand it more. The premise of the Big Five personality types is that there are wide variations of personality traits, but all of those can be

Depending on how you were raised, you may or may not be open to counseling. The idea of it can seem foreign, odd, or perhaps, only for those who are in dire straits. If counseling for yourself – an adult – seems unnecessary, how much more, then, would it be daunting to consider counseling for teens? Or perhaps you grew up in a home that championed counseling, yet you never went for one reason or another. Counseling for teens:

Parenting a child with mental health struggles like ADHD and autism is a constant challenge. If your child has ADHD or autism, you have been learning the best ways to help your child with his or her unique challenges in any environment. You supported your child in elementary school. You connected the child with aides and resources. Now it is time for middle school. When puberty hits it adds a new layer of complications to both their personal development