Kate Motaung

For many, many people across the globe, chemical dependency is an incredibly challenging obstacle standing in the way of leading a fulfilling life. Here in the Seattle area, we are seeing the increased devastation and pervasive effect that the opiate crisis is having on tens of thousands of our neighbors. But how has this problem become so large, especially amongst young adults? These are the generations that grew up with programs like D.A.R.E. and education about drugs and alcohol

Have you ever heard the statement, “Anger is a second emotion”? This statement intrigues me. Thinking back into past experiences this statement rings true. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were first angry? Think about it. Most often sadness or hurt arises, then as a second emotion, anger follows. Anger is defined as a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. In sessions, I often use the example that anger is a ticking time

In the Bible, forgiveness is a Greek word that means, “to let go.” It is the act of granting mercy upon the person who has done something wrong against you. Forgiveness means you are going to let go of what happened. This does not mean that you agree or condone whatever transpired, but that you are willing to move forward in your life and not carry the negative feelings over what happened. Forgiveness Bible Verses Scripture is filled with

“Your Mental Health is more important than the test, the interview, the lunch date, the meeting, the family dinner, the soccer game, the recital, and the grocery-run. Take care of yourself.” The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states, “Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. An estimated 44 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders. Yet only about one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment even though the disorders are highly treatable.”

Like any injury or illness, depression may range in severity and presentation. Symptoms of depression also vary from person to person with regard to physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational impact. Sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, and confusion are individual experiences that we can relate to and often find a “quick fix” for. But what about the times when all of those things seem to settle in at the same time? According to the World Health Organization, 300 million people around

For most couples, there will be ups and downs in their relationships. While we would love to live in the bliss and infatuation that often accompanies the honeymoon period, we will all at some point have a rough patch. Relationship satisfaction can look like a roller coaster. Ideally, this would be the most boring roller coaster that is all height without the fall, but usually, there are dips. First of all, this is normal and not a sign that

What is play therapy for children? Isn't it just playing? How can that make a lasting impact on my child? Play therapy is playing with your child, yes – but it’s not justplaying. Play therapists use play in many different forms as a tool and treatment modality when conducting therapy with children. A child learns about, observes, and processes the world they live in through play. For children, playing through issues is the equivalent to talking through issues for

Do you think you or someone you love is an addict and/or alcoholic? Are you curious what kind of chemical dependency programs are available? Please continue to read to find out. What is Chemical Dependency? First of all, it is important to know that chemical dependency is a disease that is recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5). There are people who still question that. This is a disease where a person becomes chemically dependent on

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:9-10 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.– Ephesians 4:32 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me,

Does online couples therapy work? Before I can fully answer this question, let’s first talk a little about what couples therapy is. A Definition of Online Couples Therapy By its very nature, the definition of couple’s therapy is a form of mental health counseling used to treat relationship distress, such as poor communication skills, incompatibility or a wide variety of other psychological disorders. Its purpose is to restore functioning to the coupled relationship and address the reasons for the

* Please note: This article contains mature content.  Mignon McLaughlin describes it best when she says, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Marriage is beautiful, but just like the saying every rose has its thorn, so does marriage. Marriage is always depicted in romantic comedies as easy and fun, carrying a lighthearted energy when the woman is in the presence of the man. Culture and films create an unrealistic expectation for

If you are thinking about marriage counseling, don’t be surprised if you feel a lot of resistance to finding a therapist and scheduling an appointment. Couples who see marriage counselors typically have reached a point where things are so bad that they are willing to see a stranger to talk about it. Often there are feelings of shame associated with the marital disruption, which makes it even harder. To make the decision even more complicated, you may be asking