Kate Motaung

As beautiful as relationships can be, it takes a lot of work to sustain them and make them into spaces that are nurturing and flourishing. Relationships can be difficult, especially when our emotions are involved. Understanding our own emotions and the emotions of others is a valuable life skill and necessary for healthy relationships. At the heart of happy and thriving relationships lies one key attribute: emotional intelligence. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and how can it make

In every relationship, there comes a time when things go a bit wonky and out of alignment. It doesn’t have to be anyone’s fault. Sometimes, people simply miss each other, whether because someone misspoke, because of fatigue and inattention, or because one or both of you are under stress and a little bit on edge. In those situations, you might be a little inconsiderate or miss cues you’d otherwise pick up on and respond to. A person’s relationship with

Children with ADHD typically have struggles with anger. This isn’t the typical anger that is noted in normal child behavior as they grow and test boundaries. This anger is defiant, aggressive, and sometimes violent. How do we help children with ADHD? The most common answer to this question is seeking medication management. The second common treatment suggested is psychotherapy. As a believer, it is wise to seek a Christian professional who uses Scripture and faith-based treatment to help you understand

Because neuroscience is always changing, it’s important to understand that there are no longer different types of autism. In 2013, the diagnostic manual used by the mental health industry in the U.S. reversed outdated information that classified autism into separate categories. Today, mental health professionals provide a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which can vary in its level of diagnosis. Instead of different types of autism, there are now levels one, two, and three, which are divided based on

The term “toxic shame” was first coined in the 1960’s by American psychologist, Silvan Tomkins, to describe a chronic sense of worthlessness resulting from being repeatedly humiliated, shamed, and rejected. Difference between normal shame and toxic shame. Shame is a normal emotion that most people experience at one time or another in response to embarrassment over something they did that was foolish or wrong, or being humiliated in front of others. It may feel uncomfortable, even painful for a

Many moms-to-be experience symptoms of worry. They may be concerned about their unborn baby’s health, especially if they’ve had previous miscarriages. They may be concerned about how having a baby will impact their career or their relationship with their spouse. While there are plenty of possibilities that contribute to anxiety in pregnancy, if these worries become debilitating or obsessive, it’s time to seek help in the form of anxiety treatment in pregnancy. Here are six signs you should pay

As you sprint past the point of young adulthood, you may miss some signs of aging along the way. How do you handle aging when getting old creeps up on you? Acknowledging the passage of time is a real struggle for many adults as they get older. Whether it’s triggered by a child’s graduation, a beloved niece or nephew getting married, or a parent who is struggling with his or her health, the realization that our time on earth

Counseling isn’t just beneficial for adults; counseling for children is a game-changer for kids! When life throws curveballs, families often need a neutral third party to help them work through these situations, and children may be internalizing many difficult emotions during this time in ways that go unnoticed. Children don’t yet have the emotional regulation skills to process anger, pain, sadness, or fear. A counselor can speak to them in a way they understand and explain the situation while

There is nothing as comforting as knowing that you are being understood or seen in a conversation or interaction. The ability for others to share or perceive our emotions is called empathy. It is fair to say that empathy is an integral part of our interactions that allows us to connect deeply with others and respond with compassion. Without empathy, one would not know how to respond in conversations or how to hold the space for someone going through

There is likely no more vulnerable time in a person’s life than when they are a child. When we are young, we are impressionable, lacking experience, resilience, and the necessary coping skills to deal with difficult circumstances. This is the time of life when we most need to be sheltered and nurtured. However, for many children, this is when they have adverse childhood experiences whose impact may linger for the rest of their lives. Many circumstances can lead to

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of children and adults in the US. The ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) diagnosis is now included in ADHD even without the hyperactivity present. ADHD symptoms interfere with daily living and, in extreme cases, quality of life. ADHD diagnosed in childhood ADHD is typically diagnosed during childhood. Parents and teachers begin to notice the behavior between the ages of three and seven. Some children may be in

Have you ever wanted to do something so badly that it loomed large in your mind and imagination, and you just couldn’t shake it? Has it ever happened to you that the way to the thing you want so badly is barred by a deep fear you have? You want to ask someone out, but you’re afraid of being rejected. Or you want to try out for the football team, but you’re afraid of looking foolish and failing. You