Kate Motaung

There is a reason marriage traditionally takes place in a sacred place, in front of God, family and friends, and is celebrated in the community. The process of two flawed, amazingly complicated human beings joining together is incredibly complex, and married couples need encouragement and support to resist the forces that would tear them apart, both internal and external. No one reaches adulthood without suffering some sort of emotional harm. We bring whatever damage we have suffered into a

Spiritual Development Core Definition Many a theologian has offered a definition of spiritual development over the course of two millennia. Spiritual development can mean many things to many people in the secular and pluralistic environment we inhabit in our terrestrial world. Spiritual development, in essence, is to believe in something beyond the material universe and to develop an awareness of realities beyond the confines of time and space. What does spiritual development mean for the Christ follower? Acts 17:28

Part 2 of a Depression Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Perspective Series In my previous article, I took a look at the big “D” – depression, as it affects and is treated by means of biological and psychological mechanisms. In this article, I consider two more realms that are often overlooked when considering a person’s makeup. Depression Involves More than Just You Classically, psychology has been seen as the study of the individual, with a focus on the mind. As technology advanced, the

You've established certain leadership development goals – but why is it that some leaders who are rising to the top succeed and stay in their positions as executives, whereas others who were seen as promising candidates for the corner suite get fired, demoted, passed over, burn out, retire, are laid off, or quit? Surprisingly, the research shows that the median rate of eventual failure for managers is 50%. [1] Generally, books and articles on success tend to make the

Beginning therapy can be scary. So many things can arise in us that prevent us from even reaching out to start the process. In my experience, and as I have reflected on it in retrospect, much of this fear is grounded in not knowing what will become of me: What will I have to give up, how will I live without those things, and what will remain? The things referred to are parts of who we are, the ideas

If you have had a panic attack, you already know how upsetting it can be. The symptoms are very distressing. They include, but are not limited to, chest pains, a racing or pounding heart, feeling faint, weak, or dizzy, having difficulty taking a deep breath or rapid breathing, feeling sweaty or having chills, and a sense of impending doom or terror. Some victims of panic attacks say that they feel as if they are having a heart attack. When experiencing these

Part 1 of a Depression Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Perspective Series Depression is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. Anytime from your favorite team’s crushing defeat in a national championship, to the loss of a loved one, to a period in which you just cannot seem to get going at all – you might be feeling depressed. Clinicians understand Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, as a mental illness characterized by hallmark symptoms such as a prolonged sad mood

As you read this article, I hope that you gain an understanding of the value of authentic relational care and how lethal emotional isolation is. You will read a perspective on emotional aloneness, the obstacles to experiencing care, and some thoughts on courageously receiving compassionate care. This is the first article in a series that addresses our need for relational intimacy, being known, and knowing others so that we can imperfectly care for one another. My desire is that

What Do the Holidays Mean to You? When the Christmas music starts, the decorations in stores begin to change, how do you feel? A lot of people get excited, anticipating the holiday season and love this time of year! But for others who have been through difficulties in the previous year, the holiday season can bring on undue anxiety, stress, depression, and thoughts of hopelessness and loneliness. There is a reason counselors see an increase in clientele during the

Most people who struggle with sex addiction appear outwardly as normal in vocation and lifestyle as anyone else. For instance, many sex addicts are doctors, lawyers, writers, pastors, priests, teachers, and successful business people. They occupy trustworthy vocational roles all over the world. Sex addicts can also be very committed husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends. They often also  have very high levels of spirituality and concern for others. So, why do many sex addicts cause so

Part 2 in a series on the neuroscience of surprise and the weight of wonder. This series explores how raising children up is really the work of growing adults down: grounding and embodying the Self in relationship, integrating the brain and coming out of hiding. My 4-year-old is hardwired for surprise. This might not be apparent in her favorite game: hide-and-seek. Because when Taliah was younger, especially, these games ended almost before they began. Often the seeker, eyes closed

Part 1 in a series on the neuroscience of surprise and the weight of wonder. This series explores how raising children up is really the work of growing adults down: grounding and embodying the Self in relationship, integrating the brain, and coming out of hiding. The Splendid Splinter My young daughter’s blonde head, bellowing with sunbeams fresh from the back porch, bobs its way through the kitchen door. On this cool spring morning in Seattle, it’s hard to know