Kate Motaung

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

Mental health is an important aspect of a healthy life. It is how humans process thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, just as adults can develop a mental disorder, children are also susceptible. Many mental disorders begin developing during childhood and the teen years. Know what common symptoms of mental disorders to be aware of in children. What are the common symptoms of childhood mental disorders? Each mental disorder has its own symptoms, but many of them overlap. The problem

If you’ve ever had someone step on your toes, figuratively or literally, beyond the initial shock and pain there will often be feelings of anger that follow. You may think: Didn’t they see me standing here?. Who does she think she is?. What an inconsiderate jerk!. He didn’t even apologize!. If you are not able to interrupt that stream of thought, your anger will escalate. There’s a story of a guy who was walking to a neighbor’s house to

We are all born with a dream and a desire. As children, we explore with our senses and imagination. We learn to clamor after the wonders in our worlds with curiosity and intention. Sometimes, it is nurtured and in other cases, it is extinguished. Depending on the environment that we grow in and those who raise us, we are trained to either soar or suppress our unique abilities and aspirations. God has outfitted every human with limitless

For many years, people with disabilities, learning differences, or mental and emotional health challenges have been stigmatized. Often, the ways that society has emphasized and measured intelligence and skill are not consistent with the way that God views us, especially where ADHD in children is concerned. Unfortunately, the environments structured to unlock our potential in childhood, at the most vulnerable time of life, often do the opposite. Sometimes they squash our inquisitive nature instead of unleashing God’s creativity in