Perspectives
SCG Staff Articles
Intentional Crash
We have all had that feeling….when the day is over and we get home, cook dinner, eat, sit down, and then it begins the mindless scroll on social media or quick fix repetitive tapping game. As a culture, we are all experiencing burnout and the allure of doom scrolling. I often have clients talk to me about wanting to change this behavior but feeling stuck in not knowing what to do or where even this feeling to disconnect comes from.
Who Am I & What Do I Do With That?
Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that shapes who we are and how we navigate the world. It's not just about knowing ourselves on a surface level, but understanding the deeper layers that make us unique individuals. Our identity is influenced by various factors, including our sexuality, culture, age, and geographical location. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences, perspectives, and ultimately, our sense of self.
Breathing Triangle
We live in a time that can feel very uncertain and anxiety-provoking. Anxiety is not always a bad thing; in fact, anxiety can help keep us safe, encourage us to problem-solve, and motivate us to complete difficult tasks. However, anxiety also has the ability to trap our thoughts in rumination of the past or worry about the future, and in doing so, robs us of our present. When I was a child, my grandmother used to say “worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.”
On a Tough Day, the Sound of Silence Can be Deafening…
You know how this goes. Sometimes we raise our voice when we least wish to. Perhaps when we experience one too many frustrating events in our day, one more than we can fit in our "silencer" part. As a result, we give a rage-filled yell or a harsh glance. Even when the volume of our voice is loud, we may still be silencing the wants, needs, hurts and fears beneath our anger. Anger at times is a protector of vulnerable unexpressed needs and fears.
Prayer From the Diagnostic Donut Hole
If ever I am overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, panic, be my xanax, not that I would be sedated or sleepwalk through life, but that I would awaken to the distinction between true threats and irrational fears and find the courage to have a seat at the table You have prepared for me in the presence of my enemies.
Say Goodbye To Resentment And The Selfishness Silencing Critic
Over time, silence can become the first response to any potential conflict. At the same time, resentment may build up when needs don't appear to be understood. Learning to use boundaries when others are disrespectful or angry during conflict can become a key to preventing resentment. It also can help you to take steps toward living in greater freedom from The Selfishness Silencing Critic.
Women’s Mental & Emotional Health
In celebration of Women's History Month, it is crucial to highlight the importance of women's mental health and the significant role it plays. Being a woman with good mental health is not only a personal triumph but also contributes to a broader narrative of empowerment and resilience.
It’s As Easy As 5,4,3,2,1
While resting on a bench with my wife in the middle of a silent meadow in the mountains of North Carolina, I noticed a loud buzzing sound. Being the curious individual I am, I was determined to find out exactly where this noise was coming from. Looking around, I noticed a bumblebee flying 10 yards away, and I was struck by just how loud the noise of that one bumblebee was when all the other noises were stripped away. I was able to track the bee with just my ears while following its buzz as it moved from leaf to leaf.
Spending Time Alone and with Others
Time alone for reflection, meditation, thinking, or sitting silently is very useful to our well-being. But isolation for long periods of time can be both painful and harmful. That is a present concern that doctors and counselors are now discovering in their patients. Many Americans are part of the current epidemic of isolation; painful aloneness leading to loneliness.
Love Connection
It turns out that subtly telling one another “hey, pay attention to me!” is one of the most common things we do in relationships with one another as humans…and…how we handle that moment can have profound effects on the health and future of our relationships and marriages.
If you want to know one simple, concrete thing you can do to improve your relationship with your partner TODAY - read this post.
Linked to Everything
Elementally, physically, psychologically and spiritually we are very much like the rest of the world. We even share large segments of DNA patterns with animals. We cannot exist without bacteria. Viruses help to control killer bacteria. All this renders those “us vs. them” arguments meaningless. It’s all US! God has linked us to everything and everyone, even to Godself.
Blessed are we who have ears to hear and eyes to see.
How Are the Children
Recently I met with some parents and grandparents of school age children to talk about some of their concerns. We began by naming many of the stressors families are dealing with now. We listed finances, safety (school, home and online) social climate, health, parent separation/divorce, death of close family member gun violence, major illness, parent's incarceration, socialization skills of children, loneliness, body image and social media, changing family size/family growth, intergenerational divides, world perspective, moral/spiritual values being handed down or not, technology, grandparents raising grandchildren, childcare, death by suicide. This list could go on and on. Today’s children and youth are encountering unprecedented challenges/stressors
I’m Not Your Black Superwoman
For most of my life, I always strived to be the quote-on-quote “Strong Black Woman”.
A woman who exudes strength.
A woman who is fierce and protective of her own.
A woman who takes care of everyone and everything without remorse,
A Black Superwoman.
A New Year?
A year is a year, no matter where it starts. In fact, every day presents us with newness, indeed every minute. Ultimately this means we have a constant flow of opportunities to use as we choose. All we need to do is to be aware of opportunities and choose to take advantage of them....When the burden is heavy, the pain intense, the work difficult, it becomes easy to think about giving up. But as the 60’s song went, “tomorrow’s gonna be another day.” Choosing action can be difficult and may require courage. But action can turn new moments and opportunities into good things, perhaps great things.
Happy Holidays 2022
Sanctuary Counseling Group wishes everyone a happy holiday season and, for those who celebrate, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Have a wonderful holiday season, stay safe, and enjoy your community! Come see us again in the new year! We are here.
A Heart of Gratitude: Holiday Edition
Living in a state of gratitude is focusing on what we have rather than what we lack. It is our never-ending choice to take the time to pause and appreciate the things we often take for granted. Remembering to rejoice always in times of sorrow and in times of joy. Remembering to love our neighbors as we love ourselves while being grateful for those who paved the way and poured into our lives.
Domestic Violence Awareness
Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month
As mental illness further establishes itself within the public consciousness, more and more people have begun feeling comfortable sharing their stories. One of the most common mental health challenges that people face is depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in 2020, about 21 million adults in the US or 8.4% of the population experienced a depressive episode. Surely many of us resonate with difficulties coping with challenges that have arisen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Teenage Bullying
It’s not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. It’s skipping lunch to hide in the bathroom. It’s never speaking up in class. Bullying looks different for everyone who experiences it. While bullying isn’t exclusive to any age it can be incredibly difficult for one age group, in particular, teenagers. One out of every five students reports experiencing bullying (CDC). This level of prevalence is upsetting, but also incredibly useful to understand. Our teens need our help.
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month 2022
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention month in the United States. I’m sure if you follow the news, you have heard about the rise in recent years in drug abuse, drug overdose, and drug-related deaths in the United States. In 2020, for example, drug overdose deaths rose nearly 30% from the year before, resulting in over 93,000 fatalities.