" Coming to know and love your spouse [and your family] is difficult and painful--yet rewarding and wonderous."
Tim Keller
FAMILIES
We don't get to choose our family. We are born into it. Our family affects who we are and who we become--for better and for worse. It's through our family that we learn how to receive love and give love.
Because we live in a broken world, most of us have experienced disappointment, rejection, heartache, or other pain in our family relationships. Though possibly unintentionally inflicted, the wound is likely to still be there. It could be seeping out into different parts of your life. Without proper care and healing, it will continue to be infected (just like a physical wound).
The goal of family therapy is not to cast blame; it is to bring light to each member's pain. ALL the pain--the little ones and the big ones. Why? To bring understanding so that compassion, empathy, and forgiveness can emerge. This is the path of healing and growth.
PRE-ENGAGED + ENGAGED COUPLES
You like him or her, but there are still questions. What to do?
Talking with a counselor before you pop the question is a very wise move! Exploring your questions, doubts, and concerns will empower you to make an informed choice whether to move towards marriage.
You've found the love of your life. Now what?
I know there is so much to think about and do! The excitement and overwhelm of this season (proposal, engagement, and planning for a wedding) is full of emotions! You're probably going so fast. I want to encourage you to slow down. The most important "thing" on your to-do list is to prepare a solid marriage foundation.
Preparing for a strong and passionate marriage is the best gift you can give to yourself and your partner.
COUPLES
Marriage is hard (and amazing too). There's no one else in the world that can push your buttons like your partner. On the flip side, perhaps there's no one else who knows you better. Whatever stage in your marriage journey you are in, counseling can help. You'll learn to:
- listen to your partner and process what s/he is saying
- grow in self-awareness & personal responsibility
- develop a deeper understanding & compassion for your partner and yourself
- address and heal unresolved issues & old wounds
- communicate your thoughts, feelings, & needs openly and clearly
- process and resolve conflict in a healthy way
- deepen intimacy and connection
parents
Being a parent is one of the greatest privileges, as well as one of the greatest challenges. Your children can make your heart melt, your eyes tear up, and your stomach churn. It's incredible how much power they can have over you!
The parenting journey is like a roller coaster ride. There are lots of highs and lows. Life is demanding. Most parents are busy and don't have much time to really invest in their children.
Parents often feel ill-equipped, and often feel like a failure in this department. Perhaps it's because your own parents did the best they could but they were lacking in certain areas. Or maybe it's because you're so busy and tired that you don't have the emotional capacity for your children.
Parenting is an opportunity for growth. God often reveals our greatest weaknesses and sins through our children. The parenting journey is one in which you will grow as an individual and a parent. We will celebrate your victories, laugh over fumbles, grieve heartaches, and encourage growth.
It's never too late to be the parent you've always wanted to be.
let's walk toward hope
together
