Care to Change Counseling - Practical Solutions for Positive Change

Techniques for Coping with Anxiety and Reducing Stress Levels

Welcome to "Finding Peace: Faith Based Approaches to Anxiety and Stress," where we explore practical ways to integrate faith with mental health. Today, we dive into a crucial topic: anxiety and stress management. In this episode April Bordeau and Jean Crane discuss effective techniques rooted in faith principles that can help you find peace amidst life's challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Anxiety and Stress:
   • Define anxiety and stress and their impact on mental health.
   • Recognize the prevalence of anxiety in today's society and its effects on individuals.
2. Biblical Perspective on Anxiety:
   • Explore relevant scriptures that address anxiety.
   • Discuss how faith can provide comfort and strength during anxious moments.
3. Techniques for Coping with Anxiety:
   • Prayer and Meditation:
     • The power of prayer as a tool for surrender and seeking peace.
     • Guided Christian meditation techniques to calm the mind and spirit.
   • Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques:
     • Deep breathing exercises to reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety.
     • Progressive muscle relaxation methods to release tension.
   • Journaling and Scripture Reflection:
     • Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on blessings rather than worries.
     • Reflecting on scripture passages that emphasize trust and God's provision.
   • Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
     • Importance of regular exercise in reducing stress and improving mood.
     • Balanced diet and adequate sleep as foundations for emotional well-being.

• Connection and community
  • Authentic relationships with people who support and encourage you
  • Forgiveness as a regular part of community
• Seeking Professional Help:
  • Encouragement to seek support from counselors or therapists.

Remember that managing anxiety is a journey, and you are not alone. By integrating these techniques with your faith, you can experience a deeper sense of peace that surpasses understanding. Thank you for listening. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share with others who may benefit. Remember, in Christ, there is hope and healing for every anxious heart. Until next time, may God's peace be with you always.

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If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the transformative power of hope when navigating the challenges of loving someone with an addiction. Join us as we discuss practical strategies that illuminate how hope can be a beacon of light in dark times.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Addiction:
   • What addiction really is and its impact on individuals and families.
   • The emotional toll it takes on loved ones.
2. The Importance of Hope:
   • How hope serves as a lifeline for families.
3. Practical Steps to Cultivate Hope:
   • cause, control, cure daily practices to nurture hope in difficult circumstances.
   • creating a supportive environment for your loved one and yourself.
4. Community and Support:
   • The role of faith communities in providing hope and encouragement.
   • Resources for finding local support groups.

Resources:

• Books/ted talk:
  • “Addiction and Grace” by Gerald G. May
  • “The Prodigal Son: A Story of Hope” by Timothy Keller
  • Johann Hari- Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong- Ted Talk
• Support Groups:
  • Al-Anon Family Groups
  • Celebrate Recovery
  • PAL

Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/
Follow Care to Change on Instagram @care_to_change
See our YouTube page here

If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

Hope in the Heart: Navigating Estrangement with Love and Faith

In this poignant episode, we delve into the profound power of hope when faced with the estrangement of a child. Join us as we discuss strategies and wisdom that can help restore hope in the midst of heartbreak and distance.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Estrangement:
   • Common reasons for estrangement and its emotional impact on parents.
   • Recognizing the stages of grief associated with estrangement.
2. The Role of Hope:
   • How hope can sustain you during difficult times.
3. Practical Steps to Foster Hope:
   • Daily practices that nurture a hopeful mindset.
   • Ways to maintain a connection even from a distance.
4. The Importance of Community:
   • Finding support through faith communities and fellow believers.
   • Resources for connecting with others in similar situations

Resources 

• “The Prodigal Parent: Hope for Parents of Estranged Children” by John M. McCarthy
• “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
• Parenting from the Inside Out by Dan Siegel
• Divorce Casualties by Douglas Darnall
• Necessary Endings, by Dr. Henry Cloud 

If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with someone who may be struggling with estrangement and needs a message of hope.

Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/
Follow Care to Change on Instagram @care_to_change
See our YouTube page here

If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

Restoring Hope: Navigating Marriages on the Rocks

In this uplifting episode, we explore the transformative power of hope for couples facing challenges in their marriage. Join us as we discuss practical steps that can inspire healing and renewal in relationships that feel broken.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding the Struggles:
   • Common issues that lead to marital strain, such as communication breakdown and unmet expectations.
   • Recognizing the emotional impact on both partners.
2. The Role of Hope:
   • How hope can be a foundation for rebuilding trust and connection.
   • Biblical examples of redemption and restoration in relationships (e.g., Hosea and Gomer).
3. Practical Steps to Cultivate Hope:
   • Daily practices to encourage open communication and understanding.
   • Setting realistic goals for improvement and healing.
4. Community and Support:
   • The importance of seeking support from faith communities and counseling.
   • Resources for finding marriage enrichment programs and support groups.
5. Prayer and Spiritual Growth:
   • The power of prayer in fostering unity and healing within marriage.

Thank you for listening.

Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/
Follow Care to Change on Instagram @care_to_change
See our YouTube page here

If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

Welcome to this episode where we explore the power of hope in mental health. Returning guest, Larry Vinson, shares how hope can be a guiding light during challenging times. 

Episode Overview:

• In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of hope in navigating and overcoming mental health challenges.

Key Points Covered:

1. Understanding Hope:
   • Definition and significance of hope in the context of mental health: Hope can be defined as a cognitive and emotional state characterized by a positive expectation for the future. It involves the belief that one can find pathways to achieve desired goals and the motivation to pursue these goals despite obstacles.
2. The Role of Hope in Recovery:
   • Personal stories or anecdotes illustrating how hope has facilitated recovery journeys.
   • Expert insights on the psychological benefits of cultivating hope.
3. Practical Strategies to Foster Hope

• recognize something isn't righT
• ask for help
• accept help
• find your tribe
• develop a safety plan
• get a therapist
• journal
• find truth
• reframe thoughts
• lean on your faith

Thank you for listening.

Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/
Follow Care to Change on Instagram @care_to_change
See our YouTube page here

If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

Contact Larry at [email protected].

Join author, speaker, inclusion strategist, youth worker and statewide leader in the nonprofit world, Yalonda Brown, as we discuss the importance of friendships and mentors in our lives. We're sure you'll enjoy this insightful discussion that incudes practical tips for cultivating meaningful connections and the importance of finding mentors and being a mentor in return.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Importance of Friendships
• The Role of Mentorship
  • Defining mentorship and its significance in life.
  • Characteristics of a good mentor and different types of helpful mentors.
• Building Authentic Connections
  • Practical steps to nurture deep, meaningful friendships.
  • Overcoming barriers to vulnerability and connection.

Guest Expert:
Yalonda Brown is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors, specializing in leadership, DEIB, and youth advocacy. As a Senior Outreach Manager for a statewide-serving nonprofit and CEO of Just Say It LLC, she empowers partners, inspires communities, and facilitates impactful conversations. Whether it is via public speaking or her published works, she leverages her formal education, real world-experiences, and her passion to inspire and motivate others to live according to their purpose. 

Connect with Ms. Brown in the following ways:
[email protected]
Website: www.justsayitllc.com
Email:[email protected]
Fb and Instagram:@jusysayitllc
Book: LOYALTY - A Girls Guide to Understanding Authentic Friendships

In this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of toxic friendships and their impact on our mental health. Join us as we discuss how to recognize unhealthy relationships and practical steps to cultivate healthier connections.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Toxic Friendships:
  • Characteristics of toxic friendships and how they differ from healthy ones.
• Identifying Red Flags:
  • Common behaviors that signal a toxic friendship (e.g., manipulation, constant negativity).
  • Determining if you are the toxic friend
• Navigating Toxicity:
  • Steps to address and confront toxic friendships.
  • When to consider ending a friendship and how to do it gracefully.
• Building Healthy Connections:
  • Tips for fostering supportive and uplifting relationships.

Featured Scriptures:

• Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
• 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers..."

Guest Expert:

This episode features Brittany Gipson a Christian therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, who shares her insights on maintaining healthy friendships and navigating toxic ones.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
  • "Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
  • "Necessary Endings" by Dr. Henry Cloud
  • "Find Your People" by Jennie Allen
  • "Uninvited" by Lysa Terkurst

In this insightful episode, we dive into the critical role friendships play during high school years. We discuss how healthy friendships can impact a teen's mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. Plus, we’ll explore ways parents can encourage and support their teens in building strong, positive relationships.

Key Topics Covered

• The Significance of Friendship: Understanding why friendships are essential during the high school years and their effects on their future.
• Mental Health Benefits: How strong friendships can improve emotional resilience and reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
• Parents Encouraging Positive Friendships: Practical strategies for parents to foster healthy friendships and support their teens’ social lives.
• Faith and Friendship: Incorporating Christian values into friendships and encouraging teens to seek like-minded peers.

Guest Interview
This episode features Mateo Canales, young adult from an urban area chosen to speak/pray at the 2022 National Day of Prayer event in Hendricks County. He shares valuable insights on fostering healthy friendships among teens and the role of parents in this journey.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Open Communication: Encourage regular conversations about friendships.
2. Offering Consistency: Foster an environment where teens feel comfortable knowing what to expect from parents. 
3. Encourage Participation: Motivate teens to get involved in extracurricular activities or church groups to build connections.
4. Cheering each step of the way: Always encourage and cheer for the best in your teen as they navigate the difficulties living values that may be contrary to cultural norms/pressures.
5. The 5 G's of fathers and mothers include Govern, Guide, Gather, Guard, and Ground, referenced in The Five Fold Fatherhood book by Russell Hylton. 

Scripture References

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor."

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the vital role friendship plays in marriage and practical steps couples can take to cultivate friendships. Join our director, April Bordeau, as she leads a discussion with Joey Coffman and Robyn Coffman, from the nationally known 10|10 Ministries.  Join us as we discuss how cultivating a deep friendship with your spouse can strengthen your relationship, enhance communication, and enjoyment in life. They share valuable insights on building and maintaining friendship within marriage and offer practical strategies for couples to implement in their daily lives.

Key Topics Covered

• The Biblical Foundation of Friendship: Exploring scripture that highlights the significance of companionship in marriage.
• Friendship vs. Romance: Understanding the difference and how both elements are essential in a thriving marriage.
• Communication as a Cornerstone: How friendship fosters open and honest dialogue between spouses.
• Shared Interests and Activities: Practical ways to cultivate friendship through shared hobbies and experiences.
• Spiritual Connection: The importance of praying together and growing spiritually as friends and partners.

Scripture References

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor."
• Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."

More about Robyn Coffman
More about Joey Coffman
Online resources published by the Coffman Company

Contact Care to Change if your marriage is lacking luster and you're just not friends anymore. 

Welcome to this episode where we delve into important conversations surrounding mental health and parenting. In today's episode, we're focusing on the unique challenges and valuable insights into raising children with special needs with guest Katie Goar, mother of two kids with special needs, one of whom is adopted. 

Parenting is a journey filled with joys, but also with significant challenges, especially when raising kids with special needs. 

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Special Needs:
   • What do we mean by "special needs" in the context of parenting?
   • Different types of special needs and how they impact children and families.
2. Challenges Faced by Parents:
   • Emotional and psychological impact on parents.
   • Financial and logistical challenges in accessing resources and support.
   • Balancing caregiving with other family and work responsibilities.
3. Navigating the Education System:
   • Advocating for your child's educational needs.
   • Finding inclusive educational environments.
   • Working with educators and administrators to ensure proper support.
4. Building a Support Network:
   • Importance of social support for parents and siblings.
   • Connecting with other families facing similar challenges.
   • Utilizing community resources and mental health services.
5. Self-Care for Parents:
   • The importance of self-care and recognizing burnout.
   • Strategies for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
   • Seeking professional help when needed.

Raising a child with special needs presents unique challenges, but with the right support and resources, families can thrive. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out to us if you want support. 

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. We hope today's discussion has provided you with valuable perspectives and strategies for navigating the complexities of parenting children with special needs. Stay tuned for more empowering conversations on mental health and well-being.