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"He heals the brokenhearted..." Psalm 147:3

Specialties

Life can be a tough road. And few of us avoid the occasional steep path, landslide, or washed-out bridge that we just can't see a way around. Whether your roadblock is a troubled marriage, past trauma, a crisis of faith, or a growing depression that makes each new step heavier, talking to a Connections counselor can help. Connections is a safe rest stop where you can check the map, make repairs, evaluate your progress, and explore daunting new routes. And we’re here to walk that road with you for as long as you need. 

Depression • Anxiety • Stress Management

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DEPRESSION

Is it just a sad mood, or do you feel so empty and hopeless that you can no longer manage everyday life? Do you struggle with persistent fatigue, indecision, sleep problems, appetite changes, guilt, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide? You do not have to live this way! We can help you to…

  • identify the different types of negative thoughts; 

  • intentionally reframe them to reflect a more rational perspective; and

  • develop new, positive patterns of thinking that will change your life!

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Did you know that under stress, your body goes into a “fight or flight” mode that can cause long-term health issues if not managed? The good news is that it is possible to reduce this physiological response to stress. To paraphrase the famous words of the Serenity Prayer, you can learn—with God’s help—to… 

  • change (or reduce) the stressors you can change;

  • accept (or manage) the stressors you cannot change; and

  • find the wisdom to know the difference.

 

ANXIETY / PANIC

It’s normal to feel anxious occasionally—none of us would live long if we had no fear of danger. But sometimes anxiety grows beyond the healthy norm. Do you ever…

  • …feel like you can’t “turn off your brain” and relax… ever?

  • …struggle with irrational fears that don’t even make sense to you?

  • …find yourself stalled out by “analysis paralysis”?

  • …feel like your body is stuck in “fight or flight”?

Anxiety may present as a single episode, triggered by a traumatizing life event. Or it may be chronic, left over from experiences so long ago you don’t even remember them.

 
 

Premarital • marriage
Gottman Method Couples Therapy

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Marriage and COUPLES

We offer Gottman Method of Couples Therapy (Level 3 training)

Which communication style is so destructive that it can predict divorce with over 90% accuracy? What is the foundation of a solid marriage? Which relationship problems are fundamentally unsolvable, and how do you manage them while preserving the individual values and identity of each partner? Learn proven skills--backed by over 40 years of solid research data--to improve your marriage!


Faith-based couples therapy

Do you want to undergird your relationship counseling with the solid, Biblical foundations of your Christian faith? While the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is not specifically a faith-based program, its principles are remarkably parallel to Scripture. I use multiple resources to help you deepen your faith as you deepen and improve your relationship. Call me today at 972-441-7374 to see if this is right for you!


Couples Therapy for One

(My spouse doesn’t want counseling but I do.)

Want to work on your relationship but your spouse doesn’t want to come to counseling? We can still help! Call for your free consultation, and we can discuss ways learning the principles of successful relationships can still help you even if you come to counseling alone.

 

Gottman Relationship Checkup

As part of the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, we offer this comprehensive, research-based assessment tool to help you understand the strengths and challenges of the various areas of your relationship—friendship, intimacy, emotions, conflict, values, and trust, as well as parenting, housework, finances, individual areas of concern, and more.

It takes 1-2 hours to complete the 480 questions, costs only $29 per couple, and helps streamline the counseling process, potentially saving you weeks of sessions.

For more information, call for your free consultation today— 972-441-7374.

The actual time it takes to complete each assessment varies based on individual responses, the complexity of relationship dynamics, and the optional use of comment areas to provide additional information about the relationship. On average, you can expect to spend between 1-2 hours completing the questionnaire.

PRE-MARITAL

SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) Certified

In a culture where more marriages than not end in divorce, you might think the odds are stacked against you. But you re-stack them in your favor and launch your life together with every every possible advantage! Using the highly-acclaimed SYMBIS premarital assessment, we can thoroughly assess your readiness and give you valuable tools and insight for starting out right!

 

Trauma • Grief / Loss • Divorce

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TRAUMA

We all know that abuse and violence are traumatic, sometimes enough to cause PTSD. But did you know that everyday events can be traumatic also? Trauma can be defined as any time when your basic physical, emotional, or spiritual needs go unmet, and the earlier it occurs, the greater the effect on the developing mind. We can help you identify these areas in your past, overcome old coping skills you have carried from childhood into your adult life (which are no longer appropriate or effective), and create new patterns of thinking and skills for a happier, more successful life! 

We now offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — a research-proven, neuroscience-based approach to treat complex trauma and PTSD. Click here for more information.

 


GRIEF / LOSS

What is the matter with me? Why can't I get over this loss? Why do these moments of "shadow grief" keep catching me by surprise? Our culture's accepted "rituals" for grieving and helping others grieve has been largely lost into history, so many of us do not know what to expect after experiencing a devastating loss. Together, we can navigate the "Valley of the Shadow" and help you begin to accept and come to peace with your "new normal".


 

DIVORCE NAVIGATION / RECOVERY

No one says "I do!" ever expecting it to end in divorce. We all believe "that could never happen to us!" But the sad reality is that our culture's divorce rate is over 50% (60% for second marriages and even higher for third!). And the statistics are no different even for Christians. When it happens, we need a safe, non-judgmental place to work through the grief, trauma, and practical details while struggling to adjust to the "new normal".

 

Grief Support Group (Faith-Based)

When four or more people are interested in forming a group, we offer a 12-week faith-based support group. Please call 972-441-7374 for more information!

 

 Groups

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GROUPS

Individual counseling and coaching can be very helpful, but there are some issues that a group can address best of all. We now offer support groups in several areas.  If you don't find a group you're looking for, contact us and we'll see if we can organize one.

“Mind over Moods”
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Groups

Do you feel like you have no control over your dark moods? Do you want to grow into a more positive mindset, but can't or don't want to attend individual counseling? Are you tired of hearing, "Just look on the bright side!" without any guidance on how to do that? Then this group is for you! Everyone can benefit from the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy! In this group, we will learn how to identify automatic negative thoughts, reframe, and improve our moods by improving our thoughts.

GRIEF / LOSS

What is the matter with me? Why can't I get over this loss? Why do these moments of "shadow grief" keep catching me by surprise? I feel so alone--I wish I could talk to others who are going through the same thing. Our culture's accepted "rituals" for grieving and helping others grieve has been largely lost into history, so many of us do not know what to expect after experiencing a devastating loss. Together, we can navigate the "Valley of the Shadow", share experiences, offer comfort and support, and begin to accept and come to peace with our "new normals". (Individual grief counseling is also available.)

GIFTED / TALENTED THINKERS

Did you know that public school G/T programs are actually classified with Special Ed? It's true, and it's appropriate! G/T students' brains work differently, using different neural pathways and patterns, thinking globally rather than sequentially. Consequently, G/T kids have unique emotional needs (and often social issues) that are not widely understood. Katherine has special education, training, and experience in working with G/T thinkers. If you or your G/T student feel as though "no one understands", let her offer some insights that may make your lives much easier!  (Individual coaching is also available.)

HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES

Sometimes, it seems that no one understands. (No, "socialization" is not an issue. Yes, I can teach my own children very well without a teaching certificate, thank you.) But how do you manage the unique family stresses and scheduling of homeschooling? How do you ever get it all done? Do you feel like you to maintain the image that you "have it all together"? Katherine homeschooled her three children for nine years, and understands both your passions and your struggles! Together, we can devise practical strategies that will work for your family! (Individual coaching is also available.)