The Center for Courageous Living Blog

By, Sue Proebsting, LCPC If you’ve been exploring therapy options for trauma, anxiety, or difficult life experiences, you may have come across the term EMDR —Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It can sound a bit technical or even mysterious at first, but the truth is, EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain heal from overwhelming experiences in a natural and efficient way. Below you will find a basic overview of what EMDR is, how it work

Take a moment and reflect on these questions: What do you think of your body? Do positive or negative thoughts come to your mind when thinking of your body? Is your body something you feel self-conscious about? Is your body something that needs to be changed or fixed?  Can you accept your body the way it is today?   Many of us have a conditional acceptance of our body and it’s appearance. Let me explain a bit further:  Consider the list below; what do you think these statemen

If you’re struggling to parent in a way that is strength-based, effective and fostering the outcomes you’re longing for, we can help. We have trained child-play therapists, parent and family therapists along with marriage and relationship therapists to name a few.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment modality that focuses on teaching people skills to manage intense emotions, cope with challenging situations, and improve relationships.

By TeKeesha Fisher, Master's Level Counseling Intern   Spring hasn’t fully sprung here in the Midwest, but many of us have already been tempted to pull out that tote with last Spring’s clothes to see what still fits. You know the routine. You stand in front of a mirror trying on piece after piece, wondering “does this still work?”, or maybe you perform this act in front of another person. Your own thoughts or the other person’s words urge you with statements such as, “I hate

By Nicole Andersen, MSW Intern   Does it ever feel like you're constantly putting someone else’s needs before your own? Maybe you feel responsible for their happiness and emotions, or you struggle to say no, even whenyou're exhausted. If so, you might be dealing with codependency. It’s a pattern of behavior when people become overly reliant on others emotionally, mentally, or even physically. But the good news? You can break free and start living life on your own terms. Let’s

by Katie Kroening, LCSW |CADC | Clinical Director 1.    Address your timeline of fears and hurts: when did this start, what events led to these feelings and emotions? 2.    Explore and write down feelings and thoughts from each of these events that have been suppressed, and hidden from healing. 3.    Courageously care for your story; Take Action! Have the conversations you've needed to have with loved ones, bosses & children. Do not hand over power to others due to fear of si

Written by Caleb Engelhardt, Masters Level TIU Counseling Intern Below are some tips and techniques that can be helpful when understanding and approaching anger:  Understanding anger Anger rarely rides alone, can sometimes mimic/hide/replace other feelings Unpleasant emotions aren’t bad: sad, ashamed, helpless, angry, vulnerable, embarrassed, disappointed Expressions of anger: chronic  (resentful, moral, habitual) explosive  (excitatory (seeks it out), sudden, deliberate (man

Written by Katie Kroening, LCSW;CADC 1. Quality Time: Spend quality time with child, spouse and family: the best outcomes for families are connected families. 2. Calm and Assertive : Remove the audience when child is out of control or reactive; when child is having a fit, wait to have a discussion until the child can be calm and in control; Make sure you’re calm and in control as well before discussion. 3. Clear Expectations: Have consistent, clear, attainable rules/expe

By Katie Kroening, LCSW; CADC     I’ve worked with many clients who’ve come to counseling wondering if they’re crazy; clients have difficulty trusting in their own experience, express confusion around understanding the chaotic cycle in which they find themselves. Many clients aren’t aware that they are being mistreated, disrespected, stonewalled and controlled. Themes found in many stories are identified throughout their early childhood experiences; many of these emotionally

By, Katie Kroening, LCSW; CADC Tip-of-the-Day:  Avoid No More To those of you who have a difficult time sharing your thoughts, experiences and opinions, those that may avoid and withdraw from discussions, arguments and conflicts, I'd like to empower you to: “ Avoid No More! ”  I’d like to help you on the path to find  your voice, be brave and courageous as you share what you have to say. Your thoughts opinions, feelings and emotions matter. Problem:   Avoiders and Withdrawer

Written by Kelly Allen, LSW June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD) awareness month. According to the Research Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD, there are roughly 12 million people in the US who experience PTSD. When we think of the population that experiences PTSD, we think of veterans in the past, this was the only group recognized to have experienced PTSD. However, veterans are just one of the many groups of people that experience PTSD. Other g

Written by Kaitlin Armon, LPC As a mom of a 3-year-old, and living through raising a child during COVID, I have learned that community and the support from that community is essential to thrive in life.   For many of us, COVID created isolation. Our normal ways of connecting with others changed or were restricted. We were unable to see family and friends in person as much. Our normal activities and hobbies were cancelled or altered. Life was turned upside down; many of us we

Written by Kaitlin Armon, LPC Change: The only thing that is ever constant! If that is the case, why are change and transitions so difficult for so many of us? We feel like a fish out of water. Change is uncomfortable. I nsights about why change and transitions are so hard for us : Many people thrive from routine and consistency. These things provide structure and order to our days and our lives. However, what happens when we cling too tightly to them? We don’t have the an

Written by Paige Bandel, bachelor's in social work from Western Michigan University Understanding narcissistic behaviors is the first step in breaking free from abuse. There is so much power in knowledge. Taking the time to understand and put a name to the abuse occurring is incredibly courageous. I hope this blog can provide you with an educational and informative perspective. What is a “Narcissist?” The word “narcissist,” is a far over-used word. We see people using the ter

I've learned many lessons this year, one of the most important lessons has been the importance of slowing down, taking care of myself, being centered in the moments I'm in and not being distracted every minute by the endless to-do's and responsibilities. My husband's accident and our recovery together over the past 1 plus years has been a life changing experience. Sometimes traumatic events produce so many important nuggets of wisdom, it's important to take time to consider t

FAITH STEPS: Step into your fear area, be brave and take steps! Carpe Diem, Seize the day that is upon us! What is holding you back? Courageous movement toward a life of self-respect, freedom, love, a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose is literally steps away. If you need help taking first steps and finding your courage, we can help. We have been afraid, too. We are with and for you! Don't settle for a life of disrespect, mediocrity, emptiness, loneliness, sadness, abuse,

Tip of the Day: Signs of Power-and-Control in Relationships Problem: In relationships, sometimes couples struggle with trust and power-and-control issues. A partner’s own self-esteem issues and self-doubt-their past trauma stories-can be the influencers on current controlling and abusive behaviors. There is underlying fear of being hurt, abandoned, rejected and alone. Signs that Power-and-Control Issues may be in Your Relationship: · Physical intimidation, violence, th

Tip-of-the-Day: How to Have a Healthy Marriage and Relationship Problem: · Insecure Attachment Bonds: Couples come into...

Did you Know? Approximately 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 women experience perinatal depression or anxiety. Studies show that rate has increased to 1 in 3 during the Covid 19 pandemic. That is approximately 36% of pregnant or new moms. Women are experiencing depression and anxiety at alarming rates. This does not account for the women that are experiencing PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or Psychosis in the postpartum period which has also increased during this time. The brain changes during preg