Perspectives
SCG Staff Articles
Panning Out After the Pandemic
The idea of panning out comes from the old gold rush days of finding gold by using pans in streams to separate the gold from dirt and sand. Though the pandemic is not yet over, reclaiming our “gold of life,” is something we can actually begin planning at this point.
What is so Special about Pastoral Counseling in a Pandemic?
To say that the last 14 months have been difficult would be a redundant understatement. It has been rough and the whole world knows it. A June 2020 study of more than 5,000 Americans reflected that forty percent of adults in the United States reported higher levels of mental health issues and/or substance abuse.
Peace
There is just something beautiful about springtime. Seeing all the flower buds spring forth signaling the beginning of exciting new life and hopefulness that it will soon blossom into something beautiful. These sights and gentle sounds of nature implore me to relax, slow my pace, and enjoy God’s creation. I feel, “THIS. IS. PEACE.”
Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships
Domestic violence is a real problem not just in the United States, but around the world. Statistics are showing that in the US alone 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence, and over 10,000,000 people are affected by this type of abuse each year. While men are also victims of relationship violence, this article addresses issues around why women stay in these destructive relationships when their lives and often the lives of their children are in danger, and what factors make it so hard for them to leave their abuser?
The Impact of Racial Discrimination on Latino Women’s Mental Health
The Latino/a population encounters one of the most direct and cruel stereotypes in the United States. For Latinos in particular, it is very difficult to establish a credible reputation in American society despite all the efforts, the education, and the hard work put into these tasks. American-born individuals have the erroneous belief that Latinos, in particular, drain the country of its economic resources and do not contribute to a balanced economy. Some of them have even developed a racist ideology, prejudice, and nativist sentiments against this population.
A Moment of Mental Health
I stand at the city bus stop waiting for that cold metal box to transport me to the office. I tick off tasks to complete when I arrive. Adjusting my mask, I review the line items marked through in my mental mead notebook. A woman smiles from six feet away. I thank God for this moment of mental health.
Why Self-Care?
Self-care is something most women did not grow up learning about. We weren’t taught it or modeled it. No wonder most of the women who show up in my counseling office have not developed good self-care strategies. Most of them admit they feel selfish when they put their own needs or wants before those of their family, even in something like pursuing counseling.
Depression in Women
Many women struggle with depression, and oftentimes it goes unnoticed and untreated. Check out this article from NIHM about depression in women. If this resonates with you and you want to talk to someone, reach out to us for counseling.
Honoring, Celebrating, and Caring for Women
In honor of Women’s History Month, several of our staff clinicians will be sharing their perspectives on women and mental health throughout the month of March. Women have been essential to the development of counseling as it exists today.
The Weight of Looking Back
Many of us can name where we were when significant historical events happened or when your personal life changed dramatically. This type of episodic memory is important and for many captures key turning points in our personal and communal lives.
Are You Living with a Partner Suffering with PTSD after Sexual Abuse?
Living with a person who has been sexually abused is hard! The abuse survivor often struggles with triggers he or she doesn't understand, making him or her overly reactive and difficult to live with. While your partner needs help from a professional, the truth is both partners need support.
Living with Complex PTSD after Sexual Abuse
Living with PTSD and C-PTSD is hard! If this describes you, a trauma professional can help you learn to cope and heal from the abuse you have suffered. If this describes someone you know, support them with patience and teach them they can trust you. Your patience and support helps them heal.
Finding Peace, Episode 9: Finding Peace for Children & Youth, Part 2
This pandemic and quarantine have changed our lives in ways none of us could have imagined. In this special edition-part two episode, Rev. Jim Humphries talks with Katherine Sherrill M.A., LCMHCA, MT-BC, from the Sanctuary Counseling Group about youth and their mental well being during the pandemic.
Surviving Covid-19
Like the simple protective steps to physical health, steps in protecting our mental health are not rocket science but ordinary. Below are some suggestions you might try if you are emotionally struggling like so many others at this difficult time.
Finding Peace, Episode 8: Finding Peace for Children & Youth, Part 1
Rev. Jim Humphries talks with Shannon White, M.A., LCMHC, RPT, from the Sanctuary Counseling Group about the mental well being of children and youth during pandemic.
The Reality of the Latino Population’s Mental Health
Our own experiences have touched our souls and those of generations before us so intensely that sometimes we conform with less than we deserve
Healing From Domestic Violence
But what’s next, you might ask? Here are 3 important factors that can aid in healing after domestic violence.
Does Domestic Violence Only Occur Between Partners?
Discussions about domestic violence are generally regarding partnered relationships. However; domestic violence may also be perpetrated in the home between other family members.
How Does Domestic Violence Impact the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence exists in all communities. It has been a growing concern in LGBTQIA+ communities as our support networks often foster gendered violence.