Christi Young, LPC

Parenting teens is one of the most sanctifying seasons in a parent’s life. The transition from childhood to adolescence brings new questions, heightened emotions, and the deepening desire for independence. Many parents who were raised with (or have practiced) authoritarian parenting —strict rules, low emotional engagement, and high expectations without much collaboration—begin to notice that this style stops “working” with teens. This is not a sign of failure.It ’s a sign of

When a spouse returns home after three years away—especially from an environment that was physically unhealthy or stressful—the homecoming often feels like a mixture of relief, gratitude, tension, and uncertainty. You may feel deep joy that they are finally safe, yet at the same time notice your body bracing with anxiety, resentment, or confusion. Your spouse may be relieved to be home but overwhelmed by the pace of normal life and unsure how to reintegrate. This season is t

A hectic work environment can quickly become a pressure cooker. Constant deadlines, loud spaces, demanding clients, unclear communication, or understaffed teams can create the perfect blend of stress and irritability. When the chaos feels nonstop, anger can rise before you even realize what triggered it. Anger itself is not wrong or dangerous. It’s a signal , alerting us to overwhelm, injustice, fatigue, or unmet needs. The challenge is learning to respond rather than react—

Guilt is one of the most human emotions we experience. It can soften the conscience, awaken compassion, and guide us back toward what matters most. But it can also become distorted—turning into a heavy burden that shapes identity, steals joy, and keeps someone emotionally stuck. Many believers struggle under this weight. Some feel guilty for what they have done. Others feel guilty for what they failed to do. And many carry guilt that never belonged to them in the first place.

🌿 1. “The Safe Nest” Drawing Purpose: To explore safety, support, and God’s protection as she prepares for motherhood. Materials: Paper • Colored pencils • Pen Steps: Draw a large nest in the center of the page. Inside the nest, draw a small egg. Label it “Baby.” Around the egg, draw 5–7 supporting twigs.On each twig, write a source of support: “God’s presence” “My partner” “My mom/friend” “Rest” “Prayer” “My instincts” “My doctor/midwife” Add soft colors to represent comfor

1. Create Low-Pressure Points of Connection Fives love connection—but they fear being overwhelmed. So the key is predictable, light, intentional touchpoints  rather than constant check-ins. Examples: One thoughtful text a day: “Thinking of you—how’s your energy today?” Sending a photo of something meaningful rather than long paragraphs. A shared emoji code (🌿 = “I’m thinking of you,” ⚡ = “long day,” ⛅ = “need space but I’m okay”). These are small enough not to intrude, but w

Have you ever been caught off guard by someone’s intrusive question? Maybe they asked about your finances: “Is your car paid off?” Or about your relationships, childhood, or sexual history. Their curiosity might have felt like a spotlight you didn’t ask for. The truth is, prying is rarely about you—it’s about the other person. Sometimes it comes from comparison, as if your story could measure their worth. Sometimes it’s boredom, gossip, or even unresolved pain they haven’t fa

There is a unique ache that rises in a mother’s heart when her friends don’t understand what she’s walking through. The sleepless nights. The unpredictable emotions. The invisible weight of caring for a tiny life while trying to stay connected to your own. Feeling misunderstood can stir anger, loneliness, and even resentment. It can make you feel like you’re carrying a world no one else can see. But here’s the beautiful truth: your emotions are not signs of failure—they are s

A Christian Counseling Reflection for Wives When a husband says, “I used because I didn’t feel appreciated,” it can land with a heavy emotional blow. Many wives hear this as your fault , even if he doesn’t say those words directly. But beneath that statement is a deeper spiritual and emotional truth: A person’s choice to cope in unhealthy ways is never caused by someone else’s lack of appreciation. It comes from unmet needs, unresolved pain, and disconnection from one’s own

“Reclaiming My God-Given Worth” Mandala Purpose: To help you gently externalize the messages you absorbed during the abusive relationship, and slowly reclaim the truth of your God-given value, dignity, and belovedness in Christ. Tone: Gentle. Trauma-informed. No pressure to “move on.”This is about honoring the wounds  and rebuilding identity  safely with God. 🌱 1. Create a Circle of Safety Draw a large circle.Inside the border, write one of these grounding verses: “The Lord