3 Kinds of People

I hate to put people in a box because the reality is, not everyone is the same. We are complex beings, individual and unique. The problem is, when we are struggling with knowing how to interact with certain people it’s helpful to have an approach with the intent of protecting ourselves, saving us from unnecessary grief…

Physical Abuse

Have you ever seen a woman with obvious bruises and scrapes and wondered if she was being abused? We are typically cautious with confronting it because we can’t help but wonder, “What if I am wrong?” Luckily, not only are there physical signs, but there are also behavioral and emotional signs of physical abuse as well? Physical…

Emotional & Mental Abuse

A form of abuse often dismissed, because it’s harder to identify physically with there being no bruises or marks on the outside of the body, is emotional and mental abuse. Regardless, this form of abuse is no less damaging and unlike physical bruises, doesn’t heal as quickly. Often, the abused victim develops coping mechanisms to help…

Why Jesus & Counseling?

I am a Counselor: LPC-intern. This means that I have the degree, passed my exam but am now in a phase of time where I am observed and get the privilege of being molded by those already working in the field. I wanted to share my theory of counseling with you because it primarily comes…

Financial Abuse, a Hidden Form of Family Violence

I never used to think it was a form of abuse to monopolize the financial decisions and budgeting in a family. Controlling maybe, but that’s all; until I experienced it. The spouses who experience this often don’t recognize this as abuse either, simply because it isn’t talked about much, especially when the spouse is being well provided…

Mediation & Self-Awareness

This is not legal advice. It is simply something to consider before proceedings with your mediation, a warning I wish I had gotten back in the day. My first mediation was a complete nightmare. I, a soon-to-be divorced woman was finally going to see this whole thing come to an end. I was looking forward…

Fight Fire with Fire

The hate hurt! I hate drama! Whether it’s arguments with my ex over how we co-parent, being on hold for an hour and half with the Attorney General’s office – yes, that really does happen, or fighting over medical bills, I’m exhausted and it all makes my heart hurt. I want to do something about…

Blog Article: Blessings in Disguise

A Blog By: Vanessa Jackson as posted on http://www.vanessajacksonsblog.com Sometimes life has unexpected, not so pleasant bumps.  I’m not talking about our big life crises, though I do not think these are exempt from what I am about to say. I’m specifically talking about the bumps in the road that have a way of sending us…

Loss of being a Stay-At-Home Mom

As I drove to work in my car the other day, I marveled at my life and how amazing it is! I love my opportunities and what I get to do for others. I love my family, my home, the fun we have, our friends. I feel encouraged and excited about what’s next. The possibilities…

Why Grief and Suffering?

I was once asked, “Is it wrong to have the flu?” to which I answered, “of course not!”, then I was asked, “Is it right to have the flu?”, to which I said, “of course not.” So which is it? Is it right or wrong? I was stumped. It was neither right nor wrong; it’s different than that….