Early this spring, a parent called our office looking for help. Their teenager was struggling—seriously, the kind of struggle that includes thoughts of not wanting to be alive—and the family had done everything we so often tell families to do. They had already found an adolescent psychiatrist and made the appointment. The trouble was the date. They had called in … Read More
Relationships—Are They Worth It?
Written by BCC Staff Counselor Sarah Ellis God created us in His image—an image designed for community—but what happens when you are fearful of engaging with others? Have you ever experienced that pit in your stomach or tightness in your chest when invited to a group outing? It is the very thing you want, but you wonder how you will … Read More
THE REFLECTIVE PAUSE: Becoming Christ-like in the Moment Before You React
Written by Staff Counselor Dr. Luke Trifilio Most of us know the moment well. The comment lands wrong. The email tone stings. The child pushes the button — again. The driver cuts you off. The spouse says the thing. And before you have time to think, something has already moved inside you: a flash of anger, a hardening of the … Read More
4 Ways to HELP A Struggling Teen
Written by BCC Counselor Theron St John “My teenager attempted to take his life.” I still remember hearing those words from a parent whose teenager I had previously counseled. This young person had been through family challenges and regularly experienced anxiety and depression. It had been a while since I had last seen him for counseling, so the news astounded … Read More
Biblical Hope in Emotional Distress: Lessons from the Book of Habakkuk (Part 2)
Written by Sheri Ho BCC Staff Counselor In Part 1, we saw how Habakkuk wrestled with God in deep emotional distress. In Part 2, we will learn how remembering God during pain and trial can renew our faith and hearts, enabling us to regain strength and deeper joy. Lesson 3: Remember God’s Works and Promises Pain tempts us to narrow … Read More
Biblical Hope in Emotional Distress: Lessons from the Book of Habakkuk (Part 1)
Written by BCC Counselor Sheri Ho Have you ever felt despair? Have you watched hope fade and found yourself losing heart? Or perhaps you are walking alongside someone struggling with depression, disappointment, or confusion? The Book of Book of Habakkuk offers great encouragement and wisdom for times of despair and confusion. When Habakkuk was written, Judah was morally corrupt, violent, … Read More
Mental Health, Theology, and Why the Heart Matters
This article is part of our new series on Biblical Response to Mental Health month. In this series, our counselors hope to call churches and Christians to re-engage with the discussion and care for mental health struggles through a biblical lense. A 50-year-old successful businessman named “Joe” is spiraling out of control, and everyone around him seems to know it … Read More
Why Christians Don’t Talk About Mental Health Struggles
This is the first article in our new series on Mental Health. In this series, our counselors hope to call churches and Christians to re-engage with the discussion and care for mental health struggles. There has perhaps never been a more confusing time for Christians and church leaders to address the topic of mental health. Corporate America and the media … Read More
How the Gospel Shapes Mental Health Conversations
This article is part of our new series on Mental Health. In this series, our counselors hope to call churches and Christians to re-engage with the discussion and care for mental health struggles. Whenever our counselors speak or write about mental health in a Christian context, we expect to disappoint some people. We’ve even come to find out that some … Read More
