Helpful Articles

This article is also available as a printable download. Do your mornings feel like rushed and chaotic struggles to get everyone in your household out the […]

How church-based counseling clinics are bringing whole-person care to those walking through dark seasons This article was originally published in our Summer 2026 issue of Healing […]

by Naomi Ruppel-Warnke, LMFT Have you found yourself struggling to find peace in our stressful technological age? Has the demand of work and home life increased […]

by Kent Robinson, LPC Relationships shape much of our daily lives—at home, at work, and in our communities. At their best, they bring connection, support, and […]

by Kaylee Holzwart, MAC This article is also available as a printable download. As summer unfolds with its long, sun-filled days and slower pace, it offers a unique […]

What children learn at home shapes how they relate to others for life This article is also available as a printable download. From the earliest days of […]

Preventing the Summer Slide with Faith and Family This article is also available as a printable download. Too early to think about summer? Surprisingly, no! Now is […]

by Jane Mose, Family Peer Specialist and Certified Parenting Coach This article is also available as a printable download. It’s a parenting challenge that most of our […]

Grief, Control, and the Path to Healing by Naomi Ruppel-Warnke, LMFT As we say goodbye to another year, many of us naturally begin to reflect on […]

by Aaron Schaper, LPCC Freaking out. Exploding. Breaking down. Losing it. However you describe it, emotional outbursts are a part of being human. These reactions can […]

by Hope Nelson This article is also available as a printable download. Many parents are familiar with a scene like this one: It’s after dinner, and the […]

This article is also available as a printable download. The Christmas season is upon us, a time to celebrate the amazing gift of our Savior. It’s also […]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are changing the world. They are also becoming more widely used in the mental health field. In some cases, people are using […]

Finding calm in a restless world If it feels like everyone around you is talking about anxiety these days, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety disorders are […]

How gratitude transforms mind, body, and spirit by Julie Straseske, LPC As the holidays approach, we often talk about gratitude, but truly living with thankfulness takes […]

by Jane Mose, Family Peer Specialist and Certified Parenting Coach This article is also available as a printable download. Imagine a situation in which a child […]

by Jane Mose, Family Peer Specialist and Certified Parenting Coach Christian parents know what a blessing their children are. God’s Word says, “Children are a heritage […]

by Rachel Binczak, CSW This article is also available as a printable download here. As families settle back into school-year routines, parents and kids alike are […]

We’re excited to welcome Shawna Krienitz, LPC, ATR, CEDS, to the Christian Family Solutions team as a Program Therapist for our Online Day Treatment for Teens […]

by Katie Chavez, LPC-IT This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Forward in Christ. As parents, we do everything we can to […]

by Kara Witthuhn, CPPS, CTRS-E, Family Peer Specialist This article is also available as a printable handout here. A new school year brings a fresh start, […]

How to break free from the quiet struggle by Kent Robinson, LPC Loneliness is more than a passing feeling. It’s a growing mental health concern that’s […]

Step out of the fog and find hope by Valentina Lor, LGSW, CTRS-E Imagine being stuck in a room filled with thick fog. You can only […]

by Justin Kasten, LPC-IT We’ve all felt it. That surge of frustration when something is unfair, when someone crosses a line, or when life simply doesn’t […]

by Kent Robinson, MA, LPC You’re doing everything right: showing up, serving others, holding it all together. But why do you still feel like you’re about […]

  Ericka wasn’t looking for help. Not really. She felt something was missing in her life and craved the feeling of belonging, but she had lived […]

by Jamie Plourde, LMSW “In fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” – […]

by Kaylee Holzwart, MAC, CTRS-E This article is also available as a printable handout here. As the weather warms, many students begin the countdown to summer […]

This article is also available as a printable handout here. As the school year nears its end, students (and parents and teachers!) often experience what many […]

This is the third and final article in a series based on The Resilience Project, a faith-fueled program that teaches how to bounce back faster and […]

by Gina Grove, School-based Wellness Specialist This article is also available as a printable handout here. Piles of laundry, endless grocery shopping and meal prep, extracurricular activities, […]

by Rachel Binczak, CSW, CTRS-E, School-based Wellness Specialist This article is also available as a printable handout here. Parents often express the desire for their children to […]

This is the second in a series of articles based on The Resilience Project, a faith-fueled program that teaches how to bounce back faster and stronger […]

This is the first in a series of articles based on The Resilience Project, a faith-fueled program that teaches how to bounce back faster and stronger […]

by Jane Mose, Family Peer Specialist and Certified Parenting Coach When we become parents, we look forward to a lifetime of joy. However, we often don’t […]

by Jessica Robbert, LSC, EFT Certified This article is also available as a printable handout here. As we step into January, it’s important to recognize that the […]

by Jessica Friske This article was written for and originally published in the November 2024 issue of Forward in Christ and shared with their permission. I’m […]

by Jessica Landini, LPC “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments […]

by Rachel Binczak, School-Based Wellness Specialist This article is also available as a printable handout here. In today’s world, technology is an integral part of our lives, including […]

by Bret Skaer, Professional Counselor in Training This article is also available as a printable handout here. God wants us to use our gifts and talents to the […]

by Kara Witthuhn, School-Based Wellness Specialist This article is also available as a printable handout here. As the new school year begins, setting your child up for […]

By Angie Molkentin This article first appeared in the April 2024 WELS Women’s Ministry Newsletter. Have you been called to encourage someone who is lonely? Opportunities […]

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a vital step towards healing for individuals with acute symptoms. If you, a loved one, or a patient is struggling to […]

by Sarah Reik, LPC When someone we care about is battling depression, it can be difficult to know how to help. The first step often involves […]

In the last two decades, and certainly since the pandemic, more people are paying attention to mental health and willing to try counseling. In that time, […]

Group therapy can be an intimidating thought. Sometimes, we are just better together.   For the person who struggles with anxiety, it might take every ounce of […]

By Jane Mose, MA,  Family Peer Specialist and School-Based Wellness Specialist Supervisor This article is also available as a printable handout here. Some parents actually dread the […]

By Jane Mose, MA, Family Peer Specialist Imagine this scenario: It’s Christmas Eve. You’re looking forward to getting the whole family dressed up to go to […]

By Julie Straseske, LPC This life offers amazing moments of pure joy. Your eyes well up with tears as your mother excitedly opens the gift you […]

By Sheryl Cowling, LCSW, BC-TMH, BCPCC, BCETS The tragedy and trauma of war is raging in several parts of the world right now. With headline news […]

By Allison Franck, Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Christian Family Solutions In the past, the topic of bullying was met with, “kids will be kids” or “everyone […]

By Kara Witthuhn, School-Based Wellness Specialist, Christian Family Solutions It’s a difficult topic to discuss. Yet it’s essential for all of us to remain alert to […]

This article was originally written for the 2023 Spring/Summer edition of our Healing & Helping publication. “For such a time as this…” As a religion teacher […]

This article about Feasha Terry, Program Therapist, was orginally written for the Spring/Summer edition of our Healing & Helping publication. “This is what family is all […]

This article about Kristi Windsperger, Clinical Supervising Therapist at Christian Family Solutions, was orginally written for the Spring/Summer edition of our Healing & Helping publication. “It […]

This article about Allison Franck, Licensed Masters Social Worker at Christian Family Solutions, was orginally written for the Spring/Summer edition of our Healing & Helping publication. […]

This article about Lisa McInnes, Clinical Therapist at Christian Family Solutions, was orginally written for the Spring/Summer edition of our Healing & Helping publication. Maybe this […]

You like your counselor and have a good rapport. The weekly sessions are helpful, and yet you just can’t get a handle on your anxiety and […]

  We get it. Group therapy can be an intimidating thought. If you are a person who struggles with anxiety, it might take all the courage […]

By Kara Witthuhn, School-Based Counselor, Christian Family Solutions Counseling Care & Services When it comes to mental health and wellness, it can be easy for busy […]

By Kara Witthuhn School-Based Counselor “I’m so stressed out! How can I manage it?” When we talk about stress, we often refer to it as negative. […]

By Mary Gonring, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, Christian Family Solutions It is the night before an important test. Or the moment before stepping on stage […]

By Kara Witthuhn School-Based Wellness Specialist and Family Peer Specialist How do I know if a relationship is healthy or unhealthy? Great question, because how you […]

By Jane Mose, MA, Family Peer Specialist Earlier in this series, we looked at reasons children might argue with their parents frequently—particularly children who have experienced […]

By Jane Mose, MA, Family Peer Specialist Imagine this scenario: Your son has a project to do for an upcoming science fair. Yesterday he asked for […]

By Jane Mose, MA, Family Peer Specialist “I can do this!” That’s what I told myself when I was expecting my first child. My husband and […]

By Jane Mose, MA, Family Peer Specialist Children are an extraordinary blessing. Children who have extraordinary needs bring extra blessings along with extra challenges in parenting. […]

By Julie Straseske, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor and Educational Presenter This article first appeared on the WELS|ELS Christian Therapist Network website and is shared here with […]

By Karen Fischer, LPC, BC-TMH, Assistant Professor and M.S. Program Director, Wisconsin Lutheran College The word “anxiety” is used often in conversation today. Many people are […]

By Andrea Semmann, MBA, CTC   Many of us will make some sort of New Year’s resolution for 2023. Some of the top resolutions in 2022 […]

We hear the word “anxiety” a lot these days. Anxiety is a normal and healthy God-given response to dangerous situations. It is protective and keeps us […]

By CHRISTINE UNRUH, MS, LPC (MN), LPC (WI)  Day Treatment Program Manager “The mental health of our youth is a significant public health challenge that needs […]

This is part four in a four-part series on the topic of grief. It is our hope that through this series, God’s people can better understand […]

This is part three in a four-part series on the topic of grief. It is our hope that through this series, God’s people can better understand […]

This is part two in a four-part series on the topic of grief. It is our hope that through this series, God’s people can better understand […]

By Drew Dryness If you answered “Yes!” to that question, you are not alone. In fact, you are part of the majority. Rates of anxiety and […]

By Katelyn Bolte, LPCC Since the pandemic, distance learning, isolation, economic instability, fear, and increased deaths, have led to unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, and trauma […]

By Drew Dyrssen It’s 2022 and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives. Many continue to face restrictions, transitions, and health conditions, which have […]

This is part one in a four-part series on the topic of grief. It is our hope that through this series, God’s people can better understand […]

By: Sarah Brinkley, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor With the ongoing news of COVID-19 outbreaks, many continue to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and sad. Plans continue to change, […]

By Katelyn Bolte, LPCC Child and Adolescent Services Program Manager 2021 – A year of more uncertainty and protocols. For some of us, the Christmas season […]

By Jessica Smith, LMFT, BC-TMH Christmas lights are shining in the streets, holiday music is on the radio, and there are joyous celebration ads on television.  […]

Amidst holiday cheer, we see tragedy, hardship, and heartache present. Many of us have experienced this in the privacy of our own homes and in the […]

Diana Migacz, Licensed Professional Counselor In light of recent tragedy, it is common to hear that “counselors will be on site” to offer resources for those […]

THERE IS HOPE By Katelyn Bolte, LPCC At 13 years old, my client, Emma, was skipping school, isolating from her family and engaging in risky peer […]

This article first appeared in the Wisconsin School Counselors Association (WSCA) newsletter, June 2021 edition. By Dr. Ashley Schoof, Clinical Director, STRONG Child & Adolescent Day Treatment […]

This article first appeared in Issues on Lutheran Education, a resource provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education for Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN. By […]

“It’s ok to not be ok.” I saw this headline while looking through various articles related to Simone Biles’ withdrawal from participation in the Tokyo Olympic […]

Effective communication is essential to having a healthy relationship. Being able to express your feelings and identify your needs with clarity is important for a happy […]

College students face many stressors from day to day. I should know. I am one. From classes to social life to money, college is by no […]

In a recent blog post, we shared information to help parents know when they should seek help for their struggling teen. If you’ve decided that it’s […]

By Dr. Ashley Schoof This article first appeared in Issues on Lutheran Education, a resource provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education for […]

By Emily Carlberg Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many of you how stressful managing school with your child has been. We wanted […]

By Ed Frey “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears […]

By Sheryl Cowling What comes to mind when you think of First Aid? A bandage, splint, or CPR? These are all good examples of strategies that […]

By Sarah Brinkley As we face our current global health crisis, it is clear to see how the media feeds fear during times like this. As […]

By Julie Robles “It’s not fair!” This statement always makes me think of a certain Calvin & Hobbes cartoon. Calvin asks his parents why he can’t […]

By Madeline Kelly This time of national crisis can be confusing, scary, and quite lonely. We are being advised to practice social distancing, avoid being in […]

By Marianne Beyersdorf Have mandated breaks from work, community sports, and other commitments left you with more free time than usual? Parents often report they are […]

By Laura Reinke Amidst coronavirus health concerns and an ever-changing society, many families are facing cancellations of special events: graduations, confirmations, weddings, funerals, vacations, birthday celebrations, […]

By Sarah Brinkley When DVR first came out in the late 1990’s, my favorite feature was the PAUSE function. I loved that I could pause my […]

By Jodie Martens If you have been anywhere near a TV, radio, or smartphone lately you have most likely heard of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. It is […]

By Drew Dyrssen I’m going to ask you to do something—something that I do with every single client that walks through my door. Don’t worry; it’s […]

By Travis Mord Tobacco use by teenagers has become an increasing concern in recent years. Innovations in the tobacco industry have evolved to target teens for […]

By Zacharias Laughlin It is likely that each one of us will experience traumatic events at some point in our lives, though we may never attribute […]

By Katelyn Bolte, LPCC For many families, summer is a welcome break from busy schedules, extracurricular activities, and academic pursuits. A dilemma that is often seen […]

By Dr. Joshua Mears One of the most common concerns that I hear in the counseling office when meeting with teens and their parents is the […]

By Kent Robinson Where did January go? With February here, many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions by now. Ever wonder why? How […]

By Laura Reinke Parenting is tough. And no matter how many books you read, or parenting workshops you attend, you’re going to make mistakes. We are […]

By Kent Robinson It’s Christmas time! It’s a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! It’s a […]

Have you ever felt like you could benefit from going to counseling but are afraid to take that first step? Are you worried about what people […]

By Sheryl Cowling I bet you’ve seen it before. It is the iconic painting by Norman Rockwell known as I’ll Be Home for Christmas (also known […]

By Laura Reinke With New Year’s around the corner, most of the country is resolving to lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, quit drinking, or finally […]

By Stacie Nagorski The holidays: Many of us look forward to this time of year with hearts of excitement as we anticipate time spent with loved […]

By Ken Schmidt This time we will focus on more tips for caring for and communicating with persons with dementia, and tips for caring for yourself […]

by Alexis Adams, MS, LPC This blog is adapted with permission from an article written by Alexis Adams for the WELS Nurses Association.   From finishing […]

By Julie Educate Now that Labor Day has come and gone, most students are back to school or will start soon. Let’s talk about some school […]

By Ken Schmidt Introduction to dementia Dementia is a word that is filled with a lot of different meanings for a lot of different people. To […]

By Katelyn Ottum “I thought you said you were going to have dinner made by the time I got home tonight.” “I didn’t have time because […]

By Julie Educate, MS, LPC The 4th of July flew by in a blink of an eye! Now, school supplies are hitting the shelves in all […]

By Heather Wegner I remember the first time I heard the word boundaries in relation to psychology and relationships. The word sounded cold. It sounded like […]

By Julie Straseske “If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it.” “God never gives us more than we can handle.”   Many of […]

Heather Wegner It’s that time of year. For the kids, it couldn’t be more exciting! School’s out! Summer is here! No worries! No stress! Just fun! […]

Heather Wegner Let’s spend a few minutes talking about the effects of trauma on the brains of children. Many of us know that our experiences shape […]

Heather Wegner Valentine’s Day. The most romantic day of the year. Unless you’re like many married couples who dread the holiday filled with hearts, roses, and […]

Heather Wegner Peace can be elusive. It may feel at times that peace is an unreachable destination that exists outside the realm of reality. We lead […]

Heather Wegner Winter. For some, winter is a time of ice fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and drinking hot chocolate by the fire. Some enjoy ice skating, playing […]

As the Super Bowl approaches, it seems that the eye on certain sports increases, like football. Sports stars are listed and those in various Halls of […]

By Katelyn Ottum Relationships can be tricky. They can be frustrating and even downright exhausting at times. There are techniques that will work for one couple that […]

The idea of downsizing can be overwhelming for seniors facing the move to a senior living community or an assisted living facility. A lifetime of memories […]

Andrea Semmann Twenty-six years ago, my husband and I embarked on a journey not all that uncommon for many people. We got married. Three years later, […]

Whitney Donovan Long, lazy days. No schedule, no commitments. Endless free time. Is this how you envision summer? I would imagine such a carefree picture is […]

Kristina Davis, LCSW “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then […]

Anita Smith In April 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the country of Nepal, killing over 8,000 and injuring over 21,000. Hundreds of thousands lost their […]

Anita Smith In April 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the country of Nepal, killing over 8,000 and injuring over 21,000. Hundreds of thousands lost their […]

Anita Smith In April 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the country of Nepal, killing over 8,000 and injuring over 21,000. Hundreds of thousands lost their […]

Anita Smith In April 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the country of Nepal, killing over 8,000 and injuring over 21,000. Hundreds of thousands lost their […]

Healthy friendships are important at every stage in life, but particularly as we age!   Seniors who continue to maintain close friendships: Have longer, more stable […]

Megan Demianiuk, LMFT As we discussed in last month’s blog, it’s easy to let the “winter blues” get the best of you and make you feel cranky, […]

Anita Smith In April 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the country of Nepal, killing over 8,000 and injuring over 21,000. Hundreds of thousands lost their […]

Megan Demianiuk, LMFT Feeling cooped up? Do the winter chills, sniffles, sneezes, and scratchy throats have you feeling down and maybe a little irritable? Well, if you’re […]

Jessica Landini It’s that time of year again, folks—the ringing in of the New Year! For many people, the New Year marks a time for a […]

Now that the holidays are over and the hustle and bustle is done, what now?  Sometimes all the excitement of the holidays masks the feelings of […]

Jeremy Long The holiday season can be filled with so many mixed emotions. It can be very festive, joyous, and even exhilarating at times. For some […]

Jessica Landini When we think about “being in relationship” with someone or something, we often think about 1) What we are contributing to the relationship and […]

Sheryl Crowling 1 Timothy 6:6-8: Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But […]

James Mattek “It’s a scary world out there.” I’ve heard comments like this repeatedly since the Paris terrorist attacks and the other recent terrorist attacks worldwide. […]

Jessica Landini Lately, this verse has been ever-present in my mind: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” […]

Jessica Landini Does this sound familiar? “I only exercised twice this week.” “I cleaned only half of the apartment.” “I didn’t do the other section of […]

Whitney Donovan Parents, does this conversation sound familiar? “Remember, you’re picking Johnny up from baseball practice while I take Suzy to her art class. Don’t be […]

Jeremy Long Summer is here! School is over, and the kids are home. Let that last part sink in: the kids are home. Children are a tremendous blessing […]

The 2014 movie American Sniper told the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle—and brought post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into the national spotlight. Soldier’s heart. Shell shock. Combat fatigue. Beginning […]

John D. Schuetze Lorraine* had suffered in silence for decades. Finally she found the courage to tell someone. She confided to her counselor that when she […]

Jodie Martens Spring: The word brings many things to mind for most of us. As far off as it has seemed during this long, frigid, polar […]

Brandon Hayes ’Tis the season…for the release of the latest and greatest video games for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. There is little doubt that video games […]

Anita Smith, LPCC As a college student, it is normal to be homesick! The adjustment and transition to college is both exciting and anxiety provoking. Homesickness […]

Anita Smith You have been a good parent. Sure, you have made some mistakes, but you did your best, and now your son or daughter is […]

Sheryl Cowling If you’re like many parents, you are amazed at how quickly summer has flown by, and you are in the midst of preparing your […]

Ever wonder what happens to all of the time we should spend with our families? We are so busy trying to get here or there to […]

By Sheryl Cowling When confronted by an unexpected crisis that involves tragic violence, individuals will respond in their own unique ways given their personality and prior […]

Joshua T. Mears For many Christian couples, the opportunity to begin or grow a family through the blessing of childbirth is at the forefront of their […]

Megan Demianiuk, MS, LMFT Welcome back! In the last blog entry about stress, we began discussing the impact of stress in our lives. We looked at […]

Brandon Hayes “All gave some; some gave all.” This phrase has been used to describe the sacrifice given by the men and women of the armed forces. […]

Anita Smith Parents, have you noticed how easy it is to get your child up on the first day of school? Your child is so ready to […]

Megan Demianiuk, MS, LMFT Stress. It’s a familiar word to each of us. In today’s fast-paced world of never-ending responsibilities, meetings, deadlines, practices, games, school work, […]

Becoming a parent is a joyous occasion. To gaze at your child for the first time is a miraculous event, and the memory stays with you […]