Here are our most recent articles. We have provided a short preview of each article. Click the link at the end of the preview to read the rest of the article on the Blog.
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December's Emotional Reset:
Why This month touches us more deeply
As December arrives, many people begin to feel something shift within them.
Life may still look full, with gatherings, schedules, responsibilities, but inside, there’s often a quiet pull toward reflection. A soft awareness. A slowing of pace that brings long-buried emotions closer to the surface.If you’ve noticed this internal change, you’re not imagining it. And you’re certainly not the only one.
When the Season Grows Still, Our Hearts Speak Louder
While the world focuses on celebration, many people experience December as a tender, emotional month. This season has a way of drawing out what we haven’t had time or space to feel:
Memories that rise unexpectedly
Emotions we thought we tucked away
Goals left unfinished
A desire for deeper connection
The ache of transitions and change
Hope mixed with uncertainty
December quietly invites us to notice what has been shaping us all along.
Feeling “Off” Doesn’t Mean Something Is Wrong
As the year winds down, you may find yourself:
More tired or easily overwhelmed
Sensitive, nostalgic, or unexpectedly sad
Wanting more quiet and less noise
Feeling grateful and anxious in the same breath
This isn’t failure.
It’s your body and heart responding to an ending.When things slow around us, the things within us rise to be seen.
Your feelings aren’t a problem; they’re signals trying to guide you toward understanding, healing, or rest.A Gentle Way to Look Back on Your Year
Instead of pressuring yourself to “finish strong” or solve everything before January, try approaching reflection with compassion, not judgment.
You might explore:
What shaped me this year?
What did I discover about myself?
What stretched me or surprised me?
What pain or challenge did I carry quietly?
What do I want to release before stepping into a new year?
Reflection isn’t about perfection.
It’s about giving yourself permission to see your story honestly and kindly.Why December Can Be a Beautiful Time to Begin Therapy
Many people wait for January to reach out for support, but there’s something meaningful about stepping into therapy during this quieter season.
Therapy offers:
Space to process emotions without rushing
Support for grief, change, or relational stress
Tools to navigate anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm
Clarity as you consider the year ahead
A grounded place to reconnect with yourself
You don’t have to sort through everything on your own. Sometimes the most healing step is simply beginning.
A Soft Reminder for This Month
However, you are entering December, hopeful, heavy, exhausted, grateful, or somewhere in between, your experience matters.
This month isn’t only the closing of a year.
It’s an invitation to pause, breathe, reflect, and gently realign with what you need.And if you’re longing for someone to walk with you through this season, with understanding, steadiness, and compassion, we're here when you’re ready.
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Building Emotional Resilience: How to Cope With Life’s Challenges and Bounce Back Stronger
What Is Emotional Resilience?
Emotional resilience is your ability to adapt to stress, recover from setbacks, and continue living your life with purpose and hope. It doesn’t mean you’re unaffected by difficulties or that you always “stay positive.” Instead, resilience is about learning to navigate tough emotions, find healthy ways to cope, and keep moving forward even when life doesn’t go as planned.Resilience acts like an internal buffer. It doesn’t stop challenges from coming, but it helps you handle them without being overwhelmed.
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The Hidden Risks of AI Mental Health Apps — What You Should Know
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into mental health care. AI-driven mental health apps promise convenience, instant support, and personalized care. However, behind the sleek designs and catchy promises lie risks that many people aren’t discussing. At True Relationships, we believe that real healing comes from safe, ethical, and human-centered care. Here's what you need to know before you put your trust in AI therapy.
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Transforming Spaces,
Elevating Spirits: A Holistic Approach to Home Design
Your home is more than just a physical space—it's a reflection of your inner world and a critical foundation for emotional well-being.The style and atmosphere of your living environment profoundly impact your mental health, relationships, and overall sense of peace. Research in environmental psychology consistently demonstrates that our surroundings directly influence our mood, stress levels, and ability to feel calm and connected.
When we intentionally design our living spaces, we're not just arranging furniture—we're crafting an emotional landscape that supports our psychological needs. A thoughtfully styled home can become a powerful tool for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and nurturing healthy relationships.
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Embracing Mental Health Awareness Month: Tools for Self-Care and Resilience
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on our mental well-being and adopt practices that nurture our emotional health. We want to share four practical tools to help you build resilience and prioritize self-care. These strategies are designed to fit into your daily life, empowering you to thrive amidst life’s challenges.
1. Practice Mindful Breathing for Calm
Mindful breathing is a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and stay grounded. By focusing on your breath, you can calm your nervous system and create a moment of peace, even on hectic days.
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The Digital Trap: How Screens Are Taking Over Your Life
Recently, our church, Crossroads Dayton, initiated a transformational exercise called a Digital Fast. For forty days, we were supposed to limit our phone use to work-only mode. One could also choose to fast some specific aspect of the digital world, like social media, YouTube, or Music. The benefits are apparent, but can be hard to see or appreciate until you're unshackled from your devices. Many of us have become, can I say, addicted to our phones and devices. Our smartphones have become more than just communication devices – they've become psychological handcuffs. Consider this: Have you ever turned your car around because you forgot your phone? Do you feel anxious walking to the bathroom without your device? These are telltale signs that technology has hijacked your most precious resource – your attention.
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The Power of Small Wins: How Tiny Steps Can Transform Your Mental Health
When it comes to improving your mental health, you don’t need to make drastic changes all at once. In fact, small, everyday wins can have a profound impact over time. Here’s why taking those tiny steps is so powerful:
1. Small Wins Create a Ripple Effect of Positivity
Completing a simple task, like tidying your space or making a healthy choice, can instantly lift your spirits. These small accomplishments build a sense of achievement that encourages you to keep moving forward, creating a chain reaction of positive energy throughout the day.
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Thriving Through Transitions: Four Key Approaches to Embrace Change
Change is something we all face, yet it often brings with it feelings of uncertainty and discomfort. Whether you're going through a career change, a shift in relationships, or simply entering a new season of life, learning how to embrace change can unlock powerful opportunities for growth. Here are four key strategies to help you navigate these transitions with resilience and confidence:
1. Adopt a Growth-Focused Outlook
Instead of seeing change as something to resist, try reframing it as a chance to grow. While change often comes with challenges, it also brings new experiences and lessons that can lead to valuable personal development. By shifting your mindset from one of fear to one of growth, you can reduce stress and open yourself up to the many possibilities that change can bring.
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Self-care isn't a luxury
Just like it sounds, self-care means taking care of yourself...with a focus. It means being intentional about listening to
your body and mind, then choosing to do something that makes you feel soothed, rejuvenated, or peaceful.
As simple as that sounds, our culture doesn’t reward self-care. We are told that being “crazy busy” is a badge of honor. Running constantly between work, errands, family, and school is a normal day. Social media makes it look like everyone is racing through life with ease and making great things happen. Even though technology keeps us more connected, people end up feeling lonelier and unable to relax. Do you feel the pressure? We all do.
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The Power of Other-Centeredness
God understands our human tendency to be self-centered. He knows that our hearts often tend to think of ourselves first and take care of ourselves before others. He says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He also says to “prefer one another” because He knows our sinful hearts tend to prefer ourselves. God also says that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves—so how do we do that?Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section. Once you click into this text area, you will see the filler text disappear.
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UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can impact your everyday life. As a mental health therapist, I often work with clients who struggle with anxiety, and I want to share some strategies to help you manage your symptoms and feel more in control.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just worrying about a future event or feeling nervous before a big presentation. It’s a constant, often overwhelming feeling of fear, dread, or unease that can affect your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in experiencing anxiety—many people face these challenges.
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When should you see a therapist?
you may think that a crisis is the only reason to seek out counseling. (Yes, if you are in crisis, reach out to our team as soon as possible. We are here to help you.)
But there are other reasons to talk to a True Relationships therapist or pastoral counselor. You may not be feeling like you are in crisis today, but you may feel that you could do more, feel better, or find peace in an area of your life.
Why is this important?
Taking care of your mental health can benefit your whole being and strengthen all of your relationships. If something is bothering you, it’s taking up space and energy in your life. It might be draining happiness from the moments you want to enjoy. It could be stopping you from taking on new challenges or from being fully present with others.
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Healthy Relationships & Boundaries: Key to Lasting Connection
February often brings love and relationships to the forefront, but it’s important to remember that healthy relationships are built on more than just affection—they require respect, understanding, and strong boundaries. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining balance, promoting self-respect, and fostering deeper connections with others. Here are four key points to consider when it comes to relationships and boundaries:
1. Know Your Limits
Boundaries start with self-awareness. Take time to understand your own needs, values, and emotional limits.
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