Healthy Living

Navigating the complexities of parenting can be challenging, especially when behavioral issues arise. As Christians, we strive to guide our children in a way that reflects our faith and values. If you find yourself at a crossroads with your child’s behavior, Fortify Christian Counseling might be the beacon of hope you are seeking. Here are several compelling reasons to consider one of our licensed professional counselors or licensed ministers’ compassionate and faith-based approach to counseling.

1. Integrating Faith with Professional Expertise. Fortify Christian Counseling uniquely blends Biblical guidance with professional psychological practices. Our trained counselors not only hold advanced degrees in psychology and counseling but also uphold Christian values and principles. This integration assures parents that their child will receive holistic care that respects and enhances their faith journey. Children will learn to navigate their struggles while developing a deeper relationship with Christ.

2. A Safe and Supportive Environment. One of the greatest challenges children face with behavioral issues is feeling misunderstood or alienated. Fortify fosters a safe and welcoming environment where children can express themselves openly. Our counselors are trained to create a non-judgmental space that encourages honesty, allowing children to feel secure as they confront their challenges. This supportive setting helps to build trust, which is essential for effective therapy.

3. Tailored Strategies for Behavioral Improvement. Every child is unique, and so are their challenges. Fortify counselors use customized strategies designed to address each child’s specific needs, learning styles, and family dynamics. This personalized approach ensures that parents are not only provided with tools that work but are also involved in the process, creating a united front for their child’s development.

4. Emphasis on Family Involvement. Fortify recognizes that behavioral issues often impact the entire family, not just the child. They encourage family involvement in the counseling process, offering sessions that include parents and siblings where appropriate. This inclusive approach helps families communicate better, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds – vital components for a child’s emotional and behavioral health.

5. Focus on Positive Development and Resilience. Counseling at Fortify is not solely about addressing problems; it’s also about fostering resilience and positive development. Counselors equip children with coping strategies that pave the way for emotional intelligence and adaptive skills. By focusing on strengthening their character, children learn to navigate future challenges more effectively.

6. Endorsed by the Community. Fortify Christian Counseling has earned a solid reputation in the community. Many families have experienced transformative changes and report significant improvements in their children’s behavior and overall well-being. Positive testimonials and success stories reflect the commitment of the counselors to enact meaningful change aligned with Christian teachings.

In conclusion, choosing Fortify Christian Counseling provides parents with a trusted ally in the often turbulent waters of parenting. Reaching out for help can be the first step toward a brighter future for your child and family.

 205-974-2124

[email protected]

• In person in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa
• Telehealth throughout Alabama
• For Men, Women, and Children of all Ages
• ADHD Testing and Diagnosis
• Licensed Counselors accept BCBS-AL

www.FortifyChristianCounseling.com

Healthy Living

According to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association, 30 million people in the United States struggle with eating disorders. Sarabeth Bozeman, MA, ALC with Still Waters Counseling and Education Center explains that “eating disorders are different than just unhealthy eating habits in that they are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning.” Bozeman is passionate about helping clients find hope and healing from eating disorders since she struggled with an eating disorder beginning at the age of 14. 

Treating Eating Disorders. “Eating disorder treatment options will vary based on your geographic location, insurance coverage, the type of eating disorder, the level of care needed, and many other factors,” Bozeman shares adding that she believes the best psychological treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy “which involves self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the eating disorder.” Where does faith come in? “I’ve found that implementing Biblical truths and wisdom often provides deeper restoration by offering perspective and truth to those experiencing preoccupations with food, dissatisfaction with one’s body shape or weight, disordered thinking, distorted body image, or those paralyzed with an obsessive fear of weight gain,” Bozeman says. If the client struggling with an eating disorder indicates interest in incorporating faith in their counseling, Bozeman often shares her favorite Bible verses for this topic including Matthew 6:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and 1 Timothy 4:4-5. 

Power of Therapy. “I was inspired to pursue a career in counseling through the journey of recognizing my spiritual gift as well as God placing the desire in my heart, which I wholly believe is to be a listening ear and gentle spirit to those seeking support in a time of need or on their own journey of self-discovery and growth,” Bozeman says. As a mental health counselor, she works with individuals ages 10 and up. She has experience treating clients with relationship issues, suicidal ideations, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress, and more. Bozeman’s faith impacts how she interacts with her clients. “When providing Christian counseling, Biblical truth is integrated with other evidence-based modalities, and prayer is used as an intervention,” Bozeman explains. To anyone considering seeking counseling for an eating disorder or other struggles, she encourages them to know that “healing is open and available to you whenever you are ready.” To learn more about Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, visit www.mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423. Click here to read more about eating disorders, trading shame for joy, and the Creator’s perspective.

-Melissa Armstrong

Watch the video below to learn more about identifying eating disorders, the treatments available, and more.