Blog Category: Relationships
Marriage in Crisis
Men and Women are very different as if from two different planets. Unresolved issues can lead to major conflict and crisis within the marriage. Below is some sound advice on what we can do to get our marriage back on track. Common Roots In order to resolve any crisis in your marriage, you must examine…
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder
When we think about Bipolar Disorder we tend to think of it as one type of mental illness when in fact there are a few variations. Bipolar disorders (manic-depressive disorders) are classified as a ‘chronic mental health condition’ characterised by periods of low mood such as depression as well as periods of mania, or extreme…
Give God Thanks in Everything
As a mother, Annette Spurr's heart was breaking for her son Jack who had just been in a serious accident. The toddler was just under two years of age when he fell fracturing his eye socket. How could a mother possibly be thankful in this situation?
When To Stop Talking To The Dog & Get Counselling
Taking care of pets can be therapeutic, but in no way should that replace the need to open up to someone about our problems. As a child I felt a great sense of relief after talking to my dog about my woes. He was a great listener. He didn’t answer back, he didn’t judge me,…
You Know You’re a Christian Mother When…
… even before conception you begin to pray for your unborn child knowing they are your gift from God. … when you’re nursing your newborn baby and you’re in awe of the creator with growing love for your child. …you go without sleep during those two hourly nappy changes and middle of the night baby…
Assertive, Aggressive & Passive Communication Styles
As individuals we often dress, look, communicate and express ourselves in a variety of different ways. When communicating with one another we might come across to others as assertive but nice, way too nice and trying too hard or just plain aggressive. In what ways are these communication styles different from each other? ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION – Allows…
How To Find Contentment & Happiness As A Wife
Many women struggle to find happiness and contentment in their marriage or in their role as a wife. Some find themselves waiting for a man to change or they wait for circumstances in their lives to change. The truth is that there isn’t perfection to be found in another human being. However, when we shift…
Self-Harm – Why Do They Hurt Themselves?
Self-harm can begin as a means to control feelings of extreme psychological distress or deep emotional pain, and it refers to people who deliberately hurt their bodies by cutting, pinching, burning, biting, picking skin or sores, stabbing, bruising or punching oneself for an immediate sense of relief. These actions are not usually carried out for…
How I Found God To Be A Mother To The Motherless
In ‘ ‘How I Found God To Be A Mother To The Motherless‘ Amy Simpson describes how she lost her mother to schizophrenia when she was only 14 years old and how in the journey to follow, she discovered that God is also a mother to the motherless. When I was 14, I lost my mother.…
The Journey Towards Self Awareness
Self-awareness plays a key role in building good relationships by allowing us to know our strengths, our weaknesses, what we like, what we dislike and where our boundaries are. Self-awareness also enables us to relate to others. In the ‘The Journey Towards Self Awareness‘ author Ben Dainton carefully maps out a time where he experienced…
Do you Know Someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as with other personality disorders, has long term effects on people’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours affecting all areas of life. NPD is associated with socially destructive behaviours that have a negative impact on relationships and work life. NPD is part of the range of personality disorders with intense and unstable symptoms…
Change Negative Thinking Patterns That Ruin Your Life
Change negative thinking patterns and self talk that can ruin your life. Learn how to change those inner slogans that you repeat to yourself.
4 Keys To Lasting Inner Joy That Comes From God
Most people believe that happiness comes from owning things like a car, a bike and a having the job they’ve always wanted. In which case happiness can also be considered a fleeting moment. Lasting inner Joy on the other hand comes from within. According to the bible real joy is something that nobody can steal…
Developing Resilience For Facing Our Depression Giants
Resilience training can help those with depression by strengthening their ability to deal with adversity. Today we have a holistic understanding of mental health and depression. There’s a combination of medication, psychological therapy, social support, nutrition, exercise and spiritual care to help treat depression. One such treatment is resilience training through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)…
5 Things A Depressed Christian Doesn’t Want To Hear
In 5 things not to say to a depressed Christian Pastor Darryl Eyb puts into words what others going through depression often don’t like to hear and offers practical ways we can offer help to those who have depression. I’ve struggled with depression for several years now. Words that come to mind are disorienting, numb…
Self-Care After Something Tragic Happens In Our Lives.
The shock and pain of a serious emotional upset is undoubtedly quite difficult to deal with that can be described as a ‘psychological trauma’. Grief and bereavement is a normal part of being human to help us process and deal with our heavy loss or trauma. While we are processing our pain it’s important that…
The Positive Effects of Kindness On Our Mental Health
Making others feel good with kindness can be really rewarding by making us feel great about our actions as Christians for doing the right thing. Practicing kindness also has a profound effect our own mental & physiological health, helping us to become happier and compassionate towards others. Being kind to others has been known to…
Fearing Social Rejection & Loss of Leadership Credibility
The fear of facing social rejection or losing leadership credibility within the christian community due to the present stigma and the over spiritualisation of mental illness that is often deemed solely as a spiritual condition, is very real. This raises some concerns for those who might be managing their mental health issues and leadership roles quite…
Scientific Breakthrough Uncovers ‘Cell Disorder’ in PMDD Sufferers
Scientific research recently discovered a link in PMDD to a ‘cell disorder’ revealing how cells process sex hormones in PMDD sufferers.
Unplugging to Recharge our Batteries in Quiet Stillness
Recently I came across an article on Psychology Today describing how our technologically advanced young people are experiencing ‘Nomophobia,’ a word to describe the fear they are experiencing of going without their mobile phones. Our kids today don’t know what life is like without one. The workforce is so technologically advanced that we are being…
Student Testimonial – Pastor Geoff McCutcheon
A most blessed year and completion of the Diploma in Christian Counselling. Highlighted by personal growth in Christ and a much greater understanding of interpersonal relationships. Very supportive Tutorial staff and I encourage others to seriously consider enrolling with aifc. God will bless your efforts in order to help others who are mentally challenged. Pastor Geoff McCutcheon.
How To Talk to Your Child About Your Mental Illness
Parents who have a mental illness often wonder if they should talk to their children about it or if they should avoid the subject all together. Some of us are even terrified about discussing it with our kids. However, one important point to consider is that when we don’t explain things to children they begin to…
3 Day Challenge – What Habit Keeps You From Spending Time With God?
aifc staff members took part in a 3 Day Challenge. We had to fast for three days those things which took our time away from God and record our experiences. Here is a summary of the results.
A Fathers Day Message From Nicholas Marks CEO
Dear staff, students and friends of aifc, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a special Fathers Day. Whatever this day means or looks like for you whether its with (or the memory of) your earthly Dad or the men who have had a significant spiritual fathering role in your…
