A Lament for Overthinkers Everywhere
Many of us struggle with habitual feelings of guilt and shame, worried that we are not doing, earning or being enough.
Reflections on Learning in Wartimes – Part 1
Friends, in 1939, during WWII, C.S. Lewis wrote Learning in Wartime. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so. You can access it here. C.S. Lewis’ words are wise words indeed and have much to say to us here and now. And, whilst we are not in a war per se…
Reflections on Learning in Wartimes – Part 2
We look into the seven things you can put in place in your situation to optimise your learning and growth.
Siblings, Snacks and Social Media
Here are some helpful tips to help you deal with three of the most common issues reported by parents under pressure: sibling rivalry, food habits, and how to safely manage technology use.
5 Ideas to Foster Gratitude
It’s amazing how much happier a home is when it is filled with gratefulness. And whether it’s called gratefulness of thankfulness, its presence in the home and in our individual hearts is a choice – even during lockdown! The reality is that despite our challenging circumstances, we have so much to be grateful for. When…
Relationships Under Pressure
Whether you’re single, married, in a relationship, young, or not-so-young, chances are your relational world is under pressure as a result of the pandemic and the various levels of social distancing measures. So how do we navigate the next few months in ways that normalise the relationship struggles and equip us to redeem this time in the best way possible?
Reaching up, down, in and around
Franekel and Cho’s four-part framework can help couples and families cope in isolation and lockdown, and help mitigate the negative effects on our relationships.
Finances Under Pressure
Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, many of us may have experienced a reduction in our household income over the last 18 months. Like a lot of other parts of life, our finances are under pressure, with counsellors telling us they are fielding callers to financial support and related mental health services - many for the first time. The following tips can help us cope and provide important perspective.
Where Does my Treasure Lie?
There are many different opinions surrounding wealth. Through this lens of ultimate truth, we explore two key questions that if answered honesty and reflectively, can serve to ground us in uncertain times.
Faith Under Pressure: Where Are You Looking?
Where can we turn to? Where can we look during times when we are being bombarded relentlessly, it seems. I'd like to suggest three places to look, if you will, all drawn from God’s Word that will hopefully enable us to move forward even when our faith is under pressure.
The Story of Tim
These are stressful times, and different brains respond in different ways. What exactly is happening here when social anxiety kicks in?
5 tips to manage your Anxiety
Those of us who have a tendency to worry know what it’s like to feel constantly in fight or flight battle mode. It can leave us feeling exhausted. Here are 5 tips to help keep a check on your anxiety and manage it in ways that have been found to work.
The shortest Psalm and the greatest wisdom
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible: just two verses, approximately thirty words. The message is powerful, especially for those who struggle with worry and anxiety. Here’s four take-away points from it.
Embracing Resilience: Overcoming Weaknesses and Failures with Confidence
In the Book of Hebrews, we find a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals who turned their weaknesses into strengths, emerging victorious even in the face of daunting challenges. The verse states, “Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle” (Hebrews 11:34 NIV). This profound insight serves as a timeless…
Christian Counselling Training that Integrates Faith, Skills & Purpose
Do you feel called to help others through life’s challenges, with both faith and practical skill? At aifc, we equip Christians to become qualified counsellors who serve with compassion, wisdom, and professionalism. Whether you’re a pastor, chaplain, teacher, nurse, or exploring a new path, Christian Counselling could be the next step in your journey to…
Silent Struggle: Male Loneliness and the Connection Crisis
Loneliness isn’t just an emotional state, it’s a public health issue. And for many Australian men, it’s a silent epidemic. We’re in the middle of a connection crisis. Study after study shows what many of us already sense: that men, in particular, are feeling increasingly isolated. They’re less likely to have close friends, less likely…
The Mid-Life Leap into Christian Counselling Changed Her Life
“I didn’t have it all figured out. I just knew it was time to start.”Sharon’s story of faith, fear, and becoming a Christian counsellor “I Googled the average age of counselling students… It said 45. Suddenly, what felt impossible started to feel within reach.” When Sharon enrolled at AIFC, she was in her mid-40s. She…
The Dual Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
Introduction Social media is a bit like a two-sided coin for teenagers these days. It’s a great platform for teens to share who they are, make friends, and learn new things. It can also be tough, with lots of pressure to look perfect, dealing with mean comments, and feeling left out. It can feel…
Breaking Through the Terror Barrier: Reclaiming Your Power Over Fear
Breaking Through the Terror Barrier: A Christian Perspective on Fear, Calling, and Change Fear is not just an emotion—it’s a spiritual and psychological threshold. In coaching language, we call this the Terror Barrier: the invisible wall that rises whenever we approach meaningful change. But for the Christian, this isn’t just a mindset challenge—it’s a matter…
Mid-Life Career Change: From Overwhelmed Learner to Qualified Christian Counsellor
“You have been equipped for this” Sharon’s journey from overwhelmed learner to qualified Christian counsellor At her recent graduation, Sharon stood before a packed room and opened her speech with honesty and grace: “There were definitely moments when I was practically begging for divine intervention. But just when I thought I had nothing left, God…
Sharon’s Story: Her Path to Christian Counselling Success
From Study to Success: Sharon’s Story on Building a Life That Makes a Difference Discover the Real Journey of Becoming a Christian Counsellor and Why It Might Be the Next Step in Your Story. ▶️ FREE WEBINAR Click this link to register Hosted by AIFC’s CEO, Nicholas Marks, with special guest Sharon Court – graduate, counsellor,…
Master of Counselling Testimonial – Hanli Bothma
Hanli Bothma testifies to the valuable experience and quality training received by students enrolled in the Master of Counselling.
Promoting Good Mental Health In The Workplace
Looking after the mental health of our workers is a win-win situation for employers by reducing stress levels & increasing productivity in the work place.
Drawing Strength and Courage for Conquering Fear Through Faith
The story of David and Goliath is a classic example of how the combination of courage and faith allowed a young boy to take down a 9 foot giant of a man.
