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  11. <title>Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</title>
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  14. <description>#1 Ranked Providers of Private Counseling &#38; Therapy - Rockwall, Kaufman &#38; Hunt Counties + Telehealth in Texas</description>
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  25. <title>Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</title>
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  31. <title>Porn Addiction, Dopamine, and Healing: A Christian Counselor’s Guide to Lasting Freedom</title>
  32. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/22494-2/</link>
  34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  35. <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:12:16 +0000</pubDate>
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  39. <description><![CDATA[Porn Addiction and the Christian Heart: Understanding the Battle, Reclaiming Intimacy, and Finding Freedom Porn addiction is a private pain with public consequences.It’s often buried in shame, dismissed as “just a habit,” or hidden behind good behavior.But left unaddressed, it robs marriages of intimacy, individuals of purpose, and believers of peace. If this  [...]]]></description>
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  41. <h1 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 80; line-height: 1; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="338" data-end="449" data-fontsize="80" data-lineheight="80px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Porn Addiction and the Christian Heart: Understanding the Battle, Reclaiming Intimacy, and Finding Freedom</h1>
  42. <p data-start="451" data-end="703"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Porn addiction is a private pain with public consequences.</span><br data-start="509" data-end="512" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s often buried in shame, dismissed as “just a habit,” or hidden behind good behavior.</span><br data-start="600" data-end="603" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">But left unaddressed, it robs marriages of intimacy, individuals of purpose, and believers of peace.</span></p>
  43. <p style="text-align: left;" data-start="705" data-end="855"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If this is your story &#8211; whether you’re the one struggling or the one hurting &#8211; we want you to hear this:</span></p>
  44. <p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You are not alone. And healing is possible.</span></p>
  45. <hr data-start="857" data-end="860" />
  46. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="862" data-end="946" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f50e.png" alt="🔎" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Understanding Porn Addiction: It’s Not Just About Morality—It’s About Dopamine</h2>
  47. <p data-start="948" data-end="1113"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In </span><em data-start="951" data-end="968"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dopamine Nation</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, Dr. Anna Lembke, Stanford psychiatrist and addiction expert, explains that </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1045" data-end="1112" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">addiction is not about moral failure &#8211; it’s about brain imbalance</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  48. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1115" data-end="1250" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dopamine is the brain’s feel-good chemical. It’s released when we experience something pleasurable &#8211; like food, connection, sex… or porn.</p>
  49. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1252" data-end="1291" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">But here’s what we often don’t realize:</p>
  50. <blockquote data-start="1293" data-end="1395">
  51. <p data-start="1295" data-end="1395"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“The more dopamine hits we chase, the less pleasure we actually feel over time.” – </span><em data-start="1378" data-end="1395"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dr. Anna Lembke</span></em></p>
  52. </blockquote>
  53. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1397" data-end="1428" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Why? Because the brain adjusts.</p>
  54. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1430" data-end="1568" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When we flood our system with quick dopamine (especially from high-intensity stimuli like pornography), the brain starts to compensate by:</p>
  55. <ul data-start="1569" data-end="1702">
  56. <li data-start="1569" data-end="1608">
  57. <p data-start="1571" data-end="1608"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Producing </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1581" data-end="1608" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">less dopamine naturally</strong></p>
  58. </li>
  59. <li data-start="1609" data-end="1651">
  60. <p data-start="1611" data-end="1651"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1611" data-end="1649" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Turning down the pleasure response</strong></p>
  61. </li>
  62. <li data-start="1652" data-end="1702">
  63. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1654" data-end="1702" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Increasing the pain response to maintain balance</p>
  64. </li>
  65. </ul>
  66. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1704" data-end="1734" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This leads to a vicious cycle:</p>
  67. <ul data-start="1735" data-end="1972">
  68. <li data-start="1735" data-end="1763">
  69. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1737" data-end="1763" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You feel emotionally low</p>
  70. </li>
  71. <li data-start="1764" data-end="1812">
  72. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1766" data-end="1812" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You seek the next hit of porn to feel better</p>
  73. </li>
  74. <li data-start="1813" data-end="1865">
  75. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1815" data-end="1865" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You feel relief—then guilt, shame, and emptiness</p>
  76. </li>
  77. <li data-start="1866" data-end="1915">
  78. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1868" data-end="1915" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The brain resets, and the craving intensifies</p>
  79. </li>
  80. <li data-start="1916" data-end="1972">
  81. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1918" data-end="1972" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Over time, nothing else feels as good &#8211; or good at all</p>
  82. </li>
  83. </ul>
  84. <p data-start="1974" data-end="2051"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In Christian terms: what once seemed like freedom has now become </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2039" data-end="2050" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">bondage</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  85. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Smart Phone Addiction" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-scaled.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22500" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-400x224.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-600x336.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-800x448.jpg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/view-people-addicted-their-smartphone-looking-scrolling-through-screens-scaled.jpg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-2"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="2058" data-end="2113" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> The Spiritual &amp; Relational Toll of Porn Addiction</h2>
  86. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2115" data-end="2156" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Even if no one knows, the effects ripple:</p>
  87. <ul data-start="2157" data-end="2354">
  88. <li data-start="2157" data-end="2192">
  89. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2159" data-end="2192" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Diminished intimacy in marriage</p>
  90. </li>
  91. <li data-start="2193" data-end="2232">
  92. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2195" data-end="2232" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Emotional numbing and disconnection</p>
  93. </li>
  94. <li data-start="2233" data-end="2272">
  95. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2235" data-end="2272" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Secret-keeping and internal torment</p>
  96. </li>
  97. <li data-start="2273" data-end="2311">
  98. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2275" data-end="2311" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Self-loathing masked as “struggle”</p>
  99. </li>
  100. <li data-start="2312" data-end="2354">
  101. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2314" data-end="2354" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Spiritual dryness and isolation from God</p>
  102. </li>
  103. </ul>
  104. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2356" data-end="2402" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And for the betrayed spouse, it can feel like:</p>
  105. <ul data-start="2403" data-end="2512">
  106. <li data-start="2403" data-end="2432">
  107. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2405" data-end="2432" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A deep violation of trust</p>
  108. </li>
  109. <li data-start="2433" data-end="2457">
  110. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2435" data-end="2457" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A personal rejection</p>
  111. </li>
  112. <li data-start="2458" data-end="2512">
  113. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2460" data-end="2512" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A wound to body image, worth, and emotional safety</p>
  114. </li>
  115. </ul>
  116. <p data-start="2514" data-end="2638"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Whether you&#8217;re the one stuck in the cycle or the one trying to survive it &#8211; </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2588" data-end="2609" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">your pain matters</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">. And so does your healing.</span></p>
  117. <hr data-start="2640" data-end="2643" />
  118. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-size: 29px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2645" data-end="2683" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6e0.png" alt="🛠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> What Christian Counseling Can Do</h2>
  119. <p data-start="2685" data-end="2718"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace New Life, we help you:</span></p>
  120. <ul data-start="2719" data-end="3053">
  121. <li data-start="2719" data-end="2807">
  122. <p data-start="2721" data-end="2807"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Understand the </span><strong data-start="2736" data-end="2761"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">dopamine-pain balance</span></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> and how to reset your brain’s reward system</span></p>
  123. </li>
  124. <li data-start="2808" data-end="2873">
  125. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2810" data-end="2873" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Address the emotional and spiritual roots of your compulsions</p>
  126. </li>
  127. <li data-start="2874" data-end="2939">
  128. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2876" data-end="2939" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Build habits that promote healing, connection, and resilience</p>
  129. </li>
  130. <li data-start="2940" data-end="2979">
  131. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2942" data-end="2979" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Restore trust in your relationships</p>
  132. </li>
  133. <li data-start="2980" data-end="3053">
  134. <p data-start="2982" data-end="3053"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Reclaim your identity as someone </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3015" data-end="3040" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">redeemed, not defined</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> by addiction</span></p>
  135. </li>
  136. </ul>
  137. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Dopamine &#038; Addiction" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22497" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-200x112.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-400x224.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-600x336.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-800x448.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-1200x673.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1214940678-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-3"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-size: 29px;" data-start="3060" data-end="3135" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Practical Tools to Begin Healing<br />
  138. <span style="font-size: 25px;" data-fusion-font="true">(Backed by Neuroscience &amp; Scripture)</span></h2>
  139. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3137" data-end="3257" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Here’s how to begin interrupting the dopamine addiction cycle, based on Dr. Lembke’s principles and Christian soul care:</p>
  140. <hr data-start="3259" data-end="3262" />
  141. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3264" data-end="3303" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f501.png" alt="🔁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 1. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3274" data-end="3303" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Do a 30-Day Dopamine Fast</strong></h3>
  142. <p data-start="3305" data-end="3551"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Temporarily remove all high-dopamine stimuli (including porn, social media, sugary foods, and compulsive scrolling).</span><br data-start="3421" data-end="3424" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This resets your brain’s dopamine threshold, helping natural pleasure (like connection, prayer, laughter) feel rewarding again.</span></p>
  143. <blockquote data-start="3553" data-end="3664">
  144. <p data-start="3555" data-end="3664"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Denying ourselves small pleasures for a time actually increases our sensitivity to joy.” – </span><em data-start="3647" data-end="3664"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dopamine Nation</span></em></p>
  145. </blockquote>
  146. <p data-start="3666" data-end="3842"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3668" data-end="3693" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Spiritual Integration</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">: Practice fasting as a spiritual act of surrender (see Isaiah 58). Fasting isn’t punishment &#8211; it’s </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3791" data-end="3842" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">making room for God to meet us in our weakness.</strong></p>
  147. <hr data-start="3844" data-end="3847" />
  148. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3849" data-end="3898" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4d6.png" alt="📖" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 2. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3859" data-end="3898" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Track Your Triggers with Compassion</strong></h3>
  149. <p data-start="3900" data-end="4039"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Use a journal or app to notice what emotions or environments precede the urge to view porn.</span><br data-start="3991" data-end="3994" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Is it boredom? Stress? Rejection? Loneliness?</span></p>
  150. <p data-start="4041" data-end="4225"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This is not about self-condemnation—it’s about self-awareness.</span><br data-start="4103" data-end="4106" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Jesus didn’t say, “Try harder.” He said, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation.” (</span><em data-start="4209" data-end="4224"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Matthew 26:41</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">)</span></p>
  151. <p data-start="4227" data-end="4292"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f539.png" alt="🔹" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Try a “HALT” check-in:</span><br data-start="4252" data-end="4255" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?</span></p>
  152. <hr data-start="4294" data-end="4297" />
  153. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4299" data-end="4336" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f91d.png" alt="🤝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 3. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4309" data-end="4336" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Engage in “Painful” Joy</strong></h3>
  154. <p data-start="4338" data-end="4568"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dr. Lembke explains that healing often involves </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4386" data-end="4428" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">choosing discomfort over false comfort &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">like calling a friend instead of isolating, going for a walk instead of opening a browser tab, or reading Scripture instead of numbing out.</span></p>
  155. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4570" data-end="4592" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This is hard &#8211; but holy.</p>
  156. <blockquote data-start="4594" data-end="4682">
  157. <p data-start="4596" data-end="4682"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Enduring small amounts of discomfort leads to greater long-term joy.” – </span><em data-start="4669" data-end="4682"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Anna Lembke</span></em></p>
  158. </blockquote>
  159. <p data-start="4684" data-end="4865"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4686" data-end="4711" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Spiritual Integration</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">:</span><br data-start="4712" data-end="4715" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Lean into “sacrificial pleasure” that aligns with God&#8217;s design: meaningful connection, honest prayer, laughter with your spouse, and embodied worship.</span></p>
  160. <hr data-start="4867" data-end="4870" />
  161. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4872" data-end="4932" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 4. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4882" data-end="4932" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Restore Intimacy in Marriage—Gradually, Gently</strong></h3>
  162. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4934" data-end="5043" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Porn erodes the intimacy marriage is meant to foster. But it can be rebuilt &#8211; with time, truth, and tenderness.</p>
  163. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5045" data-end="5049" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Try:</p>
  164. <ul data-start="5050" data-end="5397">
  165. <li data-start="5050" data-end="5110">
  166. <p data-start="5052" data-end="5110"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5052" data-end="5077" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Affection-only nights &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">no pressure, just reconnection</span></p>
  167. </li>
  168. <li data-start="5111" data-end="5182">
  169. <p data-start="5113" data-end="5182"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5113" data-end="5139" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Scheduled touch points &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">morning hugs, evening walks, eye contact</span></p>
  170. </li>
  171. <li data-start="5183" data-end="5255">
  172. <p data-start="5185" data-end="5255"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5185" data-end="5212" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Therapeutic game nights &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">playful board games designed for couples</span></p>
  173. </li>
  174. <li data-start="5256" data-end="5331">
  175. <p data-start="5258" data-end="5331"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5258" data-end="5292" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Safe, shame-free conversations &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">led by a trained therapist or pastor</span></p>
  176. </li>
  177. <li data-start="5332" data-end="5397">
  178. <p data-start="5334" data-end="5397"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5334" data-end="5397" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Relearning each other’s language of love, touch, and safety</strong></p>
  179. </li>
  180. </ul>
  181. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5399" data-end="5461" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Rebuilding trust is not about perfection. It’s about presence.</p>
  182. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Dopamine Rebalance at Embrace" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22496" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-200x112.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-400x224.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-600x336.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-800x448.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-1200x673.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1210060882-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-4"><h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="5468" data-end="5515" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f64f.png" alt="🙏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> God’s Grace Is Greater Than Your Struggle</h2>
  183. <p data-start="5517" data-end="5630"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Whether you&#8217;re fighting for your freedom or for your marriage, remember:</span><br data-start="5589" data-end="5592" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5592" data-end="5630" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This is not the end of your story.</strong></p>
  184. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5632" data-end="5793" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Pornography may have distorted your view of love, sex, and intimacy. But Jesus restores what’s been twisted. He makes the unclean clean. He makes dry bones live.</p>
  185. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5795" data-end="5856" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You’re not beyond help. And your marriage is not beyond hope.</p>
  186. <blockquote data-start="5858" data-end="5928">
  187. <p data-start="5860" data-end="5928"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – </span><em data-start="5915" data-end="5928"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Romans 5:20</span></em></p>
  188. </blockquote>
  189. <hr data-start="5930" data-end="5933" />
  190. <h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="5935" data-end="5956" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4ac.png" alt="💬" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Ready to Begin?</h2>
  191. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5958" data-end="5979" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace, we offer:</p>
  192. <ul data-start="5980" data-end="6253">
  193. <li data-start="5980" data-end="6054">
  194. <p data-start="5982" data-end="6054"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4bc.png" alt="💼" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5985" data-end="6052" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian counseling for porn addiction and sexual compulsivity</strong></p>
  195. </li>
  196. <li data-start="6055" data-end="6102">
  197. <p data-start="6057" data-end="6102"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6e1.png" alt="🛡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6060" data-end="6100" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Betrayal trauma support for partners</strong></p>
  198. </li>
  199. <li data-start="6103" data-end="6172">
  200. <p data-start="6105" data-end="6172"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6108" data-end="6170" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Faith-centered couples counseling for sexual reintegration</strong></p>
  201. </li>
  202. <li data-start="6173" data-end="6253">
  203. <p data-start="6175" data-end="6253"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9f0.png" alt="🧰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6178" data-end="6253" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Resources and tools based on CSAT training, neuroscience, and Scripture</strong></p>
  204. </li>
  205. </ul>
  206. <p data-start="6255" data-end="6398"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4cd.png" alt="📍" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> In-person sessions in Texas</span><br data-start="6285" data-end="6288" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4bb.png" alt="💻" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Online secure telehealth</span><br data-start="6315" data-end="6318" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Call or text: 972.292.7092</span></p>
  207. <hr data-start="6400" data-end="6403" />
  208. <p data-start="6405" data-end="6511"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to carry this in the dark anymore.</span><br data-start="6454" data-end="6457" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6457" data-end="6511" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Healing begins the moment you step into the light.</strong></p>
  209. <p data-start="6405" data-end="6511"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6457" data-end="6511" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> </strong></p>
  210. <p data-start="6405" data-end="6511"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6457" data-end="6511" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> </strong></p>
  211. </div><div class="fusion-image-element " style="text-align:center;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-5 hover-type-none"><a class="fusion-no-lightbox" href="https://amzn.to/4nqylY1" target="_self" aria-label="dopamine nation" rel="nofollow noopener"><img decoding="async" width="150" height="226" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dopamine-nation-e1751245453377.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22506"/></a></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-5"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25;" data-start="239" data-end="269" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4d8.png" alt="📘" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="245" data-end="269" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Book Recommendation:</strong></h2>
  212. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="271" data-end="340" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><a href="https://amzn.to/4nqylY1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong data-start="275" data-end="338"><em data-start="277" data-end="336"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence</span></em></strong></a></h3>
  213. <p data-start="341" data-end="434"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="341" data-end="352" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Author:</strong> <em data-start="353" data-end="374"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dr. Anna Lembke, MD</span></em><br data-start="374" data-end="377" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="377" data-end="434" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Stanford Psychiatrist &amp; Addiction Medicine Specialist</strong></p>
  214. <hr data-start="436" data-end="439" />
  215. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="441" data-end="470" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Why You Should Read It:</h3>
  216. <ul data-start="472" data-end="1025">
  217. <li data-start="472" data-end="560">
  218. <p data-start="474" data-end="560"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Explains the </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="487" data-end="516" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">neuroscience of addiction</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> in a clear, engaging, and deeply human way.</span></p>
  219. </li>
  220. <li data-start="561" data-end="690">
  221. <p data-start="563" data-end="690"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Highlights how our culture of constant pleasure-seeking leads to </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="628" data-end="649" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">dopamine overload &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">and how that rewires the brain for pain.</span></p>
  222. </li>
  223. <li data-start="691" data-end="818">
  224. <p data-start="693" data-end="818"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Offers </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="700" data-end="759" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">practical tools for resetting the brain’s reward system</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, many of which can be integrated into therapy or coaching.</span></p>
  225. </li>
  226. <li data-start="819" data-end="1025">
  227. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="821" data-end="857" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Deeply relevant for anyone treating:</p>
  228. <ul data-start="860" data-end="1025">
  229. <li data-start="860" data-end="885">
  230. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="862" data-end="885" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Pornography addiction</p>
  231. </li>
  232. <li data-start="888" data-end="914">
  233. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="890" data-end="914" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Social media addiction</p>
  234. </li>
  235. <li data-start="917" data-end="958">
  236. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="919" data-end="958" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Overeating, overworking, overspending</p>
  237. </li>
  238. <li data-start="961" data-end="1025">
  239. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="963" data-end="1025" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Anxiety and emotional dysregulation rooted in over-stimulation</p>
  240. </li>
  241. </ul>
  242. </li>
  243. </ul>
  244. <hr data-start="1027" data-end="1030" />
  245. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1032" data-end="1065" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Key Concepts You’ll Learn:</h3>
  246. <ul data-start="1066" data-end="1390">
  247. <li data-start="1066" data-end="1125">
  248. <p data-start="1068" data-end="1125"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1072" data-end="1097" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">dopamine-pain balance</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">: why every high has a low</span></p>
  249. </li>
  250. <li data-start="1126" data-end="1179">
  251. <p data-start="1128" data-end="1179"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">How </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1132" data-end="1152" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">dopamine fasting</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> works (and why it helps)</span></p>
  252. </li>
  253. <li data-start="1180" data-end="1269">
  254. <p data-start="1182" data-end="1269"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">That the root of many modern struggles is not weakness &#8211; but </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1241" data-end="1267" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">overexposure to reward</strong></p>
  255. </li>
  256. <li data-start="1270" data-end="1390">
  257. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1272" data-end="1390" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Stories of patients overcoming opioid addiction, sex addiction, and more through discomfort, accountability, and truth</p>
  258. </li>
  259. </ul>
  260. <hr data-start="1702" data-end="1705" />
  261. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="1707" data-end="1737" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 21px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6d2.png" alt="🛒" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Where to Buy or Listen: </span><a style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 21px;" href="https://amzn.to/4nqylY1" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></h3>
  262. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  263. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/22494-2/">Porn Addiction, Dopamine, and Healing: A Christian Counselor’s Guide to Lasting Freedom</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  264. ]]></content:encoded>
  268. </item>
  269. <item>
  270. <title>Biblical Counseling &#038; Biblical Decision-Making</title>
  271. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/biblical-counseling-biblical-decision-making/</link>
  273. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  274. <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2025 17:01:31 +0000</pubDate>
  275. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  276. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=22464</guid>
  277.  
  278. <description><![CDATA[Biblical Counseling for Real-Life Decisions, Relationships &amp; Inner Peace If you've ever typed "Christian counseling near me" or "Bible verses about decision making," you're not alone. Life throws curveballs - relationship struggles, hard choices, emotional overwhelm - and it’s hard to know who to trust or what step to take next. At Embrace  [...]]]></description>
  279. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-6 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Faith-based Christian counselor offering support and clarity" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/biblical-Counseling-1.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22473" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/biblical-Counseling-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/biblical-Counseling-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/biblical-Counseling-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/biblical-Counseling-1.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-6"><p style="text-align: center;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;&#093;"><strong style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Biblical Counseling for Real-Life Decisions, Relationships &amp; Inner Peace</strong></p>
  280. <p style="font-size: 17px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;&#093;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you&#8217;ve ever typed &#8220;Christian counseling near me&#8221; or &#8220;Bible verses about decision making,&#8221; you&#8217;re not alone. Life throws curveballs &#8211; relationship struggles, hard choices, emotional overwhelm &#8211; and it’s hard to know who to trust or what step to take next.</p>
  281. <p><span style="font-size: 17px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At </span><em><span style="font-size: 17px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</span></em><span style="font-size: 17px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, we offer biblical counseling that honors your values and provides real help for real-life challenges. We believe God’s Word isn’t just spiritual &#8211; it’s practical. When paired with expert, compassionate care, it brings wisdom, comfort, and strength to life’s hardest moments.</span></p>
  282. <div>
  283. <hr />
  284. </div>
  285. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Why Choose Christian Counseling?</h3>
  286. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you&#8217;ve searched for:</p>
  287. <ul data-spread="false">
  288. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian therapist near me</span></li>
  289. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian marriage counseling near me</span></li>
  290. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian psychologist near me</span></li>
  291. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian counselors near me</span></li>
  292. </ul>
  293. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">&#8230;you’re probably craving something deeper than surface-level advice. You want therapy that honors your faith—a counselor who sees not just your problems, but your story, soul, and eternal worth.</p>
  294. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace, our therapists are clinically trained and spiritually grounded. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy or seeking Christian marriage or premarital counseling, we walk with you in grace and truth.</p>
  295. </div><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-7 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Christian couple receiving marriage counseling and biblical guidance" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22466" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-200x112.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-400x224.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-600x336.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-800x448.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-1200x673.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_796793375-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-7"><h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;&#093;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Christian Counseling for Relationships</h3>
  296. <p style="text-align: center; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If your relationship feels stuck, strained, or spiritually distant, Christian marriage counseling can help. We support couples healing from:</p>
  297. <ul data-spread="false">
  298. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Infidelity and trust issues</span></li>
  299. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Constant conflict or silent disconnection</span></li>
  300. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Emotional walls and unmet needs</span></li>
  301. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Different spiritual journeys or church wounds</span></li>
  302. </ul>
  303. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We also offer premarital counseling rooted in biblical principles—giving couples a strong spiritual and emotional foundation before they say &#8220;I do.&#8221;</p>
  304. </div><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-8 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Bible verses guiding Christian decision making in therapy" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22467" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-200x112.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-400x224.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-600x336.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-800x448.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-1200x673.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1172096137-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-8"><h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;&#093;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian Counseling for Decision-Making, Anxiety, and Emotional Clarity</h3>
  305. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Many clients come to us saying:</p>
  306. <blockquote>
  307. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">&#8220;I’ve prayed and read every verse about decision making, but I’m still stuck.&#8221;</p>
  308. </blockquote>
  309. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We understand. Our Christian therapists walk you through both emotional regulation and faith-based decision making, using clinical tools and Scripture such as:</p>
  310. <ul data-spread="false">
  311. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)</span></li>
  312. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” (James 1:5)</span></li>
  313. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Whether you turn to the right or the left… this is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)</span></li>
  314. </ul>
  315. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to live in confusion. You can live in clarity, confidence, and Christ-led peace.</p>
  316. <div>
  317. <hr />
  318. </div>
  319. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting, Confusion &amp; the Search for Truth</h3>
  320. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you’ve experienced emotional abuse or manipulation, known as gaslighting, it can leave you doubting your own reality. We help clients unpack gaslighting examples and reconnect to God’s truth about their identity and worth.</p>
  321. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Biblical counseling helps you heal from confusion and walk in the light of clarity, safety, and wholeness.</p>
  322. <div>
  323. <hr />
  324. </div>
  325. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Scriptures for Decision Making &amp; Choosing a Faith-Based Counseling Center</h3>
  326. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When you&#8217;re choosing a Christian counseling center, it can feel overwhelming. You&#8217;re not just selecting a service; you&#8217;re trusting someone with your heart and healing. Let these verses guide your process:</p>
  327. <h4 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 18; line-height: 2; --minfontsize: 18; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="18" data-lineheight="36px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Guidance for All Decisions</h4>
  328. <ul data-spread="false">
  329. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Proverbs 3:5–6</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Trust in the Lord, and He will make your paths straight.</span></li>
  330. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">James 1:5</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously.</span></li>
  331. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Isaiah 30:21</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — You will hear a voice behind you saying, &#8220;This is the way.&#8221;</span></li>
  332. </ul>
  333. <h4 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 18; line-height: 2; --minfontsize: 18; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="18" data-lineheight="36px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Discernment When Choosing Support</h4>
  334. <ul data-spread="false">
  335. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Psalm 1:1–2</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Blessed are those who do not walk in ungodly counsel.</span></li>
  336. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Proverbs 11:14</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — In a multitude of counselors there is safety.</span></li>
  337. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Matthew 7:15–16</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — By their fruit you will recognize them.</span></li>
  338. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">1 Thessalonians 5:21</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Test everything; hold fast to what is good.</span></li>
  339. </ul>
  340. <h4 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 18; line-height: 2; --minfontsize: 18; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="18" data-lineheight="36px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Verses to Pray Over When You’re Not Sure</h4>
  341. <ul data-spread="false">
  342. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Psalm 32:8</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — God will counsel you with His loving eye.</span></li>
  343. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Romans 12:2</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.</span></li>
  344. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Philippians 4:6–7</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Present your requests to God, and His peace will guard your heart.</span></li>
  345. </ul>
  346. <div>
  347. <hr />
  348. </div>
  349. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Why Choose Embrace for Biblical Counseling?</h3>
  350. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We know there are many options when you search &#8220;counseling near me.&#8221; Here’s why thousands have chosen Embrace:</p>
  351. <ul data-spread="false">
  352. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Faith-First, Not Faith-Tacked-On</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Scripture is central to everything we do.</span></li>
  353. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Led by Doctors &amp; Licensed Clinicians</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Not coaching, but real therapy.</span></li>
  354. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We Don’t Answer to Insurance—We Answer to God</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Sessions stay private and spirit-led.</span></li>
  355. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Worldwide Access via Telehealth</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Biblical counseling available globally.</span></li>
  356. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Affordable, Transparent Pricing</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Clear fees with no surprises or insurance red tape.</span></li>
  357. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Whole-Family Focus</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — Help for kids, teens, adults, and couples.</span></li>
  358. </ul>
  359. <div>
  360. <hr />
  361. </div>
  362. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ready to Begin?</h3>
  363. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your healing is sacred. Your decisions matter. And your peace is worth pursuing.</p>
  364. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you’re ready to start your journey with a team that honors your faith, your emotional health, and your future—we’re here for you.</p>
  365. <p><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Schedule today. Let’s walk this out together.</strong></p>
  366. <p><em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Serving Royse City, Rockwall, Greenville &amp; anywhere worldwide via Telehealth.</span></em></p>
  367. <p><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Christian Counseling Near Me</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> | </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Biblical Decision Making</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> | </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Faith-Based Therapy with Embrace New Life</strong></p>
  368. </div><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-9 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1435" title="Jesus is our King" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22470" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-200x112.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-400x224.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-600x336.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-800x448.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-1200x673.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_1217756784-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-9"><p style="text-align: center;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;'list',{'spread':false,'start':3805,'end':4149},'regular_list_item',{'start':4024,'end':4149}&#093;"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">3 John 1:2</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> — “<span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-style: italic; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500italic">Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.</span>”</span></p>
  369. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  370. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/biblical-counseling-biblical-decision-making/">Biblical Counseling &#038; Biblical Decision-Making</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
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  376. <item>
  377. <title>Reignite the Spark: Intimacy Games &#038; Romantic Ideas for Christian Couples</title>
  378. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/reignite-the-spark-intimacy-games-romantic-ideas-for-christian-couples/</link>
  380. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  381. <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:32:09 +0000</pubDate>
  382. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  383. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=22450</guid>
  384.  
  385. <description><![CDATA[💑 Rekindling Romance: Hopeful, Holy, and Playful Ways to Reignite Intimacy in Christian Marriage Marriage is beautiful. But let’s be honest - some days, it’s also hard. We fall in love with someone’s heart, their laugh, their kindness, and the way they make us feel safe. But over time, life gets full. Bills stack  [...]]]></description>
  386. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-10 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Activities For Christian Married Couples: Games to Spice Up Your Sex Life" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spice-up-romance.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22451" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spice-up-romance-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spice-up-romance-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spice-up-romance-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/spice-up-romance.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-10"><h1 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 80; line-height: 1; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="267" data-end="366" data-fontsize="80" data-lineheight="80px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><span style="font-size: 31px;" data-fusion-font="true"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f491.png" alt="💑" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Rekindling Romance:<br />
  387. Hopeful, Holy, and Playful Ways to Reignite Intimacy in Christian Marriage</span></h1>
  388. <p data-start="368" data-end="441"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="368" data-end="441" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Marriage is beautiful. But let’s be honest &#8211; some days, it’s also hard.</strong></p>
  389. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="443" data-end="782" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We fall in love with someone’s heart, their laugh, their kindness, and the way they make us feel safe. But over time, life gets full. Bills stack up. Kids need rides. Work runs late. And somewhere between the grocery list and Sunday service, many couples find that intimacy &#8211; especially sexual intimacy &#8211; has quietly faded into the background.</p>
  390. <p data-start="784" data-end="866"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you’re there right now, take heart: </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="823" data-end="866" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">you’re not alone &#8211; and you’re not broken.</strong></p>
  391. <p data-start="868" data-end="1076"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Even in Christ-centered marriages, romance can lose its rhythm. That’s not a sign of failure. It’s a gentle invitation to </span><em data-start="990" data-end="1000"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">reawaken</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> what you once shared, and maybe even discover something better than before.</span></p>
  392. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1078" data-end="1281" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let’s talk about how Christian couples can intentionally rekindle their affection, deepen their emotional and physical connection, and fall in love all over again &#8211; without shame, pressure, or performance.</p>
  393. <hr data-start="1283" data-end="1286">
  394. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="1288" data-end="1337" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"></h2>
  395. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="1288" data-end="1337" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2728.png" alt="✨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> First, Let’s Talk About Effort &#8211; The Good Kind</h2>
  396. <p data-start="1339" data-end="1539"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We often pray for closeness, better communication, or a more fulfilling sex life. And prayer is powerful. But James 2 reminds us that </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1473" data-end="1505" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">faith without works is dead.</strong><br data-start="1505" data-end="1508"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">That includes relational faith.</span></p>
  397. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1541" data-end="1679" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Romantic connection is not sustained by prayer alone. It’s built through small, deliberate acts of love, playfulness, curiosity, and care.</p>
  398. <blockquote data-start="1681" data-end="1766">
  399. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1683" data-end="1766" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18</p>
  400. </blockquote>
  401. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1768" data-end="1881" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So how do we begin again? Not just with a conversation—but with courage, creativity, and maybe even a little fun.</p>
  402. </div><BR>
  403. <div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-11 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" title="Reignite Intimacy" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22452" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227483344-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-11"><h2 class="" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="1888" data-end="1964" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3b2.png" alt="🎲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Reignite the Spark: Games and Activities for Christian Married Couples</h2>
  404. <p data-start="1966" data-end="2006"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let’s reclaim </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1980" data-end="1988" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">play</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> in your marriage.</span></p>
  405. <p data-start="2008" data-end="2333"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Play doesn’t just belong to children. Married couples who play together tend to experience greater closeness, higher satisfaction, and deeper emotional and sexual intimacy. Why? Because play disarms fear, lowers stress, and reminds us we are </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2250" data-end="2333" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">more than roommates or co-parents &#8211; we’re lovers, friends, and covenant partners.</strong></p>
  406. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2335" data-end="2420" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Here are a few romantic, faith-honoring ways to explore affection and intimacy again:</p>
  407. <h3 class="" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2422" data-end="2476" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f0cf.png" alt="🃏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Intimacy Games to Try (With No Shame Attached):</h3>
  408. <ul data-start="2477" data-end="3097">
  409. <li data-start="2477" data-end="2552">
  410. <p data-start="2479" data-end="2552"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2479" data-end="2495" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Couples dice</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> – Lighthearted prompts that invite flirtation and touch.</span></p>
  411. </li>
  412. <li data-start="2553" data-end="2720">
  413. <p data-start="2555" data-end="2720"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2555" data-end="2583" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sexy board or card games</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> &#8211; Choose games designed for couples to spark questions, dares, or playful intimacy (be sure to vet options that align with your values).</span></p>
  414. </li>
  415. <li data-start="2721" data-end="2817">
  416. <p data-start="2723" data-end="2817"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2723" data-end="2747" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Hot oil massage kits</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> &#8211; Take turns pampering each other, prioritizing relaxation and trust.</span></p>
  417. </li>
  418. <li data-start="2818" data-end="2943">
  419. <p data-start="2820" data-end="2943"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2820" data-end="2848" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Food play (yes, really!)</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> &#8211; Strawberries, whipped cream, or warm chocolate can be part of a sweet and sacred flirtation.</span></p>
  420. </li>
  421. </ul>
  422. <p data-start="3099" data-end="3221"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3099" data-end="3146" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The goal isn’t performance &#8211; it’s connection.</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Trying something new builds trust. And trust is fertile soil for intimacy.</span></p>
  423. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-12 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" title="Games Couples Play" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22454" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_227486536-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-12"><h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px; text-align: center;" data-start="3228" data-end="3293" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">
  424. <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f48c.png" alt="💌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Foreplay Isn’t Just Physical<br />It’s Emotional and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">ntentional</span></h2>
  425. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3295" data-end="3425" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Foreplay doesn’t begin in the bedroom. It begins in the kitchen, in the hallway, or in how you speak to each other at breakfast.</p>
  426. <p data-start="3427" data-end="3478"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">True foreplay is about </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3450" data-end="3471" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">seeing each other</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> again.</span></p>
  427. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3480" data-end="3542" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Here are ways to set the mood long before sex is on the table:</p>
  428. <ul data-start="3544" data-end="3950">
  429. <li data-start="3544" data-end="3593">
  430. <p data-start="3546" data-end="3593"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3546" data-end="3593" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Clean the house or finish a chore they hate</strong></p>
  431. </li>
  432. <li data-start="3594" data-end="3631">
  433. <p data-start="3596" data-end="3631"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3596" data-end="3631" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Run a bath with candles waiting</strong></p>
  434. </li>
  435. <li data-start="3632" data-end="3685">
  436. <p data-start="3634" data-end="3685"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3634" data-end="3685" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Warm towels and lotion ready after their shower</strong></p>
  437. </li>
  438. <li data-start="3686" data-end="3738">
  439. <p data-start="3688" data-end="3738"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3688" data-end="3738" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Write a sticky note of praise or encouragement</strong></p>
  440. </li>
  441. <li data-start="3739" data-end="3778">
  442. <p data-start="3741" data-end="3778"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3741" data-end="3778" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Send a kind or spicy text mid-day</strong></p>
  443. </li>
  444. <li data-start="3779" data-end="3849">
  445. <p data-start="3781" data-end="3849"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3781" data-end="3849" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Make their favorite meal &#8211; even if it’s frozen waffles at midnight</strong></p>
  446. </li>
  447. <li data-start="3850" data-end="3898">
  448. <p data-start="3852" data-end="3898"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3852" data-end="3898" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Kiss their neck while they’re doing dishes</strong></p>
  449. </li>
  450. <li data-start="3899" data-end="3950">
  451. <p data-start="3901" data-end="3950"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3901" data-end="3950" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ask: “What would feel loving to you tonight?”</strong></p>
  452. </li>
  453. </ul>
  454. <p data-start="3952" data-end="4095"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Foreplay is about helping your spouse feel </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3995" data-end="4021" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">wanted, seen, and safe</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">. If those ingredients are present, sexual desire often follows naturally.</span></p>
  455. <hr data-start="4097" data-end="4100">
  456. <h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="4102" data-end="4137" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"></h2>
  457. <h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="4102" data-end="4137" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f33f.png" alt="🌿" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Take Care of You, Too</h2>
  458. <p data-start="4139" data-end="4247"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We sometimes forget: </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4160" data-end="4247" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">your relationship with your own body affects your ability to give and receive love.</strong></p>
  459. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4249" data-end="4423" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When we don’t feel confident in ourselves &#8211; physically, emotionally, or spiritually &#8211; it’s harder to lean into intimacy. It’s harder to believe we’re desirable or worth pleasure.</p>
  460. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4425" data-end="4497" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So let’s get honest about the little things that bring you back to life:</p>
  461. <ul data-start="4499" data-end="4774">
  462. <li data-start="4499" data-end="4517">
  463. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4501" data-end="4517" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A good haircut</p>
  464. </li>
  465. <li data-start="4518" data-end="4545">
  466. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4520" data-end="4545" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A daily walk or workout</p>
  467. </li>
  468. <li data-start="4546" data-end="4576">
  469. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4548" data-end="4576" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Time with God in stillness</p>
  470. </li>
  471. <li data-start="4577" data-end="4620">
  472. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4579" data-end="4620" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A new lotion that makes you feel lovely</p>
  473. </li>
  474. <li data-start="4621" data-end="4663">
  475. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4623" data-end="4663" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Hydrating, sleeping, and laughing more</p>
  476. </li>
  477. <li data-start="4664" data-end="4717">
  478. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4666" data-end="4717" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Time with friends who speak truth over your worth</p>
  479. </li>
  480. <li data-start="4718" data-end="4774">
  481. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4720" data-end="4774" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Therapy or coaching to heal wounds that dim your light</p>
  482. </li>
  483. </ul>
  484. <hr data-start="4859" data-end="4862">
  485. <h2 class="" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="4864" data-end="4905" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f64c.png" alt="🙌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> It’s Okay to Need Help Reconnecting</h2>
  486. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4907" data-end="5027" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you’re thinking, “This all sounds good, but we’ve grown so far apart… I don’t even know where to begin,” we hear you.</p>
  487. <p data-start="5029" data-end="5227"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This is where Christian couples counseling can be a true gift.</span><br data-start="5091" data-end="5094"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">No judgment. No lectures. Just a safe, sacred space to learn how to communicate again, laugh again, touch again, and </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5211" data-end="5226" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">trust again</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">. We&#8217;ve been your local leaders in private Christian counseling for over 20 years.</span></p>
  488. <p data-start="5229" data-end="5416"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sometimes you just need a little guidance to break out of old patterns and find your way back to joy. And sometimes you just need someone to say: </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5375" data-end="5416" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“You’re not alone. This is possible.”</strong></p>
  489. </div><BR>
  490. <div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-13 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" title="A kiss" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22455" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_270802310-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-13"><h2 class="" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="5423" data-end="5446" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f54a.png" alt="🕊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A Holy Invitation</h2>
  491. <p data-start="5448" data-end="5522"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Marriage was never meant to be perfect. It was meant to be </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5507" data-end="5521" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">redemptive</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  492. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5524" data-end="5639" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Jesus turns water into wine. He makes dry bones dance. And He can absolutely breathe new life into your love story.</p>
  493. <p data-start="5641" data-end="5877"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So if you’re tired of feeling more like roommates than lovers, or you’re hungry for affection, laughter, and sacred intimacy again &#8211; </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5772" data-end="5796" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">take one small step. </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Plan a playful night. Try something new. Speak a kind word. </span></p>
  494. <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="5641" data-end="5877"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Or boo<span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">k a session.</span></span></p>
  495. <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Because even if it’s been a long time…</span></div>
  496. </p>
  497. <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" data-start="5920" data-end="5964" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">it’s not too late to f</span>all in love again.</span></div></p>
  498. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  499. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/reignite-the-spark-intimacy-games-romantic-ideas-for-christian-couples/">Reignite the Spark: Intimacy Games &#038; Romantic Ideas for Christian Couples</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  500. ]]></content:encoded>
  504. </item>
  505. <item>
  506. <title>Premarital Counseling</title>
  507. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/premarital-counseling/</link>
  509. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  510. <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
  511. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  512. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=22435</guid>
  513.  
  514. <description><![CDATA[💍 Before “I Do”: Why Premarital Christian Counseling Is a Beautiful Investment in Your Future Together In the joyful whirlwind of engagement, it’s easy for the wedding to take center stage.Guest lists. Venues. Dress fittings. Travel plans.There’s so much to organize, so many decisions to make, and so many people depending on you.  [...]]]></description>
  515. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-14 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Christian Premarital Counseling" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/premarital-blog.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22436" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/premarital-blog-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/premarital-blog-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/premarital-blog-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/premarital-blog.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-14"><h1 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: center; --fontsize: 29; line-height: 1; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 29px;" data-start="216" data-end="321" data-fontsize="29" data-lineheight="29px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f48d.png" alt="💍" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Before “I Do”:<br />
  516. Why Premarital Christian Counseling Is a Beautiful Investment in Your Future Together</h1>
  517. <p data-start="323" data-end="557"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In the joyful whirlwind of engagement, it’s easy for the wedding to take center stage.</span><br data-start="409" data-end="412" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Guest lists. Venues. Dress fittings. Travel plans.</span><br data-start="462" data-end="465" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">There’s so much to organize, so many decisions to make, and so many people depending on you.</span></p>
  518. <p data-start="559" data-end="737"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">But behind all the seating charts and Spotify playlists is something even more precious than the celebration itself: </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="676" data-end="697" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">your relationship &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">the foundation of your future marriage.</span></p>
  519. <p data-start="739" data-end="979"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And that’s why </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="754" data-end="821" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">premarital Christian counseling isn’t just helpful &#8211; it’s a gift.</strong><br data-start="821" data-end="824" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A gift of intentionality. A moment of stillness.</span><br data-start="872" data-end="875" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A sacred pause to focus not just on the day you say “I do,” but on the lifetime of days that come after.</span></p>
  520. <hr data-start="981" data-end="984" />
  521. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 30; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="986" data-end="1041" data-fontsize="30" data-lineheight="37.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f54a.png" alt="🕊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> What the Bible Says About Engagement and Marriage</h2>
  522. <p data-start="1043" data-end="1319"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In biblical times, engagement &#8211; often referred to as </span><em data-start="1094" data-end="1105"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">betrothal &#8211; </span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">was deeply binding, more covenantal than casual. It was a sacred commitment, even before vows were exchanged. While ancient betrothals were more contractual than romantic, Scripture’s heartbeat remains timeless:</span></p>
  523. <blockquote data-start="1321" data-end="1431">
  524. <p data-start="1323" data-end="1431"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – </span><em data-start="1415" data-end="1431"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ephesians 5:25</span></em></p>
  525. </blockquote>
  526. <p data-start="1433" data-end="1638"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Love. Sacrifice. Covenant.</span><br data-start="1459" data-end="1462" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">God’s vision for marriage is one of deep mutual care, humility, and commitment &#8211; qualities that aren’t sparked by ceremony alone, but cultivated through preparation and practice.</span></p>
  527. </div><BR><div class="sp-wp-team-pro-wrapper">
  528. <div id="sptp-20633"
  529. class="sp-team-pro sptp-carousel sptp-section sptp-modal">
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  539. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  540. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image_gingham_via_10015_io2.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
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  542. </div>
  543. </div>
  544. </a>
  545. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  546. <h2>Dr. David Foster, LPC</h2>
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  548. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  549. <h4>Clinical Therapist</h4>
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  551. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  552. </div>
  553. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  554. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath &amp; Virtual</span>
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  556. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  557. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Adolescents</span>
  558. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  559. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  560. <div class="sptp-top">
  561. 100% </div>
  562. </div>
  563. </div>
  564. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Adults</span>
  565. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  566. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  567. <div class="sptp-top">
  568. 100% </div>
  569. </div>
  570. </div>
  571. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples</span>
  572. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  573. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  574. <div class="sptp-top">
  575. 100% </div>
  576. </div>
  577. </div>
  578. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Spiritual Formation</span>
  579. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  580. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  581. <div class="sptp-top">
  582. 100% </div>
  583. </div>
  584. </div>
  585. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Minister &amp; Missionary Care</span>
  586. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  587. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  588. <div class="sptp-top">
  589. 100% </div>
  590. </div>
  591. </div>
  592. </div>
  593. </div>
  594. </div>
  595. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="17976">
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  598. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  599. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  600. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  601. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  602. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  603. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image_normal_via_10015_io.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  604. </div>
  605. </div>
  606. </div>
  607. </a>
  608. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  609. <h2>Dr. Jenna Moore</h2>
  610. </div>
  611. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  612. <h4>Doctoral Psychologist Resident</h4>
  613. </div>
  614. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  615. </div>
  616. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  617. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath &amp; Virtual</span>
  618. </div>
  619. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  620. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Teens</span>
  621. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  622. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  623. <div class="sptp-top">
  624. 100% </div>
  625. </div>
  626. </div>
  627. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples</span>
  628. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  629. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  630. <div class="sptp-top">
  631. 100% </div>
  632. </div>
  633. </div>
  634. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Adults</span>
  635. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  636. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  637. <div class="sptp-top">
  638. 100% </div>
  639. </div>
  640. </div>
  641. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Assessments</span>
  642. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  643. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  644. <div class="sptp-top">
  645. 100% </div>
  646. </div>
  647. </div>
  648. </div>
  649. </div>
  650. </div>
  651. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="14678">
  652. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  653. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  654. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  655. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  656. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  657. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  658. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  659. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ejd2-1.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  660. </div>
  661. </div>
  662. </div>
  663. </a>
  664. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  665. <h2>Dr. Elizabeth Davis, LPC-S</h2>
  666. </div>
  667. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  668. <h4>Clinical Therapist</h4>
  669. </div>
  670. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  671. </div>
  672. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  673. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath, Royse City &amp; Greenville</span>
  674. </div>
  675. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  676. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Anxiety &amp; Inner Child Trauma</span>
  677. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  678. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  679. <div class="sptp-top">
  680. 100% </div>
  681. </div>
  682. </div>
  683. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Disordered Eating Recovery</span>
  684. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  685. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  686. <div class="sptp-top">
  687. 100% </div>
  688. </div>
  689. </div>
  690. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples &amp; Women&#039;s Issues</span>
  691. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  692. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  693. <div class="sptp-top">
  694. 100% </div>
  695. </div>
  696. </div>
  697. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Court - Reunification Therapy</span>
  698. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  699. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  700. <div class="sptp-top">
  701. 100% </div>
  702. </div>
  703. </div>
  704. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Court - Pro-Defense Support</span>
  705. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  706. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  707. <div class="sptp-top">
  708. 100% </div>
  709. </div>
  710. </div>
  711. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Personal Injury Trauma</span>
  712. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  713. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  714. <div class="sptp-top">
  715. 100% </div>
  716. </div>
  717. </div>
  718. </div>
  719. </div>
  720. </div>
  721. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="21638">
  722. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  723. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  724. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  725. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  726. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  727. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  728. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  729. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sk2.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  730. </div>
  731. </div>
  732. </div>
  733. </a>
  734. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  735. <h2>Stephen Kleine, M.A., LPC, LCDC, CCTP-II, SSP, CSAT-C</h2>
  736. </div>
  737. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  738. <h4>Clinical Therapist</h4>
  739. </div>
  740. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  741. </div>
  742. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  743. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Rockwall/Heath, Virtual across Tx</span>
  744. </div>
  745. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  746. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Sexual Addiction</span>
  747. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  748. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  749. <div class="sptp-top">
  750. 100% </div>
  751. </div>
  752. </div>
  753. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples Healing Infidelity</span>
  754. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  755. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  756. <div class="sptp-top">
  757. 100% </div>
  758. </div>
  759. </div>
  760. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Trauma</span>
  761. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  762. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  763. <div class="sptp-top">
  764. 100% </div>
  765. </div>
  766. </div>
  767. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Men&#039;s Issues (16+)</span>
  768. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  769. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  770. <div class="sptp-top">
  771. 100% </div>
  772. </div>
  773. </div>
  774. </div>
  775. </div>
  776. </div>
  777. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="19472">
  778. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  779. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  780. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  781. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  782. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  783. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  784. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  785. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/claudia.jpg" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  786. </div>
  787. </div>
  788. </div>
  789. </a>
  790. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  791. <h2>Claudia Fernandez, QMHP, LMFT</h2>
  792. </div>
  793. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  794. <h4>Clinical Therapist</h4>
  795. </div>
  796. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  797. </div>
  798. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  799. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath &amp; Virtual</span>
  800. </div>
  801. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  802. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Littles (Ages 4+)</span>
  803. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  804. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  805. <div class="sptp-top">
  806. 100% </div>
  807. </div>
  808. </div>
  809. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Teens</span>
  810. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  811. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  812. <div class="sptp-top">
  813. 100% </div>
  814. </div>
  815. </div>
  816. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Adults</span>
  817. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  818. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  819. <div class="sptp-top">
  820. 100% </div>
  821. </div>
  822. </div>
  823. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples</span>
  824. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  825. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  826. <div class="sptp-top">
  827. 100% </div>
  828. </div>
  829. </div>
  830. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Bilingual: Spanish</span>
  831. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  832. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  833. <div class="sptp-top">
  834. 100% </div>
  835. </div>
  836. </div>
  837. </div>
  838. </div>
  839. </div>
  840. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="19704">
  841. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  842. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  843. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  844. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  845. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  846. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  847. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  848. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rena-1.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  849. </div>
  850. </div>
  851. </div>
  852. </a>
  853. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  854. <h2>Rena Freedman, MA, LPC A</h2>
  855. </div>
  856. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  857. <h4>Clinical Therapist</h4>
  858. </div>
  859. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  860. </div>
  861. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  862. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath, Royse City &amp; Virtual</span>
  863. </div>
  864. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  865. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Anxiety</span>
  866. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  867. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  868. <div class="sptp-top">
  869. 100% </div>
  870. </div>
  871. </div>
  872. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Depression</span>
  873. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  874. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  875. <div class="sptp-top">
  876. 100% </div>
  877. </div>
  878. </div>
  879. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Perfectionism</span>
  880. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  881. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  882. <div class="sptp-top">
  883. 100% </div>
  884. </div>
  885. </div>
  886. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Women&#039;s Issues</span>
  887. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  888. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  889. <div class="sptp-top">
  890. 100% </div>
  891. </div>
  892. </div>
  893. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Relationship Issues</span>
  894. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  895. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  896. <div class="sptp-top">
  897. 100% </div>
  898. </div>
  899. </div>
  900. </div>
  901. </div>
  902. </div>
  903. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="20195">
  904. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  905. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  906. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  907. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  908. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  909. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  910. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  911. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cd.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  912. </div>
  913. </div>
  914. </div>
  915. </a>
  916. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  917. <h2>Candace Davis</h2>
  918. </div>
  919. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  920. <h4>MA Practicum Intern | Supervised by: Dr. Elizabeth Davis, LPC-S</h4>
  921. </div>
  922. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  923. </div>
  924. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  925. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath, Royse City, Greenville &amp; Virtual</span>
  926. </div>
  927. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  928. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Teens</span>
  929. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  930. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  931. <div class="sptp-top">
  932. 100% </div>
  933. </div>
  934. </div>
  935. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Adults</span>
  936. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  937. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  938. <div class="sptp-top">
  939. 100% </div>
  940. </div>
  941. </div>
  942. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Couples</span>
  943. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  944. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  945. <div class="sptp-top">
  946. 100% </div>
  947. </div>
  948. </div>
  949. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Biblical Counseling</span>
  950. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  951. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  952. <div class="sptp-top">
  953. 100% </div>
  954. </div>
  955. </div>
  956. </div>
  957. </div>
  958. </div>
  959. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="21172">
  960. <div class="sptp-member  border-bg-around-member sptp-square">
  961. <a class="sptp-member-avatar  sptp-popup-trigger " target=&quot;_blank&quot;  href="" >
  962. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img-area">
  963. <div class="sptp-member-avatar-img sptp-square sptp-icon-on-image none">
  964. <div class="sptp-overflow-h">
  965. <div class="sptp-icon text-center">
  966. <i class="fa fa-plus"></i> </div>
  967. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/chris.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  968. </div>
  969. </div>
  970. </div>
  971. </a>
  972. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  973. <h2>Christopher Chamberlain</h2>
  974. </div>
  975. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  976. <h4>Clinical Intern</h4>
  977. </div>
  978. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  979. </div>
  980. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  981. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath, Royse City, Greenville &amp; Virtual</span>
  982. </div>
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  987. <div class="sptp-top">
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  991. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Men&#039;s Issues</span>
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  1012. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Trauma</span>
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  1022. <div class="swiper-slide sp-team-pro-item" data-member="16334">
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  1030. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image_gingham_via_10015_io12.png" alt="Relationship &#038; Marriage Counselors" width="172" height="182">
  1031. </div>
  1032. </div>
  1033. </div>
  1034. </a>
  1035. <div class="sptp-member-name">
  1036. <h2>Shann Davis, MA, APSAT</h2>
  1037. </div>
  1038. <div class="sptp-member-profession">
  1039. <h4>APSAT, Biblical Counselor</h4>
  1040. </div>
  1041. <div class="sptp-member-desc">
  1042. </div>
  1043. <div class="sptp-member-location">
  1044. <i class="fa fa-map-marker"></i> <span>Heath, Royse City &amp; Greenville</span>
  1045. </div>
  1046. <div class="sptp-member-skill-progress">
  1047. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Women&#039;s Issues</span>
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  1054. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Women in Ministry</span>
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  1058. 100% </div>
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  1061. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Women Healing from Betrayal</span>
  1062. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
  1063. <div class="sptp-progress-bar sptp-tooltip">
  1064. <div class="sptp-top">
  1065. 100% </div>
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  1068. <span class="sptp-progress-text">Partner of Sex Addiction Trauma</span>
  1069. <div class="sptp-progress-container" data-title="100%">
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  1080. <div class="sptp-button-next swiper-button-next top-right"><i class="fa fa-angle-right"></i></div>
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  1084. </div>
  1085. <div class="fusion-text fusion-text-15"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 32; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="1645" data-end="1701" data-fontsize="32" data-lineheight="40px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f331.png" alt="🌱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> What to Expect from Premarital Counseling</h2>
  1086. <p data-start="1703" data-end="1968"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you and your fiancé are considering Christian premarital counseling in Texas, know this: it isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1840" data-end="1877" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">strengthening what’s already good</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, uncovering what may still be unspoken, and creating a solid foundation for life together.</span></p>
  1087. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1970" data-end="2056" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">During your sessions, you’ll be guided by a compassionate counselor who will help you:</p>
  1088. <ul data-start="2058" data-end="2380">
  1089. <li data-start="2058" data-end="2111">
  1090. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2060" data-end="2111" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Explore your individual stories and shared dreams</p>
  1091. </li>
  1092. <li data-start="2112" data-end="2171">
  1093. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2114" data-end="2171" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Learn practical skills for communication and connection</p>
  1094. </li>
  1095. <li data-start="2172" data-end="2233">
  1096. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2174" data-end="2233" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Unpack any fears or baggage in a safe, faith-filled space</p>
  1097. </li>
  1098. <li data-start="2234" data-end="2306">
  1099. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2236" data-end="2306" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Clarify expectations for marriage, family, roles, finances, and more</p>
  1100. </li>
  1101. <li data-start="2307" data-end="2380">
  1102. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2309" data-end="2380" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Celebrate the love that brought you together &#8211; with intention and clarity</p>
  1103. </li>
  1104. </ul>
  1105. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2382" data-end="2568" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace New Life / Your Counseling Center, your 15-minute preliminary call is risk-free. You’ll speak to your counselor, share your goals, and design a path that fits your relationship and timeline. If you discover that it isn&#8217;t a right fit, we can match you with a therapist that is.</p>
  1106. <hr data-start="2570" data-end="2573" />
  1107. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 30; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="2575" data-end="2652" data-fontsize="30" data-lineheight="37.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a1.png" alt="💡" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Reasons Every Engaged Couple Should Consider Premarital Counseling</h2>
  1108. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2654" data-end="2782" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Here are just a few of the reasons couples tell us they’re grateful they made time for counseling &#8211; before walking down the aisle:</p>
  1109. <hr data-start="2784" data-end="2787" />
  1110. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="2789" data-end="2839" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">1. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2796" data-end="2839" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Intentionality in the Midst of Busyness</strong></h3>
  1111. <p data-start="2841" data-end="3058"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In the rush of wedding planning, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing all of this: to build a beautiful life together.</span><br data-start="2966" data-end="2969" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Premarital counseling is a weekly or biweekly anchor &#8211; a time set apart just for </span><em data-start="3048" data-end="3057"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">you two</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1112. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3060" data-end="3166" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It offers a sacred rhythm where your love, your concerns, your hopes, and your faith are front and center.</p>
  1113. <hr data-start="3168" data-end="3171" />
  1114. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3173" data-end="3216" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">2. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3180" data-end="3216" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Proven Impact on Marriage Health</strong></h3>
  1115. <p data-start="3218" data-end="3386"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Did you know that couples who engage in premarital counseling report up to </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3293" data-end="3319" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">30% stronger marriages</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> than those who don’t?</span><br data-start="3341" data-end="3344" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">(According to a study reviewed by </span><em data-start="3378" data-end="3385"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">WebMD</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">)</span></p>
  1116. <p data-start="3388" data-end="3420"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">As </span><em data-start="3391" data-end="3409"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Psychology Today</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> puts it:</span></p>
  1117. <blockquote data-start="3421" data-end="3555">
  1118. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3423" data-end="3555" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Couples who engage in premarital counseling have a more realistic view of marriage and a deeper level of commitment to each other.”</p>
  1119. </blockquote>
  1120. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3557" data-end="3658" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s one of the best relational investments you can make—one that pays dividends for decades to come.</p>
  1121. <hr data-start="3660" data-end="3663" />
  1122. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3665" data-end="3721" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">3. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3672" data-end="3721" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Skill-Building for Communication and Conflict</strong></h3>
  1123. <p data-start="3723" data-end="3819"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Love is powerful. But it doesn’t guarantee great communication.</span><br data-start="3786" data-end="3789" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">That’s where counseling helps.</span></p>
  1124. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3821" data-end="3837" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You&#8217;ll learn to:</p>
  1125. <ul data-start="3838" data-end="3991">
  1126. <li data-start="3838" data-end="3869">
  1127. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3840" data-end="3869" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Speak with love and clarity</p>
  1128. </li>
  1129. <li data-start="3870" data-end="3906">
  1130. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3872" data-end="3906" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Listen with empathy and openness</p>
  1131. </li>
  1132. <li data-start="3907" data-end="3958">
  1133. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3909" data-end="3958" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Navigate conflict with grace, not defensiveness</p>
  1134. </li>
  1135. <li data-start="3959" data-end="3991">
  1136. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3961" data-end="3991" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Disagree without disconnecting</p>
  1137. </li>
  1138. </ul>
  1139. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3993" data-end="4120" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This kind of emotional skill set isn’t innate &#8211; it’s learned. And the earlier you learn it, the richer your relationship becomes.</p>
  1140. <hr data-start="4122" data-end="4125" />
  1141. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4127" data-end="4190" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">4. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4134" data-end="4190" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Working Through the Past, Dreaming Toward the Future</strong></h3>
  1142. <p data-start="4192" data-end="4399"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We all bring stories into our relationships &#8211; childhood memories, previous heartbreaks, unspoken expectations.</span><br data-start="4300" data-end="4303" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Premarital counseling creates a gentle space to unpack those things with honesty and compassion.</span></p>
  1143. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4401" data-end="4442" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It also gives you space to dream forward:</p>
  1144. <ul data-start="4443" data-end="4624">
  1145. <li data-start="4443" data-end="4488">
  1146. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4445" data-end="4488" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What kind of family do you want to build?</p>
  1147. </li>
  1148. <li data-start="4489" data-end="4548">
  1149. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4491" data-end="4548" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What rhythms will nurture your spiritual life together?</p>
  1150. </li>
  1151. <li data-start="4549" data-end="4624">
  1152. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4551" data-end="4624" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">How will you handle hard seasons, make big decisions, and stay connected?</p>
  1153. </li>
  1154. </ul>
  1155. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4626" data-end="4693" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These conversations may not all be easy &#8211; but they are always sacred.</p>
  1156. <hr data-start="4695" data-end="4698" />
  1157. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4700" data-end="4754" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">5. </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4707" data-end="4754" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Creating Traditions of Check-Ins and Growth</strong></h3>
  1158. <p data-start="4756" data-end="4936"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Premarital counseling also helps establish </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4799" data-end="4831" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">healthy relationship rhythms &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">like checking in emotionally, praying together, or planning future “tune-up” sessions after the wedding.</span></p>
  1159. <p data-start="4938" data-end="5083"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It removes pressure from one partner to always initiate connection and instead sets you up for </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5033" data-end="5048" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">mutual care &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">a true partnership in every sense.</span></p>
  1160. <hr data-start="5085" data-end="5088" />
  1161. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-15 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="972" title="Christian Premarital Counselor Near Me" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-scaled.jpeg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22445" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-200x76.jpeg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-400x152.jpeg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-600x228.jpeg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-800x304.jpeg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-1200x456.jpeg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AdobeStock_315608620-scaled.jpeg 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-16"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 30; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 30px;" data-start="5090" data-end="5132" data-fontsize="30" data-lineheight="37.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Your Marriage Is Worth Preparing For</h2>
  1162. <p data-start="5134" data-end="5234"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your wedding day will come and go in a flash. But your marriage?</span><br data-start="5198" data-end="5201" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">That’s where real beauty unfolds.</span></p>
  1163. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5236" data-end="5348" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Premarital counseling gives you a chance to begin that journey grounded, equipped, and more connected than ever.</p>
  1164. <hr data-start="5350" data-end="5353" />
  1165. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5355" data-end="5374" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ready to Begin?</h3>
  1166. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5376" data-end="5511" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace, we offer Christ-centered premarital counseling for engaged couples across Texas—in person or via secure telehealth.</p>
  1167. <p data-start="5513" data-end="5604"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Call us at 972.292.7092</span><br data-start="5540" data-end="5543" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f48c.png" alt="💌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Our Christian Counselors offer FREE 15-minute Screening call to match you with the right premarital counseling therapist near you!</span></p>
  1168. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-style: italic;" data-start="5606" data-end="5711" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500italic">Let’s walk with you as you prepare not just for your wedding day &#8211; but for a lifetime of love and covenant.</p>
  1169. </div><BR></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1170. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/premarital-counseling/">Premarital Counseling</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1171. ]]></content:encoded>
  1175. </item>
  1176. <item>
  1177. <title>Gaslighting by Proxy</title>
  1178. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/gaslighting-by-proxy/</link>
  1180. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1181. <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 02:25:11 +0000</pubDate>
  1182. <category><![CDATA[Couples & Marriage]]></category>
  1183. <category><![CDATA[Family Counseling]]></category>
  1184. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=22424</guid>
  1185.  
  1186. <description><![CDATA[Gaslighting by Proxy: How to Recognize It and Begin to Heal “That’s not what I said.”“You’re remembering it wrong.”“Everyone else thinks you’re the problem.” If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation questioning your memory, emotions, or even your sanity - you may have been gaslit. At Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness,  [...]]]></description>
  1187. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-16 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Gas Lighting by Proxy" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gl-by-proxy.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22427" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gl-by-proxy-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gl-by-proxy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gl-by-proxy-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gl-by-proxy.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-17"><p style="text-align: center; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 22px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:<br />
  1188. How to Recognize It and Begin to Heal</p>
  1189. <p data-start="137" data-end="252"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="137" data-end="166" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“That’s not what I said.”</strong><br data-start="166" data-end="169" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="169" data-end="203" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“You’re remembering it wrong.”</strong><br data-start="203" data-end="206" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="206" data-end="252" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Everyone else thinks you’re the problem.”</strong></p>
  1190. <p data-start="254" data-end="385"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation questioning your memory, emotions, or even your sanity &#8211; </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="356" data-end="384" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">you may have been gaslit</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1191. <p data-start="387" data-end="792"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness, we walk alongside individuals and families who have experienced emotional confusion caused by gaslighting, often layered with childhood wounds, toxic faith environments, or high-conflict relationships. Understanding this form of psychological manipulation &#8211; and its more hidden cousin, </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="714" data-end="738" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">gaslighting by proxy &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">is essential to reclaiming your voice and your peace.</span></p>
  1192. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="799" data-end="822" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What Is Gaslighting?</h2>
  1193. <p data-start="824" data-end="1109"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation in which someone tries to get you to </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="909" data-end="935" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">doubt your own reality</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, often to avoid accountability or maintain control. It can sound subtle &#8211; or outright hostile &#8211; but the result is the same: confusion, shame, and the slow erosion of self-trust.</span></p>
  1194. <p data-start="1111" data-end="1278"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The term comes from the 1944 film </span><em data-start="1145" data-end="1155"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslight</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, in which a husband dims the lights in the house and denies it’s happening, slowly convincing his wife she’s going insane.</span></p>
  1195. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="1285" data-end="1317" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What Is Gaslighting by Proxy?</h2>
  1196. <p data-start="1319" data-end="1572"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by proxy happens when the gaslighter </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1368" data-end="1387" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">recruits others &#8211; </strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">friends, family members, counselors, pastors, or even your own children &#8211; to reinforce their version of reality. This makes the emotional distortion feel even more real and more painful.</span></p>
  1197. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1574" data-end="1583" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Examples:</p>
  1198. <ul data-start="1584" data-end="1764">
  1199. <li data-start="1584" data-end="1633">
  1200. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1586" data-end="1633" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Even your mother agrees you’re too sensitive.”</p>
  1201. </li>
  1202. <li data-start="1634" data-end="1696">
  1203. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1636" data-end="1696" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I talked to Pastor Tom. He thinks you&#8217;re overreacting too.”</p>
  1204. </li>
  1205. <li data-start="1697" data-end="1764">
  1206. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1699" data-end="1764" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Our child is afraid of you now. That should tell you something.”</p>
  1207. </li>
  1208. </ul>
  1209. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1766" data-end="1843" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This tactic can make you feel isolated, ashamed, and completely destabilized.</p>
  1210. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="1850" data-end="1873" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Why It’s So Damaging</h2>
  1211. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1875" data-end="1917" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Both gaslighting and gaslighting by proxy:</p>
  1212. <ul data-start="1918" data-end="2223">
  1213. <li data-start="1918" data-end="2000">
  1214. <p data-start="1920" data-end="2000"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Undermine your ability to </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1946" data-end="2000" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">trust your own thoughts, emotions, and experiences</strong></p>
  1215. </li>
  1216. <li data-start="2001" data-end="2063">
  1217. <p data-start="2003" data-end="2063"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Cause </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2009" data-end="2033" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">emotional dependency</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> on the gaslighter for &#8220;truth&#8221;</span></p>
  1218. </li>
  1219. <li data-start="2064" data-end="2142">
  1220. <p data-start="2066" data-end="2142"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Create </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2073" data-end="2095" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">chronic self-doubt</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, anxiety, depression, and even trauma symptoms</span></p>
  1221. </li>
  1222. <li data-start="2143" data-end="2223">
  1223. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2145" data-end="2223" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Break down support systems by turning others against you or creating confusion</p>
  1224. </li>
  1225. </ul>
  1226. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2225" data-end="2259" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Over time, you may begin to think:</p>
  1227. <ul data-start="2260" data-end="2366">
  1228. <li data-start="2260" data-end="2296">
  1229. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2262" data-end="2296" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Maybe I really am too emotional.”</p>
  1230. </li>
  1231. <li data-start="2297" data-end="2323">
  1232. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2299" data-end="2323" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I must be the problem.”</p>
  1233. </li>
  1234. <li data-start="2324" data-end="2366">
  1235. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2326" data-end="2366" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Nobody else sees it, so it must be me.”</p>
  1236. </li>
  1237. </ul>
  1238. <p data-start="2368" data-end="2451"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These aren’t harmless misunderstandings. These are </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2419" data-end="2451" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">deep psychological injuries.</strong></p>
  1239. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="2458" data-end="2509" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Examples of Gaslighting and Gaslighting by Proxy</h2>
  1240. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2511" data-end="2586" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Below are real-world, therapy-informed examples from work we do at Embrace:</p>
  1241. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="2593" data-end="2624" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f504.png" alt="🔄" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="2600" data-end="2624"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“That Never Happened.”</span></em></h3>
  1242. <p data-start="2625" data-end="2781"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2625" data-end="2641" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “You’re misremembering. You always exaggerate.”</span><br data-start="2689" data-end="2692" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2692" data-end="2717" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “I asked your sister—she says you’re remembering it wrong too.”</span></p>
  1243. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="2788" data-end="2818" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9ca.png" alt="🧊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="2795" data-end="2818"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Emotional Withholding</span></em></h3>
  1244. <p data-start="2819" data-end="3024"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2819" data-end="2835" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Refusing to engage in dialogue by saying, “You’re too emotional. I can’t talk to you.”</span><br data-start="2922" data-end="2925" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2925" data-end="2950" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Telling others, “I tried, but she just yells. You can’t reason with her.”</span></p>
  1245. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3031" data-end="3066" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3ad.png" alt="🎭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3038" data-end="3066"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Public vs. Private Persona</span></em></h3>
  1246. <p data-start="3067" data-end="3282"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3067" data-end="3083" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Acting loving in public while being cruel in private. “Why are you upset? I’ve been nothing but kind.”</span><br data-start="3186" data-end="3189" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3189" data-end="3214" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “Ask anyone &#8211; we look like the perfect couple. She just likes drama.”</span></p>
  1247. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3289" data-end="3312" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a5.png" alt="💥" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3296" data-end="3312"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Blame-Shifting</span></em></h3>
  1248. <p data-start="3313" data-end="3511"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3313" data-end="3329" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “If you didn’t act so cold, I wouldn’t have to say those things.”</span><br data-start="3395" data-end="3398" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3398" data-end="3423" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “Our child even notices how cold you are. That’s why they don’t want to be around you.”</span></p>
  1249. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3518" data-end="3547" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/26ea.png" alt="⛪" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3524" data-end="3547"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Spiritual Gaslighting</span></em></h3>
  1250. <p data-start="3548" data-end="3727"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3548" data-end="3564" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “You’re being punished because you’re not obedient.”</span><br data-start="3617" data-end="3620" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3620" data-end="3645" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting by Proxy:</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> “Our Bible study group prayed about you. We all feel you’re in the wrong spirit.”</span></p>
  1251. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="3734" data-end="3755" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Is It Intentional?</h2>
  1252. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3757" data-end="3783" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sometimes. But not always.</p>
  1253. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3785" data-end="4047" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting and gaslighting by proxy can be intentional, but they also show up in families where people learned to survive by denying or twisting reality. In religious or cultural environments that elevate image over integrity, these behaviors may be normalized.</p>
  1254. <p data-start="4049" data-end="4173"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">But here’s the truth:</span><br data-start="4070" data-end="4073" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4073" data-end="4109" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Intent doesn’t erase the impact.</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> If it’s causing emotional confusion, harm, or shame—it matters.</span></p>
  1255. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="4180" data-end="4203" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">How to Begin Healing</h2>
  1256. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4205" data-end="4284" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You can recover from gaslighting. Here’s how we support our clients at Embrace:</p>
  1257. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4286" data-end="4302" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 1. Name It</h3>
  1258. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4303" data-end="4464" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Putting words to it gives you power. Whether it was from a partner, parent, leader, or friend—naming the gaslighting begins the process of breaking free from it.</p>
  1259. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4466" data-end="4495" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 2. Anchor to Your Truth</h3>
  1260. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4496" data-end="4619" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Start journaling conversations, feelings, or confusing moments. This re-grounds your sense of reality when doubt creeps in.</p>
  1261. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4621" data-end="4655" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 3. Rebuild Trust in Yourself</h3>
  1262. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4656" data-end="4814" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting teaches you to override your gut. Somatic work, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and trauma-informed CBT help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom.</p>
  1263. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4816" data-end="4841" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 4. Don’t Heal Alone</h3>
  1264. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4842" data-end="4985" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Therapy helps you process the manipulation safely. A trained therapist helps you sort out what’s yours to carry—and what never belonged to you.</p>
  1265. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4987" data-end="5018" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 5. Find Faith-Safe Ground</h3>
  1266. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5019" data-end="5190" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If gaslighting was done under the name of “love,” “faith,” or “biblical submission,” our team can help you untangle spiritual manipulation from authentic spiritual growth. We have Christian Counselors and Biblical Counselors that can help!</p>
  1267. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="5197" data-end="5221" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace, We Get It</h2>
  1268. <p data-start="5223" data-end="5457"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We know what emotional manipulation does to a soul. We also know that </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5293" data-end="5317" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">healing is possible.</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Whether you&#8217;re still in the situation or looking back at wounds from long ago, you&#8217;re not crazy. You&#8217;re not too much. And you&#8217;re not alone.</span></p>
  1269. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5464" data-end="5503" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f331.png" alt="🌱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Let’s Begin Your Healing Journey</h3>
  1270. <p data-start="5505" data-end="5679"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4cd.png" alt="📍" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Offices in Rockwall/Heath, Royse City, and Greenville</span><br data-start="5561" data-end="5564" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4bb.png" alt="💻" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Virtual sessions across Texas</span><br data-start="5596" data-end="5599" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/271d.png" alt="✝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Faith-sensitive, trauma-informed, and private-pay for your safety and dignity</span></p>
  1271. <p data-start="5681" data-end="5883"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Call or text: </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5698" data-end="5714" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">972.292.7092</strong><br data-start="5714" data-end="5717" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4c5.png" alt="📅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><a class="cursor-pointer" style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="5720" data-end="5782" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Make an Appointment</a><br data-start="5782" data-end="5785" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Learn more about </span><a class="cursor-pointer" style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="5805" data-end="5883" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Emotional Abuse Recovery</a></p>
  1272. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5890" data-end="5950" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gaslighting thrives in silence. Healing begins in truth.</h3>
  1273. <p style="text-align: center; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5952" data-end="5993" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let Embrace be your place to start again.</p>
  1274. </div><BR></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1275. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/gaslighting-by-proxy/">Gaslighting by Proxy</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1276. ]]></content:encoded>
  1280. </item>
  1281. <item>
  1282. <title>When Big Egos Meet Tender Hearts: What Elon, Trump &#038; Our Relationships Can Teach Us</title>
  1283. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/when-big-egos-meet-tender-hearts-what-elon-trump-our-relationships-can-teach-us/</link>
  1285. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1286. <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 23:14:41 +0000</pubDate>
  1287. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  1288. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=22291</guid>
  1289.  
  1290. <description><![CDATA[Relationships are powerful—and power struggles are real. Whether you’re building a marriage, a business, or just trying to get through a Thursday without someone misreading your tone, you’ve likely encountered the clash between ego and emotion. In the public eye, two of the most well-known personalities—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—have shown us just  [...]]]></description>
  1291. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-17 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Relationship Jenga" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trump-blog.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-22292" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trump-blog-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trump-blog-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trump-blog-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trump-blog.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-18"><p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="435" data-end="491" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Relationships are powerful—and power struggles are real.</p>
  1292. <p data-start="493" data-end="684"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Whether you’re building a marriage, a business, or just trying to get through a Thursday without someone misreading your tone, you’ve likely encountered the clash between </span><em data-start="664" data-end="669"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">ego</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> and </span><em data-start="674" data-end="683"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">emotion</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1293. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="686" data-end="1025" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In the public eye, two of the most well-known personalities—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—have shown us just how challenging it can be when big visions and even bigger egos collide. No matter your opinion of them, their interactions are a masterclass in what happens when dominance takes the front seat and connection gets pushed to the back.</p>
  1294. <p data-start="1027" data-end="1241"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And while most of us don’t run social media empires or launch rockets, we still deal with the same core issue:</span><br data-start="1137" data-end="1140" /><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1140" data-end="1241" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">How do we stay emotionally connected in the presence of strong personalities and strong emotions?</strong></p>
  1295. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1243" data-end="1336" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Here’s what we know from working with real couples, friends, business partners, and families:</p>
  1296. <hr data-start="1338" data-end="1341" />
  1297. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="1343" data-end="1395" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2728.png" alt="✨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> 6 Principles That Turn Conflict into Connection</h2>
  1298. <p data-start="1397" data-end="1525"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1397" data-end="1417" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">1. Empathy &gt; Ego</strong><br data-start="1417" data-end="1420" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ego says, “I’m right.”</span><br data-start="1442" data-end="1445" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Empathy asks, “Are you okay?”</span><br data-start="1474" data-end="1477" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">One leads to disconnection, the other to repair.</span></p>
  1299. <p data-start="1527" data-end="1691"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1527" data-end="1559" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">2. Regulation Beats Reaction</strong><br data-start="1559" data-end="1562" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">That 4-second pause? It’s not just silence—it’s power.</span><br data-start="1616" data-end="1619" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Breathe first. Speak second.</span><br data-start="1647" data-end="1650" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Self-regulation invites emotional safety.</span></p>
  1300. <p data-start="1693" data-end="1853"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1693" data-end="1721" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">3. Curiosity Calms Chaos</strong><br data-start="1721" data-end="1724" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When you feel triggered, shift from </span><em data-start="1760" data-end="1787"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“What’s wrong with them?”</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> to </span><em data-start="1791" data-end="1823"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“What’s going on inside them?”</span></em><br data-start="1823" data-end="1826" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Curiosity disarms judgment.</span></p>
  1301. <p data-start="1855" data-end="2004"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1855" data-end="1888" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">4. Connection Over Correction</strong><br data-start="1888" data-end="1891" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to be right to be close.</span><br data-start="1930" data-end="1933" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Try saying, “Tell me more” instead of “Here’s what you should’ve done.”</span></p>
  1302. <p data-start="2006" data-end="2188"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2006" data-end="2045" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">5. Name the Pattern, Not the Person</strong><br data-start="2045" data-end="2048" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s not that they </span><em data-start="2067" data-end="2072"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">are</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> a problem—it’s that a pattern keeps showing up.</span><br data-start="2120" data-end="2123" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Name it gently: </span><em data-start="2139" data-end="2188"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I think we’ve been stuck in this dance again…”</span></em></p>
  1303. <p data-start="2190" data-end="2342"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2190" data-end="2226" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">6. Repair is the Real Superpower</strong><br data-start="2226" data-end="2229" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Even when things get messy, it’s the return that matters most.</span><br data-start="2291" data-end="2294" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Own your part. Offer warmth. Rebuild the bridge.</span></p>
  1304. <hr data-start="2344" data-end="2347" />
  1305. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="2349" data-end="2388" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Behind the Scenes: Why This Works</h2>
  1306. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2390" data-end="2496" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Each of the above principles taps into something deeper—relational neuroscience and attachment psychology.</p>
  1307. <ul data-start="2498" data-end="2694">
  1308. <li data-start="2498" data-end="2540">
  1309. <p data-start="2500" data-end="2540"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2500" data-end="2538" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Empathy soothes the limbic system.</strong></p>
  1310. </li>
  1311. <li data-start="2541" data-end="2597">
  1312. <p data-start="2543" data-end="2597"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2543" data-end="2595" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Self-regulation keeps the thinking brain online.</strong></p>
  1313. </li>
  1314. <li data-start="2598" data-end="2667">
  1315. <p data-start="2600" data-end="2667"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2600" data-end="2665" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Naming parts or patterns reduces shame and boosts connection.</strong></p>
  1316. </li>
  1317. <li data-start="2668" data-end="2694">
  1318. <p data-start="2670" data-end="2694"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2670" data-end="2694" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Repair builds trust.</strong></p>
  1319. </li>
  1320. </ul>
  1321. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2696" data-end="2816" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When we respond from calm clarity instead of emotional reflex, we give our relationships the space to breathe and bloom.</p>
  1322. <hr data-start="2818" data-end="2821" />
  1323. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="2823" data-end="2883" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f504.png" alt="🔄" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Try This Practice: “Say the Thing You Wish They’d Say”</h2>
  1324. <p data-start="2885" data-end="3074"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you find yourself caught in resentment or silence, take a moment and write out the sentence you wish the other person would say. Then gently turn it into something </span><em data-start="3052" data-end="3057"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">you</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> can say to them.</span></p>
  1325. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3076" data-end="3090" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">For example:</p>
  1326. <blockquote data-start="3091" data-end="3213">
  1327. <p data-start="3093" data-end="3213"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I wish they’d say they miss me.”</span><br data-start="3126" data-end="3129" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Turns into:</span><br data-start="3140" data-end="3143" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I’ve been missing our connection lately. Can we make time to talk?”</span></p>
  1328. </blockquote>
  1329. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3215" data-end="3257" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s vulnerable. It’s scary. And—it works.</p>
  1330. <hr data-start="3259" data-end="3262" />
  1331. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 32px;" data-start="3264" data-end="3329" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3af.png" alt="🎯" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Final Thought: Stop Trying to Win. Start Trying to Connect.</h2>
  1332. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3331" data-end="3514" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The couples, teams, and families who thrive aren’t the ones without conflict. They’re the ones who know how to turn toward each other again and again, especially when things get hard.</p>
  1333. <p data-start="3516" data-end="3575"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Because being “right” never feels as good as being </span><em data-start="3567" data-end="3574"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">close</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1334. <hr data-start="3577" data-end="3580" />
  1335. <p data-start="3582" data-end="3857"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3585" data-end="3733"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness, we help couples, families, and individuals step out of the power struggle and into powerful connection.</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> Our tools are research-based, spiritually grounded, and emotionally intelligent—because healthy love isn’t loud, it’s kind.</span></p>
  1336. <p data-start="3859" data-end="3960"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3862" data-end="3883"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Therapy Done Right.</span></em><br data-start="3883" data-end="3886" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Serving Rockwall • Royse City • Heath • Greenville • Virtual in 20+ states in Fall 2025!</span></p>
  1337. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-17 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1338. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/when-big-egos-meet-tender-hearts-what-elon-trump-our-relationships-can-teach-us/">When Big Egos Meet Tender Hearts: What Elon, Trump &#038; Our Relationships Can Teach Us</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1339. ]]></content:encoded>
  1343. </item>
  1344. <item>
  1345. <title>So You Want to Be a Couples Therapist?</title>
  1346. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/couples-therapist/</link>
  1348. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1349. <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 22:44:14 +0000</pubDate>
  1350. <category><![CDATA[Couples & Marriage]]></category>
  1351. <category><![CDATA[Divorce]]></category>
  1352. <category><![CDATA[Family Counseling]]></category>
  1353. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=21745</guid>
  1354.  
  1355. <description><![CDATA[💌 So You Want to Be a Couples Therapist? A Lighthearted Survival Guide from a Room Where It Happens By Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-SSenior Therapist | Clinical Supervisor | Frequent Witness to Emotional Rollercoasters Dear New Couples Therapist, You did it. You said yes to working with couples.Maybe you felt called. Maybe you  [...]]]></description>
  1356. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-18 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-19 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-18 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Couples Therapy" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-therapist-blog.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21746" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-therapist-blog-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-therapist-blog-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-therapist-blog-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-therapist-blog.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-19"><h1 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 80; line-height: 1;" data-start="383" data-end="430" data-fontsize="80" data-lineheight="80px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f48c.png" alt="💌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="388" data-end="428"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So You Want to Be a Couples Therapist?</span></em></h1>
  1357. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 17px;" data-start="431" data-end="495" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A Lighthearted Survival Guide from a Room Where It Happens</h3>
  1358. <p data-start="497" data-end="622"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="497" data-end="532" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">By Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S</strong><br data-start="532" data-end="535" /><em data-start="535" data-end="622"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 13px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Senior Therapist | Clinical Supervisor | Frequent Witness to Emotional Rollercoasters</span></em></p>
  1359. <hr data-start="624" data-end="627" />
  1360. <p data-start="629" data-end="660"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="629" data-end="660" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dear New Couples Therapist,</strong></p>
  1361. <p data-start="662" data-end="819"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You did it. You said yes to working with couples.</span><br data-start="711" data-end="714" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Maybe you felt called. Maybe you were curious. Maybe you just enjoy high-stakes emotional puzzle-solving.</span></p>
  1362. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="821" data-end="846" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Regardless, here you are.</p>
  1363. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="848" data-end="982" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">One notepad, two skeptical people, and the quiet hum of a sound machine that isn’t doing nearly enough to cut the tension in the room.</p>
  1364. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="984" data-end="1023" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let me reassure you: You are not alone.</p>
  1365. <p data-start="1025" data-end="1261"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And if you’re anything like me, in moments of uncertainty, you may find yourself tapping into the </span><em data-start="1123" data-end="1135"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">mind’s eye</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">—that inner space where great mentors from the field quietly show up with insight, clarity, and just the right amount of sass.</span></p>
  1366. <hr data-start="1263" data-end="1266" />
  1367. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1268" data-end="1308" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6cb.png" alt="🛋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Scene: Your First Couples Session</span></h2>
  1368. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1310" data-end="1577" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The couple walks in. They sit on opposite ends of the couch. One avoids eye contact. The other keeps their hands buried in their pockets. There’s history between them—some of it folded into silence, some leaking out the corners in clipped sighs and weaponized shrugs.</p>
  1369. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1579" data-end="1629" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You smile, notepad in hand. You’re about to speak.</p>
  1370. <p data-start="1631" data-end="1861"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And in your mind’s eye, </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1655" data-end="1675" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dr. John Gottman</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> appears—his signature clipboard in hand, soft-spoken and alert, dressed like a retired math professor on vacation. You imagine him standing just off to the side, thoughtfully observing.</span></p>
  1371. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1863" data-end="1880" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You hear him say:</p>
  1372. <blockquote data-start="1882" data-end="2071">
  1373. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1884" data-end="2071" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“No contempt in the first five minutes? That’s promising. If they’re still showing up, still tossing jabs, still avoiding each other with this much energy—there’s something to work with.”</p>
  1374. </blockquote>
  1375. <p data-start="2073" data-end="2290"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And in that same quiet corner of your imagination, </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2124" data-end="2143" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Dr. Sue Johnson</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> appears next—carrying a steaming cup of herbal tea and wrapped in a cardigan that looks like it remembers every tear ever shed on a therapy couch.</span></p>
  1376. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2292" data-end="2336" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You hear her British lilt, calm and curious:</p>
  1377. <blockquote data-start="2338" data-end="2491">
  1378. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2340" data-end="2491" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Listen for the longing beneath the blaming. One of them is saying, ‘Do you still love me?’ They just don’t know how to say it without flinging forks.”</p>
  1379. </blockquote>
  1380. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2493" data-end="2561" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You sit up a little straighter. Your breath evens out. You’re ready.</p>
  1381. <hr data-start="2563" data-end="2566" />
  1382. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2568" data-end="2618" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Lesson One: The House May Already Be on Fire</span></h2>
  1383. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2620" data-end="2828" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Couples often wait until they’re on emotional life support to call a therapist. You might be meeting them long after the intimacy has fizzled, the trust has frayed, and the shared playlists have been deleted.</p>
  1384. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2830" data-end="2874" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">They walk into your office expecting you to:</p>
  1385. <ul data-start="2875" data-end="2989">
  1386. <li data-start="2875" data-end="2905">
  1387. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2877" data-end="2905" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Mediate a decade-long feud</p>
  1388. </li>
  1389. <li data-start="2906" data-end="2937">
  1390. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2908" data-end="2937" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Reverse years of resentment</p>
  1391. </li>
  1392. <li data-start="2938" data-end="2989">
  1393. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2940" data-end="2989" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And somehow validate both of them… simultaneously</p>
  1394. </li>
  1395. </ul>
  1396. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2991" data-end="3013" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And all you’ve got is:</p>
  1397. <ul>
  1398. <li data-start="3014" data-end="3030">
  1399. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3016" data-end="3030" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A notepad</p>
  1400. </li>
  1401. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A clipboard</span></li>
  1402. <li data-start="3049" data-end="3066">
  1403. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3051" data-end="3066" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And a cup of hot tea</p>
  1404. </li>
  1405. </ul>
  1406. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3068" data-end="3098" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Still, that’s enough to begin.</p>
  1407. <p data-start="3100" data-end="3144"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3100" data-end="3118" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Therapist Tip:</strong><br data-start="3118" data-end="3121" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Start with this line:</span></p>
  1408. <blockquote data-start="3145" data-end="3233">
  1409. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3147" data-end="3233" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Most couples come in with a cycle they can’t get out of. Let’s name it—not blame it.”</p>
  1410. </blockquote>
  1411. <hr data-start="3235" data-end="3238" />
  1412. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3240" data-end="3294" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9ca.png" alt="🧊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Lesson Two: Every Fight Has a Feeling Underneath</span></h2>
  1413. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3296" data-end="3404" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sue was right (even in your imagination): beneath every seemingly petty argument is a deeper emotional need.</p>
  1414. <ul data-start="3406" data-end="3565">
  1415. <li data-start="3406" data-end="3447">
  1416. <p data-start="3408" data-end="3447"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“You’re never home” = </span><em data-start="3430" data-end="3445"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I miss you.”</span></em></p>
  1417. </li>
  1418. <li data-start="3448" data-end="3495">
  1419. <p data-start="3450" data-end="3495"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“You don’t listen” = </span><em data-start="3471" data-end="3493"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I don’t feel seen.”</span></em></p>
  1420. </li>
  1421. <li data-start="3496" data-end="3565">
  1422. <p data-start="3498" data-end="3565"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“You left dishes in the sink again” = </span><em data-start="3536" data-end="3565"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Can I still count on you?”</span></em></p>
  1423. </li>
  1424. </ul>
  1425. <p data-start="3567" data-end="3630"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">As the therapist, you’re not a referee—you’re a </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3615" data-end="3629" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">translator</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1426. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3632" data-end="3701" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You take jabs and interruptions and convert them into something like:</p>
  1427. <blockquote data-start="3702" data-end="3767">
  1428. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3704" data-end="3767" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“It sounds like you’re saying you want to feel more connected.”</p>
  1429. </blockquote>
  1430. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3769" data-end="3803" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And then… the room breathes again.</p>
  1431. <hr data-start="3805" data-end="3808" />
  1432. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3810" data-end="3878" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f40e.png" alt="🐎" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Lesson Three: The Four Horsemen Are Real (But Not Unstoppable)</h2>
  1433. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3880" data-end="3972" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gottman gave us the roadmap here. These four signs tend to show up when the bond is fraying:</p>
  1434. <ol data-start="3973" data-end="4060">
  1435. <li data-start="3973" data-end="3987">
  1436. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3976" data-end="3987" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Criticism</p>
  1437. </li>
  1438. <li data-start="3988" data-end="4006">
  1439. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3991" data-end="4006" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Defensiveness</p>
  1440. </li>
  1441. <li data-start="4007" data-end="4044">
  1442. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4010" data-end="4044" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Contempt <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f448.png" alt="👈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> (the most dangerous)</p>
  1443. </li>
  1444. <li data-start="4045" data-end="4060">
  1445. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4048" data-end="4060" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Stonewalling</p>
  1446. </li>
  1447. </ol>
  1448. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4062" data-end="4161" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You’ll see them sneak in dressed as sarcasm, shutdown, “just being honest,” and long, icy silences.</p>
  1449. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4163" data-end="4249" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your job isn’t to stop them cold. It’s to name them gently and offer a different path.</p>
  1450. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4251" data-end="4296" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sometimes that starts with small shifts like:</p>
  1451. <ul data-start="4297" data-end="4427">
  1452. <li data-start="4297" data-end="4324">
  1453. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4299" data-end="4324" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Can I try that again?”</p>
  1454. </li>
  1455. <li data-start="4325" data-end="4359">
  1456. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4327" data-end="4359" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“That wasn’t fair. I’m sorry.”</p>
  1457. </li>
  1458. <li data-start="4360" data-end="4427">
  1459. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4362" data-end="4427" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I’m hurt. I’m not trying to win—I’m trying to feel close again.”</p>
  1460. </li>
  1461. </ul>
  1462. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4429" data-end="4495" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These little bids? They’re the beginning of repair. Treasure them.</p>
  1463. <hr data-start="4497" data-end="4500" />
  1464. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4502" data-end="4561" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Lesson Four: You’re Not a Referee—You’re a Lighthouse</span></h2>
  1465. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4563" data-end="4639" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">There’s a myth that couples therapists are supposed to fix the relationship.</p>
  1466. <p data-start="4641" data-end="4726"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The truth? </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4652" data-end="4726" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You hold the light while they decide whether to find each other again.</strong></p>
  1467. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4728" data-end="4743" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your job is to:</p>
  1468. <ul data-start="4744" data-end="4861">
  1469. <li data-start="4744" data-end="4777">
  1470. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4746" data-end="4777" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Slow the emotional reactivity</p>
  1471. </li>
  1472. <li data-start="4778" data-end="4826">
  1473. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4780" data-end="4826" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Help them translate blame into vulnerability</p>
  1474. </li>
  1475. <li data-start="4827" data-end="4861">
  1476. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4829" data-end="4861" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Encourage curiosity over control</p>
  1477. </li>
  1478. </ul>
  1479. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4863" data-end="4943" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Some sessions will feel like open warfare. Others like barely veiled detachment.</p>
  1480. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4945" data-end="5016" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And then, once in a while, something quiet and astonishing will happen:</p>
  1481. <ul data-start="5018" data-end="5138">
  1482. <li data-start="5018" data-end="5029">
  1483. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5020" data-end="5029" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A tear.</p>
  1484. </li>
  1485. <li data-start="5030" data-end="5074">
  1486. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5032" data-end="5074" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A hand slowly reaching across the couch.</p>
  1487. </li>
  1488. <li data-start="5075" data-end="5138">
  1489. <p data-start="5077" data-end="5138"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A “thank you” that sounds suspiciously like </span><em data-start="5121" data-end="5138"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“I still care.”</span></em></p>
  1490. </li>
  1491. </ul>
  1492. <p data-start="5140" data-end="5205"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You’ll blink and think, </span><em data-start="5164" data-end="5205"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“Huh. Maybe we are doing something here.”</span></em></p>
  1493. <hr data-start="5207" data-end="5210" />
  1494. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5212" data-end="5276" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9f3.png" alt="🧳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Therapist Starter Pack: Bring These to Every First Session</span></h2>
  1495. <p data-start="5278" data-end="5560"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A simple repair cycle handout (or sketch it live) &#8211; </span><span style="font-size: 11px; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">if you are a therapist or a couple working with a therapist and would like my Repair Cycle visual handout, email me at <a href="mailto:Elizabeth@EmbraceNewLife.com">Elizabeth@EmbraceNewLife.com</a>, I&#8217;m happy to share.</span><br data-start="5330" data-end="5333" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> The Gottman Card Deck App (seriously—use it)</span><br data-start="5380" data-end="5383" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A well-worn emotion wheel</span><br data-start="5411" data-end="5414" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> One solid metaphor: the dance, the storm, the looping track—pick your flavor</span><br data-start="5493" data-end="5496" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A playlist for afterward (because you need to decompress too)</span></p>
  1496. <hr data-start="5562" data-end="5565" />
  1497. <h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5567" data-end="5614" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1faf6.png" alt="🫶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 36px;" data-fusion-font="true">Final Thoughts: From One Chair to Another</span></h2>
  1498. <p data-start="5616" data-end="5687"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to be perfect.</span><br data-start="5645" data-end="5648" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to know how it all ends.</span></p>
  1499. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5689" data-end="5881" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You just need to hold the space, reflect the truth, and remind two people—maybe for the first time in a long while—that they’re still human, still capable of connection, and not beyond repair.</p>
  1500. <p data-start="5883" data-end="6015"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Some sessions will feel like a slow-motion disaster.</span><br data-start="5935" data-end="5938" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Others will feel like watching the sunrise crack through a long-frozen field.</span></p>
  1501. <p data-start="6017" data-end="6070"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Both are meaningful.</span><br data-start="6037" data-end="6040" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Both are sacred, in their own way.</span></p>
  1502. <p data-start="6072" data-end="6273"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So keep your notepad close.</span><br data-start="6099" data-end="6102" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Keep the space grounded.</span><br data-start="6126" data-end="6129" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And when in doubt, close your eyes and imagine Gottman nodding approvingly from the corner and Sue sipping tea beside you, gently reminding you:</span></p>
  1503. <blockquote data-start="6275" data-end="6325">
  1504. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6277" data-end="6325" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">“This work matters. And you’re doing just fine.”</p>
  1505. </blockquote>
  1506. <hr data-start="6327" data-end="6330" />
  1507. <p data-start="6332" data-end="6505"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="6332" data-end="6389" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">With belief in your beautiful, messy, important work,</strong><br data-start="6389" data-end="6392" /><em data-start="6392" data-end="6422"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S</span></em><br data-start="6422" data-end="6425" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500; font-size: 13px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><i>Senior Therapist | Clinical Supervisor | Emotional Cartographer with a Clipboard</i></span></p>
  1508. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-20 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1509. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/couples-therapist/">So You Want to Be a Couples Therapist?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1510. ]]></content:encoded>
  1514. </item>
  1515. <item>
  1516. <title>Compulsive Gambling Help in North Texas &#124; Trauma-Informed Counseling</title>
  1517. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/compulsive-gambling-help-in-north-texas-trauma-informed-counseling/</link>
  1519. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1520. <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2025 18:22:09 +0000</pubDate>
  1521. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  1522. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=21728</guid>
  1523.  
  1524. <description><![CDATA[🎲 More Than a Game: When Gambling Becomes a Silent Struggle There’s a reason gambling addiction is often called “the hidden illness.”It leaves no bruises. It carries no visible signs. But behind closed doors, it dismantles financial stability, fractures relationships, and corrodes self-worth—quietly, relentlessly. At Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness, we recognize  [...]]]></description>
  1525. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-21 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-22 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-19 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="compulsive-gambling" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/compulsive-gambling.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21730" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/compulsive-gambling-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/compulsive-gambling-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/compulsive-gambling-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/compulsive-gambling.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px" /></span></div><BR><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-20"><h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 46; line-height: 1.25;" data-start="370" data-end="437" data-fontsize="46" data-lineheight="57.5px"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3b2.png" alt="🎲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <span style="font-size: 32px;" data-start="376" data-end="435" data-fusion-font="true">More Than a Game: When Gambling Becomes a Silent Struggle</span></h2>
  1526. <p class="" data-start="487" data-end="747"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">There’s a reason gambling addiction is often called “the hidden illness.”</span><br data-start="560" data-end="563" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It leaves no bruises. It carries no visible signs. But behind closed doors, it dismantles financial stability, fractures relationships, and corrodes self-worth—quietly, relentlessly.</span></p>
  1527. <p class="" data-start="749" data-end="1030"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="752" data-end="794" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, we recognize that what looks like a money problem is almost always an </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="866" data-end="885" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">emotional wound</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> in disguise. Gambling becomes the anesthesia for unspoken pain—loneliness, anxiety, grief, trauma, or a lifelong pattern of emotional neglect.</span></p>
  1528. <p class="" data-start="1032" data-end="1255"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Our mission is to help individuals, couples, and families </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1090" data-end="1144" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">disentangle from the cycle of shame and compulsion</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">—not by moralizing or minimizing—but by restoring what matters most: self-trust, relationship safety, and hope.</span></p>
  1529. <hr class="" data-start="1257" data-end="1260" />
  1530. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="1262" data-end="1301" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3b0.png" alt="🎰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="1269" data-end="1299"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A Culture of Constant Access</span></em></h3>
  1531. <p class="" data-start="1303" data-end="1426"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Today’s gambling isn’t confined to slot machines or poker nights.</span><br data-start="1368" data-end="1371" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s mobile, mainstream, and embedded in everyday life:</span></p>
  1532. <ul data-start="1428" data-end="1671">
  1533. <li class="" data-start="1428" data-end="1478">
  1534. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1430" data-end="1478" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A &#8220;harmless&#8221; lottery ticket at the gas station</p>
  1535. </li>
  1536. <li class="" data-start="1479" data-end="1526">
  1537. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1481" data-end="1526" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Late-night online blackjack from your phone</p>
  1538. </li>
  1539. <li class="" data-start="1527" data-end="1567">
  1540. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1529" data-end="1567" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Fantasy leagues disguised as bonding</p>
  1541. </li>
  1542. <li class="" data-start="1568" data-end="1622">
  1543. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1570" data-end="1622" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sports betting that feels like part of being a fan</p>
  1544. </li>
  1545. <li class="" data-start="1623" data-end="1671">
  1546. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1625" data-end="1671" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Casino apps that reward escape with dopamine</p>
  1547. </li>
  1548. </ul>
  1549. <p class="" data-start="1673" data-end="1904"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="1673" data-end="1723" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s not just accessibility—it’s invisibility.</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> You can gamble anonymously from your sofa while appearing “functional” to the outside world. And for many, that means the addiction grows in secret—until it reaches a crisis point.</span></p>
  1550. <hr class="" data-start="1906" data-end="1909" />
  1551. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="1911" data-end="1964" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="1918" data-end="1964"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It’s Not About the Game—It’s About the Brain</span></em></h3>
  1552. <p class="" data-start="1966" data-end="2246"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gambling addiction is rooted in the same neurochemical loops as other compulsions. It taps into the reward system, flooding the brain with dopamine. And just like with substance use, it creates tolerance, withdrawal, and cravings—not for money, but for the </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2223" data-end="2243" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">emotional escape</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1553. <p class="" data-start="2248" data-end="2600"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Some clients are drawn to the unpredictable rush of </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2300" data-end="2325" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">chance-based gambling</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">—lotteries, slots, roulette. Others lean into the illusion of control in </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2398" data-end="2419" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">skill-based games</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> like poker or sports betting. But whether it’s luck or logic, the emotional payoff is the same: temporary relief from distress, quickly followed by regret, debt, and disconnection.</span></p>
  1554. <hr class="" data-start="2602" data-end="2605" />
  1555. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="2607" data-end="2670" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/26a0.png" alt="⚠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="2614" data-end="2670"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When Play Becomes a Pattern: Signs You Might Need Help</span></em></h3>
  1556. <p class="" data-start="2672" data-end="2848"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gambling becomes a clinical concern when the behavior shifts from recreation to </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2752" data-end="2762" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">ritual</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">—a compulsive act used to self-soothe, avoid pain, or chase a lost sense of control.</span></p>
  1557. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2850" data-end="2885" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ask yourself (or someone you love):</p>
  1558. <ul data-start="2887" data-end="3274">
  1559. <li class="" data-start="2887" data-end="2944">
  1560. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2889" data-end="2944" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Do I hide or downplay how often or how much I gamble?</p>
  1561. </li>
  1562. <li class="" data-start="2945" data-end="2997">
  1563. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="2947" data-end="2997" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Have I tried to stop—but find myself going back?</p>
  1564. </li>
  1565. <li class="" data-start="2998" data-end="3065">
  1566. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3000" data-end="3065" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Do I feel a rush of relief while gambling, but shame afterward?</p>
  1567. </li>
  1568. <li class="" data-start="3066" data-end="3138">
  1569. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3068" data-end="3138" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Am I spending money I can’t afford to lose—or trying to win it back?</p>
  1570. </li>
  1571. <li class="" data-start="3139" data-end="3210">
  1572. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3141" data-end="3210" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Are my relationships suffering because of secrecy, debt, or stress?</p>
  1573. </li>
  1574. <li class="" data-start="3211" data-end="3274">
  1575. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3213" data-end="3274" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Do I feel like I need to gamble to feel alive—or to escape?</p>
  1576. </li>
  1577. </ul>
  1578. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3276" data-end="3438" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you answered yes to any of these, you&#8217;re not alone—and you&#8217;re not broken. But you may be caught in a pattern that requires skilled, compassionate intervention.</p>
  1579. <hr class="" data-start="3440" data-end="3443" />
  1580. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="3445" data-end="3491" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6e0.png" alt="🛠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="3453" data-end="3489"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What Healing Looks Like at Embrace</span></em></h3>
  1581. <p class="" data-start="3493" data-end="3745"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">At </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3496" data-end="3538" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, we treat gambling addiction through a trauma-informed, relational lens. We don’t just address the behavior—we address </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3658" data-end="3690" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">why the behavior makes sense</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> given your history, wiring, and unmet emotional needs.</span></p>
  1582. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3747" data-end="3769" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Our approach includes:</p>
  1583. <ul data-start="3771" data-end="4184">
  1584. <li class="" data-start="3771" data-end="3858">
  1585. <p class="" data-start="3773" data-end="3858"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3773" data-end="3795" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Individual therapy</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> using parts work (IFS), CBT, and shame-resilience frameworks</span></p>
  1586. </li>
  1587. <li class="" data-start="3859" data-end="3924">
  1588. <p class="" data-start="3861" data-end="3924"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3861" data-end="3883" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Couples counseling</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> to rebuild honesty, empathy, and trust</span></p>
  1589. </li>
  1590. <li class="" data-start="3925" data-end="4004">
  1591. <p class="" data-start="3927" data-end="4004"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="3927" data-end="3951" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Faith-based coaching</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> for those seeking biblical insight and restoration</span></p>
  1592. </li>
  1593. <li class="" data-start="4005" data-end="4100">
  1594. <p class="" data-start="4007" data-end="4100"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4007" data-end="4026" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Psychoeducation</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> to understand dopamine cycles, trauma triggers, and attachment patterns</span></p>
  1595. </li>
  1596. <li class="" data-start="4101" data-end="4184">
  1597. <p class="" data-start="4103" data-end="4184"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4103" data-end="4130" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Structured safety plans</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> for relapse prevention and financial accountability</span></p>
  1598. </li>
  1599. </ul>
  1600. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4186" data-end="4417" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We also recognize that gambling rarely exists in isolation. Co-occurring concerns—such as anxiety, depression, relational trauma, or compulsive behaviors—are gently and skillfully addressed by our doctoral-led, faith-informed team.</p>
  1601. <hr class="" data-start="4419" data-end="4422" />
  1602. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4424" data-end="4466" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f331.png" alt="🌱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="4431" data-end="4466"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You Can Begin Again—Without Shame</span></em></h3>
  1603. <p class="" data-start="4468" data-end="4701"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Gambling addiction doesn’t make you irresponsible. It makes you human.</span><br data-start="4538" data-end="4541" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your desire to feel something different—to escape, to win, to matter—is valid. But you don’t have to chase it through risk. You can build it through </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4690" data-end="4700" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">repair</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">.</span></p>
  1604. <p class="" data-start="4703" data-end="4817"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">We’re here to help you get your life back.</span><br data-start="4745" data-end="4748" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">With care. Without judgment. And with faith in your capacity to heal.</span></p>
  1605. <hr class="" data-start="4819" data-end="4822" />
  1606. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="--fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22;" data-start="4824" data-end="4870" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4cd.png" alt="📍" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4830" data-end="4870" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Ready to Talk? We’re Here to Listen.</strong></h3>
  1607. <p class="" data-start="4872" data-end="5073"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="4872" data-end="4914" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> serves individuals and families across Rockwall, Royse City, and Greenville. Our therapy is confidential, private-pay, and never shaped by insurance limits.</span></p>
  1608. <p class="" data-start="5075" data-end="5208"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-start="5078" data-end="5106" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Call or message us today</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> to schedule a consultation.</span><br data-start="5134" data-end="5137" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/271d.png" alt="✝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="5140" data-end="5156"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Faith-Informed</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> | <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="5162" data-end="5176"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Trauma-Aware</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> | <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4ac.png" alt="💬" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><em data-start="5182" data-end="5208"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Real Help. Real Healing.</span></em></p>
  1609. </div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-21"><p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; line-height: 4px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="400">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edavis104/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/edavis104/</a></p>
  1610. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; line-height: 4px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="400">LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/embracenewlife/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/company/embracenewlife/</a></p>
  1611. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-23 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1612. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/compulsive-gambling-help-in-north-texas-trauma-informed-counseling/">Compulsive Gambling Help in North Texas | Trauma-Informed Counseling</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1613. ]]></content:encoded>
  1617. </item>
  1618. <item>
  1619. <title>Break the Conflict Cycle</title>
  1620. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/break-the-conflict-cycle/</link>
  1622. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1623. <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 19:41:01 +0000</pubDate>
  1624. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  1625. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=21689</guid>
  1626.  
  1627. <description><![CDATA[Breaking the Cycle: How Couples Heal from Recurring Conflict Your Partner Isn’t the Enemy — the Cycle Is If you and your partner keep having the same arguments, feeling stuck, hurt, or misunderstood no matter how many times you try to talk things out—you’re not alone. What you're likely experiencing is a negative  [...]]]></description>
  1628. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-9 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-24 fusion_builder_column_1_5 1_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:20%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:9.6%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:9.6%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-25 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:60%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.2%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.2%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-20 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Christian Couples Counseling" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/website-blog-template.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21696" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/website-blog-template-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/website-blog-template-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/website-blog-template-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/website-blog-template.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-22"><p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Breaking the Cycle: How Couples Heal from Recurring Conflict</p>
  1629. <p style="text-align: center; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><i>Your Partner Isn’t the Enemy — the Cycle Is</i></p>
  1630. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">If you and your partner keep having the same arguments, feeling stuck, hurt, or misunderstood no matter how many times you try to talk things out—you’re not alone. What you&#8217;re likely experiencing is a negative cycle. It&#8217;s not a character flaw in either of you. It’s a pattern. And patterns can be changed.</span></p>
  1631. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">This post will walk you through:</p>
  1632. <ul>
  1633. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What negative cycles are</span></li>
  1634. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The role each partner may play</span></li>
  1635. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">What healing looks like</span></li>
  1636. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And how to move toward a new, healthier pattern together</span></li>
  1637. </ul>
  1638. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">What Are Negative Cycles?</p>
  1639. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A negative cycle is a recurring pattern of conflict that leaves both partners feeling disconnected, unheard, or unsafe. These cycles often form when partners respond to emotional pain in ways that unintentionally trigger each other’s defenses.</p>
  1640. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">For example, one partner may raise a concern with frustration or blame. The other, feeling attacked, withdraws or deflects. The more one presses, the more the other retreats. The more the other retreats, the more alone the first partner feels. It becomes a feedback loop of pain and protection, fear and frustration.</p>
  1641. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">The Most Common Pattern: Anxious-Avoidant Loop</p>
  1642. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Research and real-life couples therapy sessions show us one of the most common dynamics: an anxious-avoidant pairing.</p>
  1643. <ul>
  1644. <li style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The anxious partner protests disconnection with escalation, repeated bids, or blame.</li>
  1645. <li style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The avoidant partner copes with the pressure by withdrawing, minimizing, or emotionally shutting down.</li>
  1646. </ul>
  1647. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="text-align:center;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-21 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="1163" height="608" title="EFT Negative Conflict Cycle" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21701" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle-200x105.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle-400x209.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle-600x314.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle-800x418.jpg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eft-negative-cycle.jpg 1163w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-23"><p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Underneath these surface-level behaviors are deeper emotions:</p>
  1648. <ul>
  1649. <li style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Anxious partners often carry fears of abandonment, rejection, or being too much.</li>
  1650. <li style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Avoidant partners often fear failure, inadequacy, or being emotionally overwhelmed.</li>
  1651. </ul>
  1652. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Neither is wrong. Each is trying to protect themselves and the relationship the best way they know how. But together, their strategies clash.</p>
  1653. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Do Both Partners Contribute?</p>
  1654. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Yes. And not always equally.</p>
  1655. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">As a couples therapist, I often see one partner taking the lead on change—whether out of desperation or hope. Even when one person is more reactive or more shut down, both are shaped by the same system. The good news? One person shifting can create space for the other to grow, too.</p>
  1656. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you&#8217;re the partner currently doing the work, know this: your efforts matter. Safety, when consistently offered, can soften defenses. Change invites change.</p>
  1657. <p><u><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Avoidant Partner Patterns</span><br />
  1658. </u><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1659. Avoidant partners may:</span></p>
  1660. <ul>
  1661. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Emotionally disengage or appear indifferent</span></li>
  1662. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Minimize conflict or wait until problems &#8220;blow over&#8221;</span></li>
  1663. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Invalidate their partner&#8217;s emotional needs</span></li>
  1664. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Fail to assert their own needs, creating distance or passive resentment</span></li>
  1665. </ul>
  1666. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These behaviors often stem from learned emotional suppression and fear of rejection or failure.</p>
  1667. <p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600"><u>Anxious Partner Patterns</u></span><br />
  1668. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1669. Anxious partners may:</span></p>
  1670. <ul>
  1671. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Escalate conflict to gain connection</span></li>
  1672. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Hyper-focus on problems and perceived distance</span></li>
  1673. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Protest with criticism, blame, or emotional outbursts</span></li>
  1674. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Invalidate their partner’s autonomy by over-pursuing resolution</span></li>
  1675. </ul>
  1676. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These behaviors stem from deep fear of abandonment and a need to restore connection quickly.</p>
  1677. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">What Healing Looks Like</p>
  1678. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-22 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="1848" height="1420" title="enl-repair-2005" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21703" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005-200x154.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005-400x307.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005-600x461.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005-800x615.jpg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005-1200x922.jpg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/enl-repair-2005.jpg 1848w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px" /></span></div><BR><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-24"><p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Healing doesn’t always mean the cycle disappears overnight. It means:</p>
  1679. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The cycle happens less frequently</p>
  1680. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It feels less intense</p>
  1681. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You both repair more quickly and completely</p>
  1682. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">It also means moving from reactive, fast-paced interactions to slower, emotionally attuned moments where:</p>
  1683. <ul>
  1684. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Deeper feelings (fear, sadness, shame) are named</span></li>
  1685. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Each person can self-regulate and co-regulate</span></li>
  1686. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Needs are expressed with vulnerability, not blame</span></li>
  1687. </ul>
  1688. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Try These Positive Cycle Phrases</p>
  1689. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These can help break the loop:</p>
  1690. <ul>
  1691. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">&#8220;I appreciate all the good advice you give me. I just need comfort before I can problem-solve.&#8221;</span></li>
  1692. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">&#8220;I don’t feel fully understood, but I want to take time to understand you, too.&#8221;</span></li>
  1693. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">&#8220;I know this topic is hard for us. I want to work on it together so we both feel less alone.&#8221;</span></li>
  1694. </ul>
  1695. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Notice how these statements shift the focus from blame to connection.</p>
  1696. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600"><u>Resources That Help</u></p>
  1697. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">If you&#8217;re ready to take the next step, here are some trusted tools:</p>
  1698. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ELwWd6" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Hold Me Tight</span> by Dr. Sue Johnson</a></p>
  1699. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><a href="https://amzn.to/4iKj68y" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Secure Love </span>by Julie Menanno</a></p>
  1700. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Working with an EFT-trained couples therapist (Emotionally Focused Therapy) at Embrace. We have EFT couples counselors at all three Embrace campuses: Rockwall/Heath, Royse City &amp; Greenville &amp; available Virtually across Texas. We have bilingual (EN/ES) EFT counselors.</p>
  1701. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600"><i><u>Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken</u></i></p>
  1702. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">All couples get stuck. What matters is how you repair. When you begin to see the cycle as the enemy—not each other—you can start building a relationship grounded in emotional safety, trust, and healing.</p>
  1703. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You don’t have to keep looping. Change is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone.</p>
  1704. <p><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Need Support?</span></u></span><br />
  1705. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1706. If you’re looking for a faith-based, research-informed counseling team to walk alongside you, we’re here. Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness offers couples therapy across Texas—virtual and in-person.</span></p>
  1707. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let’s break the cycle. Together.</p>
  1708. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Call/Text: </span>972.292.7092 to break the cycle. <i>Bilingual Couples Counselors.</i></p>
  1709. <p style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Written by Dr. Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S<br />
  1710. Couples Therapist | Clinic Director | Faith-Informed EFT Practitioner</p>
  1711. </div><BR><div class="fusion-image-carousel fusion-image-carousel-auto fusion-image-carousel-1 fusion-carousel-border"><div data-marquee-direction="left" class="awb-carousel awb-swiper awb-swiper-carousel awb-swiper-dots-position-bottom awb-carousel--marquee" data-layout="marquee" data-autoplay="no" data-autoplayspeed="2500" data-autoplaypause="no" data-columns="5" data-itemmargin="13" data-itemwidth="180" data-touchscroll="no" data-freemode="no" data-imagesize="auto" data-scrollitems="0" data-centeredslides="no" data-rotationangle="50" data-depth="100" data-speed="500" data-shadow="no" style="--awb-border-width:1px;--awb-border-color:#e9eaee;--awb-dots-align:center;"><div class="swiper-wrapper awb-image-carousel-wrapper fusion-flex-align-items-center"><div class="swiper-slide"><div class="fusion-carousel-item-wrapper"><div class="fusion-image-wrapper hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="Your Partner Isn&#039;t the Enemy - the Negative Cycle is!" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/proud-couple-enjoying-winter-day-scaled.jpg 2560w" sizes="(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 1007px) 224px, (min-width: 915px) 280px, (min-width: 824px) 373px, (min-width: 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  1712. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/break-the-conflict-cycle/">Break the Conflict Cycle</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
  1713. ]]></content:encoded>
  1717. </item>
  1718. <item>
  1719. <title>Mourning Pet Loss</title>
  1720. <link>https://www.embracenewlife.com/mourning-pet-loss/</link>
  1722. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Davis, PsyD, LPC-S]]></dc:creator>
  1723. <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:56:15 +0000</pubDate>
  1724. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  1725. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.embracenewlife.com/?p=21644</guid>
  1726.  
  1727. <description><![CDATA[Pet Loss: You're Not Losing Your Mind, You're Mourning 🐾💔 Grief from the Loss of Your Pet🐶🕊️ To love a cat or a dog is to experience unconditional love in its purest form. And when we lose that love—whether suddenly or in slow anticipation—the grief that follows can feel disorienting, even unbearable. If  [...]]]></description>
  1728. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-10 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling" style="--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;" ><div class="fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap" style="max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% / 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% / 2 );"><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-27 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-28 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:3.84%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:3.84%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"><BR><div class="fusion-image-element " style="--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);"><span class=" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-23 hover-type-none"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" title="Mourning Pet Loss" src="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA-blog-1.jpg" alt class="img-responsive wp-image-21645" srcset="https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA-blog-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA-blog-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA-blog-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.embracenewlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA-blog-1.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px" /></span></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-25"><p style="text-align: left;" data-pm-slice="1 1 &#091;&#093;"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600; font-size: 19px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Pet Loss: You&#8217;re Not Losing Your Mind, You&#8217;re Mourning</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600; font-size: 19px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600; font-size: 19px;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">Grief from the Loss of Your Pet</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f436.png" alt="🐶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f54a.png" alt="🕊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>
  1729. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">To love a cat or a dog is to experience unconditional love in its purest form. And when we lose that love—whether suddenly or in slow anticipation—the grief that follows can feel disorienting, even unbearable. If you&#8217;ve lost your dog, especially a “soulmate dog,” you&#8217;re not alone—and you&#8217;re not going crazy. You’re mourning. And that mourning is sacred. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f64f.png" alt="🙏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f415.png" alt="🐕" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1730. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1731. <hr />
  1732. </div>
  1733. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Is This Grief Normal? <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f622.png" alt="😢" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1734. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Grief after the loss of a dog can feel shocking in its intensity. You may feel overwhelmed by waves of sorrow <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f30a.png" alt="🌊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />, numbness, or a sharp physical ache in your chest <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />. These feelings are not only normal—they’re expected. Yet, because our culture sometimes minimizes pet loss as “just a dog,” you might feel pressure to suppress your emotions or “move on.”</p>
  1735. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">But here’s the truth: There is no timeline for grief <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/23f3.png" alt="⏳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />. There is no “right way.” And the death of a beloved dog can stir deeper than the loss of some human relationships, because with your dog, there was no pretense. Just pure connection. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1736. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1737. <hr />
  1738. </div>
  1739. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You’re Not Broken—You’re Bereaved <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4ad.png" alt="💭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1740. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The emotional and cognitive symptoms of pet grief often mimic trauma. You might:</p>
  1741. <ul style="text-align: left;" data-spread="false">
  1742. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Feel foggy or disoriented <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f32b.png" alt="🌫" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1743. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Experience physical pain or exhaustion <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6cc.png" alt="🛌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1744. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Avoid people or situations that remind you of your dog <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6b6-200d-2640-fe0f.png" alt="🚶‍♀️" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1745. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">See your dog out of the corner of your eye or hear them in quiet moments <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f440.png" alt="👀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f442.png" alt="👂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1746. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Question your identity or purpose without your canine companion <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2753.png" alt="❓" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f436.png" alt="🐶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1747. </ul>
  1748. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">These aren’t signs that something’s wrong with you. They’re signs that something </span><em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">mattered deeply</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> to you. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>
  1749. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1750. <hr />
  1751. </div>
  1752. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">When One Loss Awakens Many <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f56f.png" alt="🕯" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1753. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sometimes the loss of a dog touches more than the present. It awakens a chain of past losses—losses we thought we buried long ago. This concept, from the </span><em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Seven Principles of Grief</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> by J. Shep Jeffries, reminds us that every loss is a </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">multiple loss.</strong></p>
  1754. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">You may be mourning:</p>
  1755. <ul style="text-align: left;" data-spread="false">
  1756. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The death of other pets or loved ones <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f46a.png" alt="👪" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1757. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A stage of life or family era that your dog represented <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f570.png" alt="🕰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1758. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">A lost sense of purpose or routine <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/23f1.png" alt="⏱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1759. <li><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Times when you didn’t allow yourself to fully grieve before <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f614.png" alt="😔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1760. </ul>
  1761. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Grief is cumulative. So if this loss feels heavy—it may be carrying more than just one goodbye. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f327.png" alt="🌧" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1762. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1763. <hr />
  1764. </div>
  1765. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">5 Ways to Support Your Grieving Heart <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f497.png" alt="💗" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1766. <ol style="text-align: left;" start="1" data-spread="true">
  1767. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u>Feel Your Feelings Without Shame</u></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f62d.png" alt="😭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><br />
  1768. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1769. Grief is not weakness. It’s love, with nowhere to go. Allow yourself to cry, rage, ache, and remember. This is part of healing. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6d0.png" alt="🛐" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1770. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u>Talk About Your Dog’s / Cat&#8217;s Life</u></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u> </u><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f436.png" alt="🐶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f5e3.png" alt="🗣" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><br />
  1771. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1772. Tell stories. Share memories. Join a pet loss support group or write your dog a letter. Speaking your dog’s name keeps their spirit alive in your heart. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4ac.png" alt="💬" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1773. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u>Create a Ritual or Shrine</u></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f56f.png" alt="🕯" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4f8.png" alt="📸" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><br />
  1774. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1775. Frame a photo, make a memory box, or hold a small ceremony. Ritual helps anchor your grief in something tangible and honors the bond you shared. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1776. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u>Let Yourself Laugh Again</u></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f415.png" alt="🐕" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><br />
  1777. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1778. Grief and joy are not opposites—they are companions. You’re not betraying your dog by smiling. You’re honoring the life they helped you love. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f308.png" alt="🌈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1779. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><u>Tend to Your Body</u></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f957.png" alt="🥗" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6b6-200d-2642-fe0f.png" alt="🚶‍♂️" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a7.png" alt="💧" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><br />
  1780. <span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><br />
  1781. Eat. Sleep. Drink water. Walk, even if slowly. Your dog or cat would want you to keep going. To live well, because of them—not in spite of losing them. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f324.png" alt="🌤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1782. </ol>
  1783. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1784. <hr />
  1785. </div>
  1786. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The Healing Tasks of Grief <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f504.png" alt="🔄" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1787. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Unlike outdated “stages” of grief, modern grief work understands mourning as a set of healing </span><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">tasks</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">, not linear steps. These may include:</span></p>
  1788. <ul style="text-align: left;" data-spread="false">
  1789. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Acknowledging the finality of the loss</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/26b0.png" alt="⚰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1790. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Sharing the pain with others who can witness it</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f91d.png" alt="🤝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1791. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Reorganizing life without your pet</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3e0.png" alt="🏠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1792. <li><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Exploring new meaning, connection, or identity beyond the loss</strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f331.png" alt="🌱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></li>
  1793. </ul>
  1794. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means carrying your dog’s memory forward—integrated into the new rhythm of your life. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f493.png" alt="💓" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1795. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1796. <hr />
  1797. </div>
  1798. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Your Pet&#8217;s Final Gift <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f381.png" alt="🎁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f415.png" alt="🐕" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1799. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">In life, your dog taught you how to love without condition. In death, they may be teaching you how to grieve with authenticity—and how to grow with grace. Every tear you shed is proof of a bond that changed you. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f972.png" alt="🥲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1800. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Let it. Let the grief shape you. Let it remind you how deeply you can love—and be loved. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1801. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">And in quiet moments, may you feel their presence still. Tail wag. Wet nose. Loyal eyes. Not gone, but transformed. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f308.png" alt="🌈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f47c.png" alt="👼" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1802. <div style="text-align: left;">
  1803. <hr />
  1804. </div>
  1805. <h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" style="text-align: left; --fontsize: 22; line-height: 2.2; --minfontsize: 22; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 600;" data-fontsize="22" data-lineheight="48.4px" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="600">A Biblical Perspective: God Loves What You Love <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/271d.png" alt="✝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h3>
  1806. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The Bible reminds us that God is the Creator of all life—and that includes animals. Scripture depicts a heavenly throne room surrounded by living creatures (Revelation 4:6–8), a powerful symbol that animals are not only part of creation, but part of God’s eternal presence. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f981.png" alt="🦁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f54a.png" alt="🕊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f411.png" alt="🐑" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1807. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Jesus taught that not even a sparrow falls without the Father knowing (Matthew 10:29). And in Romans 8:21–22, Paul writes that all creation is groaning for redemption—not just humankind. That includes the dogs we love. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1808. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">God is an animal lover. He filled His Word with images of lambs, lions, doves, eagles, and yes—even dogs (Proverbs 26:11). And if God treasures His creation, then He treasures your grief, too. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f54a.png" alt="🕊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1809. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">The promise of resurrection (Isaiah 11, Romans 8, Revelation 21) speaks not only to human restoration, but to the healing of </span><em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">all things</span></em><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">. Your beloved dog was not “just” an animal—they were part of your life, part of your story, and we trust, part of the redemption to come. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/271d.png" alt="✝" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2728.png" alt="✨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>
  1810. <p style="text-align: left; font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">So cry freely. Love deeply. And know that your grief matters to God. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f64c.png" alt="🙌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f436.png" alt="🐶" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
  1811. <p style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><i>You are not alone. You are not losing your mind. You are mourning—and that is a sacred act of love.</i></strong><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500"><i> </i><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f494.png" alt="💔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f43e.png" alt="🐾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f64f.png" alt="🙏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p>
  1812. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Reach out if you need additional support! <i>At Embrace, we consider pets a part of the family! </i><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 500;" data-fusion-font="true" data-fusion-google-font="Montserrat" data-fusion-google-variant="500">Call or Text: 972.292.7092</span></span></p>
  1813. </div></div></div><div class="fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-29 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column" style="--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;"><div class="fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column"></div></div></div></div>
  1814. <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com/mourning-pet-loss/">Mourning Pet Loss</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.embracenewlife.com">Embrace New Life Counseling &amp; Wellness</a>.</p>
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