The La Luz Blog

Faith-Based Coping Strategies for Holiday Anxiety

The holidays often stir up warm memories, cheerful music, and time with loved ones. But for many of us, this time of year can bring up stress and worry, too. Expectations feel higher, calendars fill up fast, and emotions tend to run a little stronger. It is not...

Holiday Stress and Family Boundaries: A Therapist’s Guide

The holiday season can bring warm lights, special meals, and time with loved ones. But for many people, especially in close family settings, it can also bring stress. Old expectations might get stirred up. There may be pressure to attend every event, act cheerful, or...

How Christian Counseling Helps You Find Peace in Difficult Seasons

Hard seasons feel different for everyone. Maybe it is the loss of someone we care about, a big life change, or just a stretch of time where nothing feels steady. When daily life feels heavy, it is easy to lose a sense of peace or direction. But for many people,...
Am I an Anxious Person?

Am I an Anxious Person?

Ever wondered, "Am I an anxious person?" Have you questioned, does my anxiety feel like everyone else’s? Why does it seem like my anxiety is higher than most? Perhaps your loved ones around you have pointed it out. They’ve mentioned you seem uptight and have a hard...

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Can Anxiety Hurt my Body?

Anxiety in Your Body  Ever had a belly ache and hot sweat right before a big presentation? How about “insomnia" at night because you’re thinking of all of the things that can go wrong tomorrow? Feeling like your heart is going to beat out of your chest or like you're...

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What is Trauma?

What is Trauma?

WRITTEN BY: MARQUIA CALDWELL, LPC “Trauma is much more than a story about the past…trauma is re-experienced in the present, not as a story, but as profoundly disturbing physical sensations and emotions that may be associated with memories of past trauma” -Bessel van...

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Anxiety- What is it?

Anxiety- What is it?

WRITTEN BY: KIMBERLY ALANIZ, LCSW-S Nearly every individual will experience symptoms of anxiety in their lifetime. In fact, small amounts of anxiety aren’t necessarily a bad thing. So, can anxiety be good? Or even helpful? The answer is, yes! Like other emotions,...

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How to Help a Loved One who has Anxiety

How to Help a Loved One who has Anxiety

Coping with anxiety is difficult for the person going through it. Also true for the people around them. Family members and close friends impacted by having a loved one struggle with anxiety is difficult too. This blog focuses 3 easy ways a loved one can support their...

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Self-Sabotage and Why We Do It

Self-Sabotage and Why We Do It

What is Self-Sabotage Self sabotage is the result of self inflicted, subconscious or conscious actions or thoughts to derail one’s success. In short, self sabotage is screwing yourself over on purpose. Why would anyone do such a thing? Contrary to popular belief, you...

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What is Analysis Paralysis?

What is Analysis Paralysis?

The Definition of Analysis Paralysis Analysis paralysis. Just look at those two words alone- I bet you can figure out what it might be. I’ve seen this term appear more frequently throughout the years with a particular precedence among the young adult community....

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What is Quality of Life?

What is Quality of Life?

WRITTEN BY: MARQUIA CALDWELL, LPC Quality of life is the degree to which you are healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy life. It’s often reflected in your physical, mental, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The definition of quality of life...

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Mommy Guilt- and Why it feels so Heavy.

Mommy Guilt- and Why it feels so Heavy.

If you’re a working mother who struggles with “mommy guilt" this blog is for you. This blog will review the difference between mommy guilt and mommy shame and why it feels so heavy to experience it. For those of you who have heard of the renowned Brene Brown, much of...

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The Best Way to Combat a Panic Attack

The Best Way to Combat a Panic Attack

Your heart feels like it’s going to beat out of your chest. Suddenly your temperature is rising. You’re getting a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach and feel like you’re out of breath. It’s getting harder to pace your breathing and your thoughts feel out of...

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