Aug 28, 2025
WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC Back-to-school season can feel like stepping into a battlefield for both kids and parents. New classrooms, different routines, friend drama, tests, and sports—it’s a lot! As parents, we make sure our kids have the right shoes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. But what about the spiritual tools they need? This guide will show you how to equip kids with the Armor of God for the new school year so they feel strong, safe, and supported each day.
Let’s walk through the armor together and talk about how you can help your child “put it on” before they step out the door this school year.
1. The Belt of Truth
Kids hear so many messages at school—about who they should be, what makes them valuable, and how to “fit in.” The belt of truth reminds them: God’s Word is their foundation.
- Morning reminder: “No matter what anyone says today, God made you and loves you.”
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
School brings plenty of opportunities to make choices—some good, some not so good. The breastplate helps guard their heart and guide their decisions.
- Conversation starter: “What’s one kind choice you can make today, even if no one notices?”
3. Shoes of Peace
Walking into a new classroom or lunchroom can feel overwhelming. The shoes of peace remind kids that wherever they go, they can bring calm instead of chaos.
- Try this with your kids: Talk about how peace can be shown in small ways, like taking a deep breath before reacting, offering kindness to someone who looks nervous, or choosing not to join in gossip. You might say, “When you walk into school, remember you can bring peace with you. Even one kind action can change the atmosphere in the room.”
4. Shield of Faith
Tests, friendship drama, and mistakes can feel like fiery arrows. The shield of faith reminds kids to trust that God is with them no matter what.
- Bedtime prayer: “God, help me to remember You are bigger than anything I’ll face tomorrow.”
5. Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects their mind from lies like, “I’m not smart enough,” or, “Nobody likes me.” It helps them hold onto the truth of who they are in Christ.
- Parent reminder: “Your mind is powerful—let’s fill it with God’s promises when those negative thoughts pop up.”
6. Sword of the Spirit
This is the only piece of armor that’s both defense and offense. God’s Word gives kids real tools to fight back when they feel afraid, left out, or unsure.
- Try this: Pick one simple verse (like Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) and make it your family’s back-to-school verse.
Tips for Parents
You don’t have to make this complicated. Start with a one-minute “Armor of God” routine before school:
- Buckle the “belt” by saying one Bible verse.
- Pretend to put on the “helmet” while praying for their mind.
- “Grab the shield” together and remind each other of God’s faithfulness.
This school year will come with challenges, but your child doesn’t have to face them alone. With God’s armor, they’ll be reminded daily that they are loved, protected, and equipped for whatever comes their way. When you think about how to equip kids with the Armor of God for the new school year, remember it doesn’t have to be complicated—simple routines and reminders can make a lasting impact.
Aug 13, 2025
WRITTEN BY SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S: DBT for Teens: How Parents Can Support Emotional Growth is all about giving both you and your teen tools to handle life’s challenges. Teens face a lot — GPA pressures, friend drama, relationship problems, making the team, homework, frustration with teachers, sibling fights, and even overbearing parents. It’s easy for parents to forget just how stressful their teen’s world can be. In this post, we’ll explore how Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help teens manage big emotions, accept what they can’t control, and build healthier relationships.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that teaches people how to accept things they can’t control, build healthy relationships, and manage strong emotions. The word dialectical means two things can be true at the same time. For example, you can accept something without liking it, feel relief and sadness at the same time, or be frustrated and still make a good choice.
The Four Pillars of DBT
DBT is built on four main skill areas:
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- Mindfulness – Staying in the moment without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance – Getting through tough situations without making things worse.
- Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing strong feelings.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating and setting healthy boundaries.
What Is Emotion Regulation?
Emotion regulation means noticing what you feel, figuring out where that feeling is coming from, and choosing what to do next instead of letting the emotion take over. Before your teen can manage emotions, they first have to notice them. Once they do, they can slow down, think about what’s really going on, and make a choice that lines up with their values — not just their feelings. It’s not about ignoring emotions or pretending they aren’t there; it’s about taking the driver’s seat instead of letting those emotions steer the car. Like any skill, it takes practice, and the more your teen works at it, the easier it becomes to handle stress in healthy ways.
How Parents Can Help
Helping your teen cope with emotions starts with you.
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- Model the skills – Show them how you calm down under stress.
- Validate before fixing – Say, “I can see you’re stressed,” before jumping into solutions.
- Name the feeling – Help them figure out what they might be feeling.
- Create a calm environment – Your stress level affects theirs.
Kids often mirror what they see. If you approach problems calmly, they are more likely to do the same.
DBT Skills That Help With Stress
Learning emotion regulation takes more than just “calming down.” DBT gives teens practical tools they can use in the moment, especially when feelings are running high. These skills aren’t about ignoring emotions — they’re about finding ways to respond that keep the situation from getting worse and help your teen feel more in control.
Here are a few key DBT skills for emotion regulation:
1. Feelings Are Not Facts
Feelings can be intense, but that doesn’t make them true. Help your teen check the facts and see if their emotions match the situation.
Example: If they didn’t get invited to a party, it doesn’t mean no one likes them — it may just mean space was limited.
2. Opposite Action
When emotions push them toward something unhelpful (like isolating when they feel hurt), they can choose the opposite action (like reaching out to a friend). This helps shift their mood and keep relationships strong.
Why a Therapist Can Help
As teens grow, they naturally seek more independence and start making more of their own choices. That’s a normal and healthy part of development — but it can also mean they don’t always want to take advice from parents. Sometimes the same message you’ve been saying for years will click instantly when it comes from a coach, teacher, or therapist. This isn’t because you’re doing anything wrong; it’s simply that teens often respond differently when they hear something from another trusted adult.
A DBT-trained therapist can:
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- Teach and practice these skills in real time
- Reinforce what you’ve already modeled at home
- Help your teen handle emotions in healthier ways
- Loop you in so you can stay on top of what’s going on with your child too.
If your teen is struggling with stress, we can help. Contact La Luz Counseling to learn how DBT and other therapy approaches can support your teen and your family.
Helping Adults and Children Heal from Trauma and Feel Free from Anxiety
Trauma and Anxiety Counseling in San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas for Children, Teens, and Adults.
Jul 21, 2025
WRITTEN BY BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC: If back-to-school season is leaving you wonderinf how to support your child’s mental health this school year, you’re not alone. Sure, anticipation of the new school year can bring excitement and eagerness, but let’s be real- sometimes there’s a mix of anxiety and overwhelm too. We are preparing ourselves for packing lunches, checking homework, and managing all the changes.
While routines and check-ins go a long way, mental health support doesn’t stop there. Here are five ways you can support your child’s emotional well-being as they head back to school.
1. Talk About What’s in Their Control
School can feel unpredictable. What friends will be in the class? Who will the teacher be? What time is lunch? Alot of these questions you may not have an answer to. So instead of talking about the possibilities, focus on things you know. Help your child focus on what they can control—what to pack for lunch, what to wear on their first day, or choosing to be kind. This is known to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
“We can’t control everything, but let’s talk about what we can control.”
2. Create a Worry-Release Routine
Kids often carry stress without the words to tell us what they’re feeling. Start a simple daily routine to let those worries go—like writing them on paper and tossing them in a “worry jar,” praying them out loud in the morning drive, or whispering them into a stuffed animal before bed. These simple routines help kids name their worries and let them go.
This helps move the stress out of their body and gives them the tools to share what they’re feeling and ask for help.
3. Limit Over-Scheduling
It can be easy to pack every afternoon with sports, clubs, and extra activities, but kids need unstructured time to relax and recharge. Think about yourself- don’t you ever get tired doing all the driving, all the prepping, all the planning and we’re not even the ones doing the activity! Imagine your kiddo: a mental demand for 8 hours at school, then another 2 physically or mentally demanding hours in the afternoon. Give them space to simply play, daydream, or unwind to strengthen creativity and help emotions regulate.
Think of rest as essential as homework—it helps build a healthy, balanced life and teaches us that it’s okay to take time for ourselves.
4. Speak Kindly About Mistakes
Back-to-school can bring fear of failure or perceiving they’ve done something wrong. When your child makes a mistake, respond with curiosity instead of criticism. This encourages your child to see mistakes as something to learn from and develop a more positive, forgiving view of themselves.
“Everyone messes up. What do you think you could try next time?”
5. Include Mental Health in Your Family Conversations
Make emotional well-being a normal part of family life. Talk about emotions as something healthy, not something to hide. Share stories of your own emotions that day. The more you normalize these topics, the safer your child will feel bringing up their own struggles and coming to you for support when they’re struggling.
When I woke up this morning I felt so scatter-brained I was nervous I might forget something important. But then I remembered there’s nothing so big I can’t handle one step at a time.
When to Reach Out
If your child’s anxiety or stress feels like more than you can manage alone, don’t wait to seek support. How do you know when it’s become too big? If your mornings are consistently derailed, you’re frequently late to school due to meltdowns, or you’re getting regular calls from the school nurse or counselor, it may be time to take a closer look. While it’s normal for kids to get emotional, persistent episodes—especially those lasting more than 15 minutes and happening multiple times a day—can be a sign that they need extra support. Counseling can offer tools, language, and guidance to help children and families navigate these big emotions together.
At La Luz Counseling, we’re here to walk alongside your family. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can support you and your child this school year.
Jul 9, 2025
Why do minority groups avoid therapy? It’s a question that mental health professionals, advocates, and community members continue to explore—and the answers are layered. Despite the growing awareness around mental wellness, individuals from minority backgrounds often face unique cultural, social, and systemic barriers that make finding and accepting counseling much more difficult.
In this blog, we’ll break down four key reasons why therapy can feel out of reach for many—and what we can do to bridge the gap.
1. Physical Problems Get More Attention Than Mental Health Problems
It’s very common for people in minority groups to seek help from medical doctor before thinking of a mental health provider. That’s because many emotional struggles first show up in the body.
Unexplained headaches, stomach pain, or chest tightness might not be medical at all—but symptoms of emotional distress. This is known as psychosomatic pain. Anxiety attacks, for example, often lead people to the emergency room, convinced they’re having a heart attack. When traditional physical treatments don’t work, the underlying issue is often emotional or psychological.
Unfortunately, without culturally informed education on mental health, people may continue to seek physical remedies for mental wounds.
2. Feeling Ashamed to Get Help
In many minority households, therapy is still seen as something for people who are “crazy” or severely disturbed. As a Latina counselor, I’ve seen both sides of this coin—family members who proudly share that I’m a therapist… yet would never consider counseling for themselves.
For older generations especially, emotional challenges are handled privately. The cultural mindset often says: “You don’t air your dirty laundry” or “Just be strong and it will pass.” This stigma runs deep and discourages people from asking for the help they need.
3. Hard to Find A Mental Health Therapist You Can Relate To
Relatability matters. Many clients feel more comfortable with a therapist who looks like them, speaks their language, or understands their cultural background. Unfortunately, there’s still a shortage of therapists from diverse backgrounds.
Let’s say an older Mexican man prefers to speak Spanish and wants someone who shares his generational and cultural experience. Depending on where he lives, that could be difficult to find. The mismatch in language, culture, or lived experience can create another barrier to seeking support.
4. Don’t Know Where to Start
Finally, some people simply don’t know where to start. They don’t know what kind of help they need, who to ask, or what therapy really involves. The process feels foreign—especially for someone who’s never seen therapy modeled in their family or community.
Even as a mental health professional myself, I’ve faced challenges finding the right therapist. So I can only imagine how confusing it must feel for someone unfamiliar with the mental health landscape. Without clear direction or culturally accessible information, avoidance becomes the default.
How We Can Help Bridge the Gap
Talk About Mental Health in Everyday Places
Mental health doesn’t have to be a scary or private topic. We can start talking about it in places people already trust—like churches, schools, or community events. When we have honest conversations about stress, emotions, or therapy, it helps others feel like it’s okay to ask for help too. The more we talk, the less scary it feels.
Find Therapists Who Understand Your Culture
It’s easier to open up when your therapist understands your background. That’s why it’s important to have more therapists who speak your language or know your culture. We can also support programs that help more people of color become counselors, so everyone has a better chance of finding someone they can relate to.
¿Está buscando una consejera que hable español? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle!
Jun 24, 2025
WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC
You might not realize it, but trauma could be showing up in your life in quiet, persistent ways—anxiety that won’t go away, irritability you can’t explain, or a constant sense of being on edge. Can EMDR Really Help You Heal from Trauma? We’ll explore how those symptoms might be more than just stress—and what healing can actually look like.
You might not realize it, but trauma could be showing up in your life in quiet, persistent ways—anxiety that won’t go away, irritability you can’t explain, or a constant sense of being on edge. Maybe you’ve learned to power through it, telling yourself it’s just stress or that you should be over it by now. But what if those symptoms are actually signs of unresolved trauma?
Many people don’t recognize how past experiences still shape their present. That lingering heaviness, disconnection, or fear—it’s not in your head, and it’s not your fault. The good news? Healing is possible.
In this post, you’ll discover what PTSD really looks like, learn about EMDR—a research-backed therapy that doesn’t require retelling every painful detail—and explore how it might be the path to freedom you didn’t know you needed.
What You Didn’t Know About PTSD (But Need To)
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, isn’t limited to soldiers or combat survivors. It affects people who’ve experienced or witnessed any type of trauma. This might include abuse, neglect, loss, violence, car accidents, medical trauma, or overwhelming stress.
PTSD symptoms may include:
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoiding reminders of the event
- Hypervigilance or feeling unsafe
- Emotional numbness or disconnection
- Mood swings or irritability
These responses aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs that your brain is trying to protect you. The problem is, trauma can cause those protective systems to stay “on” long after the danger is gone. That’s where EMDR can help.
Can a Therapy Without Talking Really Heal Trauma?
If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, you don’t have to keep holding it. You don’t have to keep wondering if things will ever feel better—or if this is just how life has to be. Healing is possible, and support is available and it’s not something you have to face on your own.
At La Luz Counseling, an EMDR-trained therapist can provide a compassionate space to explore what’s been holding you back and walk with you toward healing. If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering if it’s right for you, we’d love to talk. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about EMDR and see if it’s the right fit for your healing journey.
Jun 18, 2025
One of the first questions our front office hears when someone reaches out is:
“Do you take insurance?”…And our answer? No, we don’t.
That might sound surprising—maybe even disappointing at first. But have you ever stopped to wonder why some therapists don’t accept your insurance? This blog will review 3 reasons you don’t want your therapist to accept your insurance.
Believe it or not, insurance companies have a lot more control over your therapeutic experience than you may realize. Here are three major reasons why we’ve chosen to keep them out of the therapy room—and why that might actually be a better decision for you.
1. You’re Required to Be Diagnosed—Immediately
Most people don’t realize that insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis after the very first session—100% of the time.
That means even after just one meeting, your therapist must assign a formal diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. While that might not seem like a big deal for someone who has long-term mental health struggles, it’s not that simple for everyone.
For example, many of our clients come to us with symptoms related to trauma. Trauma doesn’t always show up in obvious ways—it can look like depression, anxiety, anger, sleep issues, or mood swings. One session isn’t always enough to distinguish between, say, major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress. We believe in getting the diagnosis right, and that often requires more time and a deeper understanding of your full story.
When insurance dictates that a diagnosis be made right away, it can put unnecessary pressure on both client and therapist to rush a process that should be thoughtful and individualized.
2. Kids Can Be Labeled for Life
Now imagine that same pressure—only with a child.
We work with many children and teens who are simply going through life transitions: starting school, adjusting to changes at home, or learning to cope with big feelings. Sometimes, what they’re feeling doesn’t require a clinical diagnosis—it just needs time, support, and guidance.
But when insurance is involved, even a 5-year-old might receive a diagnosis like Generalized Anxiety Disorder just to justify treatment coverage. That label goes into their medical record and could follow them long after they’ve grown out of the struggle. We don’t take that lightly.
Mental health isn’t always a lifelong condition—especially in children. Sometimes, it’s just a moment in time. And we believe that moment deserves care without unnecessary labels.
3. Insurance Can Disrupt or Control Your Progress
When you use insurance, your care is subject to coverage limitations, billing errors, and approval processes. It’s not uncommon for claims to be denied over the smallest technical mistake—leaving you stuck with a bill or an interrupted therapy schedule.
Worse, when someone loses insurance or changes providers, therapy may have to stop altogether. Imagine finally gaining momentum in your healing, only to lose access to your therapist because your plan changed.
When therapists don’t accept insurance, none of that happens.
There’s no need to switch therapists if your coverage changes.
There’s no waiting on approvals.
And you and your therapist can decide together how often you meet, how long you meet, and what direction your sessions take—without a third party getting in the way.
Final Thoughts: Empowering You to Make the Best Choice
At the end of the day, your mental health care should feel safe, consistent, and personal. So the next time you hear that a therapist doesn’t accept your insurance consider wisely your next move. Whether you choose a therapist who accepts insurance or not, the most important thing is that you’re making an informed decision—knowing exactly what to expect.
For us, not accepting insurance is one way we protect your privacy, prioritize accurate care, and ensure nothing gets in the way of your progress. If that sounds like the kind of experience you want, we’d be honored to support your journey.
May 20, 2025
WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC Handling summer stress of kids at home can feel like a tall order—because while summer can be fun, it can also be stressful, especially when the kids are home all day. The days are longer, the routine changes, and sometimes it feels like everything is happening all at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But what if summer didn’t have to be so stressful? What if you could enjoy the season more and find simple ways to make things feel less overwhelming and more manageable?
Create a Simple Daily Flow
Kids like knowing what to expect. That doesn’t mean you need a strict schedule. But having a basic flow to the day can help everyone feel more relaxed and prepared for what the day will bring. Here’s an easy example:
- Start the Day: Breakfast, getting dressed, and a few chores.
- Creative Time: Late mornings for drawing, reading, or building things.
- Quiet Time: After lunch, everyone can take a break. Read, nap, or do something quiet.
- Evening Slow Down: Go for a walk, play a game, or read before bed.
This kind of rhythm helps your family stay balanced while still leaving room for fun.
TIP: Having a consistent wake-up time and a bedtime helps us establish a healthy routine and ensures that kids are continuing to get the sleep they need.
Be Realistic With Yourself
Handling Summer Stress of Kids at Home starts with letting go of the pressure to be your child’s personal summer camp every day. It’s okay if not every moment is exciting. In fact, a little boredom can help kids learn to entertain themselves and be creative. Instead of looking for something to do when your kid tells you they are bored, encourage them to problem-solve ways they can entertain themselves. You might be surprised at what they find!
Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing.
Don’t Forget About You
Whether you are working during the summer or staying at home with your kids, summer can be a tough balancing act. But your needs matter, too. It can be easy to forget our own routines when the kids are off. Keeping your routine and finding small, practical ways to give yourself a better quality of life is key.
- Start your day with 10 minutes of quiet before everyone wakes up—even if it’s just sipping coffee alone.
- Build in one “no multitasking” break during your day: take a walk, step outside, or enjoy lunch away from your screen.
- If possible, coordinate care shifts with a partner, trusted friend, or family member so you each get time to rest.
You don’t need hours of free time to feel like yourself again. Small, steady moments of rest can help you stay grounded, patient, and connected through the summer chaos.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Summer is a new season—full of change, movement, and opportunities to slow down. Let this be a time to reflect on what matters most and embrace the beauty of this season, even when it’s messy or loud.
Take a few minutes to think about this:
- What do I want my kids to remember about this summer?
- What can I let go of to feel less stressed?
- How can I add a little joy to our everyday routine?
Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing. “
May 12, 2025
WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S You’ve made the brave decision to start therapy—now what? Beginning counseling is an incredible first step, but the next most important part is staying committed. Why regular attendance in therapy matters comes down to one key thing: following through with your therapist’s recommended frequency in order to build real, lasting change.
Just like building strength at the gym or learning a new skill, therapy works best with regular and focused effort. Here’s why showing up regularly matters, and how it helps you get the most out of your journey toward healing and growth.
Think of Therapy Like Training for the Mind
Imagine working with a personal trainer. In the beginning, they’ll likely want to see you more frequently to help you build momentum. Once you’re progressing, those visits may taper off. Therapy works the same way.
Most therapists recommend weekly sessions when you start out. This allows you to build trust, process what brought you in, and begin developing tools to support your goals.
Regular Attendance in Therapy Matters
The frequency your therapist suggests isn’t random—it’s part of a structured plan to help you move forward effectively. Whether it’s once a week, biweekly, or monthly, the cadence supports your emotional and mental health progress. Skipping sessions too often can interrupt that progress and make it harder to maintain the breakthroughs you’re working toward.
Yes, There’s Homework in Therapy—And It’s Worth It
Just like you wouldn’t only brush your teeth the day you see your dentist, therapy requires effort outside of sessions too. Counselors often encourage clients to practice skills or complete reflective exercises between appointments. These aren’t busywork—they’re small, intentional steps that help you apply what you’ve learned to your daily life.
Therapy Is for You—and You’re Worth the Commitment
We get it—life is busy. Therapy requires your time, energy, and often financial investment. But here’s the truth: change won’t just happen because you’re showing up to sessions. It happens when you decide to actively participate in your healing process.
You’re the one in the counseling chair, and only you can create the change you’re looking for. Why regular attendance in therapy matters becomes especially clear when you realize that true progress depends on what you do both during and between your sessions.
You May Be the First to Notice the Wins
Progress in therapy can be subtle at first—calmer reactions, more self-awareness, better boundaries. Like getting into shape, you’re often the first one to notice the changes before others do. That’s okay. Counseling isn’t for them—it’s for you.
Even if others doubt your ability to stick with it, remember why you started. You deserve the chance to reach your goals—and therapy, done consistently, is a powerful way to get there.
You’ve Got This
Therapy isn’t about perfection—it’s about regular attendance, doing the work, and giving yourself the gift of growth. Regular attendance, at the pace your therapist recommends, is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.
Stay with it. You’re worth the time.
Apr 29, 2025
WRITTEN BY SARAH RIVERA, LPC April is National Counseling Awareness Month and National Minority Health Month—a perfect time to remind ourselves that sometimes when culture and counseling cross it can be tough. But it’s also a time for us to talk about how counseling through a cultural lens can be helpful too, especially for people who often feel unseen, overlooked, or left out.
At La Luz Counseling, we know that minority communities have often grown up with certain expectations or beliefs. Many times, talking about emotions wasn’t normal—or it may have even been discouraged. Maybe you were told to keep things quiet or to deal with them behind closed doors.
In other situations, you may have been told to “just pray about it” or to leave it in God’s hands. While some of this advice may come from a place of love or faith, it can still feel lonely to handle everything on your own.
When Culture and Counseling Cross
In many families, counseling feels strange—or even wrong. Culturally, some people believe that asking for help means you’re weak or broken. But that’s not true.
If you are resistant to therapy, it often helps to consider how you were raised or what your culture is made up of. In many communities, strength is measured by how much you can carry silently. Sharing emotions may be seen as a burden to others, or even as a sign of failure. But that mindset often comes from generations who had to survive with limited resources, where staying quiet was a way to stay safe.
Still, hiding pain doesn’t make it go away—it only makes it harder to carry. Just because something is familiar, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And just because something is cultural, doesn’t mean it can’t grow or change.
Faith and Counseling
We love that faith is important. At La Luz Counseling, we believe faith is a core part of daily life. Many of our clients lean on prayer and trust God when life gets hard. Prayer is powerful—but so is Jesus.
He works in many ways and through many people. He never meant for us to face life alone. He gave us community so that we can find encouragement and support from one another.
You can go to church and go to therapy. You can talk to God and still talk to a counselor. You can believe in Jesus and still believe in therapy too.
We believe—strongly—that faith, culture, and counseling matter, and they can come together in a way that brings deep healing and hope.
Why Culturally, Counseling Can be Hard
For many people—especially in minority communities—starting counseling can feel difficult. There are many reasons for this:
- Money – Therapy can feel too expensive, especially if you need to go regularly. We understand that. That’s why we offer reduced-rate sessions and can help connect you with local agencies that offer free or low-cost services.
- Access – Sometimes you just don’t know where to start. But when you ask, there are people ready to point you in the right direction.
- Trust – Let’s be honest: opening up to a total stranger is hard. But if you can trust the process and begin to trust the person, healing can begin. When trust is built and you stick with counseling, your progress becomes real and visible.
- Representation – It helps to see yourself in your therapist. No, your counselor doesn’t have to know exactly what it’s like to be you—but it can help if they understand or respect your cultural background. If race, culture, or ethnicity is important to you when choosing a therapist, that’s OK. You deserve to feel seen and heard.
You Are Allowed to Start Counseling
This month—and every month moving forward—let’s remind ourselves that when culture and counseling cross it can be a wonderful thing. They do belong in the same room.
You are allowed to ask for help.
You are allowed to get support.
You are allowed to begin your healing journey.
We’re here when you’re ready to start. Yes, your faith and culture matter, and so do you.
To read more about how mental health and cultural identity intersect, especially within the Latino community, check out our blog on Hispanic Heritage Month and Mental Health.
Apr 9, 2025
WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to talk about something often overlooked —warning signs of a loved one’s drinking behavior. In this post, we’ll walk you through 5 warning signs of your loved one’s drinking behavior. We hope that by the end of this read, it will help you better understand when it’s time to be concerned.
Alcohol is often associated with fun, parties, and connection. Coming together with friends and family, especially in the context of celebrations and certain culture (like military families and Latino communities), alcohol is usually in the mix. However, alcohol intake and drinking can sometimes shift from casual to concerning without us realizing it. Whether it’s part of weekend gatherings or used as a way to unwind, alcohol can quickly become a harmful coping mechanism. In worse cases, it can negatively impact relationships, emotional health, and overall well-being.
Let’s talk about the difference between social drinking and something more serious—and what to do when that line starts to blur.
Understanding Alcohol Use vs. Abuse
Not all drinking is bad or harmful. But knowing the difference between alcohol use and alcohol abuse can help you recognize when it’s time to speak up.
- Moderate alcohol use is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men, according to the CDC.
- Alcohol abuse begins when drinking becomes excessive, impacts daily functioning, or harms relationships.
- Binge drinking is 4 or more drinks in one sitting for women, or 5 or more for men.
If (you or) your loved one is consistently drinking beyond these limits, it may be time to consider the impact of their alcohol use.
5 Warning Signs of Your Loved One’s Drinking Behavior
1. Tolerance is Increasing
If it takes more alcohol for your loved one to feel the same effect. Specifically, they’re drinking more often than they used to. This could be a sign of dependence forming.
2. Alcohol Is Always on Their Mind
Spending a lot of time drinking, talking about drinking, or planning around when they can drink again is a red flag. When alcohol becomes a central part of their day or week, it’s no longer just a social habit—it’s a priority.
3. Risky or Dangerous Behavior
Alcohol impairs decision-making. If your loved one is drinking and driving, engaging in aggressive behavior, or making impulsive choices while intoxicated, their drinking is putting them—and others—at serious risk.
4. It’s Affecting Their Responsibilities
Has your loved one missed work, skipped family obligations, or shown up intoxicated to important events? Alcohol abuse often gets in the way of important things. It can cause problems personally, professionally, or with family life, making it hard to ignore.
5. Emotional or Mental Health Changes
Despite being viewed as a stress reliever, alcohol is a depressant. It can worsen anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and mood swings. If your loved one seems more emotionally unpredictable or withdrawn, alcohol might be part of the problem—not the solution.
What You Can Do
If these signs sound familiar, you don’t have to handle them alone. Here are a few first steps:
- Start the conversation. Approach your loved one gently and non-judgmentally. Share what you’ve noticed using “I” statements like, “I’ve been worried about how often you’ve been drinking lately.”
- Express care, not criticism. Avoid accusations. Focus on your concern for their well-being.
- Encourage professional help. A therapist or medical professional can help them explore their relationship with alcohol and take meaningful steps forward.
Support for You Matters Too
If your loved one isn’t ready to get help—or doesn’t think their drinking is a problem—that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You deserve support and to have a good quality of life too. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right—trust it. These 5 warning signs of your loved one’s drinking behavior are meant to help you spot concerns early and take meaningful steps with compassion and clarity.
At La Luz Counseling, we work with individuals who are worried about a family member’s substance use and need a safe space to process, set boundaries, and explore next steps. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to care for your mental and emotional health. You’re not alone. We’re here to help.
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