Christian Counselor Directory Blog

This will be a five week journey through the path called grief. During the sessions we will explore the grieving process, grief myths, holiday grief, and more.

By Bridgette Morris, Christian Therapist and Creator of the SNAP! Method - #1 tool to deal with narcissitc people with a faith-based mindset

If you’ve found yourself entangled with a narcissistic parent, partner, or colleague, you know how disorienting and painful it can be. It’s easy to feel conflicted, stuck, and utterly unsure of what steps to take next. The internal struggle is real, and it’s deeply rooted in something called cognitive dissonance—a term that might sound clinical but describes a very human experience of mental and emotional conflict. In these moments, faith isn’t just a comfort; it’s a critical compass guiding you through the storm.

Understanding Cognitive Dissonance in Narcissistic Relationships
Cognitive dissonance occurs when your mind struggles to reconcile two conflicting beliefs or values. Imagine loving someone deeply, but constantly being hurt by their manipulative behavior. You know something is wrong, but you cling to the hope that things will change, or that their actions aren’t as harmful as they seem. This is cognitive dissonance at play—your brain is trying to make sense of two opposing realities: the love and the harm.

For many, this dissonance creates a paralyzing state of confusion and self-doubt. You start questioning your own perceptions, wondering if you’re overreacting or misunderstanding the situation. It’s a mental tug-of-war that leaves you feeling drained and trapped.

The Role of Faith in Navigating Narcissistic Manipulation
As Christians, our faith is the bedrock that holds us steady when everything else feels shaky. But when you’re dealing with a narcissist, it’s easy to lose sight of that foundation. The narcissist’s manipulations can be so subtle, so insidious, that they make you doubt your own beliefs and values.

This is where faith becomes more than a comfort—it becomes your anchor. By leaning into your faith, you can begin to see through the narcissist’s tactics. You’re reminded of your worth in God’s eyes, a worth that no amount of manipulation can diminish. Faith helps you discern the truth from the lies, giving you the strength to stand firm in your values.

The SNAP! Method: Leaning into Faith to Impact Change
Dealing with a narcissist isn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming your power and living a life of peace and purpose. That’s why I developed the SNAP! Method—a structured, faith-based approach that allows you to lean into your faith during moments of manipulation, empowering you to create real, lasting change.

Here’s how the SNAP! Method works:

Stop: The first step is to pause. When you’re caught in the whirlwind of a narcissist’s manipulations, the best thing you can do is take a step back. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about giving yourself the space to think clearly.

Notice: Pay attention to what’s really happening. Notice the patterns of manipulation, the subtle ways the narcissist tries to control or belittle you. This step is crucial because it allows you to separate your emotions from the narcissist’s tactics.

Ask: Here’s where faith comes in. Ask yourself how your faith informs this situation. What would Christ advise you to do? What does scripture say about your worth and how you should be treated? By grounding yourself in your faith, you can make decisions that align with your values rather than the narcissist’s agenda.

Pivot: Finally, take action. But not just any action—action that’s rooted in your faith and values. This might mean setting boundaries, seeking professional help, or even walking away. Whatever it is, it’s a pivot toward a life of peace, away from the chaos the narcissist thrives on.

The SNAP! Method isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to take control of your life, not by fighting fire with fire, but by leaning into the strength and wisdom that comes from your faith.

Moving Forward with Confidence and Faith
Narcissism is a tough opponent, but it’s not invincible. With the right tools and a strong foundation in faith, you can navigate even the most challenging relationships. Cognitive dissonance and emotional manipulation don’t have to control your life. By understanding these dynamics and using the SNAP! Method, you can reclaim your power and start living the life God intended for you—a life filled with peace, purpose, and unwavering faith.

I’m Bridgette Morris, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals break free from the grip of narcissism. I’ve authored a book on the subject and founded the Healing Life Institute, where my team of five dedicated professionals all approach narcissism from a faith-based lens. Together, we’re committed to guiding you through true healing and lasting transformation.

Let’s start this journey together.

My Theological Construct of Marriage

I submit that one’s personal theology, core values, beliefs and ultimate understanding of biblical doctrine all buttress one’s framework of marriage. Several questions arise regarding one’s value system, one’s belief system, socialization, cultural exposure which serve to shape the lens by which couples view the world. As such, to avoid repetitive issues, problems and conflict in marriage, there must be some level of unity with respect to the philosophy and/or biblical theology of the marriage couple (Genesis 2:24; I Corinthians 11:11; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Elwell (2001) clearly outlines the similar relationship between theology and philosophy, “Since theology and philosophy both engage in critical analysis of the meaning of terms, follow a strict process of observation and reasoning to reach conclusions, and traditionally sought to formulate a consistent worldview, philosophy and theology are overlapping disciplines (Elwell p. 1163). In this regard, the Bible explicitly states, “Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:1-3, King James Version). To better explicate the relational functioning of marriage from a theological perspective let us first examine marriage in the context of creation.

The Creation of Humanity

Seeking to understand the relationship of humanity to God, from a perspective of image and likeness, is an extremely complex issue. As such, any serious attempt to understand what it means to be made in the image of God is centered on the premise of the doctrines of humanity and creation. Several biblical passages speak of the image of God. The best-known is probably Geneses 1:26-27. Verse 26 is God’s statement of intention; it includes the terms (tselem) and (demuth), translated respectively, “image” and “likeness” (Erickson, 1998, p. 519). While the content of the divine image remains a matter of debate, its significance as a marker for human distinctiveness within creation is a matter of broad theological consensus. The problem is that such an assessment of the “imago dei” seems altogether out of keeping with its place in the Bible (McFarland, 2005, p. 1). To establish a sound theology of marriage, one must seek to establish a relationship between humanity and the “likeness” and “image “of God. In terms of creation, what distinguishes man from any other creature? Man is not only a creature, but he is also a person. And to be a person means to have a kind of independence- not absolute but relative. According to Baker (1991), “The idea of the image of God means that humanity has a unique relation to God. There is something about God that is also true of human beings but not true of animals” (p. 36). Implicitly, God created humanity with free will. In the marital context, there is a strong relational functioning that enables the ability to understand and establish covenant, set goals, establish families, make life-changing decisions.

The Fall of Man

So early was the decision -making ability granted to humanity that it led to “the Fall” of man. At the corpus of the decisions made by Adam and Eve were yielding to temptation and disobedience. According to Elwell (2001), “That humanity by creation uniquely bears the image of God is a fundamental biblical doctrine- as is also that this image is sullied by sin and that it is restored by divine salvation” (p. 591). The discourse of deception created by Satan gives a clear preview of his guile.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was[a]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:1-6, New King James Version)

Adam and Eve’s disobedience resulted in the fall of humankind, led to man’s spiritual separation from God and broke covenant with God. According to Hoekema (1986), the statement “God created man in his own image” intends to do more than just describe man’s spiritual and moral integrity, but rather humankind was “created was to mirror God and to represent God” (p. 66). Elwell (2001) further establishes a theological framework in support of my earlier statement on the related doctrines. He notes: “Hebrew-Christian theology frames the doctrine of the imago in the setting of divine creation and redemption” (p. 591). As such, the reader should begin to observe a common threat not only of humanity link to God’s image and likeness, but also to the theological constructs of creation, the fall and now redemption.

The Redemption Plan of God

The Son of God, who as the divine Word is the expression of the will and power of God, is not only the agent of creation by whom all things were brought into being and providential sustainer of the universe as a historical continuum (Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:2), but also the redeemer in and through whom all God’s purposes of creation are established and brought to fulfillment. In 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, the Apostle Paul links Christ as the “imago dei” with the glory-Christology evident throughout the New Testament.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6, New King James Version)

I posit that the fulness of God’s redemptive process cannot be fully comprehended in the absence a revelation of God’s atonement. According to Hughes (1989) “The whole purpose of the incarnation was our redemption. The person of Christ receives its full meaning from the work of Christ” (p. 342). The Bible vividly makes the work of the Cross a very passionate experience. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 4:6, New King James Version). In the marriage context, God’s agape love becomes the model to which married couples should aspire (Ephesians 5:21-25). According to Parrott and Parrott (2006), “Consummate love results from the full combination of love’s three components: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Consummate love is the goal toward which every marriage strives” (p. 43). In summary, relational functioning in a marriage may perhaps best be sustained through consummate and unconditional love, oneness and unity in both the natural and spiritual, an intentionally willingness to fidelity, commitment, sacrifice, forgiveness and submission to the divine will of God. Hamilton and Cunningham (2000) affirm the conciliatory view of marriage. He notes that “Jesus came to set in motion the healing God had promised when Adam and Eve shared the great tragedy of the Garden. He came to end the painful consequences of a broken and sinful world, including the rift between men and women” (p. 111).

References

Baker, W. H. (1991). The Image of God. Chicago: Moody Press.

Elwell, A. W. (2001). Evangelical dictionary of theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

Erickson, M. J. (1998). Christian theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

Hamilton, D. & Cunningham, J. R. L. (2000). Why not women? A fresh look at scripture on women in missions, ministry, and leadership. Washington, Seattle: YWAM Publishing.

Hoekema, A. A. (1986). Created in God’s image. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Hughes, P. E. (1989). The true image. Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

McFarland, I. A. (2005). The divine image. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press.

Parrott, L. & Parrott, L. (2006). Saving your marriage before it starts. Grand Rapids: Zondervan

Most people experience less leisure and more daily stress as they juggle work and career, family, and friends. In spite of life’s demands, there are some simple, effective steps that can be taken to ease up on daily pressures. Here are 16 ways to reduce stress during the workday. Choose those that work best for you and practice them often. Why? Because your health (physical, mental, spiritual) is much more important to your joy than material things. Here’s to your heath!

1. Begin the day with a brief prayer and meditation: Rather than jumping out of bed and rushing to start your day, take a few minutes – from five to 20 – to pray, meditate, read a short inspiring passage, think peaceful thoughts, appreciate God’s gift of a new, fresh day. Beginning this way gives you a sense of peace that will manifest itself all day.
2. Apply the wisdom of Paul to your daily living: “Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). Those words are a reminder to think positively. During the day when you face a crisis, think challenge. When you face an obstacle, think opportunity. Approaching any stressful event positively will boost your energy.
3. Remember, you get to make mistakes: “Many people start sinking into despair or scolding themselves unmercifully after making a mistake,” observes Charlotte Davis Kasl, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of Finding Joy. “The important thing to remember is that everyone makes mistakes…so ease up on yourself.”
4. Create peaceful images in your mind: Several times during your workday, pause briefly to create a peaceful image in your mind. For example, picture yourself gently canoeing on a calm, still lake with the sun shining brilliantly. Or imagine yourself sitting quietly on a hillside where you are completely surrounded by beautiful wildflowers.
5. Practice hospitality: Maintain an open-door policy in your heart for everyone you will encounter during the day. Greet everyone with a smile. This will make others feel good about being with you.
6. Observe your breathing: When we are relaxed our breathing is slow and even. However, when we are anxious or upset we tend to breathe irregularly. Pay attention to your breathing. As soon as you notice yourself becoming stressed say to yourself, “Stop.” As you breathe out, smile. As you do this let your shoulders drop and relax your hands. Repeat this technique several times.
7. Take a brisk walk: Experts note that exercise is effective in burning off the excess adrenaline that fuels feelings of anxiety and stress. Exercise also releases endorphins—the body’s natural chemicals that block anxiety and pain. So take a brisk walk over lunch hour. During office hours, even a brisk walk down the hallway or up a flight of stairs can help.
8. Change your lunch environment: Get out of the office and enjoy your noon meal in a park. Use this time to be with nature. At least once or twice a week, eat by yourself in silence. Eat slowly. Be thankful for your meal. Enjoy yourself.
9. Walk in someone else’s shoes: Try to see a conflict or difference of opinion from another person’s point of view. In most cases, you’ll find your anger slipping away.
10. Beware about what you drink: The caffeinated drinks you drink throughout the day can be a mental-health nightmare. Too much caffeine can cause shaky hands, restlessness, and irritability—all of which increase stressful feelings. Try eliminating it from your routine. If you can’t do it all at once, then cut down or do it gradually.
11. Concentrate on the task at hand, not the outcome: This is another way of learning to be less than perfect. If you find yourself fretting about a project, speak gently to yourself, saying: “Here I go again worrying about the future. I’ll just give this my best now.” Then do that. Remember to leave the future in God’s hands.
12. Just say “No”: Yes, it’s okay to say NO! You don’t have to accept every project, every invitation to become involved, every opportunity to attend a meeting. Accept what you need to do and what you want to do, but say “No, thank you” to other requests for your time. People will manage if you say no.
13. Make a peace pact with yourself: As soon as you begin to feel angry, hostile, cynical, skeptical, irritable, or impatient, repeat a word that can offset the negative energy. Some examples include peace, love, hope, faith, joy, patience, etc.
14. Relive a happy memory: Tap into the power of your memories. In a time of stress, look back and remember a pleasant experience of satisfying moment.
15. Let there be music: The right music can take you from a highly tense state to a relaxed state in a very short time. The right music is generally instrumental rather than vocal. Many people find the sounds of nature combined with musical harmonies to be very relaxing.
16. Don’t bring work problems home: This one is going to be difficult for many, especially in this electronic age. But, do your best. Leave your cares behind at the office. You will feel better, and you will return to work refreshed, energetic, and more creative. A few tips: At the end of the workday sit quietly and consciously make the transition from work to home. When you pull into the driveway, park on the street, or about to leave your home office space, take a minute to orient yourself to being with your family members or to entering your home. Try changing out of your work clothes when you get home. This simple act might help you to make a smoother transition into your next “role.’”
17. Share your stressors with a good friend. Bringing your real self to good connections with its problems and needs can do much to relieve the monkey on your back. Bonding and safe attachment with others who can listen and really hear you can do much to help with peace in your heart,

What does Encompassed Purpose do? What is a Christian Coach? Encompassed Purpose is here to help people and organizations. We have the experience and knowledge to do so. We coach individual organizations and coaches across the world. We have resources, books, and courses that further assist you in your journey. We are evidence-based and solution-focused. We are a nonprofit and that is reflected in our service cost. We serve many modalities such as Personal and professional development, anxiety, stress, coping, relationships and marriage, all types of addiction, goals, visions, plans, focus, and paths to get there. Cognitive restructuring, self-doubt, well-being, your relationship with the Trinity, behavioral health, sell sabotage and so much more. We walk alongside you in the struggles to get you where you want to be. Then we walk alongside you in your journey to a better way. If you are still not convinced please look up the average return on investment with Coaching and wellbeing plans. The facts speak for themselves, With the facts now in hand why would you not want a better way, It is up to you to have the life or organization you have dreamed of. Take the first step. 573-286-5625 or coach@encompassedpurpose or simply go to www.encompassedpurpose.com there you will find books, courses, and coaching packages that give you the coaching you need along with free access to the courses. Let us develop a program tailored just for you. The only thing holding you back is you, take a step forward and go at your own pace. We see people in person and online and are only goal is to help you. please see us at www. encompassedpurpose.com we look forward to meeting with you and walking alongside you in your journey to a better way.

The High Priest and the Accuser: Finding Freedom from Shame in Christ" is a devotional designed to help Christian individuals and couples in California overcome the shame and guilt associated with sexual addiction. Drawing from Zechariah 3 and the compassionate heart of Christ, this devotional offers a pathway to spiritual healing and restoration. Ideal for fellow Christian clinicians seeking faith-based resources or potential clients looking for hope and renewal in their journey to freedom through Christ.

I created an online course and companion handbook to help Christian Couples LEARN how to be married. Often, Christian couples haven't had an example of a successful marriage. This training will help couples LEARN the basics of a Christian marriage. They can learn in the comfort of their home watching videos together and doing the homework assignments from the companion workbook that is downloadable with the course.

Dr. Trudy has over 18,000 hours experience in the counseling room. Realizing couples need this help because of the costs of marriage counseling and marriage intensive programs, she created this alternative option for couples to receive help for their marriages.

Couples can D-I-Y in the comfort of their homes with the guidance of Dr. Trudy. Dr. Trudy's heart is to help Christian couples start over and be trained about having a Christian marriage.

Hey mama! Feeling like you're stuck on a never-ending hamster wheel of diapers, snacks, and trying to remember the last time you had a full conversation with another adult? Trust me, you’re not alone. Motherhood is one wild ride, and it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. So, let’s take a breath and dive into something that might just change your day—self-worth affirmations.

Hi there! I’m Kelly, a mom of four and someone who's been through the trenches of motherhood just like you. With a master's degree in counseling and board certification as a behavior analyst, I've spent over 15 years helping moms find their footing and rediscover their joy. I know firsthand how tough it can be to juggle all the demands without losing your identity. But here's the thing: you deserve to feel amazing about yourself, and I'm here to guide you back to that happy place!

The Struggle with Self-Worth

Let’s get real for a second—how often do you put yourself at the bottom of your to-do list? It’s so easy to do when everyone else seems to need you 24/7. Society makes us think we should be perfect at everything: super mom, perfect partner, career woman. It’s exhausting! And somewhere along the way, we forget that we are worthy of love and respect, even if we didn’t tick every box on that never-ending list today.

Why Self-Worth Affirmations Matter

Affirmations are like little love notes you give yourself. They’re reminders of who you are and all that you’re capable of. I remember working with a mom who was barely holding it together. She started using affirmations and slowly, like finding that first cup of coffee in the morning, she began to see herself in a new light. It’s all about changing the script in your head from "I can’t do this" to "I’ve got this."

Top 10 Self-Worth Affirmations for Overwhelmed Moms

1. I am the heart of my family, and I deserve love and care.
You’re the glue that holds everything together, mama. Take a moment to remind yourself of your vital role.

2. I am more than enough, even on the days I feel less than perfect.
Those crumbs on the floor can wait. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

3. My needs are important, and I’m allowed to meet them.
It’s not selfish to take time for yourself. It’s essential.

4.I choose to see the beauty in my daily chaos.
Sure, there’s mess, but there’s also magic in the madness.

5. I trust my instincts and the decisions I make for my family.
You know what’s best for your kids, so trust that gut feeling!

6. I am proud of the mom I am today and the one I am becoming.
Every challenge makes you stronger and more incredible.

7. I deserve moments of peace and quiet.
It’s okay to crave silence and solitude now and then. You’ve earned it.

8. I embrace my journey, including the highs and the lows.
Life isn’t perfect, and neither is motherhood. That’s okay.

9. I am grateful for my resilience and ability to adapt.
You’re stronger than you know and capable of handling anything thrown your way.

10. I am worthy of joy and laughter, even in tough times.
Don’t forget to smile and find joy in little things, even when things get rough.

Creating Your Own Affirmations

Want to make these affirmations truly yours? Here’s how you can create personal ones that hit home:

Reflect on Your Challenges:
What’s bugging you most right now? Turn it around with a positive spin.

Use the Present Tense:
Speak as if it’s already happening. "I am" is powerful!

Keep It Simple:
Short and sweet works best. You’ll remember them easier.

Practical Tips for Using Affirmations

Incorporating affirmations into your day can be as simple as sipping your coffee. Here’s how:

Morning Mantra: Say them while you brush your teeth or make your morning brew.

Sticky Notes Everywhere: Post them on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or even in your car.

Phone Alerts: Set reminders throughout the day with affirmations to keep you going.

Overcoming Common Challenges

If you find yourself rolling your eyes at affirmations, hang in there! Here’s what you can do:

Give It Time: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Stick with it.

Believe in Your Words: Say them with conviction, even if you don’t feel it yet.

Consistency Is Key: Make affirmations a part of your daily routine, like breakfast.

Conclusion

Remember, mama, you are more than just a checklist of chores and tasks. Your worth isn’t tied to how perfectly you manage your household or whether you can bake Pinterest-worthy cupcakes. It’s about the love, strength, and resilience you bring to your family every single day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck, coaching can be a game-changer. Imagine having someone in your corner who gets it—someone who’s been there and can help you navigate this crazy ride called motherhood. My coaching services are designed to help you reconnect with yourself, build your self-worth, and find joy in the everyday moments. Together, we'll work on practical strategies and personalized affirmations that will empower you to shine bright.

You deserve to feel confident and happy, and I’m here to support you on this journey. Let’s chat about how we can make that happen!

FAQs About Affirmations for Self-Worth

What are self-worth affirmations?
Self-worth affirmations are positive statements that help you remember your value and encourage a positive mindset.

How often should I use affirmations?
Try using them daily, in the morning, and any time you need a confidence boost.

Can affirmations really boost self-esteem?
Absolutely! By reinforcing positive beliefs, affirmations can help shift your mindset over time.

What if I don’t believe in my affirmations?
That’s okay! Start with what feels true to you and gradually work up to more aspirational affirmations.

How can I encourage my mom friends to use affirmations?
Share your journey with them, invite them to try it with you, and celebrate the small wins together.

With Love and a Whole Lot of Imperfection,

Kelly, MA, BCBA, Mom Life Coach