Family Counseling

As Christians, we understand that tithing is not merely a financial obligation but a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God’s provision and our commitment to His kingdom. While the Bible doesn’t provide explicit answers to every nuance of tithing in our modern context, we can apply biblical principles to guide our practices. As…

As Christians, we understand that the battle against sin is a daily struggle. Our sinful nature constantly pulls us towards temptation, but Scripture provides us with powerful weapons to resist. One powerful but often overlooked weapon in our battle against sin and temptation is the practice of setting our minds on heaven. Below are some…

Here at 1st Principle Group, we have a principle called “chewing”. When we regularly “chew” on something, we think about it and meditate on it. As we chew, it helps to move our beliefs from our head to our hearts. John Owen, a theologian in the 1600s, says, “We meditate upon a truth and add…

The Thanksgiving holiday, meant to be a time of joy and gratitude, can often amplify our pain and struggles: some people may be navigating the grief that comes from celebrating a holiday without a beloved family member for the first time, while others may be bracing for the impact of dysfunctional family dynamics, and still…

As Christians, we understand that our faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. No church is perfect but being part of a Bible-believing, gospel preaching church, far from being optional, is an essential aspect of our walk with Christ. Here’s why: Biblical Foundation The church is important because God says it is.  We…

Despite the myriad of opportunities to connect with old friendships and acquaintances on social media, the number of close friendships that people have has decreased significantly over the past couple of decades. In our increasingly digital and individualistic society, genuine friendships are becoming rarer. As Christians, we must recognize the profound significance of friendship, not…

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, many of us are preparing to celebrate not only with family but also with friends through the tradition of “Friendsgiving”. Although Friendsgiving is a modern cultural trend, it’s a great opportunity to show the love of Christ to our neighbors and communities and is often a very fun…

Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday with traditions rooted in Scripture like Christmas and Easter, it is still a wonderful opportunity to recognize God’s goodness to us, and a time that we can thank God for the blessings that come from our families.  Although no family is perfect, we can recognize the blessings that come…

Disclaimer: The intention of this article is to help parents differentiate between normal sibling rivalry and abusive sibling behavior. If you suspect sibling abuse in your family, we strongly encourage you to find a therapist who specializes in working with children as quickly as possible so you and your child can get help and support.…

Determining a child’s Myers-Briggs Type requires a balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits of understanding personality and the ultimate authority of Scripture in shaping our identity. Every child is fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14), and every child possesses unique gifts, talents, and personality traits that reflect God’s creativity. While…

In our fast-paced world full of instant gratification, teaching children how to be patient and persevere is more crucial than ever. These qualities are not just beneficial for everyday life, but are essential in developing a strong faith and character that glorifies God. Scripture provides us with numerous examples of patience and perseverance. James 1:2-4…

As Christians, we understand that all children are born with a sinful nature, yet are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. When faced with a child exhibiting destructive behaviors, our calling is to guide them towards a path of righteousness and constructive living, always remembering God’s sovereign grace in the process. First and foremost,…

All children are born with a sinful nature that comes from our fallen nature as descendants of Adam.  This fallen nature often expresses itself in childhood as disobedience.  Because disobedience is ultimately directed at God, the goal of our discipline should not be behavior manipulation, but rather helping change our children’s hearts towards God. Realizing…

Disclaimer:  The intention of this article is not to encourage the reader to diagnose their child or anyone with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). ASPD should be diagnosed by a qualified therapist.  Unless the child is also suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder the diagnosis of ASPD is not made before the age of 18.  The intention…

Disclaimer:  The intention of this article is not to encourage the reader to diagnose their child or anyone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD should be diagnosed by a qualified therapist.  Unless the child is also suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder the diagnosis of NPD is not made before the age of 18.  The intention…

As Christians, we understand that our ultimate hope and security lie in Christ alone. However, we also recognize that our children and grandchildren may struggle with very real fears and anxieties, especially during the Halloween season. Here are some ways we can lovingly support and guide them through this challenging time. First and foremost, we…

As October 31st approaches, many Christians find themselves grappling with how to approach Halloween. From a Christian perspective, we are called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-15), and this principle can guide us in navigating this cultural phenomenon. First and foremost, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to…

While many people view this Halloween as a time for costumes and candy, it’s important to consider its potential effects on mental health, particularly as believers who seek to care for others and live peacefully with everyone (Romans 12:18). The Anxiety and Depression Connection While there isn’t much research on the direct impacts of Halloween…

As Christians, we are called to live our lives in accordance with God’s Word and to be salt and light in a dark world. We should approach all cultural celebrations with thoughtfulness and a desire to honor God.  While Halloween is a morally gray area and many view this holiday as harmless fun, it’s crucial…

Halloween presents a complex issue for Christians seeking to honor God in all aspects of life, since it requires a nuanced approach and is often a loaded topic, as many cultural issues are.  While not explicitly addressed in Scripture, we can apply biblical principles to guide our approach to this cultural phenomenon. Historical Context Halloween…

Below is a chart with a list of promises that are true of you from the moment you believe the Gospel. You are… Reference fully forgiven Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:12 significant, having been adopted into God’s family according to His will from the beginning of time Ephesians…

Why We Sin and Why We Need to Stop From the moment we believed the Gospel, we were given a regenerated heart.  That heart loves God, desires to please Him, longs to be with Him, and is willing to sacrifice for Him.  However, the regenerate heart is “encased” in sinful flesh. The flesh hates God,…

Teaching children to glorify God is one of the greatest callings of Christian parenting, and is rooted in Scripture’s clear command to raise children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Teach Your Children About God It may seem obvious, but a great way to teach kids about glorifying God is to…

As Christians, we understand that our role as parents is a sacred calling from God. Part of this calling involves discerning how to engage with our children in a way that reflects Christ’s love and wisdom. One often overlooked aspect of this engagement is matching our energy level to our child’s needs and the situation…

Disclaimer:  The intention of this article is not to encourage the reader to diagnose their child or anyone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD should be diagnosed by a qualified therapist.  Unless the child is also suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder the diagnosis of NPD is not made before the age of 18.  The intention…

Disclaimer:  The intention of this article is not to encourage the reader to diagnose their child or anyone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD should be diagnosed by a qualified therapist.  Unless the child is also suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder the diagnosis of NPD is not made before the age of 18.  The intention…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. As followers of Christ, we believe that every life is precious and created with purpose. If you or someone you love is battling suicidal thoughts,…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. In our last blog post, we looked at what to do if you are in imminent danger of self-harm, and some steps you can take…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. In the first blog post of this two-part series, we are going to go over what to do if you are suicidal.  If you’re experiencing…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. In our last blog post, we continued our series on helping people we love who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and specifically how to talk…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice, not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. In our last post, we looked at how to get immediate help for a loved one who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. In this blog post, we…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. In the first blog post of our three-part series, we are going to look at immediate actions you can take if someone you love is…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. The prevalence of suicide in today’s culture can be attributed to several interconnected factors that reflect our fallen world and humanity’s separation from God.  In…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.  The following is general advice, not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. Suicide is another form of murder that hurts the One who loves us deeply. 36% more people committed suicide in 2022 compared to 2000. I have worked…

Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger of committing suicide, call 911 immediately.  The following are general principles and are not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. According to the CDC, 13.2 million adults thought seriously about committing suicide in 2022. In our blog Why is Suicide So Prevalent…

Our perceptions are often clouded by sin and human limitations, which extends to our children. When we find ourselves viewing our children primarily in a negative light, it’s crucial to recognize this as an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual renewal. First, we must humbly acknowledge that our negative perceptions often stem from our own…

When faced with a child struggling with behavioral issues, it’s crucial to remember that these challenges often stem from underdeveloped emotional intelligence. Part of helping your child grow is helping them learn to process their emotions in a healthy way. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to detect your own emotions on the fly and regulate…

As Christian parents, we are called to nurture and guide our children in the ways of the Lord. However, there are times when a child’s behavioral issues may become so severe that they require more intensive intervention and support than can be provided at home. In such cases, a therapeutic boarding school rooted in Christian…

Discipline is not just about correcting behavior, but about shaping the heart. When our child consistently refuses discipline or finds ways to circumvent it, we must approach the situation with wisdom, perseverance, and a firm grounding in biblical truth. As parents, our role is to consistently and lovingly point them towards Christ as we discipline…

Parenting a high-functioning child with ADHD presents unique challenges and opportunities. While these children often excel academically and socially, they will still greatly benefit from tailored support to manage their symptoms and thrive.  While high-functioning, your child may still benefit from professional interventions from a therapist who specializes in working with children.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy can…

As Christians, we understand that rebellion against authority is not merely a behavioral issue, but a spiritual one rooted in our fallen nature (James 4:1-3). When we address a rebellious child, we are not simply dealing with a behavioral issue, but rather we are dealing directly with their sinful heart. As we discipline rebellion, our…

Parenting a strong-willed child is often challenging and discouraging, and it can be hard to keep the long view in mind in the midst of temper tantrums and disobedience.  However, your strong willed child is not a mistake, and God can use them mightily for his purposes.  Parenting a strong willed child is not finding…

Teaching our children impulse control is one of the ways we can help them grow in Christlikeness.  Proverbs 25:28 states, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”  By teaching your kids how to control themselves, you are helping them learn how to resist the temptation to sin, persevere…

In our first post in this series, we looked at how to identify your strengths.  But how can Christians talk about their strengths without coming across as boastful? Christians often grapple with the idea of talking about their strengths. They are concerned about coming across as boastful or prideful, which goes against the humility we…

In this post, we continue our Family Business and Family Dynamics series by looking at steps you can take to build healthy family dynamics.

For many family business, the leadership styles of the current leader and the successor can be quite different. In this blog post, we discuss the leadership styles, priority, and values of incumbents and successors.