The Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church

09/29/2025

Struggling to pray lately? You're not alone. 💬🙏

Many faithful believers, even throughout Scripture, have faced seasons when prayer feels difficult. You may be experiencing this for several reasons:

💛 You may lack consistency or training (1 Timothy 4:8)
💛 Life may be too noisy for quiet “desolate places” (Luke 5:16)
💛 Your assurance of faith may feel shaken (Hebrews 4:15)
💛 You might be unsure of God's goodness or attentiveness (Luke 11:11)
💛 Ongoing disobedience or relational conflict can create barriers (Proverbs 21:13, 1 Peter 3:7)
💛 You may wonder if God hears your prayers (Job 9:33–35)

The good news is this: the antidote to struggling with prayer is still prayer.

Because of Jesus, your prayers rise to the throne of grace. He understands your weakness, welcomes your honesty, and invites you to draw near in love.

So when prayer feels hard, don’t give up. Come to Him, just as you are.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

09/24/2025

Seasonal changes can impact more than your schedule. They can also affect your mental and emotional well-being. 🍂

As the days grow shorter and routines shift, some find energy in the change. Others feel the weight of falling leaves and fading sunlight. This is a great time to pause and check in with yourself:

💛 How is my mood from week to week?
💛 Am I feeling rested and getting enough sleep?
💛 Are there any physical health issues I need to address?
💛 Am I spending time with people who support my mental wellbeing?

If you've noticed changes in your mood with past seasons, now is the time to be proactive. Talking with a counselor or connecting with your physician can preserve your energy and help you stay well, especially as the holidays approach.

Need accountability? Reach out to a trusted friend and share the steps you're taking toward mental wellness.

And if you're anticipating grief or emotional difficulty in the coming months, our counselors are here to walk alongside you with care and compassion. 💛

09/22/2025

We are elated to be nominated once again for Best Counselor 2026 by ! Voting is now open, so please go cast your vote at https://columbiametro.com/best-of-columbia-ballot/

09/21/2025

Did you know? Practicing gratitude regularly can help you:
➕ Feel less stress
➕ Sleep better
➕ Strengthen your immune system
➕ Build healthier relationships
➕ Increase mental resilience

Gratitude doesn’t just shift your mood; it transforms your mind, body, and spirit.

Simple ways to foster gratitude:
💛 Keep a gratitude journal to capture both big and small joys
💛 Try “Three Good Things” each day and reflect on what made them happen
💛 Imagine how your life would be different without certain blessings
💛 Search for the good in people, moments, and challenges
💛 Write gratitude letters to people who’ve made a difference in your life
💛 Share what you’re thankful for with someone close to you

Even in difficult seasons, there is always something to be grateful for.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

09/17/2025

Back-to-school stress is real, for parents and kids alike. 🎒📅

From carpool chaos to late-night project prep, the beginning of a new school year can feel overwhelming. But one simple routine can make a big difference: a Sunday night family meeting.

Spending just 10 minutes reviewing the week ahead can help everyone get on the same page. Who’s got what after school? Are there any big tests or projects? Who’s picking up whom?

This small check-in teaches your kids valuable life skills like planning ahead, setting priorities, and working as a team. It also helps reduce last-minute stress for everyone.

Make space for calm before the chaos begins. Your future Monday morning will thank you.

09/11/2025

🕯️ We remember. We reflect. We pray.

On this day, we honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, the families forever changed, the heroes who ran toward danger, and a nation united in both grief and courage.

For many, the pain is still present. For others, the memory lives deep within the heart. And for a new generation, today is a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how deeply we need hope.

As followers of Christ, we respond with compassion and prayer, clinging to the promises of God's Word:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” — Psalm 46:1–2 (NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

May today not only be a time to remember, but a call to live forward, with love, mercy, and unwavering faith.

09/09/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Brendan Dasher, LPCA, to the Christian Counseling Center as a full-time Licensed Professional Counselor Associate!

Brendan brings a deep commitment to integrating faith and clinical excellence in counseling, offering compassionate, Christ-centered support for:
✨ Teens and adults
✨ Couples and families
✨ Those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, spiritual struggles, and more

With a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, Brendan combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with Biblical truth to help clients find healing, hope, and purpose.

Outside the counseling room, Brendan enjoys camping with his wife and dog, studying history, and spending time on the lake with family.

We’re grateful to have Brendan’s wisdom, empathy, and faith on our team and look forward to the impact he will have in our community!

09/08/2025

You are not alone. 💛

This week is National Su***de Prevention Week, and we want you to know that there is hope, there is help, and your life matters.

If you're struggling with thoughts of su***de or feeling overwhelmed by pain or hopelessness, please reach out. Your feelings are valid, and there are people ready to walk with you.

📞 Not in immediate crisis?
Our licensed mental health professionals are here to support you. Call our office during regular business hours at 803-779-1995 or to schedule a confidential appointment go to our website at https://www.christiancounseling.ws/.

📱 Need immediate help?
Here are free, 24/7 resources available to you or someone you love:

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime for confidential support
🌐 su***depreventionlifeline.org

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, then press 1
🌐 veteranscrisisline.net

Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor
🌐 crisistextline.org

God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV). If that’s where you are today, let someone step into the darkness with you.

We’re here. You are never alone.

***dePrevention ***dePreventionWeek

09/03/2025

Help us welcome Courtney Dunlap to the Christian Counseling Center team!

Courtney is currently completing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University and holds a bachelor’s in kinesiology from Penn State University.

She is passionate about creating a safe space for healing and growth, especially when walking alongside clients navigating family dynamics, lifestyle transitions, career shifts, or grief and loss.

As a military spouse, Courtney also has a heart for serving the military and veteran community.

She lives in Sumter with her husband and enjoys coaching horseback riding and spending time with loved ones when she’s not in the office.

We’re so excited to have Courtney on the team and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make! You can see Courtney at our Sumter location as she completes her clinical training.

Ready to connect with Courtney on your own journey? Visit www.christiancounseling.ws to schedule your appointment and take your next step toward hope and healing.

www.christiancounseling.ws

We provide the highest level of Christian counseling seeking to have an eternal impact in the world.

FYI we do not respond to client communication via social media. Please call 803-779-1995 to reach our staff.

09/01/2025

Rest is holy, too. 💛

On this Labor Day, we’re reminded that our worth is not found in how much we produce, but in who we are in Christ.

God created work with purpose, but He also modeled rest. Sabbath. Stillness. Restoration.

Whether you're taking a break today or carrying the weight of responsibilities that don’t pause for holidays, we honor your efforts and pray you find moments of peace.

“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” — Psalm 128:2 (NIV)