Valley Christian Counseling Center

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."- Isaiah 9:6

"Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God's love is seen in the gift of His Son…” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary)

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loves us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (amends) for our sins.” - 1 John 4:9-10 (NASV)

As we move into the fourth and final week of Advent, with Christmas just around the corner, take time to reflect on the reason God sent his son to this broken world. LOVE is the reason! What great news we have in that Jesus came, he died for our sins, rose from death on the third day, and will return again.

“Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭13‬

Joy isn’t what we do, it’s who we are. It is a fruit of the Spirit - the natural result of our being connected to the Vine - Jesus. In the Greek, it means “delight” & “gladness” (Vines Expository Dictionary). Joy isn’t simply a feeling or an emotion based on circumstances but it is a deep sense of gladness (right in the midst of whatever you are walking through), knowing God is with you and will be with you, no matter what the future holds. Jesus came and is here to comfort and bring JOY!

As we move into this 3rd week of Advent, with one more Sunday before Christmas, take some time to journal about how much JOY (gladness and delight) you have knowing that Jesus came, is here, and will come again!

Why would occupational therapy benefit my child?

It’s true! Each child grows and develops at their own pace, a part of our amazing creation and a God who has perfect timing.

Occupational therapy is a tool for families when parents and caregivers are feeling stuck, seeing the struggle, and knowing there’s hope for more. OCCUPATION refers to participation in activities that are meaningful.

Consider this: a child is showing difficulty with participating in group activities and family routines. Here are some things an occupational therapist would inquire about to help understand the root of the issue:
- Social understanding
- Visual processing
- Sensory processing of environmental information
- Individual motivations
- Postural stability
- Motor coordination
- Environmental modifications
… just to name a few!

Occupational therapy is individual, and person-centered, and focuses on the strengths that each child and support system contains.

Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The second Sunday of Advent is here! In many Christian traditions, this is the Sunday in which we light the candle of peace. While peace is a central theme throughout the Advent season, this week in particular, let's focus on Jesus as "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6-7). 

Christmas can be a season that feels all but peaceful. Whether it's the rush to buy gifts and attend gatherings, family conflicts, or our struggle with anxiety, peace might feel like a distant reality. Jesus came to give us HIS peace that defies our circumstances. In John 14, Jesus invites us into this courageous peace.  

Let's spend time this week with the Prince of Peace. Write down a couple of ways you have seen God's faithful provision in the last year. See how Jesus' peace shows up when we take time to listen, reflect, and gain a better understanding of HIM and ourselves in these quiet moments. 

#adventsunday

Parents and caregivers can all agree, raising a child (or children!) has its fair share of ups and downs. But when is it time to ask for help?

Here are some great questions to ask to help understand when the right time is to seek help, benefiting not only your child but the whole family.

Each child is designed as a perfect creation. Occupational therapy is a tool and resource for children and families to work together in determining how to best support the full needs of an individual, rising to gain a greater understanding of who they were created to be!

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Regardless of where you find yourself this coming holiday season and no matter what life has brought your way this past year, we pray that you find hope in knowing that the rich and satisfying life He has for you is not dependent upon circumstances, but it is found in His presence.

As you journey over the next weeks, make time to soak in the wonder of God Himself coming not as a King, but as a baby. He fully embraced what it means to be human. Whether you experience joy or grief, turmoil or peace, rest in the fact that He is intimately acquainted with each and waits expectantly for you to bring it to Him.

In light of that, take the time to pick an Advent study to help you pause each day to reflect on the hope that Jesus' coming brings us: https://www.bible.com/search/plans?query=advent

Research shows that consistent gratitude practices result in decreased depressive symptoms, improved physical health, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased social support, and improved concentration.

When you make an effort to focus your mind and thoughts on things you are grateful for, you'll start to notice more things to be grateful for. Brain scans of people who foster gratitude have shown changes to the prefrontal cortex that make them more likely to experience gratitude in the future. This means that as you work to have more gratitude in your life, the positive feelings of thankfulness will begin to flow more easily and naturally. ‌

Challenge yourself by texting a friend one thing you're thankful for, or take five minutes to journal something God has been teaching you lately that you're grateful for. Each "small" step can set you on the path towards shifting your mindset into thankfulness.

Our new OTs, and had the privilege of taking part in the Rest & Rejuv event at earlier this month! It is an honor to partner with other Christ-followers to help each one of us journey toward healing and wholeness. Call us today to find out how OT services and counseling, when done collaboratively, can help establish or restore overall wellness.

Meet our newest provider, Lexi Olschlager!

Lexi is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who desires to sit with you, listen to you, to celebrate your victories, challenge your beliefs, and encourage your heart. If you’re looking for compassionate care in overcoming anxiety, trauma, depression, shame, guilt, stress, or anything else, please call us today at 701.232.6224.

Curious about what services are offered here at Valley Christian Counseling Center?

Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of them!

See above for details on what Pediatric Occupational Therapy is and what the target goals for these therapists are.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
 -Philippians 4:19

#christiancounseling

Endorphins function: A hormone that is released when your body feels pain or stress, acting as a messenger in your body. It is produced to help relieve pain, reduce stress or improve your mood.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14: 27 (ESV) 

Where do you go with your troubles and stress? How does Jesus fit into that pursuit?

#christiancounseling

Please join us next Monday at 6:30. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to come. You are welcome if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you.

This will be a safe place, a place where we can discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing.

We are located at 1112 Nodak Dr S in Fargo.

If you have questions, or would like more information, please call or text Jana Solhjem at 701.640.3402 or email [email protected].

Valley LMFT Lukas Eisen presents Parenting 101!

Do you want to be surrounded by other parents that share the mission of raising God-fearing, emotionally intelligent, and independent children?

Join us for our Parenting 101 class where you will learn proven parenting principles to develop your own discipline strategies that you can apply to any parenting challenge! You will also receive prayerful support and concrete ideas from the group facilitator and other parents to strengthen and bless your family.

Please help us welcome Kari Downer, Nutrition & Wellness Coach, to our growing list of skilled, Christ-centered providers here at Valley Christian Counseling!

Having had the privilege of working at a mission hospital in Cameroon, Africa, Kari has experienced the miracle of physical healing through nutrition. We truly are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). We are all created with innate intelligence and the ability to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Kari helps women recognize how to access this healing through nutrition and lifestyle changes. 

We are so excited to have her on our team as we journey with people toward healing and wholeness in Christ. 

***depreventionawareness #christiancounseling

More information on brain chemicals and hormones!   

Dopamine function: A type of neurotransmitter and a hormone that plays a big role in body functions such as memory, movement, pleasurable reward and motivation. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". Romans 15:13 NIV

What does it look like being filled with "joy and peace" as you trust Jesus in a personal relationship?

***depreventionawareness #christiancounseling

Oxytocin function: As the love hormone, it is associated with empathy, trust, and relationship-building.
 
Amazing how God has created our bodies to feel trust, acceptance, and growth in relationship with one another. 
 
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 NLT
 
What does it look like to “take delight in honoring” those you love?

#christiancounseling

Final numbers are in, and we couldn't be more grateful to every one of you who helped us Shine the Light this year. Another big thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Maple Family Dental, Life 97.9, KFNW, , Tysdal Chiropractic, and .insurance. We're thankful for you!

Help us welcome Kim Satterberg,
ND-LAPC, MN-LPC. 🥳

IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY!!

Using a variety of therapeutic tools, Kim will journey with you as, together, you consider the mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships and how they contribute to hurt and health.

Kim works with adolescent women ages 14+ and adult men and women. Call us to get scheduled with her today! 📞 701.232.6224

We are so thankful to our generous sponsors for Shine the Light! This year's Virtual 5k could not have happened without them, allowing us to raise critical funds for our Client Assistance Fund. We love Shining the Light of Jesus with them and are beyond grateful for their partnership. .9 .insurance

Post a picture or reel (by 11:59pm on Saturday, Sept 10th) of you running, biking, or walking the Virtual 5k for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Scheels! Don’t forget to tag and to be sure we see it. We will draw for this on Monday! We can’t wait to see all of your faces! Thank you for helping us Shine the Light on Su***de Prevention & Awareness.

***depreventionawareness #christiancounseling

We are ALL God’s masterpiece, each one of us created by Him for a very specific purpose. This year for National Su***de Prevention Week (that’s THIS week!), we want to Shine the Light of hope and purpose that can only be found in Jesus!

It’s not too late to jump in on the Virtual 5k! You can walk, run, or even bike if you wish…mostly our hope is that you will join us in spreading the hope of Christ and help us raise support for our Client Assistance Fund - so that everyone can receive the Christ-centered care they desire, regardless of ability to pay. Together we can help ***de. Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/ND/Fargo/ShinetheLight

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call the National Lifeline at 988.

***deprevention ***de

We have EXCITING news! 🥳🎉

Lexi Kahnk, Occupational Therapist, is now part of the team of providers here at Valley!

She works with children (birth to 18) with specific areas of interest including: emotional regulation, social skills, feeding and mealtime participation, executive functioning, personal hygiene and self-care skills, challenging and oppositional behavior management, sensory processing, and reflex integration.

IMMEDIATE openings. Call us at 701.232.6224 to schedule your child with Lexi today!

Shine. Brillar. Scheinen. Skinne. Splendore. 

English. Spanish. German. Norwegian. Italian. 

No matter the language, all of these words mean the same thing,"to give out bright light". 

The topic of su***de is heavy and can be overwhelming to discuss. That's why Shine the Light is so important to us, and we want to "give out bright light" in an area so covered in darkness. 

Will you join us for this year's Shine the Light Virtual 5k for Su***de Prevention & Awareness? 

All proceeds from this event will go toward the Client Assistance Fund here at Valley Christian Counseling Center. We want to provide Christ-centered care for those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Receiving professional care is vital in su***de prevention and we don't ever want finances to be a reason people don't seek help. Partner with us?

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he has planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT 

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline number, 988. 

Continuing to be thankful for our sponsors .9 and  for helping make this event possible!

***depreventionawareness #christiancounseling

Valley Christian Counseling Center

Will you consider joining us for this year’s Shine the Light Virtual 5K for Su***de Prevention & Awareness? All proceeds will go to our Client Assistance Fund so that EVERYONE who desires Christ-centered care can receive it, regardless of their ability to pay. Registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/ND/Fargo/ShinetheLight

***depreventionawareness

Valley Christian Counseling Center Established in 1991 by Dr. David Todd & local pastors as a non-profit ministry where hurting can receive counseling in harmony with biblical Christianity

Congrats to the winners of Valley’s Greatest Quest! It was such a great way to get out and enjoy summer!

Join us for our Shine the Light Virtual 5k and help bring awareness about how su***de and mental health conditions have had an impact on all of us! Link in bio.  

Hope and optimism are large factors in the fight against suicidal thoughts. Having optimistic thoughts, focusing on gratitudes, and having hope in high moments of stress lower the risk of suicidal ideation.

Where does our HOPE come from? 

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he has planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT 

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline number, 988. 

Continuing to be thankful for our sponsors .9 and  for helping make this event possible!

***depreventionawareness #christiancounseling

We love how our providers show up and Shine the Light every single day here at Valley! We thank God every day for each of them! Would you pray for them this week? Pray for strength, wisdom, and grace as they journey alongside people and point them to Christ.

ANNNND…don’t forget to sign up for our Shine the Light Virtual 5K! It’s next week already! Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/ND/Fargo/ShinetheLight

Today we celebrated our providers by gifting them a couple of “Glimmers of Hope” cards. These cards are so beautiful (local to Fergus Falls) and a perfect way to send encouragement to anyone who needs it. Check them out at: https://www.glimmersofhope22.com/

Come and see our new office location in Fergus Falls this coming Tuesday! There will be tours and giveaways! 🥳 🎉

August 30th, from 3pm - 7pm!

There also could be Uncle Eddie's ice cream involved! 🍦🍨 ☀️

Join us for our Shine the Light Virtual 5K and help bring awareness about how su***de and mental health conditions have had an impact on all of us! Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/ND/Fargo/ShinetheLight

Su***de is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. It is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-29 globally.

Suicidal ideation (having suicidal thoughts) may vary based on intent and having a specific plan.

Taking action against suicidal ideation is the first step in preventing su***de.

Reach out to friends, family, and close ones. Reach up to Jesus. Ask for help.

As of July 16, 2022, the 988 number has been implemented as the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline number. If you or someone you love is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call 988.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are so thankful for our sponsors .9 and for helping make this event possible!

#christiancounseling