The Cognitive Sanctuary

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The Cognitive Sanctuary

At The Cognitive Sanctuary, we believe that mental health is a journey, not a destination.

Our mission is to provide a space where emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being can flourish through faith, counseling, and community.

12/11/2025

The joy of the LORD is your strength.
– Nehemiah 8:10

Some of us can feel the Christmas joy all around us…
and still feel strangely empty on the inside.

If that’s you, please know:
Just because you don’t fully “feel” joy doesn’t mean you lack joy.

In Christ, joy is not first an emotion you chase but a reality you receive.

Scripture says “the fruit of the Spirit is… joy” (Galatians 5:22).
That means joy is something the Holy Spirit produces in you because you belong to Jesus, not because your circumstances are easy or your emotions are high.

You can be:

* weary and still held by joy,
* grieving and still rooted in joy,
* numb and still indwelt by the God of joy.

Why?

Because our joy is ultimately a Person— Jesus.
He came near in flesh, entered our broken world, carried our sorrows, and conquered sin and death. He doesn’t promise us a constant holiday “feeling,” but He does promise His presence:

“These things I have spoken to you, that His joy may be in them, and that their joy becomes full.” (John 15:11)

So if joy feels out of reach today, you are not a “bad Christian.” You haven’t done anything wrong.
You are a human.

Joy is anchored in Christ’s unchanging work, not your changing emotions.

12/01/2025

I’m Delores, a Resident in Counseling in Virginia. I also serve as a Chaplain with the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department — and my heart beats for one thing:

👉🏾 Real mental health conversations through a real faith lens.

I walk with people who:
💙 Love Jesus but still battle anxiety, depression, or burnout
💙 Pray hard but feel like their nervous system is still on edge
💙 Show up for everybody else but secretly feel emotionally exhausted

I believe this with my whole chest:

💚 You can trust God and go to therapy.

💚 You can have enormous faith and say, “Hey, I’m not okay right now.”

Here’s what I’m about in this community:

👉🏾 Bridging the gap between therapy and theology
👉🏾 Normalizing Christian mental health conversations
👉🏾 Helping believers heal, set boundaries, and renew their minds without shame

That’s the kind of space I want to hold here — honest, healing, Christ-centered, and mentally healthy. 🧠✨🙏🏾

If you’re hungry for mental health support that honors your faith, you’re in the right place.

Drop a 🧠 or 🙏🏾 in the comments or DM if you’re on this faith + mental health journey too, so we know who’s in the room.

11/27/2025

Today, we are giving thanks for renewed minds and restored hearts.

At The Cognitive Sanctuary, we don’t take lightly the courage it takes to heal; to tell the truth about your story, to challenge old thinking, to let God step into places that once felt too painful to touch.

This year, we are thankful for:
💚 Every healthy boundary you set
💚 Every “no” you whispered to protect your peace
💚 Every “yes” you offered to growth
💚 Every tear that watered the soil of your healing

Scripture says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). As a community, we’re watching God do just that — one session, one prayer, one honest conversation at a time.

From The Cognitive Sanctuary family to yours:
May your Thanksgiving be gentle on your nervous system, kind to your mind, and anchored in the peace of Christ that “surpasses all understanding.”

If today is joyful, we’re with you.
If today is heavy, we’re with you.
Either way — you’re not walking this journey alone.

Happy Thanksgiving. 💚

10/28/2025

Some of us learned how to survive… but not thrive.

is a 30-day devotional where faith and mental health sit at the same table…..honest, gentle, practical.

A little truth from my own journey: shame and doubt kept me from fully walking in my portion of grace. I talked to myself in ways I’d never speak to another person. Scripture was near, but my inner critic was louder. Bit by bit—therapy tools, the Holy Spirit, and small daily practices—helped me trade self-condemnation for truth. I want to offer that same freedom to you.

Each day is an opportunity to experience God’s grace in a new way. You’ll get Scripture and faith-informed therapeutic tools to encourage your mental health and deepen your understanding of His grace. Whether you’re untangling guilt, craving inner peace, or simply longing to walk closer with God—this is for you.

If you are looking for a place to start your faith and healing journey come sit with me for 30 days. We’ll heal slow, with Jesus and tools that actually help. 💚

✨ Ready to start?
Tap the link in my bio to purchase your copy now.

Tag a friend who needs this kind of gentle.

10/27/2025

Start your week with a breath prayer from The Cognitive Sanctuary. Deep breathing as a spiritual discipline.
💚💙

Inhale: 4 seconds
Exhale: 6 seconds

Repeat as often as you need.

10/20/2025

When I say medicine, I mean anything that helps your mind and body return to balance. Yes, prescriptions are important when needed. Also powerful are the everyday practices that restore rhythm and calm. Think of these as steady medicine you can choose on purpose.

This week consider incorporating one of the following:

1. Sleep: Protect a simple bedtime. Cool, dark room. No scrolling for the last thirty minutes.

2. Travel: Change your view. A walk in a new park or a day trip counts. Novelty refreshes perspective.

3. Art: Create for the joy of it. Doodle, paint, or color for fifteen minutes and watch your nervous system settle.

4. Journaling: Three lines each day. I notice…, I need…, I choose….

5. Music: Build playlists for focus, peace, and joy. Let worship or uplifting songs cue deep breathing.

Small, consistent rhythms act like daily medicine for your mind, body, and spirit.

In the comments, name the one practice you will try for ten minutes today.

Virginia residents, I am accepting new clients. My approach blends compassionate, faith-informed care with practical, evidence-based tools.

Tap the link in my bio to schedule a free consult, or DM “Virginia” and I will send the booking link.

Services available to Virginia residents only. This page is not for crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For 24/7 support, call or text 988.

10/14/2025

Lord give us the strength to release what weighs us down and the courage to step into the healing we have through You. May Your peace fill every anxious mind, Your love cover every broken heart, and Your wisdom guide every uncertain step. We surrender our worries to You, knowing that You are our refuge and strength. 🙌🏾 If you’re believing for a breakthrough, drop a “🙏🏾” in the comments and tag someone to encourage them with this prayer today. Need prayer? DM us—we’re here for you.

10/06/2025

Depression has a heavy voice, and it can sometimes be hard to tune it out. Learn to speak to yourself more gently, even when you don’t believe the words.

Self-compassion reminds you that you’re human. It’s a daily practice to quiet the inner critic.

The world can be harsh enough. Chose to make your inner world a safe and gentle place.

If you need help with developing more self-compassion, is here to help. Virginia residents use the link in our bio to contact us.

09/22/2025

One text can interrupt thoughts of su***de.📱

If someone comes to mind who may be struggling, pause for thirty seconds and send a message that says, “You are on my mind. I care about you.”

Checking in can change a day. It can change a life.💚

Easy openers you can copy:

“Thinking of you today. No need to reply. I am here.”
💚
“How are you holding up? I care about you.”
💚
“I am free later if you want to talk or sit in silence.”
💚

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If outside the U.S., please contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your area.

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09/15/2025

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. Know that you do not have to face them alone.

Here are five things you can do if these thoughts enter your mind.

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09/10/2025

It’s ***dePreventionDay!

Talking about su***de isn’t harmful — silence is. One honest, caring conversation can save a life. Let’s make silence a thing of the past. 💚💙

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09/02/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month

Your life has purpose.
Help is real, and hope is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of su***de, here are immediate steps you can take today:

Crisis Support (U.S.)
📱 Call or text 988 (24/7/365)
💬 Chat at 988lifeline.org
🚨 If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Share this to remind someone they’re not alone.

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Address

9720 Capital Court #404/5
Manassas, VA
20110

Website

http://thecognitivesanctuary.com/

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