In contrast to the injuries of physical abuse, the impact of emotional abuse is often invisible, as it leaves marks on the mind. Because we cannot always “see” it, emotional abuse is prone to misunderstanding and may not be easily recognizable. 

 

What is emotional abuse?

 

Emotional abuse is a pattern of ongoing abusive behaviors, with the intention of controlling and manipulating another person while diminishing the person’s self-worth, identity, and dignity. Emotional abuse can occur within any interpersonal relationship, i.e., romantic partners, family members, friends, and colleagues.

If it is hard to recognize, what are some examples of emotionally abusive behaviors?

Kelsee lists 11 emotionally abusive behaviors, their immediate and long-term impact, and shares what the Bible says about emotional abuse.

If you have experienced emotional abuse, know that it is not your fault and that there is hope and help. For immediate support, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 . For long-term support, reach out to a therapist in your area.

What does cognition mean in psychology?

Cognitions refer to our mental comprehension which includes thinking, learning, remembering, knowledge, and problem solving.

When we try to see something from a different perspective in therapy, we refer to it as our thought process. We all have thought processes and truths we believe and live by. They become our reality and are often automatic. However, our thought processes and truths may be distorted and therefore become unhealthy thinking.

Cognitive distortions = unhealthy thinking

It is beneficial to understand our thought process and know what our internal dialogue is saying to us. A good place to start would be to pay attention and recognize our distorted thoughts which hold us back from personal, relational, and spiritual growth. We call distorted thoughts cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are biased perspectives we accept as truth, which affect how we think about ourselves and the world around us. They are irrational thoughts that are unknowingly reinforced over time.

Kim invites you to challenge your cognitive distortions (unhealthy thoughts) with biblical truth.

To make an appointment, call 708.845.5500 or email us  

Ruben has been actively helping those in need for many years. He became a chaplain’s assistant in the Army right after high school. After serving in the Gulf war, he devoted himself to full-time ministry work and has 28 years of pastoral counseling experience. Ruben has worked with adults, couples and adolescents on a variety of needs, including but not limited to conflict resolution, grief work, anger issues, stress and communication challenges.

Ruben uses a variety of treatment modalities. His counseling is informed by his many years of practical ministry work along with his formal education and training. Ruben received his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University in Virginia and his B.A. in Communication from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ. Ruben is supervised by Stephanie Shelton, PhD, LCSW.

Ruben is experienced in speaking on communication challenges, marriage topics, parenting needs and conflict resolution.

To make an appointment, call 708.845.5500 or email us  

We are excited to have a great group of clinical interns!

They started seeing clients mid-June and will be with us for a year.

Our clinical interns are able to see clients at greatly reduced fees.

Thomas received his B.U.S. in University Studies from The University of New Mexico in 2015. He is currently pursuing his M.A. in Family Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Thomas' diverse work experience includes retail sales and management, church youth ministry, non-profit program management, pastoral apprenticeship, information technology help desk, and substitute teaching.

Thomas believes that people were all born into an imperfect world, and that we all will face daily challenges as we wait for God to fully restore the world's imperfections. Thomas is passionate about joining families, couples, and individuals as they give him the privilege to assist and care for them as they work through their challenges. As he works with his clients, Thomas thinks it is important to integrate biblical truth into his interventions as well to achieve effective healing.

Thomas is supervised by Diane Kapp, MA, LMFT.

Maritza Lopez has a BS in Psychology from Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, and is currently in her final year of pursuing a Master of Art in Counseling Psychology. She has experience working with the Chicago Southside Pregnancy Center as an undergrad intern and is passionate about providing mental health resources to young expectant mothers with unplanned pregnancies and their partners. Maritza also has experience working through various professional and personal issues with students, faculty and staff at the Illinois College of Optometry as the current Director of Human Resources.

Maritza believes that we are all created in the image of God, and because of this, we have access to healing through His Son Jesus Christ. She believes that true healing comes from knowing who you are and Whose you are. Maritza is passionate about sharing her faith and experiences with those seeking to find healing and truth in the midst of a chaotic world.

Maritza is bilingual (Spanish).

She is supervised by Kathy Krentkowski, MA, LCPC, LMHC

Gloria received her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Northeastern Illinois University in 2017 and is also pursuing her MA in Family Counseling at NEIU. Gloria’s work experience includes tutoring, serving in women’s ministry, providing spiritual counseling and discipleship, teaching bible studies, and management in telecommunications and banking.

Gloria has served in ministry for 25+ years and has helped individuals struggling with hurt and pain reach a place of healing and restoration. Life can be hard but God cares and will provide strength, hope and encouragement as we look to Him in any situation.

Gloria is a firm believer that biblical guidance and counseling interventions are vital to the healing process and restoration.

Gloria is bilingual (Spanish).

She is supervised by Erin Davis, MSW, LCSW.

Emily Vassar graduated from Dordt College in 2018 with her Bachelors in Social Work. She has experience as a Case Manager working with adults with mental illness. “Housing First” is a grant program available to multiple agencies and was to provide services to those with substance abuse or mental illness and homelessness. Emily served as the liaison between the grant and the community. She also served as a Case manager in a Residential Facility for people with more acute needs. As a temporary housing placement, she worked to empower individuals to be independent allowing them to transition to single family households. Recently, Emily left her position as a Case Worker to more fully focus her time and skills on furthering her education, working towards her Masters of Social Work degree through Capella University. She now works with children who are impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a Registered Behavior Technician, she provides Applied Behavior Analysis therapy in both clinical and home settings.

Having worked in a general public setting, Emily would like to be able to share more of her faith. She feels called by God to work with people struggling emotionally with mental illness. She feels God has gifted her with the ability to support and encourage these individuals.

Emily is supervised by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW.

We are currently looking for qualified LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, Licensed Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists who have a heart for hurting people, a love for the Lord, and an understanding of integration. We have immediate full and part-time openings in our Schererville, IN and South Holland, IL locations.

Please email a cover letter with your resume to Mel Jonkman, Executive Director.

Chicago Christian Counseling Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit group practice with convenient locations in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

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