Gateway Can Help

At Gateway Counseling Center, we look forward to helping you during your time of need. Sometimes, life can be quite overwhelming, and it’s good to speak with an experienced counselor. Here at Gateway, our primary goal is to make a positive impact on your life.

Many people choose counseling as a healthy way to cope with marriage and family issues, depression or anxiety, grief and loss, or to simply achieve overall brain wellness. Counseling can be helpful for adults and children alike, and our experienced staff will help you identify your disorder, and treat you accordingly.

Come to Gateway Counseling Center for a free consultation where we assess your presenting issue, inform you of how we would begin the process of assisting you, and determine your preliminary comfort level with your therapist. We are here to help, and your emotional wellness is our top priority.

Finding the Faith to Heal From Lost Relationships

American Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief-- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Divorce or a failed relationship can bring with it emotions of grief and depression similar to the loss of a loved one through death, along with anger, guilt and a host of other unhealthy feelings. When these feelings become overwhelming at during the dissolution of a relationship--or if they are pervasive and persistent for more than a year--it can be helpful to get a qualified counselor to help get past these stages of mourning your lost union.

Sometimes blending counseling with other faith-renewing activities such as prayer, volunteering, meditation, or attending your church or place of worship can bring hope and the acceptance that is the final stage of grief.

When the cause of a marriage or relationship’s dissolution is infidelity, anger is especially prevalent but there can also be anger at perceived betrayal of the vows of “until death do we part,” especially if one spouse has been supportive to the point of suppressing their own development during many years of marriage. Counseling can help individuals learn to forgive both themselves and their partners, or at least come to terms in ways that bring greater peace.

We are a Christian-based counseling center and encourage each individual to examine spiritual issues and turn to their faith for healing.

Building Effective Communication with Your Partner

Some people seem to be naturally good communicators but effective communication can be a learned skill. Many of our day-to-day activities are working AGAINST building better communication skills. Texting and emails miss the natural timing of real, face-to-face conversations and social messaging like Facebook time is a poor substitute for actual face-time with friends and families. In addition, in most couples, both partners are working full-time jobs and can be burnt out by the time they get home.
 Here are some tips on improving your communication:

1) Listen! It’s easy to tune out when you have other things on your mind. Bring your full attention to the person who’s speaking. Give the speaker partner eye contact. Don’t interrupt. In most couples, there is a dominant speaker and a more quiet partner. Encourage a silent or reticent partner with head nods and short phases such as “mmnn,” “un huh,” and “tell me more.” Be sure you are allowing your partner to share with open-ended questions and asking about their opinions, preference and inquiring about their day. Remember, too, that some people need time to “decompress” and switch gears after the stressors of work. Know your partner and respect their needs.

2) Avoid generalizations like “You always…,” You never…,” etc., especially when in heated conversations. If you’re in the habit of making these sweeping assertions, try substituting phrases like “It feels like you are frequently…,” or “I’ve seen a trend that…”.

3) Check out the body language of your partner. Are they crossing their arms? Nodding in agreement, or looking above your head at something else instead? Are their brows knitted close together? This can mean upset, concern, or concentration. Don’t make assumptions, but instead ask your partner what they’re feeling f their reactions seem ambiguous.

4) Avoid defensiveness. Instead of making excuses or disowning your behavior, acknowledge when your actions may have hurt your partner, and explain your intent. Don’t be afraid to apologize. Contrary to popular sentiment, it enlarges the person who offers a sincere “I’m truly sorry if I have hurt you,” rather than making you weak.

5) Strengthen your relationship by frequently expressing appreciation for kindnesses or even everyday acts of contributing to the household functioning. Think of your relationship like a bank account, where every positive interaction is an investment in your happy future together.