Building Strong Families This Fall
Hello friends,
Welcome to fall, a season where change is on display all around us as trees drop their leaves and cooler temperatures settle in. At Firm Foundation Family Services we are geared up for change as well.
We hope you’ll enjoy our new monthly newsletter, our new YouTube Channel, and our (re)newed blog, where we intend to keep you updated on topics related to marriage, family, culture, and a Biblical perspective on all of it.
We have openings for new clients! Please keep us in mind as you speak with friends, colleagues, and family members in need of counseling or coaching support. We are also actively recruiting new therapists to join our practice and partner with us in helping Loudoun County individuals, couples, and families thrive. Please share this newsletter with anyone you think might be interested to be a part of the 3FS community.
FEATURED BLOG
What's in a Name?
The foundation of a healthy society is a healthy family. Given this conviction, the inclusion of “family services” in the name reflects our belief that family is the starting point of healthy engagement with others. We support healthy families because we believe healthy families are critical to a healthy world.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
The Age of Diagnosis
by Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan
Dr. O’Sullivan does an artful job discussing the need for skilled medical diagnosis as well as outlining the risks when diagnostic categories become overly broad.
Using illustrations of physical diseases as well as mental health disorders, the author explores the benefits and unintended consequences of pathological labels. Dr. O’Sullivan tackles how our insistence on more knowledge can enhance our health but may also sometimes hinder our well-being.
“Something interesting happens to a medical problem when it enters the DSM. Although only born out of consensus by committee rather than through scientific advancement, it is suddenly made to seem scientifically concrete. A DSM listing immediately makes a disorder feel like it is a discrete entity. That turns it into a field of study for researchers and an intensive hunt for biological mechanisms begins.” (P.175)
MONTHLY PICKS
CARRINGTON'S CORNER
Just a few things I’m loving right now
PODCAST SERIES
Truth for Life - Bible teaching of Pastor Alistair Begg
Series title: We Two are One - sermon series of 12 different sermons related to God’s design for marriage). A great primer for married couples and those considering marriage.
APP
Gottman Card Decks - A free app developed by The Gottman Institute to provide conversation starters, date night activities, and daily connection ideas for married couples. Ideas range from playful to romantic to spicy, all with the intention to get couples talking and connecting.
RESOURCE
Axis.org is a ministry with a mission to “equip parents for gospel-centered conversations with their teen about faith and culture.” Visit their website to sign up for their weekly “Culture Translator” newsletter, download their parent guides on a variety of hot button topics, or view book recommendations or ways to connect.
TIP FOR CONNECTION
“Fixing” a problem with or for your loved one is more often about being an ally than finding a solution. Listening often is the best solution because it communicates your belief in their competence to find their own way through. Focus on listening and understanding rather than offering advice, and solutions will often present themselves.
Memorizing Scripture is a great way to hide God’s word in our hearts and keep us walking closely with Him. Join me this month as I get started on the book of John:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life,a and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Thanks for joining me on this journey of branching out and supporting those seeking health, growth, and connection.
Walking with you,
Carrington