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Why Do I Feel Like I Don’t Belong? A Christian Counsellor’s Perspective
Many adults quietly carry a painful question: “Why do I always feel like I don’t belong?” Even in relationships, workplaces, or church communities, there can be a lingering sense of being on the outside—never fully at ease, never quite “home.” If this resonates with you, you are not alone. And there are real reasons why this feeling exists. How Childhood Experiences Shape Our Sense of Belonging From a counselling perspective, our sense of belonging is formed early in life. As

Nada Appleby
5 days ago3 min read


Look Up and Live
When endless scrolling leaves you anxious or drained, it may be time to pause. Discover how “looking up” to God and focusing on what is true can restore hope and wellbeing.

Lyndal Rogers
Mar 62 min read


How do you feel about rest?
For Christians, Sabbath was never meant to be another rule to keep. It was designed as a gift for our nervous systems, our bodies, and our souls.

Hope Christian Counselling
Feb 272 min read


Why feeling “good” is not enough
As a counsellor, one of my personal trigger points is when I ask my kids how they are feeling and they respond with, “Good.” My reaction is often said in jest: “Good is not a feeling!” My husband, however, insists that it is. So, I decided to gather some evidence to defend my case. Biblically, the first use of the English word good appears in Genesis 1:4, where it describes the light God had created. The Hebrew word used is tov (טוב). It doesn’t simply mean “morally good”;

Nada Appleby
Feb 192 min read


Integrating Faith and Psychology: A Case for Christian Counselling
Think Christian Counselling is bogus? We think differently and for good reason

Hope Christian Counselling
Feb 133 min read


Finding Light in Darkness Self-Care Strategies for Those Suffering This Christmas
The holiday season often brings joy and celebration, but for many, Christmas can deepen feelings of loneliness, grief, or anxiety. When suffering feels overwhelming, it’s crucial to find ways to care for yourself gently and intentionally. Here are some practical strategies to help anyone struggling during this time find moments of peace and light amid the darkness. A peaceful corner with warm blankets and candlelight to soothe the spirit Recognize and Accept Your Feelings The

Hope Christian Counselling
Dec 15, 20253 min read


When "Feeling in Control" Isn't Peace
The difference between control and peace

Nada Appleby
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Compassion: The Healing Heart of Christian Counselling
As Christian Counsellors at Hope Christian Counselling we bring compassion into our work through listening without judgment or rushing, speaking words that affirm dignity and worth. Allowing the healing journey to unfold at the client’s pace and asking God for His love to flow through us, even in silence.

Nada Appleby
Oct 1, 20253 min read


Don't be afraid, just believe
Trusting God in hard times

Nada Appleby
Jun 21, 20252 min read


How can I love my Christian friend who has experienced complex trauma?
Supporting a Christian friend who has undergone complex trauma can feel overwhelming. Complex trauma comes from prolonged exposure to...

Nada Appleby
Apr 15, 20254 min read


Be Still and Know
Psalm 46 is one of my favourite Bible passages. I love how trouble and strife are acknowledged as an integrated part of the human...

Mel Newcombe
Feb 3, 20253 min read


Remembering a good friend...
It has taken a few weeks to be able to share our sad news, but we want to be able to remember our lovely furry friend and companion...

Nada Appleby
Nov 25, 20242 min read


The Blessing of Rest
What comes to mind when you think about 'rest'? Does it bring up feelings of guilt? Perhaps worry that jobs won't get done. Perhaps you...

Nada Appleby
Aug 4, 20243 min read


Untangle Your Emotions
I started my first ever engagement with a book club this month. Yes, it was online, but I bought the book – hardcover even! Untangle your...

Mel Newcombe
Jun 19, 20243 min read


A sad face is good for the heart
It’s not often that you hear a talk at church on “A sad face is good for the heart”. This wisdom was penned by the writer of...

Lyndal Rogers
May 25, 20242 min read


We're all spiritual beings...
As Christians, we know this truth, that we are not just made up of physical matter, we have a soul, that part of a person that is...

Nada Appleby
May 7, 20242 min read


Sometimes it's a pain in the neck...
Recently I experienced a pinched nerve in my neck which led to me being bed bound for a few days. It gave me time to think about my...

Nada Appleby
Feb 24, 20242 min read


How do you attach?
Have you ever wondered why sometimes we lean into relationships and sometimes away? The way we attach to others, animals and even...

Nada Appleby
Jan 18, 20242 min read


Say thank you.
For some of us the idea of being thankful can carry a little bit of weight. We might have been placed in families where there were...

Nada Appleby
Nov 6, 20232 min read


How is your inner family?
I have been reflecting on a beautiful approach to counselling referred to as Internal Family Systems (IFS). First developed in the 1980s...

Nada Appleby
Oct 23, 20233 min read
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