In the realm of psychology, the still-face experiment, though ethically questionable today, unveils the profound impact of facial interactions. Similarly, the biblical blessing in Numbers 6 emphasizes the significance of God's face, drawing parallels to psychological concepts. As we explore attunement and containment in human relationships, today's focus shifts to peace, embodied by the Hebrew word "shalom." This ancient wisdom, aligning with psychological findings, reinforces the notion that true peace stems from attunement and containment, assuring us that, even in a dissonant world, a harmonious and contained space is within reach.

In life's unexpected twists, the power of keeping – an art extending beyond mere preservation – unfolds. A personal anecdote reveals how a mother's calming presence amid her daughter's broken leg crisis exemplifies the essence of containment and protection. Exploring the Hebrew understanding of keeping, synonymous with being big enough to hold another's struggles, this blog post emphasizes the necessity of safe relationships. In a world where such sanctuaries are invaluable, the divine promise in Numbers 6:22-27 becomes a beacon, assuring that, like God, we too can offer calmness, protection, and peace to those around us.

In our journey of faith serving in Christian ministry in the Middle East, my wife, Beth, and I stumbled upon a hidden underground cathedral amidst ancient caves. In this sacred space, surrounded by our international team, we felt the divine presence as we shared a loaf of bread and a chalice of wine in the eerie glow of a single beam of light. Reflecting on this transformative experience, we explore the profound richness of the familiar blessing from Numbers chapter 6, realizing that God's face, symbolizing love and presence, holds the key to understanding our human experience. Join us in the coming weeks as we delve deeper into the Aaronic blessing and its impact on our identities as beloved children of God

Yearning for solace amid life's challenges is universal. The Restory Approach explores individualized comfort, addressing comfort deficits from childhood and guiding toward healing through self-reflection and a grounded relationship with God. Embrace this transformative journey, redirecting the search for comfort towards healthy connections, for lasting healing and true comfort.

Embarking on a journey through the fragments of time captured in old family photographs, Chris discovers the profound ability of these images to encapsulate the essence of loved ones. Unraveling stories within the frames, memories of care and support surface, like the maze-like boxes that once echoed with childhood laughter in the backyard. As the blog delves into the realm of implicit memories, it reveals the unseen threads weaving through our lives, influencing our actions, responses, and the narratives we construct for ourselves and our families. Join us on the transformative journey of ReStory, where we explore the power of implicit memory, unlocking a deeper understanding of our stories and fostering healing and growth.

In Colorado, we have witnessed the devastating effects of wildfires and droughts firsthand. Our lives and the beauty of our beloved mountains and rivers have been impacted by the scorched earth and ongoing drought. Experience the restoration and hope of re-storying our lives according to God's design.

As we journey through life, we're bound to encounter various stories—some filled with joy, love, and triumph, while others bear the weight of pain, fear, and adversity. While we often shine a light on the "Big T" traumas, those monumental events that leave indelible marks, this blog invites us to explore the quieter, yet equally impactful, "Little t" traumas. By acknowledging subtle cues like bodily sensations, emotional triggers, and unmet needs, we embark on a path of healing and restoration, recognizing that our individual narratives are woven from a tapestry of experiences, both conspicuous and concealed.

Explore the transformative ReStory Process, likened to organizing a cluttered garage, where counseling may initially intensify emotional chaos before true healing begins. Delve beyond surface-level relief, confronting underlying stories and beliefs contributing to pain, and navigate through catharsis, inner resistance, and the pivotal marker of reclaiming innocence lost. Embrace the journey of self-compassion, trust the counseling process, and let the light of kindness and grace illuminate the darkest corners of your story, leading to genuine transformation and a rediscovery of your true essence.

Explore the intricate world of memory and personal narratives in the latest bonus episode of "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast. The episode delves into the captivating contradictions of Mark Driscoll's origin story, challenging the integrity of the narrative and prompting thought-provoking questions about the influence of memory on our truths. From the complexity of memory and the impact of trauma to the diversity of stories stemming from shared experiences, this blog post takes a closer look at the power of our memories and the significance of understanding the stories we tell ourselves.

In life, transitions are the threads that weave our narrative, shaping who we are and who we become. While change may bring uncertainty, it also presents opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embracing these transitions with resilience allows us to adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive in the face of life's inevitable flux.

Unlock the transformative potential of kindness in the ReStory approach for healing and restoration. Discover how the kindness of God, as emphasized by Paul in Romans, serves as a powerful catalyst for repentance and positive change. As a counselor, embodying kindness becomes your greatest weapon against shame, offering individuals a space where they can be seen, accepted, and reminded of their worth in the journey toward a renewed and re-storyed life.

Navigating the delicate balance between revealing the transformative power of counseling stories and respecting confidentiality, our blog delves into the intricate role of evil in the ReStory process. Evil, aiming to strip away the inherent glory God has bestowed upon each person, traps us in a narrative of shame, addiction, and fear. By immersing ourselves in others' narratives, our Restory approach seeks shalom, restoring right relationships and uncovering the forgotten first story – a journey toward healing, identity reclamation, and embracing the transformative hope embedded in the gospel.

ReStory offers a revolutionary path to healing and transformation by delving into the sacred landscape of the human heart, blending theology, psychology, and ministry. Through a profound exploration of our first story—the divine design intended by God—we navigate the impact of past experiences and traumas. This integrative approach, extending beyond traditional therapy, invites us to rediscover our true identity, align with God's redemptive narrative, and experience lasting transformation.

Marriage is a journey filled with emotional, spiritual, and physical connections. To truly understand the intricacies of marriage, we must delve into the often-overlooked aspect of sex. In this blog post, we explore the story of sex in marriage, uncovering the underlying narratives and societal influences that shape our experiences. Join us as we delve into the deeper meaning behind our sexual encounters and discover how understanding our stories can lead to a more fulfilling and intimate marriage.

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it requires a strong foundation of trust. Trust forms the basis of any successful relationship, and marriage is no exception. However, to truly understand trust, we must also acknowledge its counterpart - betrayal. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of trust in a marriage, the inevitability of betrayal, and how to navigate these delicate aspects of your relationship.

Marriage, a beautiful journey filled with love, companionship, and, let's face it, a few challenges. According to research, three top-level conflicts consistently make their way to the forefront of marital struggles: money, sex, and, the focus of today's discussion, in-laws. Join us, Chris Bruno, a licensed professional counselor, and Tracy Johnson, a story work coach, as we delve into the intricate topic of marrying your in-laws and the often-overlooked aspect of loyalty in a marriage.

Let's get real for a moment. If you're like most couples, you've probably had a disagreement this week. Interestingly, as your wedding day approaches, conflicts tend to escalate. Ever wondered what's truly happening during these fights?

Congratulations on this exciting chapter in your life as an engaged couple! The wedding plans are falling into place, and the anticipation is building. But before you take that walk down the aisle, there are some crucial things you should consider. As professional marriage counselors, we're here to share some valuable insights to help you prepare for a strong and lasting marriage.

As a Christian marriage counselor, I've walked alongside numerous couples through therapeutic separations over the course of my career. Some have emerged from this journey with renewed love and commitment, while others have realized that it didn't lead to the reconciliation they hoped for. In this article, we'll discuss what happens when a therapeutic separation doesn't work and how to navigate this challenging phase with grace and self-compassion.

Now, we're going to tackle a crucial question that many couples in therapeutic separation face: When should you end it? If you've been following along with our previous articles, you know the importance of having clear expectations and time-bound markers throughout your therapeutic separation journey. Now, it's time to discuss the art of concluding this phase of healing in your marriage.