Create a Personal Story

Guest Blogger Series Remnant Counselor Collective is excited to host a Guest Blogger Series, featuring authors from respected Christian publishing houses such as InterVarsity Press and NavPress. Each post highlights topics drawn from the authors’ recently published books and includes links to learn more about their work, purchase copies, and read their full bios. As with all guest contributions, please note that the views expressed in these posts are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remnant Counselor Collective. We believe in discussing every relevant topic and creating space for thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives within the Christian counseling community. If you have questions or comments related to a specific guest post, we encourage you to reach out directly to the featured author using the contact information provided in their bio.   About the Author: Michael John Cusick is the CEO and founder of Restoring the Soul, an intensive counseling ministry in Denver. He is a licensed professional counselor, spiritual director, and former assistant professor of counseling at Colorado Christian University. Michael is the author of Surfing for God, and his articles have appeared in such places as Relevant, Huffington Post, and Red Letter Christians.  PURCHASE FROM NAVPRESS: Sacred Attachment BUY ON AMAZON: Sacred Attachment BOOK INFO: https://www.ivpress.com/sacred-attachment EXCERPT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/Excerpts-and-Samples/A0831-excerpt.pdf Visit his website at michaeljohncusick.com.   The Four S’s of Secure Attachment: Healing Trauma Through Connection and Trust Like most new parents, I couldn’t wait to hold my infant daughter. Because my wife and I adopted her from China, because of all the hurry-up waiting we had endured, because of how quickly the tempo can change in the administrative and bureaucratic dance, my tentative anticipation only shifted to confident expectation when I landed in Beijing. Finally, all the requisite forms were completed, interviews conducted, and details concluded so I could now bring her home. Even after I landed and began absorbing the reality that I was crossing the finish line of this patience-stretching process, I was still holding my breath, figuratively and often literally. Nothing could now overcome my determination to hold my daughter, Lily, and welcome her into our family. When that moment finally came, however, I was nonetheless unprepared for the overwhelming power of our connection. One of our adoption counselors had emphasized the vital importance of not only holding my daughter closely and carefully but allowing her to experience skin-on-skin contact, to hear my heart beating just as she had heard her mother’s in utero. So I wanted to begin my role as a father to Lily with extra intentional care. To let go of all the challenges of the process and to embrace my baby daughter. She looked so innocent, so beautifully dependent on me and her new mom. Cradling her in my arms, gently swaying to rock her to sleep, I sensed a visceral power rising within me, a primal urge to protect her, nurture her, and defend her with my life if needed. Seeing how helpless she was, surely this was what any parent would feel. Shortly after her arrival, however, I began to experience something completely unexpected at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum. Previously buried memories of my childhood sexual abuse surfaced and caused panic attacks as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While I had already remembered more than enough of the unbearable incidents of abuse I suffered, these new memories felt exponentially worse. Memories of my uncle taking me to a smoke-filled, seedy hotel room in the city where we lived and allowing other men to use me in exchange for cash. While the two concurrent emotional experiences—welcoming and holding our daughter as well as remembering and reacting to new horrific memories of my childhood—seemed coincidental, I eventually realized what they had in common. They both revolved around attachment. While I was aware of being abused by my uncle, I had never consciously remembered being trafficked in a rundown hotel room. Yet my body remembered even before my mind could catch up. Then as I remembered and began processing the specifics of suppressed trauma, I felt intensely vulnerable, childlike, fearful, anxious, and needy. And what I longed for and needed as I absorbed the impact of such horrendous memories were the same four things my new baby daughter needed—to be seen, soothed, safe, and secure. These four S-words summarize the fundamental human needs each of us experiences as newborns, as children, as adolescents, and as adults. These needs are wired into our DNA to ensure our survival and ability to thrive in the world. We must rely on relationships with others around us in order for these needs to be met. The method and degree to which they were met when we were infants and children also determines how we learn to relate to the world around us. Or as we counselors like to say, these needs shape our ability to attach and form healthy, securely attached relationships—or not. A secure attachment is the basis for being able to trust and to have a solid sense of self, being able to experience (through your five senses) healthy intimacy whether together or apart with others in relationship. Securely attached, you practice the ability to take care of yourself as well as ask for help as needed. Curt Thompson explains, “Security is about being able, in the face of feeling seen, soothed, and safe, to move away from our relational base and step out to take the risk of new adventure, whether it’s across the crib, across the room, or across the country.” Whether as infants or adults, as we draw conclusions about our needs to be seen and soothed, we begin to see how they relate to our needs for safety and security. Babies absorb the emotions of their caregivers and develop an awareness of their surroundings and any imminent dangers. Toddlers who hurt themselves because no one stopped them from touching the flame of a candle, sharp objects, or unfriendly pets form an awareness that their surroundings are harmful, painful, and dangerous. Once their autonomous nervous systems are conditioned to being tripped frequently, then their heightened nervous systems remain in fight or flight, on red alert, regardless of whether there are any actual threats. If the need for safety goes unmet consistently, then it’s likely a secure attachment will not develop. An overall sense of security remains lacking as well. If your caregivers did not see you and attune to your needs, if they failed to comfort and soothe you consistently when you experienced pain of any kind, if they could not assure your safety—or worse, harmed you themselves, directly or indirectly—then a sense of security could never develop. Security requires loving presence that is consistent and predictable. We expect the children in our lives, such as my infant daughter, Lily, to be needy and dependent. As they mature into adulthood, however, we expect them to grow, learn, and become independent. We hold these expectations for ourselves as well. Only here’s the problem: What if we have failed to grasp the extent of our secure attachment needs and the impact of how our needs were and were not met while growing up? Please listen carefully. The way we relate to our environment, events, and other people often results more from our past conditioning than our present choosing. Our early development and family of origin profoundly affected our nervous system, which determined whether we would have a secure attachment. And that wiring is the basis for trust, including trusting in divine love. Adapted from Sacred Attachment by Michael John Cusick. ©2025 by Michael John Cusick. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press. www.ivpress.com.

The Counseling Compact: A Comprehensive Guide for Licensed Professional Counselors Introduction The landscape of professional counseling practice is experiencing a transformative shift with the implementation of the Counseling Compact, an interstate agreement that promises to revolutionize how licensed professional counselors (LPCs) practice across state lines. As of late 2025, this groundbreaking initiative represents one of the most significant developments in counselor mobility and interstate practice in recent history. Understanding the Counseling Compact The Counseling Compact is a legislative agreement among participating states that enables licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines through both in-person services and telehealth modalities. Operating on a mutual recognition model, each participating state agrees to recognize the license of eligible counselors from every other member state, granting them a "privilege to practice" that functions essentially as a license in those states. Key Launch Information: The Counseling Compact officially launched on September 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET in Arizona and Minnesota, marking the first operational phase of this interstate agreement. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have now passed the Compact legislation, with more states anticipated to join in the coming months. Current Participating States The following states have enacted Counseling Compact legislation: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Important Note: Nevada will join effective January 1, 2026. While legislation has passed in these jurisdictions, the Counseling Compact Commission will add states to the Compact as they meet all requirements, including technical infrastructure and data sharing capabilities. Eligibility Requirements To participate in the Counseling Compact, licensed professional counselors must meet specific criteria: Primary Requirements Home State License: Hold an unencumbered license from their home state (primary state of residence) Independent Practice Authority: Be licensed to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions Educational Standards: Possess credentials from a state meeting the compact's educational requirements Background Check: Successfully pass an FBI background check Professional Standing: Maintain a license in good standing with no disciplinary actions Educational and State Requirements States are eligible to join the Compact if their requirements for licensure include requiring a 60-hour degree in counseling or 60 hours in designated graduate coursework, requiring post-degree supervised experience, and passing a nationally recognized examination. Further, the state's regulation must include diagnostic authority. Important Exclusions Recent graduates who are completing hours under supervision will not be eligible for privileges regardless if your license title is LPC. Additionally, MFTs, Art/Music/Dance therapists and other mental health professionals with other licenses are not eligible to participate. Psychologists and Social workers have their own compacts. Application Process and Timeline Current Status Applications opened on September 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET for Arizona and Minnesota. All applications are processed through the CompactConnect website. Application Platform The official application system is accessible through CompactConnect.org (https://compactconnect.org/), which serves as the central portal for all compact-related applications and processes. Processing Timeline Through the data system, a privilege to practice can be obtained in a matter of minutes, representing a dramatic improvement over traditional interstate licensing processes that can take weeks or months. State-by-State Expansion Across the country, 37 additional states and territories are actively completing the steps needed to begin issuing and receiving privileges under the Counseling Compact. The timeline for each state's full participation will vary based on their technical readiness and regulatory implementation. Cost Structure and Fees Understanding the financial implications of Compact participation is crucial for counselors planning their interstate practice strategy. Current Fee Structure The Counseling Compact Commission has established a clear fee structure for practitioners: Administrative Fee: $30 per privilege (paid to the Compact Commission) State Fees: Range from $0 to $264 per state (set individually by each participating state) Fee Model Overview Applicants will pay an administrative fee and the state fee for each privilege to practice they request. This means you must pay a fee for each compact state you wish to have the privilege to practice in. The administrative fee will be added to each request. If you make one request, you will pay one administrative fee. If you make ten requests, you will pay the administrative fee ten times. This allows the commission to keep the administrative fee lower so more counselors have equitable access to apply for a privilege to practice in another state. Payment Methods All payments will be made online through the compact website. Most major credit and debit cards will be accepted. Cash or checks will not be accepted. Cost Advantages When applying for a privilege to practice, you do not need to provide transcripts, exam scores, or official verifications, resulting in cost savings for the applicant, unlike traditional state licensing processes. Practical Examples Example Scenario - Colorado to Georgia: If you are licensed in Colorado and want to obtain practice privileges in Georgia, you would pay: Compact Commission Administrative Fee: $30 Georgia State Fee: Amount determined by Georgia (ranging $0-$264) Total Cost: $30 + Georgia State Fee = Total cost for Georgia privileges Multiple State Example: If you want privileges in 3 states with varying fees: State A (fee: $100): $30 + $100 = $130 State B (fee: $50): $30 + $50 = $80 State C (fee: $200): $30 + $200 = $230 Total for all 3 states: $440 Cost Comparison: For comparison, practitioners seeking PSYPACT® psychology privileges pay approximately $440 ($120 annual renewal) for telepsychology privileges, making the Counseling Compact fees competitive within the behavioral health compact landscape. Key Operational Features Home State Primacy Everything is tied to the counselor's home state and they must have a valid, unencumbered license from the state where they legally reside. For the purpose of the compact, a professional counselor's home state is the state in which they primarily reside. Data Sharing and Public Protection The Compact creates a shared interstate licensure data system, allowing for near-instant verification of licensure status. Additionally, the data system also enhances public protection by ensuring that member states share investigative and disciplinary information with one another. Practice Modalities The Compact supports both in-person practice and telehealth services, providing flexibility for counselors to serve clients across state lines through their preferred modalities. Benefits for Practitioners The Counseling Compact offers numerous advantages for licensed professional counselors: Enhanced Mobility The Compact will help counselors by affording them greater ease of mobility, cutting drastically the time needed for authorization to practice in a new state. Market Expansion The Compact will also create new market opportunities for counselors, allowing practitioners to expand their client base and potentially access underserved populations in other states. Continuity of Care The Compact will help clients by improving continuity of care when clients or counselors travel or relocate. Preparing for Participation Immediate Steps Licensed professional counselors should take the following preparatory actions: Verify License Status: Ensure your home state license is current, unencumbered, and in good standing Monitor State Progress: Licensees with questions about participation are encouraged to contact their state licensing board directly Stay Informed: Regularly check the official Counseling Compact website for updates on your state's implementation timeline Budget for Fees: Plan for the $30 administrative fee plus individual state fees for each state where you seek privileges Documentation Preparation While specific documentation requirements may vary, counselors should ensure they have: Current professional liability insurance Continuing education compliance records Any required state-specific training or jurisprudence exam completion Important Limitations and Considerations Geographic Restrictions For a practitioner to apply for a compact privilege in another state, that state must first be a member of the compact. Therefore, practitioners cannot use the compact to practice in non-member states. Current Operational Scope The Compact can only be used between Arizona and Minnesota as of September 30, 2025, with additional states joining as they complete their technical and regulatory requirements. Home State Requirements For you to practice in other states through the compact, your home state must be a compact member. If your home state has not joined the compact, you cannot participate regardless of your qualifications. Governance and Oversight The Commission consists of representatives from each of the Compact member states. Each licensing board appoints one current member of their board to serve as a commissioner. The Commission operates through several committees: Executive Committee Finance Committee Rules Committee Compliance Committee Nominations and Elections Committee Representatives from ACA, AASCB, NBCC and AMHCA serve as ex-officio members of the Executive Committee. Looking Forward The Counseling Compact represents a paradigm shift in professional counseling practice, offering unprecedented opportunities for interstate service delivery while maintaining robust public protection standards. As more states complete their implementation requirements, the Compact will progressively expand, creating a more seamless and efficient system for counselors to serve clients across traditional geographic boundaries. With clear fee structures now established and the first operational phase launched, counselors can begin making informed decisions about their participation in this transformative initiative. Essential Resources and Links Primary Information Sources: Official Counseling Compact Website: https://counselingcompact.gov/ Application Portal: https://compactconnect.org/ State Participation Map: https://counselingcompact.gov/map/ Frequently Asked Questions: https://counselingcompact.gov/faq/ Latest News and Updates: https://counselingcompact.org/news/ Professional Organizations: American Counseling Association (ACA) Compact Information:https://www.counseling.org/advocacy/counseling-compact National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Updates: https://nbcc.org/govtaffairs/newsroom/counseling-compact-update Account Creation: No separate account creation is currently required. When applications open for additional states, all processes will be managed through the CompactConnect website at https://compactconnect.org/. Conclusion The Counseling Compact represents a historic advancement in professional counseling practice, offering licensed practitioners unprecedented opportunities for interstate service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of public protection. With the establishment of clear fee structures and the beginning of operational phases, counselors can now make informed financial and professional decisions about their participation in this transformative initiative. As the implementation continues to expand across participating states, counselors are encouraged to stay informed about their state's progress, budget appropriately for participation costs, and prepare for the enhanced practice opportunities this compact provides. For the most current information and state-specific updates, readers should regularly consult the official Counseling Compact website and maintain communication with their respective state licensing boards.

Understanding Counterwill: Lessons from Gábor Maté’s Scattered Minds Buy From Amazon Introduction One of the most compelling chapters in Gábor Maté’s Scattered Minds is Chapter 21, where he explores the concept of counterwill—a child’s instinctive resistance to control or coercion. For parents, educators, and counselors working with children with ADD/ADHD, understanding counterwill can be a game-changer. This blog post unpacks Maté’s insights and offers practical strategies to help diffuse counterwill in a compassionate and effective way. What Is Counterwill? Maté defines counterwill as the natural instinct to resist when a person feels controlled, coerced, or manipulated. This isn’t mere defiance or “bad behavior.” It is a built-in psychological mechanism that helps preserve autonomy. Counterwill appears most strongly in children who feel emotionally disconnected or threatened, and it can easily escalate when adults respond with force. Why Counterwill Is Significant in ADD/ADHD Children with ADD/ADHD often experience heightened emotional sensitivity and a weakened ability to self-regulate. This makes them more vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed or controlled. For them, counterwill is not just a behavioral obstacle; it’s a signal that their sense of agency is under threat. Adults who misunderstand this process may inadvertently reinforce defiance by applying more pressure, creating a power struggle that harms attachment and trust. Practical Strategies for Diffusing Counterwill Maté offers several ways to respond to counterwill constructively. These strategies work not by overpowering resistance, but by addressing the root cause—emotional safety and autonomy. 1. Respect Autonomy Whenever possible, give children choices and agency in decision-making. Framing requests as invitations or collaborative plans rather than commands can reduce instinctive pushback. 2. Practice Empathy Recognize and validate the child’s feelings: “I can see this is frustrating for you.” This acknowledgment lowers the emotional temperature and reassures the child that their experience matters. 3. Avoid Power Struggles Punishment and rigidity typically escalate counterwill. Instead, maintain clear but calm boundaries and focus on preserving connection. A parent’s emotional self-control is as important as the child’s behavior. 4. Build Attachment First Strong, trusting relationships reduce the likelihood of counterwill taking over. The more a child feels safe, seen, and understood, the less they feel the need to resist authority. 5. Prepare and Prevent Anticipate situations that might trigger counterwill and plan ahead. Give advance notice of transitions, keep expectations realistic, and offer choices when possible. Takeaways for Counselors and Parents Counterwill is a signpost, not a problem to crush. It points to where a child needs reassurance, structure, and connection. For counselors, this concept is useful in parent coaching and family therapy, as it reframes “defiance” as communication. By respecting autonomy and addressing underlying stress, we can foster cooperation instead of compliance through fear. Conclusion Maté’s perspective in Chapter 21 reminds us that growth happens when children feel safe enough to surrender control, not when they are forced to comply. Counterwill is an invitation for adults to slow down, listen, and build stronger relational bridges. When we view resistance as an opportunity to connect, rather than a threat to authority, we help children develop healthy autonomy and emotional resilience.