Thomas Warren, Jr., LPC-A

12/20/2025

I get this question asked a lot at work.

Boundaries vs. Removing Yourself: What's the Difference?

A lot of people think boundaries and removing yourself are the same thing - they're not. Here's the breakdown:

BOUNDARIES:

You stay in the relationship
You communicate clear limits on what you will/won't accept
You enforce consequences when those limits are crossed
Example: "I care about you, but I won't engage when you're yelling. If it continues, I'll leave the conversation and we can talk later."

REMOVING YOURSELF:

You exit the relationship or situation entirely
The relationship ends or goes dormant
No more energy spent trying to make it work
Example: Going no-contact, ending a friendship, leaving a toxic work environment

THE KEY DIFFERENCE:
Boundaries say: "I want this to work, but only under these conditions."
Removing yourself says: "This isn't working, and I'm choosing my peace."

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE:
Jesus modeled both. He set boundaries (limiting time with crowds, correcting disciples) AND removed himself when necessary (leaving hostile towns, withdrawing to pray alone).

Be good to yourself in this season.

12/19/2025

New seasons require letting go of old patterns.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" - Isaiah 43:18-19

What God is building in you right now might look different than what you had before. Trust the process.

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

I have 3 openings for new clients in my virtual practice specializing in ADHD and boys' mental health. If you'd like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, email me at thomasw.booking@gmail.com

12/14/2025

The Hidden Mental Health Cost of Daylight Saving Time

Can we talk about how Daylight Saving Time messes with more than just our clocks?

This past week, I caught myself feeling unmotivated and off-balance. Then it hit me - I haven't seen daylight at home in days.

By the time I leave work, it's already dark.

That seemingly small shift affects us more than we realize:

For our brains:
- Disrupted circadian rhythms affect mood regulation
- Less natural light = lower serotonin production
- Our sleep-wake cycles take 5-7 days to fully adjust

For folks with ADHD, anxiety, or depression:
- Structure and routine disruptions hit harder
- The seasonal shift can trigger symptoms
- Energy regulation becomes more challenging

What actually helps:
- Get outside during daylight hours when possible (yes, even 10 minutes counts)
- Light therapy lamps for morning routines
- Stick to consistent sleep/wake times
- Move your body - even a short walk matters
- Give yourself grace if you're feeling off

If you've been feeling unmotivated, irritable, or just "off" this week - you're not imagining it. Your body is literally adjusting to a disrupted schedule while also processing less daylight.

That's not weakness. That's biology.

Be kind to yourself during this transition.

What helps you manage the time change? Drop your strategies in the comments.

12/12/2025

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/thomas-pannell-warren-jr-arlington-tx/1068263

Thomas Pannell Warren Jr., Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Arlington, TX, 76006, (817) 241-9822, I work with kids, teenagers, and families who are going through tough times. Life can throw some real curveballs at us, and I've learned that healing works best when we look at the whole pictu...

11/29/2025

Understanding ADHD: Breaking Through Stigma with Science 🧠

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, yet misconceptions persist. Whether it presents as hyperactivity in boys, inattentiveness in girls, or executive function challenges in adults, ADHD is a legitimate neurobiological condition—not a lack of discipline or willpower.

The good news? With proper assessment and evidence-based treatment, individuals with ADHD can thrive in school, work, and relationships.

Key Takeaway: If you or someone you love struggles with attention, impulsivity, or emotional regulation, professional support is available and effective.

📚 References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). What is ADHD? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/adhd
Faraone, S. V., et al. (2021). The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 128, 789-818.

💬 Questions about ADHD? Reach out to discuss how counseling can help.

11/27/2025

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/parentification

Parentification is when a child is forced to take on the role of a supportive adult within their family. For example, a parentified child may be required to take care of their younger siblings or referee their parents’ arguments. These developmentally inappropriate situations arise when parents ca...

11/04/2025

Working in education, I'm surrounded by endless assessments, mandated trainings, data tracking, and bureaucratic hoops. Don't get me wrong - some structure matters. But in the midst of all the systems and paperwork, I've realized something profound:

Most of these kids don't need another test. They don't need another program or intervention strategy.

They need presence. They need to be seen. They need to know someone cares

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn't assess people before loving them. He didn't require them to pass benchmarks before showing up in their lives. He simply *was there* - present, attentive, and full of grace.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14

In a world obsessed with metrics and outcomes, we forget that relationships can't be measured on a rubric… A listening ear, a kind word, consistency, and genuine care - these things transform lives in ways no curriculum ever will.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.- Colossians 3:17

Our kids are growing up in chaos - broken homes, trauma, confusion. They're drowning in a culture that tells them their worth is in their performance.

What if we showed them a different way? What if we reflected Christ by simply showing up - faithful, loving, and present?

That's the kind of education that changes hearts. That's the kingdom work that matters eternally.

11/04/2025

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11/02/2025