a series of mental health talks

Relationships are hard and often leave us frustrated and unsure of what to do. Journey Church and CityCare Counseling are linking arms for a series of three talks about key relational challenges. Each session will be led by a licensed mental health professional, hosted by Journey Church, and focused on a key aspect of relational and emotional wellness.

Through expert guidance and compassion, we want to help you chart your own path toward growth, healing, and connection.

Join us for one, two, or all three sessions.

Spring 2025

TALK #1 REPLAY: WHY CONVERSATIONS STALL

TALK #2 REPLAY: WHY YOUR RELATIONSHIPS ARE GIVING YOU ANXIETY

Upcoming talks

The Balance of Boundaries: Protecting Yourself Without Pushing People Away
Thursday, May 1 from 6:30 - 8 pm

may 1

The Balance of Boundaries: Protecting Yourself Without Pushing People Away

Boundary setting is essential to well-being, but identifying, communicating and maintaining healthy boundaries can be complicated. In this talk, we’ll explore different types of interpersonal boundaries and learn to recognize and address boundary challenges, resulting in happier and more balanced relationships.

MEET THE SPEAKER—Wendy Summers is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LIMHP), a Licensed Public Counselor (LPC), and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). She is trained in the use of many evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Attachment Core Pattern Therapy. Prior to becoming a counselor, Wendy co-founded and operated Omaha’s Rhythm & Hues Studio of Fine Arts, where she spent over 30 years teaching art to children and adults.

watch this talk

Why Conversations Stall
(and How to Get Them Back on Track)

Do you ever feel like you’re speaking . . . but not being heard?

Maybe you’re married, just looking for an empathetic ear from your spouse who tries to “fix” all your problems for you.

Maybe you’re a parent reminding your kids to put away their shoes . . . again.

Is there a better way for the people you love most to truly hear you? This talk will show you how to guide a conversation from stalled to productive, where both sides feel understood and valued. You'll learn how to break through barriers of misunderstanding, foster deeper empathy, and create a space where meaningful dialogue can flourish.

MEET THE SPEAKER—Joe Slabaugh is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLHMP), a Certified PrepareEnrich (Couples Counseling Program) Trainer, and a Licensed Minister. Joe has served the Omaha community as a minister and a counselor for 18 years. During his career, Joe has spoken to thousands of people on four continents about resolving relationship conflict. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling.

Download the slides

watch this talk

Why Your Relationships are Giving You Anxiety (and What to Do about It)

Anxiety can make relationships feel like a minefield, keeping us stuck in our heads and afraid to truly connect. This talk dives into why our brains react this way and how past experiences can make us see threats where there aren’t any. Through simple, practical tools—like shifting anxious thoughts, taking small steps toward honesty, and staying present in the moment—you’ll learn how to quiet the fear and build real, meaningful connections, even when it feels scary.

P.S. Free childcare is available for children ages 6 weeks - 10 years with pre-registration. (Adults, no registration is required for you.)

MEET THE SPEAKER—Katie Kuhlmann has served the Omaha community as a licensed counselor since August 2022. Before making counseling her career, Katie worked on Nebraska college campuses as an advisor in both academic and spiritual organizations for 8 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership from UNL and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.