Counsel for Life

In this episode we talk with Megan Hill, author and pastor's wife. Megan shares with us some helpful things to think about related to how people can be hurt by the church and what can be done to help people reengage and feel seen and heard by others. Megan's book, Sighing on Sunday is available for purchase and is a devotional book for those who have suffered church hurt. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

Dr. Paul Tripp joins us for this episode to talk with us about what it means to counsel wisely from a biblical perspective. Dr. Tripp is a leading voice in Biblical Counseling, and he shares his wisdom about the need for humility and slowness in counseling. He also shares what he believes the Biblical Counseling movement will need in the coming 50 years. You won't want to miss this episode. Click HERE to learn about Dr. Tripp's many valuable resources. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this very important episode, we talk with Brad Hunstable. Brad is the father of a teenage son who lost his life to suicide, and Brad has become a leading voice in helping parents have conversations with their children and teens about suicide. He shares about the importance of talking with our kids, and he also gives some helpful tips for how to have this difficult conversation. Whether you are a parent, youth ministry leader, counselor, or teacher, this episode will be very helpful for you. Brad has a YouTube channel called "Hayden's Corner," and he has produced a movie called "Almost Thirteen" about his son's story. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode includes an important discussion about OCD, including its definition and symptoms. Mike Emlet is a counselor an faculty member at CCEF, and he has written a book called OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive, which is part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series published by P&R Publishing. Mike shares his extensive wisdom about how to think about OCD and what sufferers need in order to find healing and hope. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Joy Forrest, Founder and Executive Director of Called to Peace Ministries, a nonprofit ministry designed to care for women who are victims of domestic abuse. Joy shares part of her personal journey through domestic abuse, and she gives encouragement to those who may need support. She also shares about Called to Peace's upcoming retreat, held May 2-5, 2024. Click HERE to learn more about the retreat and to register. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Stuart Scott, who is a counselor, professor, and author of Wayward Children: Finding Peace, Keeping Hope. Stuart shares with us some encouragement for parents who struggle to know how to connect with a wayward child. He also talks about the need to lean into God's comfort and wisdom in the midst of difficulty. If you are a parent whose child has walked away from the faith, or if you are a pastor or counselor who ministers to parents, you won't want to miss this episode. We also encourage you to read Stuart's book, part of P&R's series called 31-Day Devotionals for Life. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we hear from Emily Meyer, a survivor of an eating disorder. Emily shares her story and discusses with us some of the important signs that parents and other caregivers need to notice in children and teens. She also talks about how the Lord entered into her struggle and gave her hope in the midst of despair. You won't want to miss this encouraging episode! Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Christie Dondero Bettwy. She is the executive director of Rock Recovery, a nonprofit that helps clients and communities overcome disordered eating by providing clinical, community and spiritual care. Having experienced full recovery herself, she is passionate about spreading the message that complete freedom from disordered eating is possible. Christie shares her story with us, and she gives us helpful information about how people can receive help and healing from disordered eating. Click the link above to learn more about Rock Recovery. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Elijah Broom, thirteen-year-old son of Beth Broom. Elijah shares some inside information about how young teens experience the pressures of school and relationships, and he gives us valuable insights into how adults can support and encourage the young teenagers in their lives. He also gives us some fun info about what it's like to live in Beth's home! Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Darby Strickland, author of Something Scary Happened. Darby is a counselor who works with families who have experienced trauma, and her new book is designed for children ages four to seven. Darby shares with us some of the ways in which adults can come alongside children who are experiencing fear, and she gives us encouragement for how to seek additional help when needed. Also shared in this episode is Darby's minibook for helpers and parents called When Children Experience Trauma: Help for Parents and Caregivers. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode, we talk with Heather Bjur, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Heather spends much of her time as a counselor working with people who struggle with codependency, and she shares with us some of the markers of codependency. She describes some of the interventions she uses to help people grow in understanding their identity, and she gives us some biblical principles to help us think well about this type of struggle. You can learn more about Heather's ministry at www.heatherbjur.com. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode includes our recommendations for some books that are currently encouraging us. Click the book titles below to learn more about them: A Theology of the Ordinary, Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and SufferingDawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe ChurchesSuffering Wisely and Well: The Grief of Job and the Grace of GodWe also share that we will both teach at the Association of Biblical Counselors Conference in April 2024. Click HERE to learn more about that conference. Finally, Beth shared about a webinar offered through Christian Trauma Healing Network called "Healthy and Unhealthy Attachment in Relationships." This is a free webinar that you can access by clicking HERE. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

Our guest in this episode is Dr. Jim Wilder, neurotheologian, counselor, and developer of the LIFE Model. His book, Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You, has sold over 100,000 copies. Jim shares his research and clinical work in the intermingling of spiritual formation and therapeutic help. He gives us a model for what causes Christians to thrive and live joyful lives. To learn more about Dr. Wilder's work, click HERE. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we discuss some of the differences between anxiety and a specific form of anxiety, Social Anxiety. We talk about the symptoms of this struggle and ways we can come alongside someone who is suffering in this way. Today’s episode is sponsored by P&R Publishing, whose mission is to serve Christ and his church by producing clear, engaging, fresh, and insightful applications of Reformed theology to life. For more information on P&R’s many resources for Christian living, ministry, family and counseling, visit prpbooks.com. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Eric Johnson, professor of Christian Psychology at Houston Baptist University. Dr. Johnson shares with us from his book, God and Soul Care: The Therapeutic Resources of the Christian Faith, a theological framework for Christian counseling. He gives us some insights into the importance of developing a deep theology so that our counseling is rooted in biblical truth. You can learn more about Dr. Johnson and his work at www.christianpsychinstitute.org. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Jonathan and Jennifer Holmes. Jonathan has written a book called Counsel for Couples: A Biblical and Practical Guide for Marriage Counseling, and his wife Jennifer teaches with him on the topic of marriage. They will share their experience of being married and teaching others about marriage, and they also give us insight into ways marriage counseling can help Christian couples grow toward each other and God. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode, we will discuss the definition of PTSD and how it affects a person. We'll think about ways it might be helpful to have an official diagnosis of PTSD, and we'll share how we should think about caring for a person who has a PTSD diagnosis. Here is the blog post mentioned in this episode: https://www.ccef.org/ptsd-and-trauma Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Melissa Affolter, counselor and director of content at Fieldstone Counseling. Melissa has many years of experience in leading small groups for survivors of trauma, and she shares with us some benefits of joining with a group of people to work through our pain and grow in our faith. She also talks about some things to consider before joining a group, and she offers wisdom and encouragement to leaders of groups. Melissa leads an online support group called ReStoried, which is designed for survivors of abuse and trauma. Click HERE to learn more about her group. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we are joined by Jack Carson, Executive Director of the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement at Liberty University. Jack has co-written a book called, Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Deepen Our Faith. Today he shares with us some insights into how Christians think about doubt and how their questions can either stunt or strengthen their faith. He also shares wisdom in how we can come alongside someone who is doubting their faith and help them draw near to God even amidst their struggles. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Phil Monroe, Christian Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in working with trauma survivors. Phil shares how his faith influences his counseling practice, as well as his perspective on how trauma care has changed over the years in the counseling room and in the Church. Check out more resources created by Phil by clicking HERE. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors. But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you! (Memberships are for one year and automatically renew each month.) To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com