Therapy and Theology

Parenting in today's world has never felt more overwhelming. Between rising anxiety, social media, and the pressure to get it all right, many Christian parents are wondering: How do I raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids?In this episode, featuring counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas, you'll learn:Common parenting mistakes that unintentionally undermine a child's confidence, capability, and emotional growth.How to discern the difference between healthy struggle and situations that require intervention and support.Practical scripts to use when your child experiences failure and disappointment.Tools for overcoming parental shame and trusting God with your child's story.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:Stay connected with Sissy Goff and David Thomas by visiting their website, getting a copy of their new book Capable, and following them on social media.Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today.Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox.Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here.Download a transcript of this episode.

When life takes an unexpected turn — whether it’s going through a divorce or another unwanted circumstance — it can feel like survival mode is the only option. Our mental health begins to suffer, bringing increased anxiety, loneliness, and endless what-if questions. But there is hope — and this conversation with Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rebecca Maxwell will help you find it.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the Bible and therapy actually complement each other, rather than compete with each other.Practical rhythms and activities for your mind that can help lead to peace.How to take the mystery out of anxiety by knowing exactly how to recognize it.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress.Get your copy of Jesus & Your Mental Health by Rebecca Maxwell, and learn more about Rebecca's practice, Jacksonville Counseling Services, by visiting their website.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here!The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go Deeper:Listen to "When Divorce Makes You Feel Like You Weren't Enough" to hear a teaching on taking your thoughts captive.Listen to "How To Be Brave When You Don't Feel Brave."Watch "Stop the Shame Scripts Holding You Back."

Forgiveness often feels like an unfair gift we have to give to someone who hurt us the most. But what if it's actually God's prescription for the hurting human heart to heal?In this episode, you’ll learn:The dangers and costs of unforgiveness.How to maintain a soft heart heart when you're scared to get hurt again.The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.What to do when you get triggered again.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here. See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here!The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go Deeper:Listen to "The Daily Cure for a Heavy Heart."Listen to "Are There Some People We Shouldn’t Trust Again?"Watch "What if I Don't Feel Ready To Forgive?"

Divorce is so deeply complex, confusing, and gut-wrenching — especially when you are blindsided by betrayal and left facing a future you never asked for.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Matthew 19 is often misunderstood and debated, and what Jesus actually meant.What the connection is between Old and New Testament teachings on marriage and divorce.How to keep refusing shame so you can walk toward deeper healing for your future.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here. See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here!The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go Deeper:Listen to "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships" With Leslie Vernick.Listen to "Is Every Red Flag a Big Deal?"Watch "How To Deal With Emotional Abuse."

For years, Lysa TerKeurst has walked alongside women who never wanted their marriage to end yet find themselves navigating the grief, shame, and unanswered questions that divorce brings. Now, Lysa, alongside theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, and other special guests, offers listeners the emotional fortitude and biblical confidence they need to move forward. These episodes will especially help:Someone who has suffered or is currently suffering through an unwanted divorce.Friends, family members, Bible study leaders, pastors, and counselors who are walking with others through their own devastating season.Christians who have long been confused about what the Bible says about divorce.Episode 1 releases on September 11, so make sure you're subscribed, and we'll see you then.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today.Links and Resources We'll Mention This Season:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress. Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here. See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here!The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here!Go Deeper:Listen to "I’m Afraid I’m Being Betrayed."Listen to "How To Move On When Someone Walks Away."Watch "How Do I Talk About Divorce With My Kids?"

It's one thing to recognize red flags in your relationships. It's another thing to know what to do after that.In this episode, you'll learn:Five spectrums to consider when determining how serious a red flag is.Guidelines for determining if a particular red flag is something that needs to be confronted or self-managed.How to grow in awareness of red flags without getting overwhelmed or scared to get close to others.Links we mentioned in this episode:Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Sign up for a $10 webinar on September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and foster better communication with your children — no matter their age. Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

Have you been interacting with someone and concern rises up within you? An unsettledness bubbles up? Your guard goes up, and you start thinking things like: I don’t know if I can trust them. I don’t know if I can believe what they’re saying. Am I safe to share with them?If so, this first episode in our new season, "Red Flags in Relationships," is for you.In this episode, you'll learn:What a red flag is and what it isn't.How to recognize areas of concern for ourselves without shaming or blaming another person.Two crucial ingredients that must be present for a relationship not to just survive but flourish.Links we mentioned in this episode:Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Sign up for a $10 webinar on September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and fostering better communication with your children — no matter their age. Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."