Ask Christian Counseling Associates

Can mental health treatment sometimes do more harm than good? Today, Tom Weil and Alex Hoffman join us to explore that question through Abigail Shrier’s book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up , a selection from the CCA Reading List. Are we helping young people build resilience - or could some approaches leave them less prepared to face life’s challenges?

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Tom Weil and Alex Hoffman join us for an update on Seeds of Freedom, our agricultural and Christian development initiative in Liberia. We’ll look at what we learned in 2026, our vision for 2027, and how sustainable development can create lasting opportunity through meaningful work and church-centered local leadership. We’ll also share how don...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we're joined by Brett Durbin, Executive Director of Advancement at Honey Lake Clinic and founder of the Trash Mountain Project. For years, Brett served people living in some of the most difficult conditions in the world. While helping others navigate hardship, he eventually found himself facing burnout, the impact of repeated trauma, and a p...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we're joined by Andrea Hay, Clinical Supervisor, and Allen Joseph, Lead Counselor at Christian Counseling Associates, to discuss a timely question: Are we overdiagnosing mental illness? As mental health awareness has grown, so have diagnoses. Are we recognizing genuine disorders, or are we sometimes labeling normal human struggles? Join us as...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we're joined by Ian Lee, intern counselor at CCA, for a conversation about a growing concern among young men today. Many people struggle emotionally, yet men are often less likely to talk about emotional pain or seek help. As a result, many suffer in silence. Today, we'll explore why men are struggling emotionally—and rarely talking about it...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we’re joined by Jamie Caruso and Kiley Henehan, Clinical Supervisors at Christian Counseling Associates , to explore a question many people wrestle with after they have been deeply hurt: Can you heal without forgiving? When someone has been betrayed, abused, abandoned, or mistreated, forgiveness can feel impossible. In this conversation, we...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Rev. Brian Smith, a Missouri Synod Pastor and CCA partner in York, PA, to discuss “Church Wounds”—when church hurt becomes a mental health crisis. What happens when the place meant for healing becomes the source of pain—and how does that impact mental health? Together, we’ll explore what leads to church hurt, and how churches...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we explore “The Mental Health Cost of Living Without Truth.” As our culture encourages people to define their own reality and “live their truth,” many are experiencing rising anxiety and identity confusion. Joining us is Pastor Clarke Lauffer of Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland County. Together, we discuss how truth shapes emotional stability.

Why do so many high-achieving people still feel empty? In this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Pastor Chris Whitehead from Charter Oak Church helps us explore the psychological and spiritual roots of achievement-driven identity. Discover how success can become a control strategy, why anxiety increases with external validation, and what Scripture reveals about true fulfillment. If y...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we’re joined by Paul Henderson, Pastor and Director of Men’s Ministries at Adams Rescue Mission. Paul shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to redemption through Christ, helping us explore what gives life meaning when everything falls apart.

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we’re joined by Pastor Louis Harrell, Co-Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland County, to ask why anxiety persists even when life seems to be going well. Drawing on theological and clinical insight, we explore how anxiety reflects struggles with meaning and identity, and how faith and connection can help believers find anchoring and hope.

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Dr. Karl Benzio, psychiatrist, author, and Founder of Honey Lake Clinic, a Christian residential mental health program dedicated to whole-person healing. Dr. Benzio brings together personal testimony, medical expertise, and deep biblical conviction as we explore how faith and neuroscience intersect, why decision-making is cent...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Tim Murphy, clinical psychologist, former U.S. Congressman, and Navy Reserve Commander. Drawing from decades of service in military psychology, frontline trauma care, and national mental-health leadership, Dr. Murphy helps us understand the unique emotional and spiritual challenges fa...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for a conversation with Terry DeHamer , Clinical Supervisor for CCA’s Ohio Regions, and Alex Hoffman , Intake Supervisor for CCA and Vice President of the Foundation for Christian Counseling. Together, they share powerful reflections from their recent pilgrimage experience and discuss how moments of faith, fellowship, and reflection...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a discussion with Alex Hoffman, Vice President of the Foundation for Christian Counseling and Intake Supervisor for CCA, and Dr. Tom Weil, Clinical Director of CCAs’ Western Pennsylvania Division. Together, we explore Seeds of Freedom—our groundbreaking international mission in Liberia West Africa. 

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for an insightful conversation with Christian author and expert on childhood grief, Jerry Woodbridge . Drawing from her book Joy Overcame Sorrow , Jerry shares faith-centered wisdom for guiding children through loss, and difficult questions about life and death. We’ll discuss how parents can provide comfort, hope in the face of overw...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for a conversation with Dr. Tom Weil, Clinical Director of CCA’s Western PA Division, as he shares insights on identifying and understanding narcissism. We explore the signs you can’t ignore when living with a narcissist, the patterns of gaslighting and control that often create confusion, and how faith-based counseling can offer cla...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for a compassionate discussion with Nicole Coleman-Hammett, Licensed Social Worker with CCA, as she shares her expertise on preventing child sexual abuse. We explore practical steps for keeping children safe, responding with wisdom and care when abuse is revealed, and how faith and community support can bring hope and healing in the...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a heartfelt conversation with Scott Aiken, Licensed Professional Counselor at CCA, as he shares his personal journey through a diagnosis of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We explore the emotional and spiritual impact of facing cancer—how faith, mindset, and the support of others can bring strength in the midst of fear. 

In this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a meaningful conversation with Deborah Keefe, Licensed Social Worker at CCA, as we explore how the Psalms offer a pathway to healing and renewed trust. Deborah shares how sacred music and Biblical meditation can help us face anxiety, trauma, and other psychological challenges. Whether you're in a season of doubt or supporting some...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we talk with Dr. Jim Matta of Geneva College and CCA counselor Mark Britton. Join us as we explore challenges that teens face in the modern culture, and the growing conversation around neurodiversity from a Christian counseling perspective.

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with special guest Tom Weil, Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Counselor at CCA. Together, we explore how digital culture is reshaping how people seek help, and why real, embodied relationships remain essential for emotional healing and spiritual growth. Hear insights into the rise of online counseling, the dangers o...

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for a conversation with CCA counselors Dawn Ritchie and Andrew Schnur as we explore how faith and family form the foundation of emotional healing and spiritual growth. Hear Dawn's insights as a mother and experienced counselor, and Andrew’s perspective as a new father and leader of TAG groups at CCA. Together, they share powerful sto...

This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates , we sit down with special guest Gary Petrie as he shares his real-life journey of parenting three children diagnosed with ADHD. Hear a testimonial of honest struggles, surprising breakthroughs, and the hope that grows through challenge. Join us as we enter a space of encouragement, insight, and faith connection.

On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates , join us for a conversation with CCA counselors Andrew Schnur and David Whipple as we explore the vital role of faith in drug and alcohol counseling (DACCA), the mission of the Foundation for Christian Counseling (FFCC), and the impact of community through TAG groups and small groups in the church. Plus, get to know Andrew and David as they s...