Affirming Truths Podcast | Christian Mental Health, Encouragement

In today's episode, Carla delves into the true essence of thriving, especially for those grappling with life's many challenges, from trauma and mental illness to broken relationships.  Often, we mistake thriving for the absence of pain and struggle, but Carla explains that thriving is about how we navigate these difficulties rather than avoiding them. She shares personal experiences and insights i...

In today's episode, Carla dives deep into the essential topic of healing within the context of community.  While self-care and individual efforts are vital, Carla explores how safe community plays a crucial role in our healing journey, especially for those dealing with trauma and mental illness.  Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, she highlights four key benefits of community: connec...

Today Carla is diving deep into a topic many of us are all too familiar with—overwhelm.  Have you ever felt paralyzed by a pile of dishes or the sheer thought of facing the day ahead?  You're not alone. In this episode, Carla shares her personal experiences with overwhelm, particularly those stemming from living with bipolar and borderline personality disorder.  She explores why trauma survivors a...

In this episode, Carla will be sharing insights from her personal experience and professional coaching on how Satan often brings opposition to our healing and growth. We'll explore the four primary ways the enemy tries to hinder our progress: discouragement, doubt, distraction, and disagreement.  Together, we'll uncover strategies grounded in Scripture to combat these challenges and stay steadfast...

Hello friends, and welcome to a brand new year with Affirming Truths! I'm your host, Carla Arges, and after a much-needed eight-week hiatus, I am thrilled to kick off Season 10. In today's episode, we'll dive into the concept of vision for 2025. While many people rush into New Year's resolutions, we often neglect the critical step of seeking a God-centered vision for our lives. This year, God is c...

Welcome back to Affirming Truths! You're tuning in to the final episode of 2024! As we wrap up Season 9 and this year, I'm taking a longer break—about eight weeks—to seek God's will and clarity for the future. Today, I dive into the lessons I've learned this year, like the importance of staying the course, the power of prayer, and the foundational pillars of thriving such as renewing your mind and...

Today, we're diving into a topic many of us grapple with—boundaries.  Drawing from personal experiences and biblical insights, Carla explores the importance of setting healthy boundaries, especially with family, friends, and in the workplace. We'll discuss how boundaries are not only essential for maintaining healthy relationships but are also rooted in God's design, exemplified from the very begi...

In today's episode, voted on by our Instagram community, we're diving into the topic of somatics and how it plays a crucial role in trauma healing and mental wellness. Carla, a certified Christian mental health coach and trauma integration specialist, unpacks the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of regulating our nervous system to achieve whole-person healin...

S9.21 | Stand Firm: Embracing God's Call to Confront Life's Struggles Today we're diving deep into the topic of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Back from a rejuvenating trip to Sedona, Arizona, I bring fresh insights from the biblical story of Jehoshaphat, exploring how he turned to God when facing impossible odds.  We'll discuss the importance of active fa...

Welcome back to Affirming Truths! Joining Carla for today's incredible episode. is none other than Laura Bailey, an inspiring author and Bible teacher whose latest devotional, "Embracing Eternity," offers profound insights into living with peace and purpose. In this heartfelt conversation, Laura opens up about her personal journey through struggles and distractions, how she found hope and clarity...

In today's challenging conversation Carla dives into the complex and often misunderstood topic of finding joy amidst life's trials. Carla shares a difficult conversation with one of her clients who is grappling with chronic pain and highlights the common struggle many face in reconciling joy with suffering.  Through biblical insights and personal reflections, Carla helps us understand that true, g...

In today's episode, Carla opens up about her recent struggles since returning from Italy, sharing the very real challenges in her spiritual, mental, and physical life. Journey with Carla as she explores the feeling of disconnection from God despite doing all the "right" things, and the powerful call she received to walk in obedience. Carla dives into the importance of obedience to God's will, even...

Today we're diving into a powerful story from the Bible about Hannah.  This episode explores Hannah's deep struggle with depression due to her infertility and the societal judgment she faced. We'll discuss how, despite her circumstances, she found hope and joy through her faith in God's promises.  If you're in a season of waiting or feeling downcast, this episode is for you. Discover how to trust...

Hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of Affirming Truths with your host, Carla Arges. In today's episode we dive into the powerful metaphor of acorns and how they exemplify God's faithful provision.  Join Carla as she shares insights from her morning walk, nearly tripping over acorns, which sparked reflections on God's dependable care. Through scriptures like Matthew 6:26 and Philippians 4...

In today's episode, Carla delves into the concept that life inherently involves challenges, but we have a choice in which hard we embrace.  Drawing from her journey of healing trauma and managing mental illness, as well as insights from her clients, Carla discusses the importance of daily disciplines—rooted in her four pillars of thriving: renewing the mind, moving the body, fueling the body, and...

Today, we're diving deep into the transformative power of redeeming your story.  Carla shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and mental illness, shedding light on how these challenges can stifle our God-given dreams.  In this discussion, she explores how to reignite those dreams and walk in the purpose God has prepared for us. Tune in as Carla introduces her empowering 12-week program,...

Today, Carla shares a personal account of her recent trip to Sicily, which turned out to be the most challenging trip of her life.  What began as a vision to reconnect her aging father with his roots quickly spiraled into an overwhelming experience marked by injury, exhaustion and overwhelm.  But God showed up!  And that's the only reason she was able to make it through such a challenging time.  I...

S9.12 | Mental Health and Faith: Emma Breuer's Journey with OCD In today's episode, Carla sits down with Emma Breuer, the inspiring host of "Be Brave with Emma B."  As a school psychologist with personal experiences battling OCD, Emma shares her journey of faith, mental health struggles, and ultimately, healing.  Together, Carla and Emma delve into the intersection of trauma, OCD, and faith, discu...

Today we have a special episode focusing on one of my four pillars of thriving: rest.  We're joined by Rebekka Wall, an adolescent and adult sleep consultant, who shares her incredible journey from struggling with sleep and facing health challenges to becoming an advocate for proper rest.  Rebekka delves into the importance of sleep for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and provides...

Today, we have an incredibly special guest joining us—Chassie Cox, a postpartum depression and anxiety coach, and a devoted mother of five.  Having battled through her own intense experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety, Chassie brings a wealth of knowledge, heart, and faith to our conversation.  We'll dive into her journey, from the darkness of her struggles to the redemption and purpo...

S9.8 | Practical Foundations for Trauma Recovery and Spiritual Growth In today's episode Carla shares a roadmap to healing from trauma and suffering, guiding us from pain to a life of abundance in Christ.  Drawing from her course, "Foundations to Healing," Carla delves into six essential intersections we must pass on our healing journey.  With insights rooted in scripture and practical advice, she...

In today's episode, we delve into the sensitive and often painful topic of friendship breakups.  Carla opens up about her personal experiences with losing friends, the deep emotional scars it can leave, and how to navigate this challenging terrain.  Drawing wisdom from scripture and her own journey, Carla shares seven crucial steps to help you heal, find new relationships, and trust in God's plan....

Today, we're diving deep into the importance of church community.  Carla shares her recent experience of missing a church service and leading her to reflect on the critical role that church and congregational fellowship play in our spiritual lives.  She challenges us to reconsider relying solely on online services and emphasizes the necessity of physically assembling with fellow believers. Carla r...

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the theme of joy, even in the midst of sorrow.  Following the recent loss of my father-in-law, we're exploring the complex emotions that come with grief and how, as Christians, we can find joy alongside our struggles.  Drawing inspiration from the book of Philippians, often termed the "book of joy," we'll learn from Paul's experiences in prison and discus...

In today's episode, we dive deep into understanding and navigating through grief.  Carla shares her personal journey as her family faces tough decisions regarding her father-in-law's life support, and she opens up about the various forms grief can take, extending beyond just the loss of a loved one.  From mourning unrealized futures to grappling with mental health struggles, grief intertwines with...