Counsel for Life

Whether you're using AI or feel nervous to touch it, it's not going away. Many people are beginning to ask whether A.I. could be a good substitute for counseling. In this episode, we will talk about the pros and cons of using A.I. as a counselor, and we'll discuss what biblical wisdom might contribute to the discussion. You can also click HERE to access the article in Time Magazine...

In this episode, Eliza talks with Greg Lowe, a hospice social worker who has extensive experience with issues related to grief, death, and dying. Greg shares with us some important things to understand about the unique grief of dying, and he offers wisdom about ways to come alongside those who are experiencing this kind of grief.  Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are...

Today's episode features Tabitha Westbrook , therapist and author of  Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality after Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control. Tabitha talks with us about the toxic effects of sexual trauma, and she shares the importance of healing and reconnecting with God's good design for our bodies. She also gives a practical framework...

In this episode, Eliza talks with Jeremy Writebol, pastor and Executive Director of Gospel Centered Discipleship (gcdiscipleship.com). Jeremy shares with us his passion for helping the next generation create godly ambition in their career aspirations. He talks about seven worthy pursuits for young adults to embody. You can read more in Jeremy's book,  Make It Your Ambition: Seven Godly Pursui...

In this episode we talk about four signs that show us trauma may have happened to someone, and we unpack the question, Can we know for sure someone has experienced trauma? Eliza offers a free resource to help assess the signs and effects of trauma, so click HERE to access it. Also click HERE to learn how you can be trained through Christian Trauma Healing Network to be a Certified Christian Trauma...

In this episode we talk with Courtney Devich, author of Mama's Got Anxiety: But It's Not Going to Steal Her Joy . Courtney shares some of her personal story with us, and she gives us helpful ways to think about the struggle of anxiety that can be unique to moms. She also encourages us with some ways to bring our anxiety to the Lord and seek to regain joy. Become a friend of the podcast b...

In this episode we talk with John-Michael Bout , Co-Executive Director of Into the Light Ministries . John-Michael shares important information with us about the difficult topic of talking with our children about explicit online content. He encourages us as parents and caregivers that we can have ongoing conversations with our kids, and he gives helpful tools for guarding our technology to keep it...

This episode features Ian Cron , therapist and bestselling author of The Road Back to You. Ian has written a new book about the helpfulness of the Twelve Steps called  The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation of the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between .  He shares with us a bit of his story of recovery from addiction, and he gives us helpful ways...

This episode features Joe Hussung , Director of Ministry Partnerships and Recruitment and a Senior Counselor at Fieldstone Counseling. Joe shares valuable insights about the importance of listening well, a topic he covers in his new book, Learning to Listen: Effective Skills for Every Counselor (New Growth Press). He explains a theology of listening, and he offers encouragement to both counselors...

In this episode we talk with Michelle Grosser, certified master life coach and nervous system fitness expert. Michelle shares what it means to have a regulated nervous system, as well as signs that your nervous system might be dysregulated. She gives very practical ideas for how to calm the nervous system and tell the body it is safe. Click HERE to learn more about Michelle and the work she does....

In this episode we talk about the ways in which the nervous system helps us get to safety when we are in danger. We also talk about what to do when our nervous system is telling us there's danger, but we are actually not in danger. We discuss techniques for calming the nervous system so that we can think clearly and make sound decisions. You won't want to miss this episode! Become a frie...

In this episode we talk with Leslie Vernick, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and leader of Leslie Vernick & Co, an organization that provides resources, coaching, and community for women who are experiencing destructive relationships. Leslie shares with us the signs of an emotionally destructive relationship, and she gives us tools for how to come alongside someone who is suffering in this way...

This episode features Rachel Warneking, who co-leads the ministry 423 Communities with her husband, Joel. Rachel spends her time working with women whose husbands struggle with sexual sin, and she offers encouragement and wisdom for how Christians can come alongside these women with compassion and long-suffering. She also shares how wives can get involved in the ministry of 423 Communities through...

In this episode we talk with Jeremy Linneman , pastor and author of the book, Why Do We Feel So Lonely at Church?   Jeremy talks with us about the seriousness of the struggle of loneliness and the ways our Christian culture has potentially hindered connection between people. He shares ideas about how we can grow in building healthy and lasting connections with other believers, and he encourages us...

This episode tackles a topic that's important for anyone who offers care and counsel to those who are suffering. We'll discuss the need for supervision in the care of souls, and we'll talk about what someone should look for in a supervisor. We all need guidance as we care for others, so don't miss this episode if you offer counsel to people in need. Become a friend of the podca...

In this episode we talk with Preston Hill, theologian and counselor who co-wrote a book called Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Churches . He shares with us about why the nature of the trinity is foundational to understanding how to make our churches trauma-safe. He also shares some common mistakes churches make, as well as steps we can take to help our churches to be safe places for tr...

In this episode we unpack a psychological theory called Attachment Theory. We discuss what it is and how it is used in counseling settings. We also talk about how the theory of attachment can help us better understand a person's relational dynamics so that we can set goals for change and growth in sanctification. Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to qu...

This episode features AC Seiple, counselor and author who works with sufferers of complex trauma. She helps us understand a method of counseling called 'parts work' that seeks to help counselees notice and engage with parts of themselves that struggle to find hope and healing. She also shares about the importance of noticing and showing compassion toward our bodies in the midst of the wo...

This episode features Dr. Alison Cook, author and therapist who specializes in Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is a form of therapy that is gaining ground, and Dr. Cook explains the theory and methods through a lens of Christian growth and healing. She shares about the internal conflicts we have when seeking to grow, and she addresses ways in which IFS may be helpful in creating new patterns of...

In this episode we talk with author and public theologian Matt LaPine, who has done extensive work and has written a book called The Logic of the Body : Retrieving Theological Psychology . Dr. LaPine shares his wisdom on common misconceptions of the body's role in the process of sanctification, as well as how the concept of embodiment can shape the way the church cares for sufferers. To learn...

Today we talk with Chuck DeGroat , therapist and professor, about the vital role of compassionate community to help people heal from pain and trauma. We discuss the relationship between our bodies and emotions, as well as the need for curiosity when walking through a healing journey.  Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts,...

This episode features Esther Smith, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in a form of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Esther shares helpful information about this type of therapy, and she gives examples of how she uses it in a Christian counseling context. You won't want to miss this informative episode! Esther is the director of Christ...

In today's episode, Jonathan Holmes talks with us about the need for ethical standards in biblical counseling. We discuss common issues faced by counselors, as well as ways we can work to uphold the ultimate standard of Scripture as we work to care for our counselees. Whether you are a counselor or counselee, you will benefit from Jonathan's wealth of knowledge on this topic. Become a fr...

In today's episode we chat about the ways in which stress affects our bodies, emotions, mental health, spiritual life, and relationships. We share some tools for slowing down and staying present when stress comes our way, and we introduce Eliza's new book, I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (New Growth Press).  Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers...

This episode features Jim and Heather Sells, co-authors of Beyond the Clinical Hour: How Counselors can Partner with the Church to Address the Mental Health Crisis (with additional author Amy Trout). Jim (a professor at Regent University) and Heather (managing editor for CBN News) bring their expertise to share with us their perspective on how the Church can care for those experiencing mental heal...