The Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Psychiatrist. EMDR therapist. Kingdom-minded healer. In this rich and inspiring episode, Josh & Cassie sit down with Dr. Karl Lehman - author of The Immanuel Approach -  to explore how imagery, neuroscience, and the presence of Jesus come together to spark real, lasting transformation. Dr. Lehman has spent thousands of hours walking people into healing encounters with Jesus, a...

Send us Fan Mail Healing doesn’t end when the breakthrough moment happens—true transformation is sealed through Replay . In this episode, we unpack the powerful practice of Replay (also known as meta-processing), a vital part of the NICC process that helps the brain lock in healing and grow new, healthier neural pathways. We’ll also explore the role of Anchoring , which helps participants carry th...

Send us Fan Mail What if your imagination isn’t just for daydreams—but a powerful, God-designed tool for healing and connection? In this episode, we dive into Immanuel Imagery —a practice that invites the Holy Spirit into your imagination to experience Jesus in personal, transformative ways. Join us as we discuss: Create your Immanuel Space —a sacred, Spirit-led place in your imagination where you...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why you suddenly feel like a kid again in certain situations? It’s not your imagination—it’s your brain. In this episode, we explore how memories store snapshots of our younger selves and how these "parts of self" come online when old wounds are triggered. These aren’t separate people—they’re earlier versions of you , still carrying the emotions and beliefs o...

Send us Fan Mail Hey Friend! What if the path to happiness isn’t about doing more—but about becoming more whole? In this episode, we explore how the Holy Spirit, through your Thrive Drive, brings forward the right memories at the right time for healing. It’s not random—it’s divinely timed, and your nervous system knows what needs attention. Join us as we discuss: Wounds (from things that shouldn’t...

Send us Fan Mail What if true happiness isn’t about chasing the next high—but about becoming the person Jesus created you to be? In this episode, we explore how peace, joy, and satisfaction come together to form a deeper, lasting happiness. It’s not about perfection—it’s about maturity, healing, and freedom from the wounds, gaps, and unhelpful habits that keep us stuck. ⛓️‍💥  You’ll learn how the...

Send us Fan Mail Hey friend! We’re so excited for today’s episode—it’s a little different than usual, and we think you’re going to love it. Recently, Josh and Cassie had the privilege of speaking to a group of ministry leaders about how to build Rhythms of Renewal in ministry, and the conversation was so rich and encouraging, they knew they had to share it with you too! 💛 Ministry can be draining...

Send us Fan Mail Is happiness unspiritual? Somewhere along the way, Christians started believing that Jesus only came to give us “joy” but not happiness. But here’s the truth—Scripture and science say they are the same thing! In this episode, we’re unpacking what the Bible really teaches about happiness, why Jesus does want us to be happy, and how neuroscience backs it all up. Join us as we discus...

Send us Fan Mail Play is deeply underrated—but did you know it's actually part of God's design for human flourishing? From childhood games to laughter with friends, from the arts to adventure, play is woven into the fabric of creation. In this episode, we explore how embracing play can deepen our joy, strengthen our relationships, and even enhance our faith. Join us as we discuss: How pl...

Send us Fan Mail Send us a text Did you know your brain is constantly changing? Thanks to neuroplasticity, our brains can rewire and adapt throughout life—for better or worse. In NICC, we privilege the positive—not by ignoring pain, but by reinforcing the good. In this episode, we’re diving into how you can intentionally shape your brain’s pathways to cultivate resilience, joy, and healing. Learn...

Send us Fan Mail Self-compassion isn’t self-indulgence—it’s an invitation to see ourselves with the same grace, mercy, and patience that Jesus extends to us. Through the lens of God’s love, we can acknowledge our wounds without shame, extend kindness to ourselves in moments of failure, and embrace growth with gentleness instead of self-criticism. In this episode, we explore what it means to meet o...

Send us Fan Mail Healing from emotional wounds and insecure attachment isn’t just about self-help—it’s about connection. God designed us to co-regulate with others, offering and receiving comfort in relationships that reflect His love. But how do we find safe people? How do we build trust when our nervous system has been wired for self-protection? In this episode, we explore practical ways to enga...

Send us Fan Mail God designed us for connection. From the very beginning, He declared, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Yet today, nearly half of American adults experience loneliness—an epidemic that takes a toll not just on emotions but on physical health. Research shows chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In this episode, we dive into the pow...

Send us Fan Mail When we go through overwhelming experiences—things that shake us to our core—our nervous system can’t always process them in the moment. Instead, our brain packs these emotions and memories away, like boxes stored on a high shelf, only to be knocked down when life triggers them. And when they fall, we’re left scrambling, unsure how to sort through the mess. But here’s the truth: w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® podcast, we explore how spirituality and our relationship with God intersect with mental health and well-being. Join Josh Spurlock as he discusses the five developmental domains that shape human character, with a deep dive into the spiritual domain—an essential part of holistic health and growth in who God created...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt a little out of sync when it comes to emotional intelligence or relationships? You're not alone! In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® podcast, Josh and Cassie Spurlock dive into the fascinating world of emotional intelligence and its impact on happiness, relationships, and spiritual growth. Learn how understanding your feelings...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why some people seem completely out of touch with reality? In this episode of the Neuroscience-Informed Christian Counseling® podcast, we explore the "Reality Domain"—how realistic expectations of self and others impact personal and spiritual growth. This engaging discussion is an excerpt from the NICC Basic Training course, led by Josh Spurlock, w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® podcast, we explore the developmental domain of independence and mastery. How do you navigate life’s practicalities? What makes you unique in the world? And do you have what it takes to live with confidence and purpose? Join Josh Spurlock as he unpacks these essential questions, helping you understand independence...

Send us Fan Mail What makes us feel lovable and worthy of care? Where does our sense of value and connection come from? In this episode, Josh Spurlock dives into key questions about self-worth, attachment, and the neuroscience behind feeling loved and secure. You'll learn about the foundations of emotional safety, what happens when those foundations are disrupted, and whether it's ever t...

Send us Fan Mail In a perfect world, our childhoods would be filled with ideal experiences that fully shape our character and equip us for the abundant life God designed us for. But reality often leaves us with developmental gaps and wounds that impact how we navigate life. In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® podcast, Josh Spurlock explores how neuroscience and faith...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) Podcast , we bring you an inspiring excerpt from the NICC Basic Training course. Join Josh Spurlock as he shares practical, faith-based insights on the integration of neuroscience and biblical truths to foster healing, growth, and thriving. Explore how God’s design of the mind and spirit enables transformati...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) Podcast , Josh Spurlock shines a spotlight on the Thrive Drive , a foundational concept from the NICC Basic Training course. Learn how God has wired each of us with an innate drive for healing, growth, and thriving, and how understanding this design can transform your approach to emotional and spiritual heal...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) Podcast , Josh Spurlock unpacks BrainSync , a transformative concept from the NICC Basic Training course. Discover how God-designed neuroscience principles guide us in fostering meaningful connections with others and with Christ. This episode explores the role of relational connection in healing a...

Send us Fan Mail In this impactful episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) Podcast , Josh Spurlock explores the profound connection between wounds, trauma, and healing through a biblical and neuroscience-informed lens. Taken from the NICC Basic Training course, this episode delves into the theory of trauma, how it affects the body and soul, and the pathways God provides f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) Podcast , Josh Spurlock introduces the concept of the Thrive Drive —the God-designed force within us that propels healing, growth, and thriving. This excerpt from the NICC Basic Training course explores how attuning to your nervous system can unlock deeper spiritual connection, emotional regulation, and pers...