The Savior's Tools: Building Emotional Resilience

In this final episode we bid farewell and give one last message with the Savior as the main focus. We discuss the concept of protection scriptures and provide examples and experiences with specific power scriptures. We give a big thank you to everyone who has listened to the podcast and encourage continued discipleship in Christ.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠htt...

Are there specific gospel-based strategies that can guide parents on how to be great parents? In this episode we outline guiding gospel principles for great parenting along with specific ideas and even words and phrases that intentional parents can use to create a space for kids to thrive.

What is the  best  parenting approach? Is it modern day soft parenting? Gentle parenting? Helicopter parenting? Snowplow parenting? Does God have specific advice for parents on how to raise children? In this episode we first discuss God’s command to have children, and then review His and prophets’ teachings on the best guiding principles for raising children in love and righteousness. We also revi...

What types of questions are young adults asking about sexual intimacy? In this episode we review common questions and spend time answering their concerns with a gospel and therapeutic perspective! We ground the responses in doctrine, therapeutic experience, and guidance from words of the prophets and faithful researchers and practitioners.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newslette...

Is being sexual in opposition with being spiritual? Is it okay that we are sexual beings? Why is there so much shame around sex in the church? What does a healthy sexual marriage relationship look like? In today’s episode we address the divine purposes sexual intimacy and potential sources of the shame culture around sex. We review clear teachings from prophets about the purpose of sexual intimacy...

What do you think about when you hear the word intimacy? Most think of physical or sexual intimacy, but intimacy is so much more! In today’s episode we discuss five different spheres of intimacy. The most intimate of marriages have a high degree of intimacy in each of these spheres. However, be patient. As you put Christ first in the relationship you can build intimacy over time in each of these s...

What are the BEST how’s of effective communication for Christ-centered marriages? In this episode we review direct teachings of Christ about communication and also the leading research on how to communicate for a lasting and happy marriage. We review research from John Gottman on the four horsemen and their remedies with a gospel lens in mind.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsl...

What does God want for marriage and what does Adam and Eve’s mandate to become one flesh actually look like in practice? In this episode we review scriptures and words of prophets on how God feels about and what He wants for marriage. We also analyze what it looks like for a marriage to become one. The doctrine of the restoration is discussed and its impact on our understanding of marriage.  Regis...

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In this episode we review the five stages of grief as a helpful model for understanding the grieving process. We highlight what research supports or does not support about the stages. We then specify teachings of scriptures and words of prophets that help us to understand grief and the comfort and healing that can come from the Savior.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter: ...

In this episode, we highlight the importance of engaging in wholesome recreational activities. We report on the various positive mental and physiological health outcomes of recreation. We show a doctrinal basis using scriptures and words of prophets for intentionally taking time to have fun. We then explore specific realms and ideas for recreational activities and conclude with an invitation to re...

In this episode we describe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and it’s gold standard treatment. We then discuss religious OCD known as scrupulosity. We share stories, scriptures, and prophetic quotes that can help to assuage the voice of OCD.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA  

In this episode we discuss the research on mental health and its association with happiness. We review key scriptures and words from prophets about money, their warnings, and best spiritual practices to navigate financial concerns.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA  

In this episode we discuss the psychological and spiritual benefits of mission statements. We explore the power of mission statements and find examples in scriptures and from prophets. We provide guidance on how to write a compelling mission statement, and we specifically invite all listeners to write a personal mission statement.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠ht...

In this episode we discuss the diagnostic criteria of ADHD and its religious implications. We discuss how the religious behaviors of prayer, scripture study, sabbath worship, and temple worship can be adjusted to accommodate ADHD. We share quotes and scriptures to increase understanding and compassion of this disorder.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms....

In this episode we discuss a listener question on how to deal with a narcissist. We first examine symptoms of narcissism and show scriptural examples of each. We give specific strategies for navigating a relationship with a person who shows narcissistic qualities. The example of our Savior is discussed.   Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck...

In this episode we discuss the specific struggle of eating disorders and its associated issue of body dissatisfaction. We offer empirically supported approaches for helping to improve body image and reduce destructive eating disorder symptoms. We share doctrine from scriptures and words of prophets that would help to reduce body shame and ultimately to use our bodies as instruments, not ornaments....

In lieu of the holiday season, in this episode we discuss the power of traditions. Specifically, we discuss 10 psychological benefits of traditions. We then address caveats to tradition and the potentially destructive influence of traditions. We then look to Jesus Christ and His example of keeping, influencing, and leveraging tradition. 

In this episode we discuss common factors of effective psychotherapy. We analyze the four main components of successful outcomes of therapy. We highlight the term of our Savior Jesus Christ as a Wonderful Counselor and share gospel insights on how He is the perfect example of an effective counselor. 

In this episode we discuss the power of stories. We review a therapy approach called narrative therapy and apply it specifically to a young adult case study. Gospel connections and parallels are drawn at each of the four phases of narrative therapy treatment.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA  

In this episode we discuss a popular therapy approach called Internal Family Systems. We analyze a doctrinal basis for the idea that within each person are subpersonalities. We discuss the spiritual implications of such an approach and how bringing all of our parts to Christ can unburden and heal them which then causes them to work us in healthy ways.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast a...

In this episode we discuss the evidence-based therapy approach called Solution Focused Therapy. We discuss specific interventions and gospel parallels. Scriptures and words of prophets are used to support validity of this therapy approach. 

In this episode we discuss the well-known psychological model – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. We make gospel comparisons but ultimately repudiate this model from a gospel perspective.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA  

In this episode we discuss the stages of development as proposed by developmental psychologist Erik Erickson and their relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We analyze each stages negative and positive outcomes and how the doctrine of Christ informs and enlightens each stage.   Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA  

In this episode we outline the research on attachment styles and their spiritual applications. We discuss the four attachment styles and how they can impact our view of God. We analyze attributes of parents and deity that lead to secure attachment.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:    ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA