Therapy and Theology

If we are honest, sometimes we declare that our trust is in the Lord, but we simultaneously doubt His plans and frantically come up with our own. In the name of "being responsible," we obsess over how to get everyone and every circumstance to line up with the outcome we think is best. In this episode, you will learn how to: Identify sneaky controlling tendencies that may be hiding behind good intentions. Plan for the future without obsessing over the future. Be responsible for what you can be responsible for, and ultimately surrender outcomes to God. Links and resources we mention in this episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of "Therapy & Theology." Click here to apply for their Trauma-Informed Coaching certification. Taught by leading experts in mental health, trauma, and ministry, it will equip you with practical, biblically grounded tools to walk alongside hurting people with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here for all "Therapy & Theology" links and resources. Download a copy of the episode transcript.

Most of us aren't "controlling people" by nature. We are usually caring people whose desperation has compelled us try and fix what we already know is beyond our ability to control. But underneath the need to control is often something deeper: fear. And that fear has convinced us that it's our job to fix, manage, and hold everything together. In this episode, you will learn: How to identify the root of what you're truly afraid of. The four components of fear — and how understanding them can change the way you respond. Healthy ways to process and respond the next time someone or something feels out of control. Links and resources we mention in this episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of "Therapy & Theology." Click here to apply for their Trauma-Informed Coaching certification. Taught by leading experts in mental health, trauma, and ministry, it will equip you with practical, biblically grounded tools to walk alongside hurting people with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here for all "Therapy & Theology" links and resources. Download a copy of the transcript here .

Welcome to Season 13 of Therapy & Theology ! Over the next few weeks, you're going to get an inside look into Lysa TerKeurst’s new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control . This message will come alive as you learn: What's really driving your temptation to control people, outcomes and circumstances. How to recognize when healthy responsibility has crossed the line into fear-driven control. How to navigate around other people's chaos without losing your peace and sanity. How to release burdens that were never yours to carry into God's capable hands. If you've ever felt exhausted from overthinking, trying to fix other people, or wanting to figure it all out, this season is for you. Episode 1 releases September 3, so get a copy of Making Peace with What I Can’t Control and let's learn together! Links and resources we mention in this season: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Trauma-Informed Coaching certification. Taught by leading experts in mental health, trauma, and ministry, it will equip you with practical, biblically grounded tools to walk alongside hurting people with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here for all Therapy & Theology links and resources. Click here to download your transcript.

In this Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Counselor Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle respond to questions sent in by generous partners of Proverbs 31 Ministries. They're answering questions like: Can anxiety ever be cured? How do I set boundaries with someone who is in active addiction? What does biblical submission in marriage look like? Why does God feel distant even when I pray and read my Bible? Can Satan influence our thoughts? Links and resources we mention in this episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Trauma-Informed Coaching certification, a biblically grounded training that teaches you how to recognize trauma, respond with care, and walk someone toward healing. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Click here for all Therapy & Theology links and resources. Download a copy of the transcript for this episode.

However you are called to help other people, that is your personal ministry. But how can you serve others, lead well, and make a difference without losing yourself or burning out? In this episode, you'll learn: When helping others crosses the line into enabling, you're trying to "play savior," or even becoming codependent. How to manage internal desires you have, like longing for affirmation, so that you can stay healthy, emotionally grounded, and purehearted. The difference between bettering your self-image and growing in self-awareness. Links and resources we mention in this episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Trauma-Informed Coaching certification, a biblically grounded training that teaches you how to recognize trauma, respond with care, and walk someone toward healing. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Click here for all Therapy & Theology links and resources. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Parenting in today's world has never felt more overwhelming. Between rising anxiety, social media, and the pressure to get it all right, many Christian parents are wondering: How do I raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids? In this episode, featuring counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas, you'll learn: Common parenting mistakes that unintentionally undermine a child's confidence, capability, and emotional growth. How to discern the difference between healthy struggle and situations that require intervention and support. Practical scripts to use when your child experiences failure and disappointment. Tools for overcoming parental shame and trusting God with your child's story. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Stay connected with Sissy Goff and David Thomas by visiting their website , getting a copy of their new book Capable , and following them on social media . Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Download a transcript of this episode .

Praying for our family shouldn't be our last resort — it should be our first priority. In this episode, you'll learn: Scripture-based prayers you can borrow when you feel inadequate or short of words. How to persist and make peace with prayers that have gone unanswered. The powerful, generational impact prayer can have on your family. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Give today, and get a copy of Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst as our thank-you. Get started here! Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a copy of this transcript.

Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries — even with family members. While dysfunction or even abuse needs to be addressed, are there instances where we have taken boundaries "too far"? In this episode, you'll learn: When relational boundaries become unhealthy, leading to cutoffs, emotional distance, or family estrangement. How to set boundaries with family members in a way that increases safety, improves communication, and reduces isolation. How to protect your emotional health without attempting to control another person. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

It’s not always the “big betrayals” that damage trust in a marriage. More often, it’s the seemingly “little things” that are easy to overlook. In this episode, you'll learn: The two essentials that must be present for trust to thrive. How to stop having the same argument with your spouse. A simple assessment to help you establish your unique “trust language” as a couple. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Download the "Healthy Conversations Contract" here . Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Experiencing hardships in marriage is inevitable — especially as both seasons and partners change. But what truly matters is how you communicate through those challenges. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Stop avoiding conflict and fight for connection. Know your spouse on a deeper, emotional level. Be on the same team even when you aren't on the same page. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . Explore counselor Rebecca Maxwell's work and her new book here: Jesus and Your Mental Health We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

With so much against us and our families in today's world, how can we build a family rooted in biblical Truth and a strong sense of belonging? In this episode, you'll learn: Four things that fracture belonging in a family unit — and how to work through them. The four S’s of healthy attachment. Ideas for writing your own personal family mission statement or covenant. Insights on family dynamics from the Bible. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . Explore counselor Rebecca Maxwell's work and her new book here: Jesus and Your Mental Health We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Welcome to Season 12 of Therapy & Theology : Fight for Your Family! Are you longing to strengthen your marriage, build deeper family relationships, or parent with greater intentionality in today’s modern world? In this new season of Therapy & Theology , we combine biblical wisdom with practical therapeutic tools to help you fight for the relationships that matter most. In this six-episode series, you’ll discover: How to use scriptural prayers for your family to strengthen your faith and relationships. The root causes of conflict in your marriage — and how to heal them. Practical tools for setting healthy boundaries and improving communication. Habits that build trust in marriage (and what quietly destroys it). How to create a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Wisdom on Christian parenting in a modern culture. Episode 1 releases on April 9, so make sure you're subscribed, and we'll see you then! Links and Resources We'll Mention This Season: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

A relationship can only be as healthy as the individuals in that relationship. So how can we grow and show up as our best selves for the people in our lives? In this episode, you’ll learn: Four things that erode or even break apart a good relationship. How to improve communication and work through conflict when you’re feeling misunderstood. How to answer the question "What is really bothering me?" so you can identify root issues. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: Get your copy of I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst here . We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Help women experience God’s nearness in this and every moment. Receive Come Close to Jesus as our thanks for your gift today. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Our emotions are God-given signals designed to guide us toward greater self-reflection, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. But how do we learn to manage our feelings instead of letting them control us? In this episode, you’ll learn: How to maintain emotional health, whether you tend to suppress your emotions or feel them intensely. Practical strategies for staying emotionally regulated as a parent. How relationships contribute to our emotional well-being — for better or worse — and how to improve this. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Help women experience God’s nearness in this and every moment. Receive Come Close to Jesus as our thanks for your gift today. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

In today's world, it can feel like stress is unavoidable. Is constant pressure and burnout just part of life now? How can we protect our mental health with so much pulling at us? In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identify stressors in our life and assess how you're really doing. What to do when you feel overwhelmed by shame. Practical scripts you can borrow to reach out to someone when you need help. Four essential questions to ask your loved ones as you support their mental health journey. Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Help women experience God’s nearness in this and every moment. Receive Come Close to Jesus as our thanks for your gift today. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

If you’ve ever been tempted to confuse spiritual health with spiritual perfection, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: The markers of a spiritually healthy Christian and the daily habits they consistently pursue. The overlooked patterns that may be threatening your spiritual health and relationship with God. How to escape shame, guilt, and isolation and return to the Lord — who has never left your side. Links and Resources We'll Mention This Episode: Download the "Healthy Conversations Contract" Jim talks about here . We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . Help women experience God’s nearness in this and every moment. Receive Come Close to Jesus as our thanks for your gift today. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Therapy & Theology is back for the first time in 2026! Season 11 includes four brand-new episodes designed to help you take an honest look at your life and grow healthier — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. Think of this season as a “health check,” where each episode dives deep into a key area through meaningful one-on-one conversations with a trusted Therapy & Theology voice. This season isn’t about quick fixes or becoming a “new you” overnight. It’s about sustainable healing, biblical wisdom, faith-based mental health, and learning how to partner with the Holy Spirit for lasting growth — even when progress feels slow or life feels out of your control. These episodes will especially help: Anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to begin making progress. Those longing for spiritual, mental, emotional, and relational growth. Anyone feeling “I’m just not where I want to be,” who needs gentle guidance, prayerful reflection, and trusted Christian voices. Episode 1 releases February 12. Links and Resources We'll Mention This Season: We’re grateful to the American Association of Christian Counselors for being a yearlong sponsor of Therapy & Theology . Click here to apply for their Youth Mental Health Coach program — a biblically grounded, clinically excellent training to help you support youth facing today’s most common mental health challenges. Go to Compassion.com/Lysa to join us in sponsoring a child through Compassion International today. Subscribe here to receive new Therapy & Theology episodes straight to your inbox. Want a chance to be featured on Listener Mail? Leave Lysa, Jim, or Joel a message or a question right here . If you’d like to give a gift today so Therapy & Theology can reach even more women in their desperate moments, go to proverbs31.org/givenow . Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

In this bonus Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Counselor Jim Cress respond to voice memos sent in by Therapy & Theology listeners. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To: Navigate conflicting narratives and opinions from others. Respond to someone whose actions and words don't align. Make peace with your desire for clarity and closure as you move forward from a past relationship. Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode: Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress. The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Give today to partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries and help more women encounter the Truth of God's Word. Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here. Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Go Deeper: Listen to " Moving Through the Impact of Trauma ." Listen to " Mile Markers of Healing ." Watch " You’ve Been Through So Much — Now Let God Use It ."

In this bonus Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Counselor Jim Cress respond to voice memos sent in by Therapy & Theology listeners. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to accept the life you have today, instead of being stuck in ruminating over the past. What to do when life feels "stalled out" and you're waiting for God. Practical tools for co-parenting with an ex-partner and how to approach dating again post-divorce. Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode: Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress. The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Give today to partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries and help more women encounter the Truth of God's Word. Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast episodes! Start here. Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Go Deeper: Listen to " When Divorce Makes You Feel Like You Weren't Enough. " Listen to " How To Be Brave When You Don't Feel Brave. " Watch " Stop the Shame Scripts Holding You Back. "

When life takes an unexpected turn — whether it’s going through a divorce or another unwanted circumstance — it can feel like survival mode is the only option. Our mental health begins to suffer, bringing increased anxiety, loneliness, and endless what-if questions. But there is hope — and this conversation with Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rebecca Maxwell will help you find it. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the Bible and therapy actually complement each other, rather than compete with each other. Practical rhythms and activities for your mind that can help lead to peace. How to take the mystery out of anxiety by knowing exactly how to recognize it. A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the world — and empowering women and girls is a key part of that mission. Convoy of Hope partners with women so they can start their own businesses to better support themselves and their families. Because when women are empowered, entire communities are transformed. Visit convoy.org/p31 to help empower women and girls today. Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode: Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress. Get your copy of Jesus & Your Mental Health by Rebecca Maxwell, and learn more about Rebecca's practice, Jacksonville Counseling Services, by visiting their website . Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected. See Lysa in a city near you this fall on the Trust Again Tour. Bring a friend, and get your tickets here! The Therapy & Theology podcast is brought to you by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to help women encounter the Truth of God's Word in every season. Learn more here! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Go Deeper: Listen to " When Divorce Makes You Feel Like You Weren't Enough " to hear a teaching on taking your thoughts captive. Listen to " How To Be Brave When You Don't Feel Brave. " Watch " Stop the Shame Scripts Holding You Back. "