It's one thing to recognize red flags in your relationships. It's another thing to know what to do after that. In this episode, you'll learn: Five spectrums to consider when determining how serious a red flag is. Guidelines for determining if a particular red flag is something that needs to be confronted or self-managed. How to grow in awareness of red flags without getting overwhelmed or scared to get close to others. Links we mentioned in this episode: Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags Yo...
Jul 24, 2025•30 min
Noticing red flags doesn’t make you critical — it makes you wise. In this episode, you'll learn: Six red flags to be aware of — whether you're building new relationships or evaluating existing ones. How to talk to someone about behavior that concerns you. How to best utilize godly discernment as you grow in self-awareness. Links we mentioned in this episode: Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst here . Sign up for a $10 webinar on Sept...
Jul 17, 2025•39 min
Have you been interacting with someone and concern rises up within you? An unsettledness bubbles up? Your guard goes up, and you start thinking things like: I don’t know if I can trust them. I don’t know if I can believe what they’re saying. Am I safe to share with them? If so, this first episode in our new season, "Red Flags in Relationships," is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: What a red flag is and what it isn't. How to recognize areas of concern for ourselves without shaming or blami...
Jul 10, 2025•33 min
Summertime is a season for sunshine, long days, and making memories with the people closest to us. But let’s be honest — more time together doesn’t always mean more connection. It could create more tension. And sometimes that’s because we can no longer ignore red flags that are now staring us in the face. Whether you’re single, dating, married, or navigating complicated family dynamics — we're diving into it all this summer. In Season 9, Lysa, Jim, and Joel will help you learn: What is a red fla...
Jul 03, 2025•1 min
The (sometimes secret) struggle with pornography takes an emotional and spiritual toll on individuals, marriages, and families. It's a multifaceted issue that requires a multifaceted healing plan. In this episode, you'll learn: How pornography affects intimacy, identity, and trust. Tools and tactics for having conversations around this topic without fear. What to do (and not to do) the moment you discover something. Scriptural passages to turn to on pornography. Helpful Links Have a question for...
May 08, 2025•45 min
Addiction is a heartbreaking reality that weighs heavy on loved ones who are affected. But when you're navigating something this complex, how can you know the best way forward? In this episode, you will learn: What is considered an addiction and what the Bible says about the root of addiction. How to respond to the longings and desires you have without turning to substances. The complicated dynamics addiction creates within relationships. The hope and healing God has for you and how to allow Him...
May 01, 2025•44 min
While we don't want to put labels on people, it is important to be aware of certain patterns of behavior. Because the more awareness we have, the better we'll be able to navigate situations we find ourselves in. In this episode, you will learn: The characteristics, signs, and symptoms of narcissism and borderline personality disorder. How to draw boundaries and protect yourself from dysfunctional or even dangerous relationships. The truth behind the age-old question, "Can people really change?" ...
Apr 24, 2025•36 min
Have you ever wondered why you have different reactions with different people in your life? Maybe it's easy to respond to a friend with love and patience but difficult to respond to your spouse without getting angry. The truth is our character is revealed in how we react. Lysa TerKeurst puts it this way: "Our feelings are indicators, not dictators." In this episode, you’ll learn: What the four kinds of reaction types are and which one you are. How to work toward balance with your mind (thoughts)...
Apr 17, 2025•42 min
Lysa TerKeurst says "emotional abuse is sometimes both the most overused and underused term" ... and we couldn't agree more. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden tactics of emotional abuse: gaslighting and love bombing. Why living in extremes in relationships are unhealthy and unsustainable. How to "take agency" in yourself and escape dysfunction. Helpful Links 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 he...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min
You cannot be in a healthy, flourishing relationship with someone who refuses to take responsibility for their own issues. This is why the dynamics and roles of the Victim Triangle must be recognized. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the three roles of the Victim Triangle are. How to grow in self-awareness without labeling others. Where to insert boundaries if you find yourself in toxicity. Helpful Links Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by...
Apr 03, 2025•41 min
It's time to get out of the dysfunctional dances and be bravely honest about what you may be experiencing behind closed doors. That's what Lysa TerKeurst, counselor Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle want to help you work through this season! In Season 8 of Therapy & Theology , you'll hear episodes on: The victim mentality. Love bombing and gaslighting. Anger and blaming. Narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder. What addiction is and how it impacts us. Pornography. Helpful Links: Downl...
Mar 27, 2025•3 min
Broken trust can make us look at the world with skepticism, resistance and hesitancy. Or broken trust can make us more resilient and brave. We get to choose how we move forward. In this episode of Season 7, Lysa, Jim and Joel discuss how we can find the inner strength to move forward, even when broken trust and betrayals have stolen from us. Related Resources: We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 7 of Therapy & Theology....
Oct 24, 2024•33 min
When you have experienced heartbreak or betrayal, it’s hard not to fall into thought spirals . You may find yourself bracing for impact as you think: If this worst-case scenario happened in the past, when will something else bad happen again? But if we’re honest … So many times, we spiral in our thoughts about things we can’t control. In this episode, Lysa, Jim and Joel will help you see that even when you're spiraling, you may feel powerless but you have choices you can make to find your way fo...
Oct 17, 2024•34 min
Can I trust this person? This is a big question, especially after a betrayal has occurred. The deeper the wound, the longer the repair will take. But not all repairs are equal. You see, there is a difference between wise trust and blind trust. Of course, there is space for grace in relationships, but it shouldn’t be sloppy grace where deceptions and dysfunctions are glossed over. In this episode, Lysa, Jim and Joel will help you see that rebuilding trust requires a combination of three crucial t...
Oct 10, 2024•39 min
It can be so disillusioning to process things that are breaking our heart, especially when it seems like God is not intervening. Maybe you find yourself asking questions like: When is God going to right the wrongs and bring justice to this situation? How am I supposed to believe the Lord is good in light of this? How can I trust God when the person who hurt me got away with it? In this episode, Lysa, Jim and Joel will meet you in these questions and help you begin to see that faith in God means ...
Oct 03, 2024•33 min
Not one of us gets to live this life unmarked by hurt, so not one of us gets to live this life without trust issues. Whether you claim to be someone who naturally struggles with trust or not, sometimes skepticism creeps in even in the smallest of ways. In this episode, Lysa, Jim and Joel will help you begin to process broken trust issues you have so that you can move forward with more hope for the future. Related Resources: We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for ...
Sep 26, 2024•36 min
Betrayal can come in so many different forms. Maybe a friend tells a secret you trusted them with. Or maybe your spouse is making decisions that are breaking your heart. Or maybe a co-worker threw you under the bus. Underneath it all, if you're honest, you feel betrayed by God: Why didn't He step in? This episode will help you begin to realize that the trauma of having your trust broken by people you thought would never betray you may be life-altering but it doesn’t have to be life-ruining. Rela...
Sep 19, 2024•44 min
Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different from what they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're becoming exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can He even be trusted? Lysa TerKeurst understands....
Sep 12, 2024•2 min
We all want our relationships to go the distance, but it's inevitable that not all will. As believers, when this happens, how can we move forward without growing bitter and resentful? In this episode, "How To Move On When Someone Walks Away," Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, will help you navigate goodbyes with biblical wisdom and tender encouragement. Related Resources: If you’ve found y...
Jul 18, 2024•22 min
Sometimes we hit a point in a relationship where we realize something must change. But when we're so close to the situation, it's easy to slip into denial about what's really going on and what the best next steps are from here. In this episode, "Am I in Denial That This Relationship Is Unhealthy?" Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, will help you navigate relational issues with biblical wisd...
Jul 11, 2024•24 min
Pride is probably a word most of us could give a quick definition for. It's easy to spot in other people, but how can we operate in self-awareness to know how pride is surfacing in our own lives? And what are the costs of letting pride go unattended? In this special bonus episode, Lysa, Jim and Joel discuss the layers of pride, revealing its subtle yet profound impact on our relationships with others, God and even ourselves. Related Resources: Circle 31 Book Club is not your average book club. T...
Jun 13, 2024•27 min
How can I find the right counselor? Is it OK to take medicine prescribed by a counselor? What if I can't afford counseling right now? It may not be easy putting in the work to find the right counselor for you, but it will be worth it. This episode is the last episode of the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media, and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministr...
Apr 11, 2024•23 min
Have you ever wondered why you may anxiously obsess over something? The truth is whatever consumes our thinking deeply affects our quality of life. But can we really control what we think about? This episode is part of the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media, and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Mudd...
Apr 04, 2024•35 min
Description: Even if you don't consider yourself an "angry person," we have all experienced situations that get us fired up ... or even fed up. The truth is our feelings are trying to tell us something. So rather than just "manage" our anger, we can interview our anger and find out what's going on and what needs to be tended to. This episode is a part of the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media, and mo...
Mar 28, 2024•32 min
Description: We don't get to choose the families we are born into, yet we are deeply affected by our family of origin. Whether you're currently working through difficult conversations with your children, trying to figure out how to honor your parents, or wondering how to break unhealthy patterns that have trickled down from past generations, Therapy & Theology is here to help! This episode is a part of the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through pod...
Mar 21, 2024•25 min
Whether you've gone through it personally or been deeply affected by it, divorce is heartbreaking. It can also be so challenging to navigate conversations and dynamics with kids, friends, and others as you walk through the changes that come from the death of a marriage. This episode is a part of the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media, and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cres...
Mar 14, 2024•25 min
As a Christian, how can we approach challenging situations and conversations in a God-honoring way? How do we balance grace and truth when someone in our community disagrees with us or believes something different than us? This episode kicks off the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering." Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theologic...
Mar 07, 2024•23 min
Welcome to the newest season of Therapy & Theology : "You Asked ... We're Answering!" Through podcast reviews, direct messages on social media and more, Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, collected your most asked questions. Now they're spending an entire season answering: How do I combat intrusive thoughts? What do I do with the anger I feel inside? As a Christian, how do I respond whe...
Feb 29, 2024•2 min
Have you ever secretly wondered why it feels like some people suffer more than others? Where is God when we're going through a difficult season? And why doesn't He stop the pain we're experiencing? We're answering all of these questions and more in this episode of Therapy & Theology. You'll hear from our resident theologian, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, as well as our special guest and friend from Compassion International , Kiwi. No matter what you're going through, we hope this conversation blesses...
Nov 16, 2023•44 min
What we believe about God and ourselves matter. That's why this entire season of Therapy & Theology has included tools to help you grow in self-awareness. But the ultimate goal and hope is that as you learn more about yourself, you grow toward God, not push away from Him. Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in the final episode of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing tools ...
Nov 09, 2023•30 min
