Open Heart Therapy: Talks on Emotions and Faith

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the emotion of hate—what it is, why it’s so powerful, and how faith invites us to respond differently. We draw on insights from psychology and faith, reflecting on the call to love our enemies and practices of love, proximity, and empathy that can help us resist hate’s pull. Together, we ask what it means to move from distance toward connection and to keep our hearts open, even when it’s hard.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the emotion of shame—what it is, how it shows up in our relationships and faith, and why it can feel so overwhelming. We reflect on insights from shame research, consider some stories, and talk about how empathy is the antidote to shame. Together, we learn that we don’t heal from shame alone—we heal in connection.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the many layers of love — what it is, how we experience it, and why it matters. Together, we reflect to better understand love as both an emotion and a spiritual force. Join us as we lean into vulnerability, connection, and the kind of love that can transform our lives from the inside out.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the painful and complex emotion of betrayal. We talk about what happens when trust is broken—by others, by institutions, or even by ourselves—and how betrayal often brings a flood of other emotions with it.  We also reflect on what healing can look like. Join us for another episode of Open Heart Therapy!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the difference between authentic pride and hubris. We reflect on how celebrating our efforts can be healthy and connected.  Join us as we grow together and learn about emotions and faith in another episode!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore what it means to practice contentment. We look at a definition, the difference between high-arousal novelty and low-arousal satisfaction, and how comparison can erode sense of satisfaction. We reflect on gratitude and learning to relish what we already have.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the strange and powerful world of irony—how it shows up in our communication, how it can connect or divide us, and why it often masks what we’re really feeling. We reflect on sarcasm, emotional defenses, and the invitation from faith to speak with honesty.  Please DON'T join us for another episode of Open Heart Therapy!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the theme of tranquility—the deep rest that comes when we’re free from pressure and demands. We reflect on how we are designed for rhythms of restoration and how we can build tranquility into our daily lives.  Let’s breathe, slow down, and rediscover the gift of rest together!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the roots of defensiveness—how it often stems from a fragile ego and the fear that our mistakes diminish our worth. We reflect on how defensiveness blocks connection, feedback, and growth, and how faith can anchor us in love even when we feel exposed. Together, we practice noticing our reactions, softening our hearts, and choosing curiosity over self-protection.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the psychology and spirituality of dehumanization—why we do it, how it harms us, and what faith says about resisting it. We reflect on how labeling others as "less than" allows us to justify harm, and how reclaiming the humanity in everyone can be an act of both healing and courage. Join us as we challenge ourselves to stay open-hearted in a world that often divides.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the emotional and spiritual tension of paradox—those moments when two seemingly opposing truths ask to be held together. We reflect on how paradox stirs vulnerability, invites growth, and mirrors God’s own nature. We unpack how living in the “both/and” can deepen our faith and emotional maturity.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the idea of foreboding joy — that vulnerable feeling when joy stirs up fear. We talk about how fear can keep us from fully receiving the good gifts in our lives, and how gratitude can help us lean into joy with open hearts. Join us for another episode of Open Heart Therapy!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore freudenfreude—the joy we feel when others experience joy. Last time, we talked about schadenfreude, but today we flip the script and dive into how celebrating others can deepen our relationships, nourish our faith, and multiply joy.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the uncomfortable but very human emotion of schadenfreude—the pleasure we sometimes feel at someone else's misfortune. We reflect on how this feeling shows up in everyday life and why it can be harmful to our empathy. Together, we ask: What kind of world are we building—and what kind of hearts are we shaping—when we take joy in another’s pain?

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the tender experience of hurt feelings—what they are, why they happen, and how we can respond with grace. We reflect on vulnerability, the role of close relationships, and how faith invites us to bring our wounds into the light. Together, we unpack the emotional complexity of being hurt and the healing power of naming our pain.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the feeling of relief—that deep exhale that comes when tension lifts and we can finally breathe again. We discuss how rest isn’t just a luxury but a necessity. Join us as we embrace the sigh of relief and the freedom it brings.

Frustration is a familiar but often difficult emotion—one that can leave us feeling stuck, exhausted, and questioning. In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the deeper layers of frustration and how it relates to faith Join us as we process this emotion together!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore comparative suffering—that tendency to dismiss our own pain because someone else has it worse; but suffering is not a competition. Join us as we unpack the emotional and spiritual impact of this mindset, reflect on biblical wisdom, and embrace the power of self-compassion. Let’s stop ranking pain and start making room for healing—ours and others.

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the importance of boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how they help us cultivate healthier relationships. We discuss physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual boundaries, and dive into some practical insights to guide us. Join us as we seek to get better at loving others and ourselves!

In this episode of Open Heart Therapy, we explore the complex and often painful topic of humiliation. We discuss how humiliation differs from shame, its ties to public perception, and its alarming correlation with aggression and violence. We reflect on the impact of social media in amplifying these experiences and challenge the notion that humiliation can serve a greater good. Join us as we seek to navigate this heavy emotion and strive to create a more respectful and understanding world.