Therapy and Theology

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 you as you process your own questions about God and the hardships we face on this side of eternity.Related Resources: We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! If you want to dig deeper into the context of the questions Dr. Joel Muddamalle covered today, check out a free resource from Proverbs 31 Ministries titled Consider This: Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People? Download here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

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 for how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Do you know you have an attachment style that was formed from early childhood? Attachment styles influence how we connect with others relationally.Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in Episode 5 of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing tools for how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Research reveals that the average person lies at least 1-2 times per day. Why do we do this — even if it's considered a "white lie"? And what are the most common lies we tell?Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in Episode 4 of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing tools for how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

When we're blinded by self-deception, we can’t repent, heal, grow and get better. So how can we know how we're actually doing?Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in Episode 3 of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing tools for how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Even if we can't see it, there is a motivation driving everything we do and say. How can we identify what we really want and be aware of how it's shaping our daily life?Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in Episode 2 of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing tools for how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Why we do the things we don't want to do, and how do we overcome falling into the same habits and behaviors?Learn from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress in Episode 1 of this six-part series of Therapy & Theology titled "I Want To Be More Self-Aware." Each week, we'll hear conversations providing insight on how we can live as the most healthy versions of ourselves.Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Welcome to the newest series of Therapy & Theology: "I Want To be More Self-Aware." During these episodes, Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, tackle questions like … Why do I do what I don’t want to do? In what ways am I falling into self-deception? How can I be more self-aware of my behaviors and habits? How is my past affecting the way I connect with God and others right now? Having conversations around questions like these help us live as the most healthy, whole, yielded-to-Jesus selves we can be.Season 5 begins on October 5, and you’re not going to want to miss a single episode. So make sure you’re subscribed, and get ready to take a bunch of notes!Related Resources: Have you ever wondered, What's it really like to do life with me? Lysa TerKeurst put together a free resource, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" to help you find out! Through Bible teaching and honest assessments, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here! We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this season of Therapy & Theology. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website!

Doing the hard work of setting boundaries in your relationships will sometimes leave you discouraged, questioning if you're doing the right thing. While you will experience some grief, you will also experience true love, healing and intimacy.In the final episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim will send you off with some final encouragement for why the hard work of setting boundaries is worth it. Save this episode for a day you need to remember what's true!Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

What if instead of avoiding grief, you could see grief as your friend?In the sixth episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress will teach you to recognize signs of codependency so you can adjust your own expectations and work toward seeing progress in your relationships.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Codependency is one of those "buzzwords" that can often be weaponized or overused. What does it really mean, and how can we recognize it?In the fifth episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress will teach you to recognize signs of codependency so you can adjust your own expectations and work toward seeing progress with your relationships.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Walk through your past; don't wallow in it. Deal with your past; don't dwell on it.In the fourth episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress will walk through simple steps to help you look back at your own story so you can better understand yourself and start your journey toward healing today.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

How can we best prepare ourselves for communicating boundaries so that we can honor ourselves and the other person?In the third episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress gives you practical steps to talk about your boundaries with others. Learn how to say what you mean, mean what you say, and how to not say it in a mean way.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Sometimes the hardest part of setting boundaries is communicating them. What do we do when someone disregards or disrespects our parameters?In the second episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress will help you know how to respond when someone challenges your boundaries.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing In Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Is it even biblical for Christians to draw boundaries in their relationships?In the first episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress uses Scripture to give you a clearer picture and definition of boundaries to set you up for more personal peace and better relationships.Related Resources: Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season. Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today! Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Welcome to the newest season of Therapy & Theology: "Boundaries Boot Camp" with Jim Cress!During this season, you will learn what boundaries are and what they're not. You'll also receive the hope and encouragement you need to do the hard work of boundary-setting in your personal relationships. Every episode is short in length but jam-packed with insight and wisdom as Jim highlights best practices and practical tips in each one. "Boundaries Boot Camp" contains seven episodes and begins on September 11, 2023.Related Resources: Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode! Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst and Jim Cress on Instagram. Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website!

This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded to help you process questions like "Since God is sovereign and knows what’s going to happen, why should I pray?" and "Can our prayers change God's mind?"Join Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for this thought-provoking, scripture-filled conversation. It may be tempting to think about prayer in a defeated way or question if God will even respond, but, friend, take heart. The power of prayer can change things.Related Resources: Your prayers don't have to sound polished, put together or perfect to be effective. God invites us to talk about anything on our hearts with Him, just like we would share with a good friend. If you want help making this more of a daily practice in your life, join us for our new study, Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God. Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded for the day you hit a hard spot and find yourself wondering, Am I going to make it? What if I can't do this?Join Lysa TerKeurst; licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for the encouragement your heart needs when circumstances you're facing feel unmanageable, uncertain or out of control. Even if you just need a reminder today that you're not alone, this episode is for you.Related Resources: We know God has the power to take away all of our problems and pain on earth. But what do we do when He doesn’t? Join our next study on the book of Job, When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers. Together, we’ll find that God meets us in the middle of every question we’re asking with His love and perfect plan. And while He doesn’t always take our pain away, He promises to give us His comfort, peace and presence in it. Order your digital study guide today, and join us in the free First 5 mobile app for additional daily teachings! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded to help you process the question we often wrestle with as Christians: How can a good God allow pain and suffering?Join Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for this encouraging, scripture-filled conversation. After listening, we hope you're both comforted and filled with confidence that just because we can't see what God is doing, it does not mean He is not working. Related Resources: We know God has the power to take away all of our problems and pain on earth. But what do we do when He doesn’t? Join our next study on the book of Job, When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers. Together, we’ll find that God meets us in the middle of every question we’re asking with His love and perfect plan. And while He doesn’t always take our pain away, He promises to give us His comfort, peace and presence in it. Order your digital study guide today, and join us in the free First 5 mobile app for additional daily teachings! Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for conversations about how to keep moving forward in a healthy way when relationships in your life are unraveling. In Episode 5, Lysa, Jim and Joel discuss the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, debunk the myth of "forgive and forget," and show you how taking a step of forgiveness may be possible for you as soon as today.Related Resources: Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today. Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in.  We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?