Therapy and Theology

Divorce is so deeply complex, confusing, and gut-wrenching — especially when you are blindsided by betrayal and left facing a future you never asked for.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Matthew 19 is often misunderstood and debated, and what Jesus actually meant.What the connection is between Old and New Testament teachings on marriage and divorce.How to keep refusing shame so you can walk toward deeper healing for your future.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.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.We want to hear from YOU! Take this survey to let us know how we can better serve you.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 "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships" With Leslie Vernick.Listen to "Is Every Red Flag a Big Deal?"Watch "How To Deal With Emotional Abuse."

Divorce is a deeply painful experience that often carries layers of shame and confusion, especially for Christians. While we don't want to glorify divorce in anyway, we also don't want people quietly suffering without a place to turn. In this episode, you’ll learn:What it means to be an image bearer of God — whether you're married or single.Why passages of Scripture, like Malachi 2:16, are often misunderstood and how you can know what the original text actually means.How to refuse the shame-filled accusations the enemy throws at you.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.Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.We want to hear from YOU! Take this survey to let us know how we can better serve you.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 "How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand What He Allows?"Listen to "You Are Worthy of Being Chosen" With Jim Cress.Watch "Stop the Shame Scripts Holding You Back."

For years, Lysa TerKeurst has walked alongside women who never wanted their marriage to end yet find themselves navigating the grief, shame, and unanswered questions that divorce brings. Now, Lysa, alongside theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, and other special guests, offers listeners the emotional fortitude and biblical confidence they need to move forward. These episodes will especially help:Someone who has suffered or is currently suffering through an unwanted divorce.Friends, family members, Bible study leaders, pastors, and counselors who are walking with others through their own devastating season.Christians who have long been confused about what the Bible says about divorce.Episode 1 releases on September 11, so make sure you're subscribed, and we'll see you then.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 This Season:Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress. Be notified as soon as new Therapy & Theology episodes are available! Enter your email address here to subscribe and stay connected.We want to hear from YOU! Take this survey to let us know how we can better serve you.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!Go Deeper:Listen to "I’m Afraid I’m Being Betrayed."Listen to "How To Move On When Someone Walks Away."Watch "How Do I Talk About Divorce With My Kids?"

Whether you're parenting biological, foster, or adoptive children or navigating your own healing journey from when you were a child, this conversation is for you.In this episode with Meredith Brock, Jim Cress, and Bethany Hall, you'll learn how to:Recognize your personal triggers and how they affect your parenting style.Understand the importance of healing past relational trauma.Identify signs of fear or shame responses in your children.Use practical ways to bring calm into your parenting.Balance structure and nurture with connected, grace-filled parenting.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 September 4 at 7: p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and foster better communication with your children — no matter their age. 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.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

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 You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Sign up for a $10 webinar on September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and foster better communication with your children — no matter their age. 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.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

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 September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and foster better communication with your children — no matter their age. 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.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

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 blaming another person.Two crucial ingredients that must be present for a relationship not to just survive but flourish.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 September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and fostering better communication with your children — no matter their age. 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.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Go deeper: Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

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 flag?What are some red flags to be aware of?Is every red flag a big deal?How to respond to red flags you may notice in yourself.How to navigate red flags in family relationships.Helpful Links for This Season: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 September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about attachment styles and foster better communication with your children — no matter their age. 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.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships."Listen to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships."

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 LinksHave 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.Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the “Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom” study guide as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic?Listen to "Can We Talk About the Porn-demic?" here.Listen to "Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and How To Get Help" here.Watch "Red Flags We Shouldn’t Ignore in Relationships" here.

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 to work in and through you.Helpful LinksHave 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.Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the “Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom” study guide as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic?Listen to "Is This Relationship Toxic?"Listen to "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships with Leslie Vernick."Watch "When You Discover Someone Has Broken Your Trust."

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?"Helpful LinksHave 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.Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the “Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom” study guide as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic?Listen to "Narcissism ... What It Is and What It Isn’t."Listen to "Good Boundaries Lead to Better Relationships."Listen to Season 4 of Therapy & Theology called "Boundaries Boot Camp" with Jim Cress. Start by listening to "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries."Watch "Realities of Life With a Narcissist."Read Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst.

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), body and soul (feelings).Helpful LinksHave 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.Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the “Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom” study guide as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Download the "What's Your Reaction Type" Chart by Lysa TerKeurst.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want more on this topic? Listen to "Why Do I Feel So Angry?" here.Listen to "The Daily Cure for a Heavy Heart."Watch "I Don't Want To Be an Angry Person."

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 LinksHave 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.Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the “Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom” study guide as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want more on this topic? Listen to "Good Boundaries Lead to Better Relationships."Listen to "The Part Emotional Abuse Plays in Silencing Women."Watch "Realities of Life With a Narcissist."

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 LinksDownload “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You, but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season — Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive the study guide Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom as our gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want more on this topic? Listen to “Am I Trying To Control What Is Actually out of My Control?"Listen to “Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress.Watch “Narcissism ... What It Is and What It Isn’t."

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:Download “Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Purchase "The Trust Journey Bundle" that includes I Want to Trust You but I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst as well as The Trust Journey (a guided journal to use alongside I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t) here.We'd like to extend a special thank-you to our sponsor for this season, Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you'll receive our Proverbs: The Beginning of All Wisdom study guide as a gift to you! Go to compassion.com/proverbs31 to get started!Want More on This Topic? Listen to "Bonus: Am I in Denial That This Relationship Is Unhealthy?"Listen to "S4 E1 | "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress."Watch "Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships | Therapy & Theology."

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. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program, where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues and situations.We don’t have to let the one who broke our trust break us. Sign up to receive “When the Person Who Hurt You Got Away With It: 3 Days to Moving Forward,” a FREE resource by Lysa TerKeurst, today!Get your copy of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, from the P31 Bookstore, and join Circle 31 Book Club as they read through the book together this November!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

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 forward.Related Resources:We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 7 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 and situations.We don’t have to let the one who broke our trust break us. Sign up to receive “When the Person Who Hurt You Got Away With It: 3 Days to Moving Forward,” a FREE resource by Lysa TerKeurst, today!Get your copy of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, from the P31 Bookstore, and join Circle 31 Book Club as they read through the book together this November!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

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 things.Related Resources:We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 7 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 and situations.We don’t have to let the one who broke our trust break us. Sign up to receive “When the Person Who Hurt You Got Away With It: 3 Days to Moving Forward,” a FREE resource by Lysa TerKeurst, today!Get your copy of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, from the P31 Bookstore, and join Circle 31 Book Club as they read through the book together this November!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.

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 being assured of His goodness even when what He allows doesn't feel good, seem good or look good right now.Related Resources:We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 7 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 and situations.We don’t have to let the one who broke our trust break us. Sign up to receive “When the Person Who Hurt You Got Away With It: 3 Days to Moving Forward,” a FREE resource by Lysa TerKeurst, today!Get your copy of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, from the P31 Bookstore.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.

Not one of us gets to live this life unmarked by hurt, so not one of us gets tolive 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 partnering with us to sponsor Season 7 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 and situations. We don’t have to let the one who broke our trust break us. Sign up to receive “When the Person Who Hurt You Got Away With It: 3 Days to Moving Forward,” a FREE resource by Lysa TerKeurst, today!Get your copy of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Moving Forward When You're Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, from the P31 Bookstore.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.