Discover
NorthPoint Counseling Perspective
NorthPoint Counseling Perspective
Author: John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Subscribed: 2Played: 27Subscribe
Share
© 2025 NorthPoint Counseling Perspective
Description
Welcome to a NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, a podcast that addresses the intricate tapestry of individual, marriage, parenting, addictive sexual behavior, and betrayal partner trauma.
24 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text In this powerful episode, host John Sternfels, LPC, a national board-certified counselor and founder of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, sheds light on the destructive psychological tactic known as gaslighting. This subtle form of emotional abuse distorts a person’s reality, often leaving them feeling confused, powerless, and emotionally isolated. John breaks down the core dynamics of gaslighting—how it works, why it’s used, and where it commonly shows up in relationships, p...
Send us a text In this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, John Sternfels explores the foundational topic of attachment styles—how our early childhood experiences with parents /caregivers shape the way we connect, trust, and navigate intimacy in adulthood. John unpacks the four main attachment styles—Secure, Anxious (Preoccupied), Avoidant (Dismissive), and Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized)—offering his own, real-life example, psychological insight, and compassionate guidance to help ...
Send us a text Are you seeking a structured approach to restore healing, truth, and unity within your home? Then don’t miss this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, where we dive into the Family Impact Meeting — a powerful, guided therapeutic approach to help families begin conversations around broken trust, addiction recovery, or betrayal trauma. Hosted by John Sternfels, National Board-Certified Counselor, author, and clinical director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, this e...
Send us a text Hosted by John Sternfels, National Board-certified counselor, author, and clinical director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, this episode dives deep into one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—tools in healing from betrayal: Why a Therapeutic Disclosure. John brings nearly two decades of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the pain of sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, and broken trust. In this episode, he explores: Why a Therapeutic DisclosureW...
Send us a text In this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, host John Sternfels—a National Board-Certified Counselor, marriage therapist, and author—explores the power and purpose of a Couples' Weekly Check-In. This intentional practice can be a game-changer for couples looking to deepen connection, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy. John walks listeners through a successful weekly check-in structure, offering insight into how couples can create a safe space to reflect...
Send us a text Sex. It’s everywhere—on our screens, in our culture, and shaping how we think about relationships, identity, and intimacy. But with so many competing voices—secular ideologies, cultural relativism, and biblical truth—how do we separate fact from fiction? In this eye-opening episode, counselor and author John Sternfels explores his upcoming book, SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural, or Biblical? He will tackle the tough questions: How has modern culture redefined sex, and ...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author, John Sternfels will dive into the complex and often misunderstood topic of codependency in marriage. Many couples struggle with unhealthy relational patterns where one partner becomes overly reliant on the other for emotional validation, self-worth, or decision-making. This imbalance can lead to resentment, anxiety, and a loss of individual identity. Join John as he will explore: ✔️ What codependency looks like in a marriage ✔️ How past wo...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author, John Sternfels introduces his new book, "DOWNLOAD For Parents." DOWNLOAD is a crucial guide for today’s parents navigating the digital world with their children. Technology has transformed how our kids interact, learn, and socialize. Still, it has also introduced new challenges—exposure to harmful content, screen addiction, and online dangers that many parents feel unprepared to handle. DOWNLOAD For Parents is designed to equip parents and...
Send us a text Behind The Smile by John Sternfels and Melissa Roberts is a real-life story of how one of John's clients, Melissa Roberts, overcame the horrors of being abused, traumatized, and sexually betrayed. As a result, Melissa experienced many psychological complexities, often behind a facade of happiness. The book is designed to offer readers a deeper understanding of the disconnect between the external image people project and their internal realities. Sternfels and Roberts guid...
Send us a text In this podcast, counselor and author, John Sternfels examines the complexities of gender identity and gender dysphoria in children and adolescents. John discusses from a Christian perspective, how to discuss this complex topic with children in a sensitive and informed manner. Talking to children who struggle with gender identity and gender dysphoria challenges requires sensitivity, openness, and support. By approaching the conversation with empathy, respect, and a willi...
Send us a text A Comprehensive Examination of Mental Health Introduction Counselor and author, John Sternfels, discusses the importance of mental health. Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It affects daily functioning, relationships, and physical health. Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness but also involves the presence of positive characteristics such as resilience, self-est...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels will dive into the core of human connection, exploring the transformative power of understanding, compassion, and shared emotions through empathy. Empathy, often hailed as the glue that binds us together, is more than just a buzzword. It's the force that bridges gaps, dismantles barriers, and fosters a sense of unity in an ever-evolving world. Join me as I help navigate the nuances of empathy, discussing its impact on perso...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses the topic of fear. Fear, an emotion deeply embedded in the human experience, has been a subject of fascination, analysis, and debate throughout history. As a multifaceted phenomenon, fear touches upon various aspects of our lives, influencing our decisions, shaping our perceptions, and even steering the course of societies. Introducing fear as a topic of discussion is not merely an exploration of an emotion b...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses Toxic shame. Toxic shame is a pervasive and enduring form of shame that can significantly impact one's quality of life. It is consciously transferred by means of shaming rules and can be deeply ingrained in one's sense of self, leading to constant exposure of the failure of the self to the self. Toxic shame is often driven by the fear of being exposed or rejected, leading individuals to develop perfectionisti...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses Marriage, Now What? Marriage, Now What? encapsulates the sentiment many couples experience after the initial excitement of marriage settles. It's a reflective phase where partners may ponder the direction of their relationship. This question invites couples to embrace the evolving nature of their union and actively shape its trajectory. In this phase, couples can explore shared goals, set new aspirations,...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses children and social media. Children and social media have become inseparable in today's digital age. As technology advances, more kids are gaining access to various social media platforms at increasingly younger ages. While social media offers opportunities for communication, creativity, and learning, it also raises concerns about the potential risks and impacts on children's well-being. On the positive side, social...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses Polygraphs, also known as lie detectors. Polygraphs are instruments used to measure physiological responses associated with truthfulness or deception. The primary purpose of a polygraph test is to assess whether a person is being truthful or deceptive in their responses to a set of questions. Here are some key components and principles associated with polygraph examinations: Physiological Measurements: Heart Rate:...
Send us a text In this episode, counselor and author John Sternfels discusses partner betrayal trauma. Partner Betrayal Trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual, and relational distress experienced by an individual when their partner engages in actions that violate trust and betray the core values of the relationship. This type of trauma often arises from infidelity, deception, or other forms of betrayal within a romantic relationship. Critical compon...
Send us a text In this podcast, counselor and author John Sternfels will discuss sexual addiction, also known as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior, and the 30-Task model of recovery. "Like an alcoholic unable to stop drinking, sexual addicts are unable to stop their self-destructive sexual behavior. Family breakups, financial disasters, loss of jobs, and risk to life are the painful themes of their stories." Sex addicts come from all walks of life - they may be ministers, physici...
Send us a text In this week's podcast, counselor and author John Sternfels shares the importance of Healthy Parenting. Healthy parenting is a multifaceted approach that involves providing emotional, physical, and cognitive support to foster a child's overall well-being and development. It goes beyond meeting basic needs and extends into creating a nurturing and positive environment that promotes a child's growth, self-esteem, and resilience. It is an ongoing process that evolves with t...








