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Our Best Christian Counseling Resources

September 02, 2022 01:25 - 1 minute - 2.18 MB

To commemorate our 10-year anniversary, we are promoting our most popular Christian Counseling resources at 50% off, including the Christian DISC® Certification Course. Learn more at: https://arizonachristiancounseling.com/10

Tencennial Celebration - 10 Years of Ministry

September 02, 2022 01:22 - 35 minutes - 65.7 MB

This date marks the Tenncennial Anniversary of our practice. 10 years ago on September 1st, 2012, our founder, Tres Adames launched a small website to promote his pastoral counseling services. Over the years, it grew to include several other therapists, a personality assessment, a continuing education program, a nationwide directory of faith-based therapists, and two office locations. We have had the privilege of serving thousands of clients, helping them find strength for today and hope for...

Announcement: The Next Offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program Starts August 23rd!

August 05, 2022 13:12 - 3 minutes - 5.77 MB

If you are a pastor or church leader, you are often the first person your congregants turn to when they are in crisis. You may already offer a degree of limited support and guidance but may feel unequipped to fully provide what is needed. The Pastoral Care Specialist (PCS) Training Program is a new curriculum developed by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), and provides the knowledge and skills pastoral caregive...

The Power of Friendship

August 03, 2022 00:54 - 26 minutes - 48.4 MB

What does it truly mean to be someone’s friend? Why is friendship important? How do I make more friends? These are some of the things we talk about in this episode of the podcast. It may seem elementary to talk about, it might be the kind of thing you hear in kindergarten, but friendship is so incredibly valuable both psychologically and spiritually. Having deep, quality relationships can mean the difference between being happy or being majorly depressed.

How Can I Respond to Someone Who is Deconstructing?

June 17, 2022 00:51 - 21 minutes - 39.8 MB

In this episode, we talk about some important things to keep in mind for pastors and churches who want to minister to those who are deconstructing. We talk about common misconceptions around deconstruction and how to be there for those who are experiencing a deconstruction of their faith. Learn more about our course on deconstruction for faith-based counselors and therapists at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/deconstruction.html

Counseling Those Who Are Deconstructing

March 03, 2022 21:32 - 22 minutes - 40.8 MB

In this episode, we talk with Whitney Owens from Faith in Practice about an upcoming conference for faith-based counselors. We also briefly discuss the topic of deconstruction, which Tres will be speaking on at the conference. For more information about the conference, go to: https://practiceofthepractice.com/faithinpracticeconference

When Prayer Doesn't Work

August 13, 2021 00:50 - 29 minutes - 13.4 MB

Have you ever asked God for something but didn’t receive it? If we are honest, we all have. Yet prayer is not something similar to wishing on a star. There is nothing inherently wrong with asking God for things — sometimes we do get what we ask for. But a lot of times we don’t. It's heartbreaking when it’s something huge, like praying for healing from a serious illness or praying for some type of suffering to end. A lot of people are hesitant about prayer. Some feel guilty that they don’...

Join the Next Offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program

August 13, 2021 00:45 - 3 minutes - 1.72 MB

In times of crisis, the first place many turn to is their local church or faith community. Studies show that 25% of those seeking help for mental illness first turn to a clergyperson. This is higher than the percentage of people who first go to a psychiatrist or medical doctor.* The ACPE Pastoral Care Specialist (PCS) Training Program is a 16 week, 48-hour live course providing the knowledge and skills pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively,...

Quick Announcement

December 31, 2020 02:37 - 2 minutes - 2.83 MB

The early bird rate of $300 for the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program ends on January 1st, 2021. Learn more and apply at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist.html

Pastoral Care Specialist

December 23, 2020 01:10 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

This episode features an interview with Aaron Pawelek, who is a pastoral counselor and Chair of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program, a new curriculum developed by ACPE. The 48-hour program focuses on providing the knowledge and skills pastors and leaders in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely. Learn more about the Pastoral Care Specialist program here: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist.html

Self-Care in the Age of COVID

October 10, 2020 23:12 - 20 minutes - 36.7 MB

Since the pandemic began, one-third of Americans are now suffering from anxiety, stress, and/or depression. In this episode, we discuss practical ways to implement self-care to better our mental health and spiritual life. Faithful Counseling provides confidential one-on-one counseling with Christian licensed therapists. Get 10% off your first month: http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc This is an affiliate link — when you click the link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no ad...

Building Healthy Community

August 08, 2020 01:31 - 37 minutes - 67.7 MB

In this episode, Tres talks with Pastor Gina Pollard from City Square Church in Phoenix, Arizona on the topic of building healthy community. We focus on this topic as it relates to the local church from a scriptural perspective as well as insights from family systems theory.

Living by Grace

June 18, 2020 00:04 - 23 minutes - 42.5 MB

In this episode, we discuss how grace not only saves the Christian, but allows them to grow as believers. Many struggle with legalism and works righteousness which can stall growth spiritually and even emotionally. We discuss how to press into God's grace so you can find hope and healing.

Can a Narcissist Change?

May 27, 2020 06:23 - 22 minutes - 40.6 MB

On this episode, we interview Brooks Gibson, a pastoral counselor with Arizona Christian Counseling. We discuss personality disorders, with an emphasis on Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and approach the subject from a Christian perspective.

Happy Again: Freedom from Anxiety and Depression

May 02, 2020 06:12 - 1 hour - 27.6 MB

In this special episode, we share a free audio course on finding hope for anxiety and depression. In years past, this course was a paid resource, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been made available for free to our listeners. Download the notes and worksheets on our website.

Hope for Difficult Times

March 20, 2020 18:46 - 23 minutes - 43 MB

This special episode was produced in response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. Here we talk about finding hope during difficult times by putting our trust in God, embracing wisdom for ourselves, and compassion for others. Learn more about The Serenity Project: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/covid19

Children in Play Therapy

February 21, 2020 03:31 - 16 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this episode, we interview Dr. Abigail Atkins, a licensed psychologist who works with children and parents, primarily through play therapy. We discuss ways to discipline and guide children that are more effective, emphasizing the benefits of positive reinforcement.

Revival

February 03, 2020 21:07 - 21 minutes - 39 MB

What exactly is revival? We discuss revival, salvation, sanctification, and the Holy Spirit with audio clips from a famous revival that happened at Asbury College in 1970. Faithful Counseling (10% off your first month): https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

More Wisdom for Dating

January 09, 2020 00:01 - 22 minutes - 41 MB

This episode is a followup to a previous episode on dating. We discuss how to approach dating with wisdom and the use of boundaries. We also discuss how to respond when you are no longer interested in seeing someone. Listen to the previous episode on dating: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/podcast/wisdom-for-dating Faithful Counseling (10% off your first month): https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Hope for Depression

December 19, 2019 02:51 - 23 minutes - 43 MB

In this episode, we give a broad overview of depression from a Christian perspective. We discuss the physiological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of depression and ways to find hope. Resources Mentioned: -10 Days to Self Esteem by David Burns: https://amzn.to/2sEOkuA -Faithful Counseling (10% off your first month): https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Finding Affordable Counseling

December 13, 2019 01:17 - 21 minutes - 38.8 MB

It's hard enough going through a difficult season in your life, but worse when you feel like you can't afford the help you really need. Local churches may offer short term pastoral counseling, but some issues require more attention and expertise. We discuss a few options to consider if you need to find professional counseling that won't hit you too hard in the pocket book. Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit...

How to Respond When Someone Comes Out

November 20, 2019 20:13 - 22 minutes - 41.3 MB

In this special episode, we discuss positive and supportive ways to respond when an LGBTQ loved one comes out to you (even if it's news that you may not understand or agree with). We talk about practical ways to show unconditional love rather than being reactive by diving into theological or political debates. Suggested Resources: -Freed Hearts Ministry: https://www.freedhearts.org -Church Clarity: https://www.churchclarity.org

My Story

October 30, 2019 21:18 - 25 minutes - 45.9 MB

This is a special episode where Tres gives an important update about his ministry and also tells his story.

Celibate Gay Christians

October 10, 2019 05:25 - 31 minutes - 57.1 MB

In this episode, we interview Gregory Coles, author of Single, Gay, Christian, which is his memoir about growing up gay in the evangelical church. Gregory talks about his journey of reconciling his faith with his sexuality, and how he ultimately felt called to celibacy in his walk with Christ. To learn more about Gregory go to: http://www.gregorycoles.com Gregory's book: "Single, Gay, Christian": https://amzn.to/33m7hPV Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian lice...

Understanding God

October 02, 2019 18:50 - 32 minutes - 59.3 MB

In this episode, Tres presents a sermon on understanding God more fully. We cover common misconceptions of God that can negatively impact a person's spirituality and mental health, and contrast that with a more accurate picture of who God really is as seen through Jesus Christ. Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Recovery from Verbal and Emotional Abuse

September 26, 2019 00:40 - 19 minutes - 35.1 MB

In this episode, we discuss how survivors of abuse can find hope and healing. We focus on the effects of emotional and verbal abuse and how they can affect a person years after the abuse has ended. Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Building a Faith-Based Practice

September 19, 2019 04:18 - 15 minutes - 28.9 MB

We interview Whitney Owens, a licensed professional counselor and owner of a group practice in Savannah, Georgia. Whitney describes how she integrates faith into the counseling process and talks about the challenges of growing a faith-based counseling practice. Water's Edge Counseling (Savannah, GA): https://watersedgecounseling.com Whitney's Consulting and Mastermind Group: https://practiceofthepractice.lpages.co/faith-mastermind/ Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online co...

Counseling Difficult Cases

September 12, 2019 04:51 - 20 minutes - 37.1 MB

How do you take care of someone when the issues they are facing seem insurmountable? We discuss a biblical approach to spiritual care for counselors, pastors, and church leaders helping others with difficult situations. Resources Mentioned: Acquainted with Grief (Roger Daniels): https://amzn.to/31gmYYd Caring for People God's Way (Timothy Clinton): https://amzn.to/2LMREcW Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off ...

Conversion Therapy

September 05, 2019 03:30 - 39 minutes - 71.4 MB

In this special episode, we interview McKrae Game, the former leader of one of the largest ex-gay organizations in the country. Conversion therapy refers to any attempt to change a person's sexual orientation, whether through psychotherapy, pastoral counseling, or support group programs. Recommended Resources The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org QChristian: https://www.qchristian.org Books on the Affirming View: Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians...

Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Maturity

August 29, 2019 01:06 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MB

In this episode, we discuss how emotional growth and spiritual maturity are inseparable. We also discuss what emotional intelligence is and connect the concept with biblical principles. The Christian DISC® Assessment: https://www.christianpersonalitytest.com/ The Christian DISC® Certification Course: https://www.christianpersonalitytest.com/certification Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, vis...

Understanding Your Personality

August 24, 2019 02:18 - 21 minutes - 39 MB

In this episode, Tres discusses personality theory and the Christian DISC®, a biblical personality assessment that helps people identify their temperament, and includes practical and biblical suggestions for growing in character. Learn more about the Christian DISC® at: https://www.christianpersonalitytest.com Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Dealing with Doubt

August 15, 2019 01:54 - 28 minutes - 51.8 MB

In this episode, we discuss what happens when someone doubts their faith. With grace and compassion, we talk about how doubt is really just honesty that can lead to a deeper understanding of what you believe, and can even lead to a deeper faith in God. Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

Trauma and EMDR

August 08, 2019 05:20 - 20 minutes - 37.1 MB

In this interview with Lisa Peterson, we discuss trauma and PTSD. Lisa is a licensed therapist who provides EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is a treatment for those suffering from trauma and PTSD. We discuss the process of healing from trauma, especially from a Christian perspective. EMDR Therapy with Lisa: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/lisa-peterson Find an EMDR therapist near you: http://www.emdr.com/SEARCH/index.php Looking for help? Faithful ...

Personality and Positivity

August 02, 2019 08:06 - 11 minutes - 21.7 MB

In this impromptu episode, we discuss two seemingly unrelated (but still connected) subjects. We talk more about personality theory and the Christian DISC™. We also discuss what it means to be positive through the lens of Christian counseling, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychology. Take the free version of the Christian DISC™ Assessment: https://www.askachristiancounselor.net/disc.html Learn how to become a Certified Christian DISC™ Facilitator: https://www.christianperso...

Secular vs. Christian Counseling

July 24, 2019 17:25 - 20 minutes - 38.1 MB

When looking for a Christian counselor, what should you look for? What is a Christian counselor exactly? In this episode, we discuss the various forms of Christian counseling from psychotherapy to pastoral and biblical counseling. Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

The Power of Empathy in Relationships

July 17, 2019 23:00 - 20 minutes - 37.8 MB

How can a couple improve their relationship? Through communication—but what does that mean? In this episode, we discuss the importance of empathy and how it is essential in making communication work so couples can grow closer and feel connected. Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here.

Introverts vs. Extroverts

July 12, 2019 01:01 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MB

In this episode, we talk about personality—specifically the attributes that make a person an introvert or an extrovert. We discuss the strengths and blindspots of both and discuss the Christian DISC™ Assessment, which helps users understand themselves and others from a biblical perspective. Take a free version of the Christian DISC™ to discover your personality type. Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your firs...

OCD and Scrupulosity

July 02, 2019 23:56 - 18 minutes - 34 MB

How can one overcome obsessive compulsive disorder? What happens when OCD takes on a spiritual component? In this episode, we discuss hope for Christians struggling with OCD. Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here.

LGBTQ and Christian

June 26, 2019 01:34 - 22 minutes - 40.7 MB

Can you be gay and Christian? In this important episode, we discuss this controversial issue with grace that addresses various sides of the debate. We also share resources and insight for those struggling to reconcile their sexuality and faith. Resources Mentioned: • QChristian • Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate (Justin Lee) Books for Those on Side B: • Washed and Waiting (Wesley Hill) • Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual ...

Preventing Burnout

April 19, 2019 01:12 - 32 minutes - 60.4 MB

In this episode, Tres discusses his own experience dealing with burnout and goes over some biblical principles for alleviating stress, setting boundaries, and finding time for rest and restoration. For more resources, visit our new online store on our website. Support for our show comes from Faithful Counseling where you can talk to a Christian licensed therapist online today. Take 10% off your first month.

The Importance of Friendship

March 31, 2019 01:46 - 19 minutes - 35 MB

In the episode, we discuss how important close friends are for adults, as well as kids. It seems like it's more difficult to make friends as we get older, so we go over some principles for making lasting friends as an adult. Support for our show comes from Faithful Counseling where you can talk to a Christian licensed therapist online today. Take 10% off your first month.

Questions and Answers

March 01, 2019 01:03 - 27 minutes - 50.6 MB

On this 100th episode of the podcast, Tres answers several questions from listeners with special guest, Jeanette Hovis. Resources Mentioned: Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Codependent No More by Melody Bettie Love is a Choice by Robert Hemfelt, Paul Meier. Support for our show comes from Faithful Counseling where you can talk to a Christian licensed therapist online today. Take 10% off your first month.

Dealing with a Dysfunctional Family

December 21, 2018 04:49 - 27 minutes - 50.3 MB

Holidays can be stressful for those with dysfunctional families. In this episode, we discuss family dynamics as well as ways to set boundaries with difficult family members. We also discuss how a family genogram can help one learn more about one's family background and dynamics. Resources Mentioned: Genograms for Beginners by Tres Adames How to Set Boundaries (article) Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Generation to Generation by Edwin Friedman Support for our show comes...

Happiness in the Here and Now

November 30, 2018 01:50 - 27 minutes - 50.4 MB

How can someone find happiness? Is it something we have to go out and attain, or is it something we can experience now? Tres answers these questions and also gives hope and practical insight for those struggling with anxiety and depression. Are you looking for a Christian counselor? Check out our Christian counseling directory. Want to learn more about training in Christian counseling? Check out the Biblical Counseling Master Course™

Christian Counselors in Private Practice

November 01, 2018 00:53 - 18 minutes - 33.8 MB

In this episode, Tres discusses how counselors can receive training in Christian counseling and what it takes to open a private practice. He also discusses Christian Counselor Near Me, a directory for Christian counselors and therapists. Resources mentioned: The Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors - certifications for Christian counselors The Biblical Counseling Master Course™ - our flagship video course. Light University (For more continuing ed courses) The Chri...

How to Improve Self Esteem

September 27, 2018 00:34 - 24 minutes - 45.4 MB

In this episode, Tres discusses how to improve your self esteem by looking at yourself through God's eyes. He shares his own story of transformation and how he improved his physical and spiritual health. Follow Tres' health and wellness account on Instagram.

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