Ask Christian Counseling Associates
41 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsDr. Rich Hoffman, Founder and Clinical Director of Christian Counseling Associates will offer weekly podcasts that will cover a wide range of Mental health topics from a biblical perspective.
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Episodes
Episode 41: Real Counseling with Dr. Joe Maola
April 09, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBThis time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us with special guest Dr. Joe Maola as we explore the essence of what makes counseling effective, and how clients can experience great results when they seek professional help.
Episode 40: Tragedy, Grief, and Redemption: A Mother’s Story of Hope Arising out of Family Loss
March 19, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBIn this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, we welcome Tammy Summers, the author of "Homecoming: A Story of Hope Out of Heartbreak," as our special guest. Witness a healing journey as Tammy recounts her testimony, revealing how God's presence amidst immense tragedy and loss brought restoration and hope to her family and community.
Episode 39: The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses
February 25, 2024 12:56 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we focus on "The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses.” Join us with special guest Lauren Watka Atwood, Campus Minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, as we delve into the challenges facing students in higher education. Stay tuned for an expert analysis of young adult culture and key insights into an emerging problem that deserves our attention and investment.
Episode 38: The CCA New Year’s Podcast 2024
January 23, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBWelcome to the CCA New Year’s Podcast for 2024, a special episode where we delve into faith, reflection, and insight. Joining us is Tom Weil, Clinical Supervisor of CCA, as we explore the top 10 most impactful stories of 2023 through a Christian lens. Tune in for a journey of faith, learning, and community.
Episode 37: Creativity and the Art of Noticing
December 05, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 90.9 MBOn this episode of “Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join special guests Isabelle Toomey and Ben Saenz of CCA, as we explore the lost art of wonder and creativity in our culture, its impact on our mental health, and how embracing God's creative spirit within us can restore it.
Episode 36: Protectors of the Innocent: Preventing Sexual Abuse
November 14, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we delve into the epidemic of sexual abuse. Join us with special guest Pastor Jimmy Hinton as he shares his personal journey of confronting a sexual offender and learning how to become a protector of the innocent.
Episode 35: Unveiling Shadows: Navigating Post-Abortive Healing, Anxiety, and Embracing Hope
October 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we delve deep into the intricacies of navigating post-abortive trauma, managing anxiety, and embracing hope. Be here for a special announcement about our new partnership with Concepts of Truth, to provide a national call center dedicated to helping individuals find healing after abortion. Join us with special guest, Counselor Ben Saenz, of CCA for Unveiling Shadows, where we shed light on the path to recovery.
Episode 34: Faith, Sobriety, and Human Flourishing
October 03, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join Justin Kunkle, the Director of Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation at CCA, as he explores the profound intersection of faith, sobriety, and human flourishing. Delve into the transformative journey of addiction recovery, where Justin shares invaluable insights and experiences that shed light on the path to healing and thriving.
Episode 33: It’s the end of the world as we know it, do we feel fine?
September 19, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we explore the question, It’s the End of the World as we know it; do we feel fine? Join special guests Pastor Don Walczak and Dr. Kris M. DeJeet from Cornerstone Ministries as we explore the intersection of addiction, existentialism, and the human journey in the modern world.
Episode 32: Nurturing Resilience: Unpacking Trauma, Abuse, and the Nature-Nurture Nexus
August 22, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we'll navigate through personal stories of triumph, the complexities of trauma and abuse, and the interplay between our inherent nature and the nurturing we receive. From heart-wrenching anecdotes to enlightening conversations, join the podcast with special guest Allison Smith, as we explore big life challenges and how to emerge from them stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Episode 31: Summertime Blues - Is There a Cure?
August 01, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBWho is Dr. Joe Maola, and why does he have the Summer Time Blues? Answer: Dr. Joe is a counselor at CCA who thought he could "chill" online but missed the podcast scheduled onsite. That’s what happens when we have a case of mixing up virtual rays with real-life delays. But seriously, are you having symptoms of restlessness, dissatisfaction, or frustration during the summer months? You might be struggling with the summertime blues! Join us with special guests Kiley Henehan and Josh R...
Episode 30: Christian Education is Back
July 11, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBPrivate Christian schools are in, in a big way. What is the difference between Christian and Public Schools? Why is Christian education important to consider as a viable option? I am your Host, Dr. Rich Hoffman. On this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, Join me with our Special Guest, Dr. Merle Skinner, the Executive Director of Christian Family and Children’s Center in Champion, Pennsylvania.
Episode 29: It’s All Gone to Pot!
June 20, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBMarijuana use is on the rise in our culture, most states are on the brink of legalization. What does this say about our society? What is a Christian mental health response to this issue? I am your host, Dr. Rich Hoffman, and on this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join me to discuss these questions and more topics with our Clinical Supervisor, Tom Weil, and CCA counselor Chuck Sigler.
Episode 28: On Grief from the Viewpoint of a Young Adult
May 09, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBLosing a loved one is tragic and affects life in deep and permanent ways. How can we understand and make meaning of these experiences? I am your Host Dr. Rich Hoffman and on this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Join me to hear a story of grief and loss from a young man's perspective with guest Alexander Petrie from Charter Oak Church in Greensburg, PA.
Episode 27: On Healthy Relationships
April 18, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 75 MBWhat does it mean to be in a healthy relationship? Why are healthy relationships in our lives so important? Today this idea is foreign to our culture and even the mainstream mental health profession. I am your host, Dr. Rich Hoffman, and on this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Join me to discuss these questions and more topics with our guest pastor Carmen Shullo from Butler, Pennsylvania.
Episode 26: Life, Liberty, and Concepts of Truth
March 28, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we are podcasting from Caldwell, New Jersey, during our visit to the United Nations, with special guests Millie Lace, Founder and Director, and Josephine Tyne, representative to the UN from Concepts of Truth International. Join us as we discuss what God has ignited in the Life-affirming movement of Concepts of Truth and how Christians everywhere can have an impact for the kingdom.
Episode 25: Live from the United Nations: International Perspectives on Mental Health and Christianity
March 21, 2023 00:00 - 56 minutes - 46 MBWe know what issues face us in America, but what about other places? Other Cultures? On this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, join us live from the United Nations in New York City, where we gather with an international panel to discuss mental health issues from a Christian Perspective. Join us and learn more about interesting, diverse cultural perspectives on mental health and faith.
Episode 24: On Biblical Manhood
March 06, 2023 16:22 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBOn this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, we invite Rev. Micah Ramsey, Pastor of Eastvale Reformed Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to join us for a discussion on Biblical manhood. With the rise of woke ideology, terms like toxic or hypermasculinity can be used to describe and stigmatize male behavior. How should we define healthy masculinity? Does God have a design and a plan for our gender? In our modern world, is there a place for defined gender rol...
Episode 23: Liberia Mission Rewind 2023
February 14, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we talk with David Collins, LPC, Clinical Supervisor at CCA. Fresh back from our annual onsite visit to Liberia, David and I discuss our recent experiences and share our hearts about this vital mission. Join us as we do a rewind on the Liberia experience and how God is moving powerfully in West Africa. Sometimes, people ask us, “why does CCA go to Liberia?” Our answer is, “that is where Jesus is!” Join us on this podcast and l...
Episode 22: Why is Mental Health Such a Problem Right Now?
January 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBA recent Gallup Poll survey indicates that 23% of the U.S. population sought counseling in 2022. This is nearly double the amount of those seeking help from the same measure made in 2004. What’s going on with mental health in America? On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us to discuss this question and more with special guest Tom Weil, Clinical Supervisor of our Butler and Mercer regions of CCA.
Episode 21: Preventing Suicide: Tips from an Expert
January 17, 2023 00:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBSome believe that the most depressing day of the year happens in mid-January. This is when we are coming off the high of the Christmas celebrations, bills from holiday spending start to hit our inbox, the weather is the bleakest, and guilt from failed New Year's Resolutions culminates in a perfect storm of discouragement. On this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, we meet with Dr. Karen Mason, Professor of Counseling and Psychology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary....
Episode 20: The Liberia Mission
January 10, 2023 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah from Liberia, West Africa. Liberia began as a county in the early 19th century as the United States began to send freed slaves seeking a new start to resettle in Africa. Since this time, Liberia has shared a special connection with America. Rev. Kulah is a leader with the African Initiative, an influential group of African faith leaders within the United Methodist Church. Join us as we dis...
Episode 19: Addictions in Your Local Community
December 06, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBJoin Dr. Rich Hoffman on this episode of Ask Christian Counseling as we invite special Guest Corey Policastro to speak about how addictions evolve in our local community. Corey shares his experience as a treatment coordinator with many years of service in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. He also shares his personal testimony about addiction and redemption. Join us to learn more about healing journeys from addiction and how faith in Jesus Christ is at the center of it all. ...
Episode 18: Seven Principles of a Christ-Centered Family
November 08, 2022 00:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBWhat does it take to succeed in marriage and parenting? What does it take to keep your family on a developmental path of emotional and spiritual flourishing? Join us for this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates and special guest Rev. Dr. David Brewer, a retired Presbyterian pastor, and expert in raising and nurturing families. In this episode, we explore seven biblical principles of raising families by God’s design. Join us and share David’s story of his family's challen...
Episode 17: Addiction: What's Faith Got to Do With It?
October 11, 2022 00:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBChristian counselors often see firsthand the power that faith plays in recovery from addiction. Despite this, the world seeks to downplay the significance of faith in the healing process. Join us for this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates and special guest Tim Thoma, chaplain, business owner, Christian, and recovering addict. Tim shares a powerful testimony of being delivered from a life of addiction through faith in Jesus Christ. What’s Faith Got to Do With It? Everyt...
Episode 16: To Medicate or not to Medicate? That is the Question.
September 13, 2022 00:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBOn this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join Dr. Rich Hoffman and special guest Rhys Thomas, from Electromedical Products International, as they discuss the issues surrounding treatment using psychiatric medication. Often, medications are prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Recent research brings into question the true effectiveness of these medications. Side effects and addiction from long-term use can be prevalent. Alternative...
Episode 15: Spellbound by Addiction
August 09, 2022 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBAsk Christian Counseling Associates welcomes special guest Michael Palladini, addictions expert and author of “Spellbound and Sensationless: A Drug War Vision.” Join us as we explore how substances can powerfully cast a “spell” of addiction. Listeners will gain an understanding of how to reach those who struggle and connect them with recovery resources. As we listen to this episode, we hope to reflect on friends and family who have become spellbound by addiction and begin an inter...
Episode 14: Leading Authentic Groups in the Church
June 07, 2022 00:00 - 50 minutes - 31 MBAsk Christian Counseling Associates talks with special guest Robby Angle, author of "The Cure for Groups." Robby is the President and CEO of Trueface, an organization that seeks effective ways for teaching complex biblical principles of truth and grace, and moves people from pleasing God to trusting God with their new identity. In this episode, we talk about concepts and techniques that will help you guide small groups in a manner that will make these meetings full of impact and pur...
Episode 13: He Claimed to Be God
May 10, 2022 00:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBIn the modern world, it is easy to misperceive the true identity of Jesus. It is recorded in John 14:7, that Jesus said, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” This is one of the statements found in the Bible where Jesus directly claims to His followers that He is God. Join this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates and special guest Rev. Dr. Allyn Ricketts, author of the new book, “He claimed to be God” as w...
Episode 12: Dealing with Financial Stress in Uncertain Times
April 05, 2022 00:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBRecent inflation has triggered rising prices and financial stress across the country. How can financial uncertainty affect your mental health? How does financial matters expose unique habits and personality characteristics? What is the best way to navigate through these changing times? Join Dr. Rich Hoffman, and special guest Nick Wyzkiewicz, Financial Advisor from Kadis Margolis Corporation as they explore how financial challenges affect us emotionally and spiritually. Listener...
Episode 11: A Lasting Change for the New Year
January 03, 2022 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBDuring the New Year’s celebrations many hope for a new start, and to make a lasting change in their lives. This episode of Ask Christian Counseling focuses on 5 key Biblical designs for lasting change. Seeking to make a change in your physical health, lose weight, or make a career change? Discover God’s design for lasting change, and make this a transformational New Year!
Episode 10: Why Join a CCA TAG Group?
October 11, 2021 00:00 - 51 minutes - 117 MBPart of God’s design for our life involves Transparency, Accountability, and Growth (TAG). For this reason, getting back on track involves reconnecting with these significant lifestyle factors. TAG Groups at CCA are designed to help get you unstuck, and back on track for good! In this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join Dr. Rich Hoffman and special guest, Allen Joseph, M.A. to learn all about how TAG groups work, and why you should join one today at a CCA location ...
Episode 9: Managing Anger from a Bio, Psycho, Social, Spiritual Perspective
September 07, 2021 00:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBManaging Anger can be the difference between success and failure in our most important relationships. In this podcast, join Dr. Rich Hoffman, and special guest Sheena Abraham, as they take a comprehensive look at how anger is triggered, and how it can be effectively managed. Listen to this podcast and gain key insights into managing anger even in the most challenging situations.
Episode 8: Guiding Your Adolescent’s Transition to Adulthood
June 14, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBJust as we climb out of the uncertain times of a pandemic, it is important to stay aware of a major “rite of passage'' that is just up ahead for our kids. Entering the world of work or college life, especially after COVID-19, can be overwhelming without wise preparation. This podcast explores how to stay on top of the transition that our adolescents are facing as they journey into young adulthood. In this episode, learn the 5 key life areas that every parent should assess and suppor...
Episode 7: 5 Ways to Get the Most From Your Counseling at CCA
April 19, 2021 00:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBEver wanted to know what makes counseling work? This podcast is a “Counseling 101” for anyone who is in the process of reaching out for help. Are you considering counseling, or currently have a counselor at Christian Counseling Associates? Are you a pastor, or professional who wants to help others get back on track more effectively? This episode provides 5 vital ways to get the biggest impact from your time in counseling!
Episode 6: Woke Culture and Christian Marriage: The Truth About Biblical Sexuality and Why It Still Matters
March 22, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBAt Christian Counseling Associates (CCA), we acknowledge that a strong marriage is the key to building strong families. Having the support of a strong and faithful family is the cornerstone of developing psychological well-being. In this podcast we ask the question, how does Woke Culture view and support Christian Marriage? How does Wokeism affect long held values taught in the average Christian Church? Join Dr. Rich Hoffman and special guest David Collins from CCA as they explore...
The Anatomy of Fear
April 26, 2020 00:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBIn the season of COVID-19, concern about physical health and well being has triggered anxiety in many people. The Anatomy of Fear explores what is at the core of the experience of fear and dread. Once you breakdown what is at the heart of issue, you can master your fears. Want a blue print for navigating emotional challenges during the COVID Crisis? Listen to the Anatomy of Fear, and learn how to face any situation with a sense of peace.
Resiliency in Times of Crisis
March 22, 2020 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBResilience - the capacity to recover quickly. The ability to spring back. Its starts with a deep knowledge that you are not alone in the struggle. We hope this podcast will help you face the upcoming days with a renewed strength and spirit.
Taking Committed Action
January 25, 2020 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBCommitted Action is a core value of the counseling process. As we improve our ability to manage dysfunctional thoughts and feelings, we learn that our symptoms are not the main issue. We need to allow symptoms to point us to the underlying issues and habits in our lives that cause the pain we experience. When this connection becomes clear, we have the opportunity to get in touch with deeper heart virtues, and let them guide our actions for the future. Committed action is part of ...
Being Present
November 23, 2019 00:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBBeing in contact with the present, allows us to maintain emotional health and grow spiritually. When psychological inflexibility develops, we develop more of a past or future focus in our minds. Find out more about the importance of "Being Present" in this podcast episode of "Ask Christian Counseling Associates."
The Importance of Soul Perspective
November 02, 2019 17:24 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBThe soul perspective is looking at life from the watchful part of our mind. Emotional health is promoted and maintained by our ability to stay flexible with the content of the mind. We are flexible when we grow in our ability to be watchful, acknowledging thoughts and feelings, without letting them define us. Join us for CCA's very first podcast, and learn how the "soul perspective" can help you face daily life challenges and experience spiritual growth.