Ask a Christian Counselor: Christian Counseling | Biblical Counseling | Marriage and Family | Mental Health | Christianity

In this episode, we talk about spiritual revival in Christian communities — what it is, and how to seek it. We talk about the 1970 revival that occurred at Asbury University and the current revival at Asbury taking place in 2023.

In this episode, Tres discusses how to find a counselor if you are seeking mental health services. He talks about some practical steps you can take to find a provider who accepts your insurance as well as some other resources available for those looking to find help they can afford. Read the article at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/uploads/1/4/0/4/14048760/find-counselor.pdf

In this episode, Tres discusses the topic of depression, its symptoms, and the various resources available for those struggling with depression. For more information: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Overview If you are suicidal or have a mental health emergency, dial: 988

In this episode, Tres discusses the importance of providing spiritually-integrated care and counseling that is client-centered. This doesn't mean that counselors of faith have to leave their convictions at the door, but keeping the focus on the client and learning about who they are spiritually can allow us to connect with them on a deeper level, and even inspire them to foster a closer relationship with God on their own. For more on this topic, see our episode on What is Pastoral Counseling?

In this episode, Tres talks about the art of reflective listening, a foundational skill for any counseling approach. Reflective listening is a powerful tool that can be used by pastors, leaders, volunteers, and anyone who wants to help those in need. The content from this episode is an excerpt from the Pastoral Care Specialist program, a new spiritually-integrated mental health aid training for healers in a variety of settings. To learn more about the Pastoral Care Specialist program, go to: arizonachristiancounseling.com/pcs

The next offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist training program will be this January 2023. This is a 48-hour course that provides the knowledge and skills pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely. The content of this course is also applicable and valuable for lay leaders, church volunteers, or anyone who wants to help others more effectively.  Learn more at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist

In this episode, Tres discusses the importance of taking care of one's physical health and how it relates to spiritual and mental health. He tells his story of how he made changes in his own health over the years and gives practical advice for those looking to do the same. Tres' personal training website: https://personaltrainerarizona.com

In this episode, Tres discusses how the field of Christian Counseling is changing and discusses how his counseling approach has developed over the years. While church attendance continues to decline, there is still a cultural interest in faith and spirituality. Meanwhile, the need for mental health resources continues to increase. Be sure to share our resources: Our Counseling Website The Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Subscribe to our YouTube

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

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 tomorrow. Here's to another 10 years!

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 caregivers in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely​. The training is also applicable to pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, chaplains, and other health professionals who provide spiritual care and support in community health and private practice settings. The next training starts August 23rd and will run until December 20th. Learn more and sign up at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist.html

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.

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

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

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, ethically, and safely. Issues and topics covered include: Pastoral Theology & Our Images of Pastoral Care Ethics of Pastoral Care & Counseling Marriage & Family Issues in Systemic Perspective Listening in the Service of Healing  Motivational Interviewing Spiritual Assessment & Diagnosis Harmful Spirituality & Spiritual Struggles Grief, Loss, & Resilience Mental Health & the Role of the Faith Community Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care Understanding & Responding Effectively to Domestic Violence  Substance Abuse, Addiction, & the Role of the Faith Community  The PCS Training program is a new curriculum developed by the Psychotherapy Commission of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and the former American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), which consolidated with ACPE in 2019. Arizona Christian Counseling has piloted two offerings of the PCS program in 2021 and will be offering another training starting February 8th, 2022. Learn more at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist

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't do it enough. Some have been let down by its results. What does it mean that “prayer changes things?” Also, what does it not mean? In this podcast, we will be discussing some insights on understanding the purpose of prayer and how to more deeply utilize prayer in your own faith journey.

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, ethically, and safely. Issues and topics covered include: ​ Ethics of Pastoral Care Marriage and Family Issues in Systemic Perspective Spiritual Assessment and Diagnosis Listening in the Service of Healing  Harmful Spirituality and Spiritual Struggles Grief, Loss, and Resilience Mental Health and the Role of the Faith Community Understanding and Responding Effectively to Domestic Violence  Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care Substance Abuse, Addiction, and the Role of the Faith Community  ​ The PCS Training program is a new curriculum developed by the Psychotherapy Commission of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The course will be taught by Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC who currently serves on the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission and is co-chair of the Pastoral Care Specialist Task Force.  Apply at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist.html

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

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

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 additional cost to you.

Several of our resources are currently on sale at: https://www.christianpersonalitytest.com/sale.html Offers end Monday, August 24th at midnight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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 here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

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

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

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 licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc    

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  

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  

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 counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

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 your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc    

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 Debate (Justin Lee): https://www.amazon.com/Torn-Rescuing-Gospel-Gays-vs-Christians-Debate/dp/1455514306 God and the Gay Christian (Matthew Vines): https://www.amazon.com/God-Gay-Christian-Biblical-Relationships/dp/160142518X Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships (Karen Keen): https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Ethics-Possibility-Same-Sex-Relationships/dp/0802876544 Books on the Traditional View: Washed and Waiting (Wesley Hill): https://www.amazon.com/Washed-Waiting-Reflections-Faithfulness-Homosexuality/dp/0310534194 Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity (Gregory Coles): https://www.amazon.com/Single-Gay-Christian-Personal-Identity/dp/0830845127

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, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc

​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  

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  

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 Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/acc  

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.christianpersonalitytest.com/certification.html 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

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

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.

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 first month, visit here.

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.

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 Identity (Gregory Coles) Books for Those on Side A: • God and the Gay Christian (Matthew Vines) • Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships (Karen Keen) Looking for help? Faithful Counseling provides online counseling with Christian licensed therapists. For 10% off your first month, visit here.

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.

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.