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Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free

Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free

By Melissa Clark

Hi! I’m Melissa Clark, a professional counselor. In this podcast, we’ll be talking about different topics related to mental health from a Christian perspective. You’ll be hearing from experts in the field, my personal friends, and sometimes - just me sharing my stories and perspectives on these topics.
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Food Triggers with Amber Lia :: [Episode 87]

Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free Feb 18, 2022

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45:21
Suicide Prevention with Scott Erickson :: [Episode 116]

Suicide Prevention with Scott Erickson :: [Episode 116]

Hey friends!

I just wanted to give a quick trigger warning - especially if you have little ones in the car or around who may be listening …  it might be a good idea to pop in some earbuds or save this episode for later. Also, I believe is this a great episode for those that have a team - encourage your team to listen to this as well.

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Around the globe, someone ends their life every 40 seconds. Let that sink in.

As a counselor, I’ve often listened to my clients discuss ending their lives. This takes so much courage! I’m always honored and grateful when my clients bravely talk about their thoughts, especially the dark ones.

Kids and teens are more likely to think about and commit suicide: one in five adolescents contemplate suicide daily. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people from 10-24.

Many people don’t know that when I was a teenager, I was suicidal.

I thought ending my own life was the only way to be done with all the pain. I’m so very grateful that my parents listened to me when I told them that I wanted to end my life, and within the week, I began counseling. This was the first of many steps that helped me become mentally healthy.

As a parent or a loved one of a young person, you may wonder what you should do if your child or their friend is thinking about ending their life.

Today we are talking about suicide prevention with Scott Erickson. He was on earlier this year to talk about what to do when things don’t work out or go as you planned.

Scott Erickson is a touring painter, performance artist, and creative curator who mixes autobiography, aesthetics, and comedic narrative to create experiences that speak to our deepest stories. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent, a spiritual director to brave women and men, and a professional dishwasher for his food-blogging wife. Scott lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three children.

Great things we discuss:

  • Behavior changes to be aware of that may indicate suicidality
  • Mood changes to be aware of that may indicate suicidality
  • A greater understanding of why people may feel suicidal
  • Prevention awareness of suicide

Helpful resources:

Hotline numbers:

If you loved this episode, I’d love a 5-star review!

You can find me:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Sep 16, 202240:14
The Cost of Control with Sharon Hodde Miller::  [Episode 115]

The Cost of Control with Sharon Hodde Miller:: [Episode 115]

Hey Friends,


As I’ve mentioned, we are in the middle of a year-long series about you learning to live healthier lives. We’re talking about taking small and easy tips to increase your happiness, build better relationships and feel stronger.

When I think about freedom and living healthy, we want to look at the fun stuff, but we also need to look at the roadblocks.

Today's discussion will shed light on what may prohibit your growth. What is it? Control or, more specifically, the illusion of control. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Sharon Hodde Miller to talk about her new book, The Cost of Control: Why we crave it, the anxiety it gives us, and the real power God promises.

I loved this interview with Sharon so much. I love her curiosity about what is going on in her.  We talk about how as humans, we cannot tolerate uncertainty, and the more control we seek, the less control we have,

Sharon Hodde Miller, Ph.D., is a teaching pastor at Bright City Church in Durham, North Carolina, which she co-founded with her husband, Ike. The author of Free of Me and Nice, Miller has blogged at SheWorships.com for over ten years and has been a regular contributor to Propel, Her.meneutics, and She Reads Truth. She has written for Relevant, Christianity Today, (in)courage, and many other publications and blogs. She lives with Ike and their three children in Durham, North Carolina.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Is it worth the cost to our relationship to have that control we seek?
  • We need to pay attention to how we are feeling in the moment.
  • Our culture and its need for control atrophy our spiritual muscles.
  • The importance of the practice of self-examination and tips on how to do it.

Visit my website, MelissaClarkCounseling, to get the show notes. Also, I’d be grateful if you could leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about the show.


Connect with Sharon Hodde Miller


Connect with Melissa

Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 

Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Sep 09, 202239:29
Maturing into Yourself with Ray Leight :: [Episode 114]

Maturing into Yourself with Ray Leight :: [Episode 114]

Hey Friends,


As you know, we are in the middle of a year-long series all about living healthy. We have discussed the small, easy steps to increase happiness, build better relationships and feel stronger.


Today’s episode fits in with our series theme just perfectly. I’m talking with Pastor and author Ray Leight on the show today.  I couldn’t have designed a better book to fit this year’s series. Ray and I discuss how to mature into yourself, exploring wings to hold you back, and the specific process to help discover who you are through a maturing process. We also discuss Ray’s new book, Maturing Into Yourself. 


We are made in God’s image, His masterpiece. It's a shame if we are not who God has made us to be. That’s what this interview is all about – helping YOU to discover who you are.


Ray Leight and his wife Kathryn have served as missionaries with Life Builders (a ministry of Cru) and as pastors of a missional community in Annapolis, Maryland. They have served (and Ray is currently serving remotely) as pastoral counselors at the Transformation Center of Bethel Church in Redding, CA.


Listen in to learn more about:

  1. How does the age of our emotional maturity affect us and others?
  2. Your feelings don’t lie to you – your thoughts lie to you.
  3. Ways that we try to protect ourselves from our emotions.
  4. Practical tips on ways to manage unhealthy people when we finally get healthy.


Visit my website, MelissaClarkCounseling, to get the show notes. Also, I’d be grateful if you could leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about the show.

Connect with Ray Leight

Connect with Melissa

Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling

Website: www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCypuJVvB6EPb3kgnZR45Hkw

Sep 02, 202251:50
Godly Dating 101 with Tovares Grey :: [Episode 113]

Godly Dating 101 with Tovares Grey :: [Episode 113]

Hey Friends,

We continue this week with our year-long series to live healthily and thrive in your life. Today, we are talking all about your relational health. 

If you are dating - are you not attracting the right people? Are you wondering about pursuing dating in a godly way? Then, friends, this episode is for you. Also, if you are married, there are some great nuggets of wisdom. 

Today, on the show, Melissa is talking with Tovares Grey about how to date in a Godly way and his new book, Godly Dating 101. I love this episode as we get real, honest, and practical. We talk about godly dating, what to look for in a partner, things to look for in toxic relationships, and much more! 

Tovares and Safa Grey are believers, husband and wife, and parents to two. Tovares launched the Godly Dating 101 ministry in 2012 as a single individual trying to learn how and help others to date God’s way. Tovares and his wife Safa have grown the ministry to include a top-rated podcast with more than 3.5 million downloads and a new book, Godly Dating 101. They have connected millions of individuals who desire to honor Jesus in their relationships. They currently reside in Tampa, Florida.


Listen in to learn more: 

  • How Tovares started talking about Godly dating and creating an online space for it.
  • The heart behind his book is to get us to reframe what we've been chasing after and to re-focus on God, not our relationship. 
  • Our relationships fail because we look to other broken people as our guides. 
  • If you know who you are called to be, then you know who you won't settle for. 
  • Why should we continue to date our spouse after marriage, and what does that look like?
  • How do we know when it is time to leave that toxic relationship and the red flags to look for. 


RESOURCES:

Connect with Tovares and Safa Grey


Connect with Melissa

Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling

Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Aug 26, 202248:54
Together Is a Beautiful Place with Bailey T. Hurley :: [Episode 112]

Together Is a Beautiful Place with Bailey T. Hurley :: [Episode 112]

Hey Friends,


As you know, we are in the middle of a year-long series helping you regain and remember healthy living patterns to help you thrive in your life. We are focusing on small, manageable steps that you can easily take to increase happiness, build better relationships, and feel stronger.


Are you lonely? Do you struggle to find the real friends you long for? No worries, friend, this episode is for you!


Today’s episode is all about building better relationships. Today, on the show, Melissa sits down with Bailey T. Hurley, everyone’s favorite community cheerleading and friendship coach. She is also the author of the new book, Together Is a Beautiful Place: Finding, Keeping, and Loving Our Friends


Bailey T. Hurley encourages women to pursue a faithful relationship with God to build fruitful friendships in their corner of the world. She has written on friendship and faith for publications like She Reads Truth, Salvation Army’s Peer Magazine, and Grit and Virtue. She also loves podcasts! You can find her chatting about friendship on Sally Clarkson’s podcast Life with Sally, Kristin Schell’s podcast At the Turquoise Table, and a dozen more.


Listen in to learn more about:

  1. Healthy “friendship rhythms” that women can start practicing now to invite better friendships into their lives.
  2. Practical ways to navigate friendships across different life stages
  3. Bailey shares advice about how to handle friendship breakups, especially with social media.


Resources:


Together is a Beautiful Place by Bailey T. Hurley 


Jon Acuff’s book - Finish 


Connect with Bailey: 


Website: baileythurley.com


Instagram: @bailey.t.hurley


Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Aug 19, 202246:22
How to Deal with How You Feel with Dr. James Merritt :: [Episode 111]

How to Deal with How You Feel with Dr. James Merritt :: [Episode 111]

If you've ever wondered why you have emotions and how to process emotions in a healthy way, this episode is for you!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. James Merritt to talk about how to deal with how you feel. This episode is for you if you are struggling with identifying your emotions. We talk about identifying our emotions, biblical wisdom, and everyday reality. We also discuss how so much emotion exists in our society with road rage, political division, culture, or morality and how his book, How to Deal with How You Feel, is so relevant today.

James Merritt, Ph.D., is a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and host of the Touching Lives television program that broadcasts hope and encouragement nationwide and in 122 countries. He is the senior pastor of Cross Pointe Church in the north metro Atlanta has been married to his wife, Teresa, for nearly 40 years.


Listen in to learn more about:

  • Dr. Merritt shares about his own mental health journey
  • Emotions are a part of our being, and emotions are good things.
  • Jesus battled his own emotions, including depression and discouragement.
  • Questions to ask yourself when you are going through different emotions
  • Dr. Merritt shares his thoughts on why mental health is still a taboo topic in the Church


Resources:


Pete Scazzero - Emotionally Healthy Discipleship 


Connect with Dr. James Merritt


How to Deal with How You Feel: Managing the Emotions That Make Life Unmanageable,


Website: https://www.touchinglives.org/



Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Aug 12, 202243:46
The Effects of Shame on Our Brains :: [ Episode 110]

The Effects of Shame on Our Brains :: [ Episode 110]

Aug 05, 202250:48
The Connected Leader with Karen Joy Hardwick :: [Episode 109]

The Connected Leader with Karen Joy Hardwick :: [Episode 109]

Hello Friends!


As we continue our series into being healthy in all the areas of our life, we have many things to be “healthy.” I know it can be overwhelming, but I hope you see how the different areas overlap.


You are worth it. Remember, The more you care for yourself, the more you can care for others.


In today’s episode, I am joined on the show by Karen Joy Hardwick, who is also a fellow counselor where we are talking about connection. Karen helps us to identify practices that foster connection with ourselves and others, how connection can be challenging for ourselves, and how why that connection is so important.

Do you struggle with feeling disconnected or left out? This episode is for YOU!


Karen Hardwick is a clinically and spiritually trained psychotherapist-turned-leadership coach, podcast host, and speaker. She helps others awaken, courageously lead, and unlock the power of connection in their lives and at work. As a globally recognized leadership consultant, clinically and spiritually trained psychotherapist, and believer in all-things-connection, Karen has witnessed a transformation in the lives and performance of thousands of leaders at companies like ESPN, Turner Broadcasting, UPS, Crawford and Company, KMPG, and Intercontinental Hotels Group. She lives in Montana with her son.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • What does the word, connection really mean?
  • How do we step into our God-given gifts?
  • We have to be willing to suffer for the benefit of connection.
  • Simple practices that we can do to foster connection.
  • How does connection impact our mental health and well-being?


Resources Mentioned


Connect with Karen


Connect with Melissa

Jul 29, 202244:52
Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief  with Kate Meyer :: [Episode 108]

Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief with Kate Meyer :: [Episode 108]


Hello Friends!

As we continue in our year-long series, we are taking small steps to help you be healthy, small, easy, actionable steps to increase your happiness, build better relationships, and feel stronger.

Today’s episode is a hard topic - Grief and Loss. It can bring up lots of strong emotions. We don't good or bad emotions – it's all about what YOU do with them.  God was emotional, and we were made in His likeness. So why do sometimes, in the Church, we tend to not embrace our emotions or others' when there is grief or a loss. 

In this episode, I am joined by Kate Meyer, a fellow counselor, author, and ordained minister. We discuss her new book, Faith Doesn't Erase Grief. We also discuss how the Bible teaches us ways to grieve, why hope is so critical, and how God validates our grief. 


Kate J. Meyer, MDiv, LPC, is an ordained minister and licensed professional counselor who has worked in private practice and hospice care. She is passionate about bringing grief to light so that all grievers know how to move forward in a healthy, life-giving manner. Kate is also the author of The Red Couch, a novel about past mistakes and the challenge of overcoming them. She is a dog mom living with her husband in

Western Michigan. 


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Kate shares how her book was born of her occupation as a licensed counselor and ordained minister.
  • The unrealistic expectation we place on our timelines of grief.
  • Different phases of grief and what they look like.
  • The #1 worst thing you can say to someone who is grieving a loss. 
  • Can doubt be an essential part of faith?


Resources Mentioned


Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero


Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief by Kate Meyer


Connect with Kate


Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Jul 22, 202249:11
Scared To Life with Ryan George :: [ Episode 107]

Scared To Life with Ryan George :: [ Episode 107]

Feeling bored with life? Tired of the mundane?

Between work, doing household chores, errands, etc. life can often feel blah and mundane. One day rolls into the next. Before you know it, years and even decades seem to float by.

Today's guest gives us some suggestions on creating a life full of adventure.

Today’s interview is a special treat and quite different from most of the other interviews I’ve done on this show. We're hearing from Ryan George, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie. He recently wrote a book about his experiences called  Scared to Live: How to Live an Extraordinary Life.

Ryan has done it all, literally. Ryan George has traveled to all seven continents and both polar circles. An adrenaline junkie, Ryan is a certified wingwalker,  a bungee jumping enthusiast, and a via Ferrata connoisseur. He has surfed in the Arctic, ice climbed on three continents, and paraglided in seven countries. He co-leads Dude Group, a spiritual adventure community. He lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife, Crystal, and his daughter, Deonnie.

Listen in to learn more about:

  • Practical tips on how to get more adventure into your life (don't worry, you don't have to skydive or bungee jump).
  • We also discuss how adventure is essential.
  • How to fuel your God-given passions with adventure, and explore ways to find adventure in everyday life.
  • Lessons God has shown Ryan through his adventures.

Connect with Ryan

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling

Website: www.melissaclarkcounseling.com

Have a great week!

PS - Don't forget to show a little love if you enjoyed the episode

Jul 15, 202250:42
Body Image with Brittany Braswell, RD. :: [Episode 106]

Body Image with Brittany Braswell, RD. :: [Episode 106]

Tired of dieting? Struggling with your body image?

If you nodded yes to these questions, you are going to love today's episode.

It's no shocker that most of struggle with food, body image, and exercise. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, up to 50 percent of Americans have a “disordered” relationship with exercise, their body, and food.

My hope is that you would begin taking care of yourself like you are taking care of a good friend.

I just loved my conversation with Brittany Braswell, who is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist. We talk about how to create a better connection with food, what happens when we feel disconnected in our bodies, intuitive eating, and what are the barriers to a good relationship with food.

Listen in to learn more about:

  • What is intuitive eating?
  • Brittany’s journey and her passion for helping women find food freedom and freedom from body shame?
  • The 7 needs most women to struggle with in their relationship with food.
  • What are the barriers to recognizing signals like hunger and fullness?
  • Why it can also be  helpful to talk about why body positivity isn't necessarily the goal.

Resources we discussed:

Connect with Brittany

Website - brittanybraswellrd.com

Instagram: http://www.brittanybraswellrd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanybraswellrd

Download a copy of Brittany’s Ebook: Faith Over Fear

Have a great week!

PS - Don't forget to show a little love if you enjoyed the episode

Jul 08, 202248:20
The Proven Path to Purpose, Excellence, and Calling with Bob Hasson [ Episode 105]
Jul 01, 202248:12
Good Guys Guide to Great Sex with Sheila and Keith Gregoire :: [Episode 104]

Good Guys Guide to Great Sex with Sheila and Keith Gregoire :: [Episode 104]

Hello Friends!


We are over halfway done with our year-long series about helping you thrive in your life and gain nuggets of wisdom to assist you in multiple areas of your life.


Just a reminder - As you can tell from the title of this episode, this is not one of those episodes to listen to if you have kids in the car. So make sure to op in those AirPods or headphones if you have littles around.


Today we are chatting with Sheila Gregorie, who has been on the show previously. . We are also joined by her husband, Dr. Keith Gregoire, to talk about their book, The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex. We are talking about the arousal cycle, ways to grow your sexual life, and myths/misunderstandings blocking and creating challenges in your sexual relationship.


Sheila Wray Gregoire has been married for 29 years and happily married for 24! She loves traveling around North America with her hubby in their RV, giving her signature "Girl Talk" about sex and marriage. And she's written 7 books about sex and marriage. See a theme here? Plus, she knits, even in line at the grocery store. Along the way, her husband, Dr. Keith Gregoire, has joined her on the Bare Marriage podcast and now writing the male counterpart to the revamped and expanded Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex. They want to rebuild Christian sex advice from the ground up, focusing on what we know works!


Listen in to learn more about :

  • How can men begin to see their sex life differently?
  • What is the orgasm gap, and why does it matter?
  • Why do we need to prioritize each other and don't treat sex like an obligation?
  • 5 practical tips to have a better sex life.


Resources

Connect with Sheila and Keith


Connect with Melissa

Jun 24, 202247:49
Your Longing Has a Name with Dominic Done :: [Episode 103]

Your Longing Has a Name with Dominic Done :: [Episode 103]

Hello Friends!


As you know, we are in the middle of year-long series all about helping you to live healthily. I hope each episode offers a small tangible step to take that increases your happiness, builds better relationships, and makes you feel stronger.


Today are talking to Dominic Done about his new book, Your Longing has a Name.  The longing for purpose is hardwired into our souls. Why are we here, how should we live, and what is life? How can our souls flourish? The tragedy is that more and more Americans feel powerless daily to answer these vital questions.


Dominic Done is the founder of Pursuing Faith and author of When Faith Fails. With a master’s in theology from the University of Oxford, he has served as a pastor in Portland, Oregon; North Carolina; and Hawaii. Dominic has also taught English for companies in Europe, lectured in theology and history at various Christian colleges, worked as a radio DJ, and lived as a missionary in Vanuatu and Mexico. He and his wife, Elyssa, have a daughter, Amelia, and a fuzzy Goldendoodle, Bella.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Dominic shares his  vision of hope, revealing seven gifts God has provided for the soul's health.
  • What is flourishing our soul, and how the health of our soul shapes the outcome of our life?
  • How does flouring lead us to rebuild hose connection to remedy our loneliness?
  • Jesus promises rest; how can soul care give us Jesus’s rest and not our definition of rest?


Resources


Connect with Dominic


Pick up a copy of Dominic's book, Your Longing Has Name  


Website: www.pursingourfaith..org


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DominicFrancisDone


Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dominicdone/



Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com


Jun 17, 202246:18
The Journey of Hope :: [Episode 102]

The Journey of Hope :: [Episode 102]

Hello Friends!


As we continue our year-long series – all about helping you to live healthily. I urge you to reflect on the positive and negative things in your life. Recently, I celebrated another birthday, which was a reflection time for myself. I examined what I wanted to bring into my life and what I needed to let go off? Sometimes, to be truly healthy, we need to let go of things that aren’t working for us and try some new things.


In today’s episode, I’m talking with Rev Percy McCray, a pastor, podcaster, and cancer survivor. This episode discusses his work with the Cancer Treatment of America, how he got started working with cancer patients, and how caregivers can prevent fatigue.


Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 26 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key—but often overlooked— component of cancer treatment.  He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program.


His engaging personality and deep passion for pastoral care ministry have made Rev. McCray a favorite among patients, pastors, and his podcast audience.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Misconceptions regarding cancer patients
  • Cancer is not a punishment from God
  • It the importance to schedule annual exams and stay current on regular checkups with your medical team.



Resources


Connect with Rev. Percy


Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Jun 10, 202254:41
Identifying Your Anxiety Elephants with Caris Snider :: [Episode 101]

Identifying Your Anxiety Elephants with Caris Snider :: [Episode 101]

Hello Friends!


As we continue, our year-long series on being healthy - can you believe we are over halfway done with the year? For me, taking care of my whole self is a daily pursuit. We are such complex beings, so many areas of our life where life can be so very busy. I hope that this series is helping you in the multiple ara of your life.


Today’s episode is all about anxiety with your ids. If you don't have kids, I hope that you listen to help the children that are in your life. Today I’m sitting down with Caris Snider who is a Christian speaker wife, mom, and writer. We discuss their new books for tween boys and girls, Anxiety Elephants, and how to learn to help our tweens when they experience moments of fear, anxiety, and depression.


Caris Snider is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through writing, speaking and leading worship. Her passion for the Lord comes forth as she shares her life experiences of overcoming anxiety and depression that began as a child. Caris desires to help all generations see their value and worth. It is important to her to give a voice to the voiceless and help those who feel alone in their battle.


She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early-Child Development. She worked for the University of Alabama’s Child Development Center teaching young children and college students assigned to her classroom. Caris has actively served in churches she attends children and youth ministries since 2008. She taught leadership training classes to over 3,000 women for Thirty-One Gifts Conferences from 2012 to 2015.


Caris is the author of Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional. She speaks in schools to students on coping skills for anxiety and trains teachers on how to help children with anxiety. Caris served on the faculty of Speak-Up in 2020. Caris Snider resides in Cullman, AL with her husband of 16 years, two daughters, and a Mini-Golden Doodle named Cooper Hash-brown.

Listen in to learn more about :

  • What was the heart behind her two new books for tween girls and boys?
  • Caris shares her personal struggles with anxiety, depression and almost took her life
  • What is snowplow parenting and how we can empower our kids?
  • We also take about how anxiety uniquely affects the tween age group and how hard it is right now on our kids with social anxiety, living through a pandemic, and much more.



RESOURCES


Connect with Caris


Website: www.carissnider.com


Instagram: @carissnider


Facebook: www.facebook.com/carissnider



Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

May 27, 202250:01
Makeup Your Mind with Denise Pass and Michelle Nietert :: [Episode 100]

Makeup Your Mind with Denise Pass and Michelle Nietert :: [Episode 100]

Hello Friends!


Today’s episode is very special because this is our 100th Episode of Thrive! Can you believe that?!  First, thank you so much – I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your emails, messages, and of course, your reviews!


My main goal is to help you thrive in your life. My passion has always been to help others realize that they are God’s masterpiece. That’s what the podcast is all about. When creating this podcast in 2020, it was important to me that we talk about the physical, the spiritual, and the mental – the whole person.


I’m also excited about this episode because of who is on the show today.  My actual real-life friends Denise Pass and Michelle Nietert are my guests today. We discuss their new book, Makeup Your Mind, and how we can lean on God for our mental health.


Denise Pass holds an MA in Biblical Exposition and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Exposition at Liberty University. The author of Make Up Your Mind, Shame Off You, and 31 Days to Hope Reinvented, Denise has also written songs that received radio play, including You Are Worthy, Seeing Deep EP, and songs from her album Praying For You. She has appeared in Focus on the Family, Charisma, Belief.net, ibelieve.com, The Upper Room, and other publications. Denise currently serves on the writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 app and the writing team for the COMPEL blog.


Michelle Nietert, M.A., as a previous minister to women, licensed professional counselor, and Christian Life Coach of over two decades, Michelle has been passionately inspiring women for over 25 years. She relates well to audiences of various ages as she juggles running a large counseling center in the DFW area, writing, hosting the Raising Mentally Healthy Kids podcast, and speaking. She is passionate about empowering women to overcome the negative mindsets holding them back from living the abundant lives God has promised them. Her energetic presentations are interactive, biblical, and relevant to everyday life.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Denise and Michelle’s heart for this book and why they decided to write it
  • How our mindsets are so important to our mental health
  • The common causes of negative mindsets and what can we do about them.
  • How do we have the mind of Christ?


Resources


Connect with Denise and Michelle


Connect with Melissa

May 20, 202247:34
More Than A Mom with Kari Kampakis : [Episode 99]

More Than A Mom with Kari Kampakis : [Episode 99]

Hello Friends!


As I’ve mentioned before, we are in the middle of a year-long series about you learning to live healthy.


There is a lot we need to do to keep ourselves healthy. For example, self-care isn’t about taking a nap or spending the afternoon at the spa. It is caring for your whole self - body, mind, and spirit.


On the show, I’m joined once again by Kari Kampakis, an author, speaker, podcaster, and newspaper columnist from Birmingham, Alabama. Kari and I talk about her new book, self-care, and cultivating all of our relationships, especially those adult relationships and friendships.


Kari’s work has been featured on The TODAY Show, TODAY Parents, Focus on the Family, EWTN, Bethany Hamilton’s Mother/Daughter ‘Ohana Program, Yahoo! News, Grown & Flown, FaithGateway, Jesus Calling, Your Teen, Mother.ly,  For Every Mom, Love What Matters, Ann Voskamp’s blog, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and other national outlets. She and her husband, Harry, have four daughters and their dog,  Lola.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Catch up with Kari and why she wrote another parenting book.
  • How our worth relates to our parenting style and how it leads to being more bore prone to exhaustion.
  • As women and mothers, we can sometimes let sacrifices evolve into self-neglect, and what can we do to prevent that?
  • Pursuing our kids even when they don’t pursue us. We can’t rely on our children for our own self-worth, especially during the teenage years.



Resources


Connect with Kari


Connect with Melissa


Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling 


Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

May 13, 202241:06
Social Anxiety with Marcus Bales :: [Episode 98]
May 06, 202243:09
Raising Prayerful Kids with Steph Thurling :: [Episode 97]

Raising Prayerful Kids with Steph Thurling :: [Episode 97]

Hello Friends


As we continue our year-long series on living a healthy life, I’m very excited about today's episode and the next couple of ones. We will be turning our focus toward the kids! As you know, I’m very passionate about parenting, child mental health, and equipping you to help your child grow and thrive.


On the podcast today, I’m joined by Steph Thurling. She is co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids, a ministry that equips parents to pray meaningfully with their kids. In today’s episode, Steph and I discuss helping our kids learn how to pray, the different types of prayer with kids, and strategies to stay between too much and not enough.


Steph and Sarah Holstrum (ministry partner and co-author)  have made it their mission to encourage parents and equip them to connect with their kids through simple prayer practices—they know that children are never too young, and it’s also never too late to start helping kids experience God.

Their book, Raising Prayerful Kids, offers parents various ways to incorporate prayer into their routines in a fun, creative way, allowing the whole family to grow closer to Jesus together. More than a book, Raising Prayerful Kids is a tool a parent can use to make prayer fit naturally into their daily routines without feeling like a chore or a lecture.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Steph shares experiences from her life that led her to start the Raising Prayerful Kids ministry with Sarah.
  • How has Steph seen her children grow in faith after using these methods and tools?
  • Many parents will admit that they are uncomfortable or uncertain about prayer. How can parents start to grow their own prayer lives such that they can set an example for their kids?
  • How can busy parents intentionally disciple their children in the faith without making it a chore or lecture? How can parents turn average or even difficult moments into faith-filled moments?


Resources


Matt Batterson’s book: Whisper

Connect with Steph and Sara


Website: http://raisingprayerfulkids.com


Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/raisingprayerfulkids/


Pick up a copy of their book, Raising Prayerful Kids 

Apr 29, 202238:32
Life-Saving Divorce with Gretchen Baskerville - Part 2 :: [Episode 96]

Life-Saving Divorce with Gretchen Baskerville - Part 2 :: [Episode 96]

We are in the middle of a year-long series about helping YOU live healthy in all aspects of your life.I hope that you are enjoying the series as much as I have. I love our guests so far this year,  especially our conversations.


On the podcast today, we continue our conversation our chat with Gretchen and what is a life-saving divorce. We continue our deep dive into toxic and abusive relationships, what to do if you are in one, and how divorce affects our children.   

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the first part,  I urge you to go back and listen to that episode first.


About Gretchen -


Since 1998, Gretchen has worked in churches in the Los Angeles area. She helps heartbroken people find strength, courage, and healing. For more than 20 years, she has worked with Christian women and men going through difficult, life-saving divorces, listening with compassion to those who have suffered from domestic violence, betrayal, infidelity, addicted partners, and emotional abuse.


Herself the survivor of a toxic marriage; she walked through her life-saving divorce and was a single mother for many years. Today she is happily remarried. She is a graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in Bible and Christian Education.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Risk factors and dangers when we stay in toxic relationships “for the sake of our children.”
  • How divorce affects our children
  • Good parents are good for kids; Bad parents are bad for kids. Gretchen shares some of the eye-opening statistics from the Jaffee study


Resources


Connect with Gretchen


Website: www.LifeSavingDivorce.com.


Twitter http://twitter.com/GGBaskerville


Facebook http://www.facebook.com/gretchen.baskerville/


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gretchenbaskerville/


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgtUNfTlYIRDt8iOK6XPKQ


Articles :


Apr 22, 202220:56
Life-Saving Divorce with Gretchen Baskerville :: [Episode 95]

Life-Saving Divorce with Gretchen Baskerville :: [Episode 95]

As we continue our year-long series on living a healthy life, I just have to say that I’ve learned so much from all the amazing authors, thinkers, and speakers we’ve had on.


Last week, we talked to Dr. Derwin Gray about how to hear our racial divide. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, I urge you to listen.


On the podcast today, I’m joined by Gretchen Baskerville. She is a Christian divorce recovery leader and researcher. Today, we dive into what the Bible says about divorce, the different types of abuse, and how sometimes a divorce from a toxic marriage can be life-saving.


I hope you will listen and lean in as we discuss some difficult topics in this episode. Also, I wish that you listen with an open heart and mind.


Since 1998, Gretchen has worked in churches in the Los Angeles area. She helps heartbroken people find strength, courage, and healing. For more than 20 years, she has worked with Christian women and men going through difficult, life-saving divorces, listening with compassion to those who have suffered from domestic violence, betrayal, infidelity, addicted partners, and emotional abuse.


Herself the survivor of a toxic marriage; she walked through her life-saving divorce and was a single mother for many years. Today she is happily remarried. She is a graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in Bible and Christian Education.



Listen in to learn more about :

  • Gretchen shares her personal story about her life-saving divorce.
  • What is a life-saving divorce?
  • The different types of abuse and red flags in a marriage. They can range from emotional, mental, physical, and even financial.
  • Three places in the Bible where divorce is commanded by God.


Next week, please join us for part 2 of our interview with Gretchen, where we talk about how divorce affects our children and much more!



Resources


Connect with Gretchen


Website: www.LifeSavingDivorce.com.


Twitter http://twitter.com/GGBaskerville


Facebook http://www.facebook.com/gretchen.baskerville/


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gretchenbaskerville/


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgtUNfTlYIRDt8iOK6XPKQ


Apr 15, 202201:00:52
How to Heal Our Racial Divide with Dr. Derwin Gray :: [Episode 94]

How to Heal Our Racial Divide with Dr. Derwin Gray :: [Episode 94]

Hey Friend!


We are in the middle of a year-long series to help you live a healthier life.


Today’s discussion on racism can be a little difficult to listen to, but I hope you listen with open ears.


On the podcast today, I’m joined by Dr. Derwin Gray. He is a pastor, former NFL football player,  speaker, and author.  In our discussion today, we take a deep dive into racism in America, what the bible has to say, and how we can be color-blessed, not just “colorblind.” We also discuss his new book, How to Heal Our Racial Divide.


Dr. Derwin Gray is the co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a popular conference speaker and the author of Hero: Unleashing God's Power in a Man's Heart, Building a Multiethnic Church, The Good Life, Limitless Life, God, Do You Hear Me?


Derwin earned a Master of Divinity degree, with a concentration in Apologetics, from Southern Evangelical Seminary under the mentorship of the renowned theologian, Dr. Norman Geisler. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary. Derwin met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University, and they have been married since 1992. They have two adult children, Presley and Jeremiah.


Listen in to learn more about:

  • Derwin’s journey of experiencing racism firsthand as a child growing up in Texas.
  • Knowing the difference between prejudice and racism and what can we do about it.
  • We lose the power of the Church when we look to politicians to give us our theology.
  • Derwin shares examples of system injustice and practical steps to what we can do about it.


Resources


Connect with Derwin


Website: https://www.derwinlgray.com/


Pick up a copy of Derwin’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Heal-Racial-Divide-Reconciliation/dp/149645880X

Apr 09, 202243:33
The Great Sex Rescue with Sheila Gregoire :: [Episode 93]

The Great Sex Rescue with Sheila Gregoire :: [Episode 93]

Each week of this season of the  Thrive and the Art of Living Free podcast, we focus on a particular health focus to help you a better version of yourself. This week we continue as we talk about your sex life. (Yes, you read that correctly!! )

FYI - As you can tell by the title this is not an episode for little ears. So pop in those earbuds or listen when the kiddos aren’t around.

On the podcast today, I’m joined by Sheila Gregoire, mom,  speaker, and the author of 9 books on marriage and sex, as well as the face behind the largest single blogger marriage site. Today, we dive into ways to have a happier and healthier relationship, myths in marriage an,d so much more!

Sheila Wray Gregoire is the face behind ToLoveHonorandVacuum.com, the largest single-blogger marriage blog. A sought-after speaker, she’s also an award-winning author of nine books, including The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex and The Great Sex Rescue.

Sheila has a Masters in Public Administration and a Masters of Arts in Sociology, both from Queen’s University. Sheila built the successful blog, To Love, Honor, and Vacuum, with traffic of one million page views a month. Her email list is 45,000 strong, and her social media reach is over 100,000. Her podcast, Bare Marriage, has more than 5,000 downloads each week. She is an award-winning author with seven royalty-published books. A sought-after speaker, Sheila has spoken at churches and conferences around the globe.

Listen in to learn more about :

  • The four most common myths in marriage
  • Sex isn’t just for men, it is also for women
  • Why “duty” sex is not healthy in your marriage
  • Sex gets better the longer you are together with your spouse



Connect with Sheila

Website: https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sheilagregoire

Facebook: https://facebook.com/sheila.gregoire.books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheilagregoire

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdO1v4LdyqZV-m_VMlH5VGg

Pick up a copy of Sheila’s new book: https://greatsexrescue.com/,, and

Apr 01, 202241:24
Attachment to God with Krispin Mayfield :: [Episode 92]

Attachment to God with Krispin Mayfield :: [Episode 92]

Each week of this season on Thrive and the Art of Living Free podcast, we are focusing on a particular health focus to help you a better version of YOU. This week is no different as we are focusing on our spiritual health as it relates to the way we attach to God.


On the podcast today, I’m joined by Krispin Mayfield, a fellow Licensed Professional Counselor, author, and father of 2. . I know that you will enjoy our chat where we discuss his new book, the ideas behind attachment science, and how it affects our relationship with God.


Krispin Mayfield, LPC has a background in full-time ministry and is now in private practice as a licensed professional counselor in Oregon, where he and his wife, D.L., live with their two children. Trained in attachment-based emotionally focused therapy, Krispin has served for over ten years in church trauma-recovery programs. In his writing, podcasting, and speaking, Krispinexplores the integration of faith and psychology, and his writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant, Aleteia, Boundless, and Fathom.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • What is attachment science and how does it influence our faith?
  • The 3 types of attachment styles
  • God gave us emotions and why it is important to express them.


Resources


Need a therapist? Check out Psychology Today, NAMI, or email Melissa for assistance.


Connect with Krispin


Pick up a copy of Krispin’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Attached-God-Practical-Spiritual-Experience/dp/0310363799


Website: https://www.krispinmayfield.com/


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krispinmayfield/


Twitter: https://twitter.com/k__mayfield

Mar 25, 202250:05
Your Good Body with Jennifer Taylor Wagner :: [Episode 91]

Your Good Body with Jennifer Taylor Wagner :: [Episode 91]

As we continue our year-long series on the five components of you being YOU, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take the next step in your relationship with food.  Becoming the version of ourselves that God intended takes work on all levels. Whether physically, mentally, or spiritually, it is a journey of hard work, and there is no quick fix.

On the podcast today, I’m joined by inspiring and lovely Jennifer Taylor Wagner sits down with me to share her journey with weight loss, overcoming her childhood experiences, and finding happiness within accepting her body as it is.


Today is one of those episodes where you will want to take some notes, so get your notebooks ready!


Jennifer Taylor Wagner is a certified fitness instructor and successful blogger. She is passionate about challenging the way we think about health wellness and regularly writes on healthy living. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two kids.


Listen in to learn more about :

  • Jennifer’s journey with body image issues, moving over 30 times as a kid,  and how she managed to overcome a negative relationship with food.
  • Getting smaller does not equal getting healthy as well as you can be any size and have an eating disorder.
  • Practical steps to heal your relationship with food, diet, and exercise.


Resources


Need a therapist? Check out Psychology Today, NAMI, or email Melissa for assistance.


Connect with Nicole


Instagram: @JenniferTaylorWagner


Website:https://jenniferwagner.co/


Pick up a copy of her book, Your Good Body: Embracing a Body-Positive Mindset in a Perfection-Focused World

Mar 18, 202248:13
What If It's Wonderful with Nicole Zasowski :: [Episode 90]
Mar 11, 202245:30
Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman :: [Episode 89]

Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman :: [Episode 89]

We all know that having a positive outlook on life is good for mental well-being. If the last two years have taught us anything, life isn’t always positive. We all deal with painful emotions and experiences. While emotions can sometimes be unpleasant, we need to express them honestly and authentically.


On the show today, I’m joined by a fellow therapist, Whitney Goodman. We talk about toxic positivity, gaslighting, and the importance of processing our emotions—even our painful ones.


Additionally, we also discuss Whitney’s new book, Toxic Positivity, and practical action steps on recognizing if we are operating with toxic positivity in our relationships.


Whitney Goodman is a radically honest psychotherapist behind the popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit and the Collaborative Counseling Center owner, a private therapy practice in Miami. She helps individuals and couples heal past wounds and create the life they want. Goodman lives in Miami with her husband and their two dogs, Luna and Charlie, and their son.


Listen in to learn more: 

  • What is toxic positivity?
  • The dangers of toxic positivity, especially among the minority community
  • How is gaslighting connected to toxic positivity?
  • The difference between listening and hearing


Resources we discussed

Connect with Whitney

Instagram: @sitwithwhit

Website: CollabCounseling.com

Pick up a copy of her book, Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy


Books Mentioned :


The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

Mar 04, 202237:33
Peace is a Practice with Morgan Harper Nichols : [Episode 88]

Peace is a Practice with Morgan Harper Nichols : [Episode 88]

Hey Friends! 

What a show this is. I am so excited to have the amazing Morgan Harper Nichols joining me to talk about her journey with a life-changing diagnosis and her pursuit of peace. We also discuss her new book, Peace is a Practice. This is such an important conversation, and I hope you’ll walk away from it feeling encouraged and inspired.

Popular Instagram poet and artist Morgan Harper Nichols (@morganharpernichols) has garnered a loyal online following of nearly two million, and each poem she shares is created in response to the personal stories submitted by her friends and followers. In addition to her burgeoning career as a poet and illustrator, Morgan has also successfully established her reputation as a musician, with her song “Storyteller” amassing more than one million Spotify plays thus far. She currently has partnerships with Target, Starbucks, Kind Bar, and more. She and her family live in Phoenix, Arizona.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Her personal journey, including receiving a diagnosis of autism last year
  • Why peace is a practice
  • The importance of breathing

Resources we discussed:


If you loved this episode as much as I did, add so some stars to the review and tell a friend about the show!

Melissa

Feb 25, 202248:21
Food Triggers with Amber Lia :: [Episode 87]

Food Triggers with Amber Lia :: [Episode 87]

On the show today, I'm talking with Amber Lia, Health Coach, Mom, and author to talk about food triggers, living a healthy lifestyle, and how important mindset is when looking at our relationship with food. We also discuss her new book, Food Triggers. 

Amber Lia is an independent certified health coach who has been on her own transformative health journey. She has written and co-authored several books, including Marriage Triggers and the bestselling parenting book, Triggers. A former high-school English teacher, Amber is a sought-after mentor for women and a regular contributing writer for The Better Mom. Amber and her husband co-run the faith-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, and they live in Southern California with their four boys. To learn more, visit AmberLia.com.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Amber shares her journey with her relationship with food and wanting to live a long, healthy,  fulfilled life. 
  • How self-sabotaging behavior and how every behavior is trying to meet a need but in an unhealthy way. 
  • Common Food triggers and what we can do about them 
  • Diets focus on food and a call and that just isn't sustainable long term. 
  • Steps to take change your habits to have a healthy relationship with food. 

Resources we discussed:

  1. The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg
  2. Atomic Habits by James Clear 
  3. Food Triggers: Exchanging Unhealthy Patterns for God-Honoring Habits

If you loved this episode as much as I did, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week!


Melissa


PS - don't forget to DM or email me your questions!



Feb 18, 202245:21
The Dynamics of Abuse with Bob and Polly Hamp :: [Episode 86]

The Dynamics of Abuse with Bob and Polly Hamp :: [Episode 86]

Conflict is part of every intimate relationship–that's why conflict resolution skills are essential. Abuse, however, has no place in a healthy relationship, whether the couple is dating, engaged, or married.


On the show today, I'm sitting down with the amazing Bob and Polly Hamp of Think Differently Counseling to talk about abuse in marriages, the religious views on marriages, and practical strategies to setting boundaries in an abusive relationship. This is an episode you will want to share with your friends!


Bob Hamp is the founder of the Think Differently Counseling Consulting and Connecting Center. He has been in private practice and worked in the Church for a combined 25 years of practice. He has published two books built around the idea that changing thought process is the true meaning of Biblical repentance and, therefore, the critical component of real change.


Polly Hamp's vision in life is to see people walk in the fullness of who God created them to be. For years Polly has been helping individuals find freedom and hope from hurting and stuck places. She was the founder and director of a ministry that helped people impacted by the sex industry find freedom and a new life. She is a published author, speaker, and teacher. Polly is a Think Differently Coach, Certified NLP Practitioner, and an Organizational Consultant.


In this episode, we talk about:

  • What does responsibility have to do with abuse, and how can we incorrectly assign responsibility in marriage?
  • How has the Church often replicated the dynamic they are trying to heal?
  • God doesn't hate divorce; He hates the behavior that leads to it.
  • Practical strategies for setting boundaries in an abusive relationship.


Resources we discussed:

  1. Bob's video - Understanding the Dynamics of Abuse https://tdacad.com/courses/understanding-the-dynamics-of-abuse/
  2. Think Differently Counseling 
  3. The Life-Saving Divorce
  4. Safe People 
  5. Beyond Boundaries


If you loved this episode as much as I did, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week!


Melissa


PS - don't forget to DM or email me your questions!


Quote, I loved: "Forgiveness heals your heart and has a connection to God."

Feb 11, 202201:04:40
Chosen for More: Just as You Are with Amber Albee Swenson :: [Episode 85]

Chosen for More: Just as You Are with Amber Albee Swenson :: [Episode 85]

Are you struggling to find your purpose and place in the world? Do you question who you are and what your value is? All of us have felt or currently feel this way.


Today’s guest wants to help you discover your unique, God-designed identity and ways to step into your purpose and calling.


Amber Albee Swenson, author of 'Chosen for More: Just as You Are', Amber is a wife, mother, speaker, and the author of four books, as well as a blogger and regular contributor to a number of popular Christian organizations and outlets.


In this episode, we talk about:

  • The roadblock of insecurities
  • Ways to discover our God-designed self
  • What spiritual gifts are and ways to discover them
  • What to do when we feel disqualified


Resources we discussed:


If you loved this episode as much as I did, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week!


Melissa


PS - don’t forget to DM or email me your questions!


Quote, I loved: “Only the Holy Spirit can create and sustain faith.”

Feb 04, 202237:45
I'll Be There with Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston :: [Episode 84]

I'll Be There with Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston :: [Episode 84]

Nearly 50% of all Americans report feeling alone and regularly left out. Are you one of the half? If so, this episode is for you.


In their debut book, I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants): Finding Unfiltered Real-Life Friendships in This Crazy, Chaotic World, Jess & Amy offer an-easy-to-follow road map to the place we all desperately want to be—authentic friendships. The message of the book is simple: let’s not do life alone; let’s do it together. Jess & Amy share real-life examples and actionable steps we can all take to build deep and satisfying friendships.


Amy Weatherly is a Texas girl through and through, which is where she lives with her husband, three kids, and two rescue dogs--Lou and Brewster. She is passionate about helping women embrace courage, confidence, and purpose for their life, and she does it with a quick wit and down-to-earth sense of humor. She has written for the Today Show, MSN.com, Good Morning America, Yahoo.com, and Love What Matters.


Jess Johnston lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids who are the loves of her life. Her favorite thing to do is to sit around a table with her best friends, eating nachos and laughing until her stomach hurts. She has been a top contributor to publications such as HuffPo, Scary Mommy, and Motherly, and has been honored with Motherly's Writer of the Year Award.


In this episode we talk about:

  • The loneliness epidemic
  • Simple, effective strategies to build enduring friendships
  • Ways to pursue new friendships when you’re feeling lonely or left out
  • Steps to navigate social anxiety


Links to great things we discussed:

Amy Weatherly

Jess Johnston

I’ll be there for you

Sister, I’m with you


If you loved this episode as much as I did, add some stars to the review!


Have a great week!


Melissa


PS - Don't forget to DM or email your questions for the Counselor-on-Call weekly segment

Jan 28, 202246:55
Getting Good with Money : Jessi Fearon :: [Episode 83]
Jan 21, 202244:32
Say Yes with Scott Erickson :: [Episode 82]
Jan 14, 202240:48
Counselor on Call - Happy New Year! :: [Episode 81]
Jan 07, 202210:09
Ending the Year Well with Our Kids with Michelle Nietert

Ending the Year Well with Our Kids with Michelle Nietert

Hello Friends!


Merry Christmas y’all! This week, I'm sitting down with my real-life friend, Michelle Nietert to talk about helping our kids to end the year well. We also talk about what it is like to be a parent and some of the struggles that each of us has gone through this year.


Michelle Nietert, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor has been providing therapeutic interventions to children and their families in counseling offices for over 20 years. A recognized expert in Solution Focused Therapy, she is the clinical director and owner of a large counseling center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Michelle's writing can be found on the MOPS blog, in Lifeway's Parenting Magazine and she is the Mental Health columnist for Just Between Us Magazine. To discover more about Michelle as Your Mental Health Coach, the Raising Brave Beauties podcast, and her energetic speaking expertise that empowers and inspires, please visit www.MichelleNietert.com.


In this episode,  we discuss:

  • Reviewing the year with your kids- what went well and what didn’t?
  • How are our kids struggling with confidence and how has COVID impacted that?
  • How to allow our kids the freedom and the voice to speak their truth.
  • Practical tips from Michelle and myself on how to help our kids manage their own stress and anxiety.


Want to connect with Michelle:

Resources


Thank you for joining me this week on the Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free. Make sure to visit my website where you can subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss a show.


Hey, while you’re at it, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week!


Melissa

Dec 17, 202127:18
Growing your Confidence during Difficult Seasons with Amy Debrucque ::[Episode 79]

Growing your Confidence during Difficult Seasons with Amy Debrucque ::[Episode 79]

Hey Friend!


Yet again, We in the middle of our series on helping you to end the year well. What went great? What are areas to improve upon so that you can be intentional to move forward?


This week, I'm super excited about my conversation with Amy Dubrucque to talk about confidence, keeping our hearts and minds in the right place to avoid temptations and practical ways to move forward in our growth process.


We also talk about her new book, Embolden, that Amy co-wrote with her daughter, Blair, and how the book is to support women through heartache and grief and build them up with love and growth. Amy Debrucque is a wife, mom of four, author, podcaster, and cancer survivor. She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear.


Listen in to learn more: 

  • Amy’s book Embolden - how it came to be and what is her hope for the book.
  • The actionable steps and resources that Embolden offers and ways to get started with your own growth process.
  • The things we need to be aware of before we experience growth.
  • Ammy offers encouragement to lean into the resistance with our growth process.


To connect with Amy:


Thank you for joining me this week on the Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free. Make sure to visit my website where you can subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss a show.


While you’re at it, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week!


Melissa

Dec 10, 202132:17
Charting our Course with Jess Carey :: :: [Episode 78]

Charting our Course with Jess Carey :: :: [Episode 78]

Happy December! Yet again, We are continuing our series on ending the year well. This week, I'm sitting down with my new friend, Jess Carey to talk about finding our Kingdom calling and purpose and following God's plan for us. We also talk about her new book, Chart a Course: Taking a Journey with God at the Helm. 


Jess Carey is an award-winning author, speaker, as well as a wife, and mother of two children, She has moved more than eight times across more than 11,000 miles in the past decade,  including a stint internationally. From acting in New York to running a  business overseas, she has consistently sailed into the unknown. She is open, honest, and vulnerable in her writing and her speaking. She gives her audience permission to dream again, to forgive the past, and hope to launch into a bright new future. 


In this episode,  we discuss:

  • The idea behind the statement "If your dreams don't terrify you, they are not from God "
  • What can we do in the midst of a season of waiting? 
  • What does it mean to hear from God? 
  • How does hearing from God help us to chart our course? 


Resources 

Books I mentioned 

Find out more about Jess at her website or on Instagram 


Thank you for joining me this week on the Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free. Make sure to visit my website where you can subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss a show.


Hey, while you’re at it, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.


Have a great week! 


Melissa 

Dec 03, 202129:36
Revived & Renovated with Paige Rien :: [Episode 77]

Revived & Renovated with Paige Rien :: [Episode 77]

We are continuing our series about ending the year well. Last week, we talked about letting go of disappointments. This week, we are discussing how to take the next right step. 


I sit down and talk with Paige Rien about her journey as an HGTV star and her recovery from addiction. 


Paige is an HGTV alum and co-author of the new book Revived & Renovated: Real-Life Conversation on the Intersection of Home, Faith, and Everything in Between. Paige talks candidly about the parallels between renovating both our souls and our homes, sharing the story of her personal journey from addiction and brokenness to restoration.


 There’s one thing at the center of reclaiming and refurbishing our lives: the Gospel. 


In this episode,  we talk about: 

  • How to take the next right step
  • Ways to find acceptance
  • The value of restoration and renovation 
  • The power of connection 


Quotes I love 

“Connection is the cure.”

"My deepest wound, the wound of addiction, compulsion, self-destruction, rendered me unable to go on without God’s help. Surrender to Him and a path forward, with Him, was my only way out.”

“Willingness is the fuel to start the engine.”


You can find Paige on Instagram sharing about her family and home make-over projects. 


Thank you for joining me this week on the Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free. 


Make sure to visit my website where you can subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss a show. 


Hey, while you’re at it, help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show. 

Nov 26, 202137:43
Counselor On Call : Letting Go of Disappointments :: [Episode 76]

Counselor On Call : Letting Go of Disappointments :: [Episode 76]

In today’s episode of Counselor on Call, Let’s talk about ending the year well and looking forward to 2022!


I know that you’re thinking, but it’s only November! I believe it is important to start thinking about ending the year well so we can go into 2022 with a fresh new outlook. 


So,  how do you end your year well? 


The first step is to let go of disappointments that we experienced this year. Let’s be honest there were lots of things that could have been disappointments. Maybe it was a job loss? Or perhaps a health diagnosis? 


Process of letting go of disappointments: 

  • Process your emotions 
  • Gain perspective 
  • Identify things you’ve learned
  • Practice self-compassion and forgiving yourself 


I want you to be able to step in the purpose God has called for you. I’m super excited about the coming year, and all that a new year brings! Today all we are doing is pulling the weeds out of our growth garden, getting it ready for the seeds. 


Ephesians 2:10 - “ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”


*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.  If you are in need of counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.

Nov 19, 202109:18
Sweet Like Jasmine : What you need to know about PTSD with Bonnie Gray

Sweet Like Jasmine : What you need to know about PTSD with Bonnie Gray

Nov 12, 202143:17
Counselor On Call :: Power of Identifying Your Emotions [Episode 75]

Counselor On Call :: Power of Identifying Your Emotions [Episode 75]

We are wrapping our series on struggling well in the hard seasons. We heard from Sheila Walsh, Lisa Whittle, and Amanda Cunningham. If you haven’t heard those yet, I urge you to go back and listen.


It has been a few weeks but I’m happy to bring you a Counselor-on-Call episode this week.  We are talking about the power of identifying your emotions.


By identifying our emotions and feelings, it helps us know what we need and want (or don't want!). It also helps us build better relationships. We can’t turn off our emotions and if we try to push them away, they usually show themselves at the most inopportune times.


God himself is full of emotion. There are many men in the Bible that showed emotions like Jeremiah and Ezekiel.


Tips to identify your emotions:

  1. There are no good or bad emotions. It is what you do with these emotions that can help or hurt you. Emotions can hurt us when we don't listen, understand and identify our emotions.
  2. Check-in with your emotions regularly. Emotional check-ins are designed to help you get an accurate reading of how you feel. Journaling can be an effective tool to process your emotions effectively.
  3. You process your feelings and emotions because they are trying to tell you something. When you process them, it gives you greater clarity.


Resources:


The Feelings Wheel


Episode 47: The Power of Journaling 


*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.  If you are in need of counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.

Nov 05, 202108:56
After the Diagnosis with Amanda Cunningham :: [ Episode 74]
Oct 29, 202138:37
The Hard Good with Lisa Whittle :: [Episode 73]

The Hard Good with Lisa Whittle :: [Episode 73]

Hello Friends! 

We are in the midst of a series talking about the hard things. Whether it is the pandemic, a health issue, or a parenting challenge, we are ALL going through something. 

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Lisa Whittle to why we need to find the good during the hard seasons, how to let God transform us in the hard seasons, and discuss her book, The Hard Good

Lisa is the founder of Ministry Strong and the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. She has done master’s work in Marriage and Family  Counseling and advocated for Compassion, International. Wife, mom, lover of laughter, good food, interior design and, The Bible, Lisa is a  grateful work in progress. 

Things that we discussed:

  1. Lisa shares her journey and passion behind her new book 
  2. You can use the hard seasons to change yourself or you can run from it
  3. The idea behind grief and joy co-existing 
  4. You don't have to agree with the loss to make peace with it 
  5. Give yourself permission to feel your grief rather than to push it down

Want to connect with Lisa:

You can find her on Facebook [Lisa Whittle], follow her on Instagram [@LisaWhittle] and Twitter [@LisaRWhittle], and visit her ministry community at www.lisawhittle.com

Resources

Oct 22, 202137:06
Holding On with Sheila Walsh :: [ Episode 72]
Oct 08, 202131:35
Counselor On Call :: Suicide [Episode 71]

Counselor On Call :: Suicide [Episode 71]

In this episode of Counselor on Call, we discuss the difference between active suicidal ideations and passive suicidal ideations. 

Warning - this contains references to suicide and may act as a trigger to some. Please listen with caution.

Suicide is a leading cause of death but continues to be misunderstood. An essential part of understanding suicide is having the proper terminology.

Passive suicidal ideation occurs when you wish you were dead or that you could die, but you don't have any plans to commit suicide. Active suicidal ideation, on the other hand, is not only thinking about it but having the intent to commit suicide, including planning how to do it.

Passive suicidal ideations:

  • Defense mechanism
  • Not a character flaw or sign of weakness
  • Signifies that you're dealing with pain and sadness

Active suicidal ideations:

  • Giving away possessions
  • Talking about death, dying, or not being around in the future
  • Using phrases that make death sound like an option, such as "When I am gone," "If I were to kill myself…."
  • Saying goodbye or making amends with loved ones
  • Collecting items that are harmful or potentially dangerous
  • Social withdraw
  • Increased drug or alcohol usage
  • Not participating in activities that were once enjoyable
  • Engaging in risky or potentially harmful behaviors

If you or your loved ones are dealing with either, please reach out for help: National Suicide Hotline, 800-273-8255

*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor's advice or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or my website.  

If you require counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.

Oct 01, 202109:47
What You Don't Know About Body Shame with Whitney Russell :: [Episode 70]

What You Don't Know About Body Shame with Whitney Russell :: [Episode 70]

Today on the podcast, we are wrapping up our conversations about body image and body shame. I’m so excited to talk with my friend and fellow counselor, Whitney Russell.

Whitney is the owner and founder of Brave Haven Counseling in Richardson, Tx. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Supervisor. Whitney began her counseling career at the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center, working with struggling teens at a rehabilitative residential treatment center. From there, she started her journey as an expert in the field of eating disorders. Her experience in this area ranges from being a primary therapist at a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient setting at The Renfrew Center of Texas to being the Regional Director of Operations for Center For Discovery.

She is also a wife, mother of 4, and an Enneagram 1. She is a lover of plants, Nutella, thrift stores, and collecting books.

Things that we discussed :

  1. Body Shame is so subtle. Whitney and I share ways everyone shames themselves and how that impacts our mental health.
  2. How can parents have conversations with their children about body shame and body image?
  3. Our body is a gift from God, and we need to treat it as such.
  4. Stay in tune with your body and respect its biological urges and needs, and eventually, you will be liking and loving your body.

Want to connect with Whitney:

Website: www.bravehavencounseling.com

On Instagram @whitneylpc

Check out her podcast: realmessyrealhappy.com and on Instagram @realmessyrealhappy

Resources

If you loved this episode as much as I did, add some stars to the review!

Melissa

*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor’s advice or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or my website.  If you require counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.

Sep 24, 202134:38
Breaking Free from Body Shame with Jess Connolly [Episode 69]

Breaking Free from Body Shame with Jess Connolly [Episode 69]

Are you one of the 3% of people who are satisfied with your body? If you aren’t included in this group, this episode is for you!


We are talking with Jess Connolly about her new book, Breaking Free from Body Shame.

​​

Jess Connolly is a gal who wants to leave her world more in awe of God than she found it. She is the author of several books, including You Are the Girl for the Job, and coauthor of Wild and Free. She is the founder of Go + Tell Gals and helped start She Reads Truth. She and her husband planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. She blogs at www.JessConnolly.com.


Quotes I loved:

  • Body shame is a quiet, mental hum that’s constantly running.
  • Your body is a story – every freckle, detail, muscle, and scar tells the story of your life
  • Freedom standardized is legalism.
  • You are made and loved by God. He cannot make bad things. Believe that with your whole self.


Links to great things we discussed:


If you loved this episode as much as I did, add some stars to the review!


Melissa


*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.  If you are in need of counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.

Sep 17, 202127:27
Counselor On Call :: Body Image [Episode 68]
Sep 03, 202116:05