Ask a Christian Counselor

By Tres Adames

What's Ask a Christian Counselor about?

Rev. Tres Adames is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor with Prism Counseling & Coaching in Phoenix, Arizona. Tres has a passion for the ethical integration of counseling and spirituality. On this show, we discusses topics on growing deeper spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, with an emphasis on helping others grow closer in their relationship with God and other people. Visit our website at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com

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Ask a Christian Counselor episodes:

02.15.2023
Spiritual Revival
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...
01.21.2023
How to Find a Counselor
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...
01.14.2023
Dealing with Depression
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
01.07.2023
Providing Client-Centered Care
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...
01.03.2023
How to Really Listen
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...
12.30.2022
Join Our Spiritually-Integrated Mental Health First Aid Training
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...
12.29.2022
The Importance of Physical Health
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...
12.21.2022
The Future of Christian Counseling
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....
09.02.2022
Tencennial Celebration - 10 Years of Ministry
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,...
08.05.2022
Announcement: The Next Offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program Starts August 23rd!
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...
08.03.2022
The Power of Friendship
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...
06.17.2022
How Can I Respond to Someone Who is Deconstructing?
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...
03.03.2022
Counseling Those Who Are Deconstructing
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...
02.03.2022
The Next Pastoral Care Specialist Training Starts February 8th, 2022
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...
08.13.2021
When Prayer Doesn't Work
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 —...
08.13.2021
Join the Next Offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program
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...
12.23.2020
Pastoral Care Specialist
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...
10.10.2020
Self-Care in the Age of COVID
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...
08.08.2020
Building Healthy Community
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...
06.18.2020
Living by Grace
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...
05.27.2020
Can a Narcissist Change?
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.
05.02.2020
Happy Again: Freedom from Anxiety and Depression
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...
03.20.2020
Hope for Difficult Times
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...
02.21.2020
Children in Play Therapy
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.
02.03.2020
Revival
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
01.09.2020
More Wisdom for Dating
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...
12.19.2019
Hope for Depression
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...
12.13.2019
Finding Affordable Counseling
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...
11.20.2019
How to Respond When Someone Comes Out
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...
10.30.2019
My Story
This is a special episode where Tres gives an important update about his ministry and also tells his story.
10.10.2019
Celibate Gay Christians
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...
10.02.2019
Understanding God
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...
09.26.2019
Recovery from Verbal and Emotional Abuse
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...
09.19.2019
Building a Faith-Based Practice
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...
09.12.2019
Counseling Difficult Cases
How do you take care of someone when the issues they are facing seem insurmountable? We discuss a transformative approach to spiritual care for counselors, pastors, and church leaders helping others with difficult situations. Resources Mentioned: Acquainted with Grief (Roger...
09.05.2019
Conversion Therapy
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...
08.29.2019
Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Maturity
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?...
08.24.2019
Understanding Your Personality
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...
08.15.2019
Dealing with Doubt
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...
08.08.2019
Trauma and EMDR
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...
08.02.2019
Personality and Positivity
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,...
07.24.2019
Secular vs. Christian Counseling
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...
07.17.2019
The Power of Empathy in Relationships
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...
07.12.2019
Introverts vs. Extroverts
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...
07.02.2019
OCD and Scrupulosity
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...
06.26.2019
LGBTQ and Christian
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...
04.19.2019
Preventing Burnout
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....
03.31.2019
The Importance of Friendship
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...
03.01.2019
Questions and Answers
On this 100th episode of the podcast, Tres answers several questions from listeners with special guest, Jeanette Hovis. Resources Mentioned: Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Codependent No More by Melody Bettie Love is a Choice by Robert...
12.21.2018
Dealing with a Dysfunctional Family
Holidays can be stressful for those with dysfunctional families. In this episode, we discuss family dynamics as well as ways to set boundaries with difficult family members. We also discuss how a family genogram can help one learn more about...

What's Ask a Christian Counselor about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Ask a Christian Counselor episodes:

Spiritual Revival

How to Find a Counselor

Dealing with Depression

Providing Client-Centered Care

How to Really Listen

Join Our Spiritually-Integrated Mental Health First Aid Training

The Importance of Physical Health

The Future of Christian Counseling

Tencennial Celebration - 10 Years of Ministry

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

The Power of Friendship

How Can I Respond to Someone Who is Deconstructing?

Counseling Those Who Are Deconstructing

The Next Pastoral Care Specialist Training Starts February 8th, 2022

When Prayer Doesn't Work

Join the Next Offering of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program

Pastoral Care Specialist

Self-Care in the Age of COVID

Building Healthy Community

Living by Grace

Can a Narcissist Change?

Happy Again: Freedom from Anxiety and Depression

Hope for Difficult Times

Children in Play Therapy

Revival

More Wisdom for Dating

Hope for Depression

Finding Affordable Counseling

How to Respond When Someone Comes Out

My Story

Celibate Gay Christians

Understanding God

Recovery from Verbal and Emotional Abuse

Building a Faith-Based Practice

Counseling Difficult Cases

Conversion Therapy

Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Maturity

Understanding Your Personality

Dealing with Doubt

Trauma and EMDR

Personality and Positivity

Secular vs. Christian Counseling

The Power of Empathy in Relationships

Introverts vs. Extroverts

OCD and Scrupulosity

LGBTQ and Christian

Preventing Burnout

The Importance of Friendship

Questions and Answers

Dealing with a Dysfunctional Family