This week's episode of the Wise Practice Podcast is one I'm especially excited about because it's a live consulting session with the amazing Shirlonda Shepard, owner of True North and Associates in Savannah, Georgia. Shirlonda came to the show with a heartfelt question: How can faith-based therapists integrate their Christian values into counseling while staying ethical and professional?

I love conversations like this because they get to the core of what so many of us wrestle with—how to honor God in our work without overstepping our role as clinicians. In this episode, Shirlonda and I talk openly about the gray areas: what to do when faith and ethics seem to collide, how to support clients with different beliefs, and what it means to let the Holy Spirit guide your sessions.

You'll also hear us dive into practical topics like marketing your faith-based practice, handling tough client conversations, and even hiring staff who align with your mission.

If you've ever wondered how to integrate faith into therapy without losing your footing as a professional, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

05:15 The Big Question: Balancing Faith and Ethics 08:50 When Values and Client Choices Collide 10:45 Helping Clients Define Their Own Faith 12:00 Practical Example: The Marijuana Conversation 14:00 Letting Clients Find Their Own Convictions 16:10 Faith-Based vs. Christian Counseling 17:45 Why Transparency Matters 19:45 Ethics, Licensing, and Clarity in Marketing 22:20 Faith in Hiring Decisions

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