In this episode of Consult the Counselor, we take a deep dive into the theological foundations of the biblical counseling movement with Jared Poulton, executive director of the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling and author of Van Til’s Counseling Movement, and Joe Hussung, director of ministry partnerships and recruitment at Fieldstone Counseling.

Together, we explore how the theology and apologetics of Cornelius Van Til influenced Jay Adams and the development of biblical counseling, and why those foundations still matter for many of the debates happening in the movement today. We discuss the sufficiency of Scripture, general and special revelation, common grace, the antithesis between belief and unbelief, and the growing conversation around clinically informed biblical counseling.

Along the way, we consider where Adams and Van Til agreed, where their thinking may have diverged, and how those differences continue to shape various approaches to counseling.

We also discuss the importance of theological traditions and confessions in shaping counseling methodology, the need for greater clarity and humility in current debates, and how biblical counselors with meaningful differences can engage one another with charity rather than suspicion.

While this conversation goes deeper into theology and philosophy than many of our episodes, these questions get to the heart of what it means to counsel biblically and how we understand the relationship between Scripture, theology, and knowledge from the world around us.

Resource Mentioned

Calling Van Til to the Stand: A Reformed Biblical Counselor’s Appraisal of the Label “Clinically-Informed | By Jared Poulton

On this episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by Anchored Virtual counselor Evan Magelson to explore the challenges of counseling difficult counselees. Together they share real stories from sessions and discuss practical strategies for de‑escalation, self‑care, and maintaining spiritual focus. They talk about recognizing personal triggers, setting healthy boundaries, and leaning on gospel truths to stay grounded. Listeners will hear candid reflections on compassion fatigue, the importance of community support, and concrete tips for handling aggressive or resistant clients while staying compassionate and effective.

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On this episode of Consult the Counselor, we talk with Brittany Beltran and Shanda Anderson about the complex and painful reality of emotional abuse. Together, we consider what emotional abuse is, how it differs from ordinary conflict, why it can be so difficult to recognize, and how patterns of control, manipulation, intimidation, and isolation can deeply affect a person’s sense of identity, agency, and relationship with God.

We also discuss the ways Scripture and spiritual authority can be misused to reinforce harm, as well as how the gospel restores dignity, clarity, and hope to those who have been diminished by destructive relationships. Throughout the conversation, we explore how counselors, pastors, churches, and faithful friends can respond with wisdom, patience, compassion, and courage—especially when questions of safety, repentance, and long-term care are involved.

Our hope is that this conversation brings greater understanding to a difficult topic and helps those who are suffering know that they are seen, their story matters, and help is available.

On this episode of Consult the Counselor we explore the complexities of high‑conflict relationships through a candid conversation with counselors Jocelyn Wallace and Brit Gilman. We unpack why conflict persists, share personal stories that illustrate the heart of relational struggles, and discuss practical tools such as the “four promises of forgiveness,” scripted listening exercises, and the Punnett‑square model for relationship dynamics.

Throughout, we emphasize the gospel’s power to transform conflict, highlight resources like Ken Sande’s The Peacemaker and Paul Tripp’s War of Words, and offer concrete steps listeners can take to bring clarity, hope, and healing into their own relationships. This episode provides both theological insight and actionable guidance for anyone navigating the turbulence of conflict.

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On this episode of Consult the Counselor, we talk with Dr. Peggy Banks and Anna Kate Mullinix about counseling and caring for sexual abuse survivors. We unpack what sexual abuse can include, why survivors may struggle to name their experience, and why trust and safety are essential in trauma-informed care. We also discuss how churches can be better prepared to respond wisely, avoid causing further harm, and connect survivors with appropriate support and resources. Finally, we highlight gospel themes that sustain hope, including lament, God’s presence with the wounded, and the long road of healing with compassionate, skillful care.

Season 2 of Consult the Counselor kicks off with a foundational conversation on what it means to practice truly gospel-centered biblical counseling. Host Brian Walker is joined by Anchored Virtual counselors Katie Boomer and Wagner Floriani to unpack why “gospel-centered” is more than a buzzword—and how it shapes both the message and the tone of faithful counseling.

Together, they define gospel-centered counseling as more than offering quick fixes or isolated Bible verses. Instead, they explore how Scripture’s one unfolding story of redemption helps counselors connect a person’s lived experience of sin and suffering to the person and work of Jesus. The discussion also highlights how hermeneutics (how we interpret the Bible) matters deeply in counseling, especially in avoiding moralistic “try harder” approaches and learning to apply the imperatives of Scripture in the context of the gospel’s indicatives.

Along the way, Katie and Wagner talk candidly about sanctification, union with Christ, common misconceptions about gospel-centered counseling, and practical ways counselors can cultivate gospel “instincts” that bring real hope to real problems.

Topics include: gospel doctrine + gospel culture, counseling tone and patience, avoiding formulaic “life hacks,” reading the Old Testament with Christ in view, identity as saints/sufferers/sinners, and recommended resources for growing in gospel-centered counseling.

On this episode of Consult the Counselor, we explore cross-cultural counseling with our expert guests Dr. Peggy Banks and Kate Mullinax. We discuss the importance of cultural awareness in counseling, practical steps for churches to better serve diverse communities, and resources for missionaries working in different cultural contexts. We also address the unique challenges faced by third culture kids and how counselors can effectively support them. Join us as we examine how the gospel transcends cultural boundaries while honoring cultural differences.

On this episode of Consult the Counselor, we explore the complex world of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We're joined by counselors Anna Carini and Adam Mollica as we dive deep into understanding what OCD truly is - beyond common misconceptions. We discuss how this condition affects 2.5-4% of the population and is considered the seventh most debilitating disease across all medical conditions.

We examine the neurological aspects of OCD, exploring how brain scans reveal that "the brain responds too much to errors and too little to stop signals,"creating persistent thought loops that sufferers find nearly impossible to break. Our conversation covers the three main categories of OCD manifestations: checking, repetition, and order.

Our guests share both professional insights and personal experiences with OCD tendencies, offering a compassionate perspective on this challenging condition. We also introduce the concept of religious scrupulosity as a specific form of OCD that creates constant spiritual anxiety.

This episode provides valuable information for those experiencing OCD symptoms, their loved ones, and counselors seeking to better understand and provide effective support.

In this episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by counselors Megan Evans and Will Anderson for an in-depth conversation about forgiveness. Together, they explore the biblical foundations of forgiveness, practical steps through the REACH model, and common misconceptions about the forgiveness journey. They examine both personal experiences and professional insights, offering wisdom for those struggling with forgiveness and those supporting others through the process. The discussion covers everything from trauma-informed approaches to specific considerations for ministry leaders, providing valuable resources and biblical encouragement for the challenging work of forgiveness.

Key Topics Covered

• What is forgiveness: Biblical understanding and definition of true forgiveness
• The process of forgiveness: Understanding the REACH model and practical steps
• Common misconceptions: Addressing myths about forgiveness and reconciliation
• Trauma and forgiveness: How to approach forgiveness after significant hurt
• Ministry leadership perspective: Special considerations for those in ministry roles
• The role of empathy: Understanding its importance in the forgiveness process
• Commitment to forgiveness: How to maintain forgiveness long-term
• Biblical examples: Learning from Joseph and other scriptural narratives
• Resources and tools: Books, media, and other materials for further study
• Professional support: When and how to seek counseling for forgiveness issues

In this episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by counselors Tyson Lott and Kate Kate Mcewan for an in-depth discussion about addiction. They explore the crucial role of counseling in addiction recovery, drawing from their extensive experience in the field. The conversation covers the importance of transparent communication, the need for counselors who understand addiction's complexity, and practical guidance for those seeking help. They discuss valuable resources for addiction recovery and emphasize the significance of bringing struggles into the light while approaching recovery with grace rather than shame.

Key Topics Covered:

• The role of counseling in addiction recovery
• Understanding addiction as a complex, holistic issue
• The importance of transparent communication in counseling
• How counselors can effectively work with those struggling with addiction
• The need to avoid vague answers and surface-level solutions
• The balance between accountability and grace in addiction counseling
• The importance of bringing struggles into the light
• Recommended resources for addiction recovery
• Available treatment programs and support options
• The role of biblical counseling in addiction recovery