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

In this episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by Meg King and Brittany Beltran for an in-depth conversation about trauma. Together, they explore the complexities of trauma counseling, discussing both professional expertise and practical guidance. They examine the importance of family support, counselor qualities, and biblical foundations in trauma care, offering wisdom for both those experiencing trauma and those supporting them.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding counselors who are both Scripture-grounded and trauma-informed, while highlighting the need for patience, humility, and hope in the healing journey.

Key Topics Covered:

• The nature of trauma and its various manifestations
• The importance of biblical foundations in trauma counseling
• How trauma affects individuals differently
• The role of family members in supporting trauma survivors
• Key qualities to look for in a trauma counselor
• The integration of Scripture with trauma-informed care
• The importance of patience and proper pacing in trauma counseling
• How to provide resources and support for trauma survivors
• The need for support for family members of trauma survivors
• The significance of humility and continuous learning in trauma counseling

In this episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by Taylor Willis and Rachel Parker for an in-depth conversation about infertility. Together, they explore the emotional, spiritual, and relational impact of infertility, discussing both personal experiences and professional insight. They examine the deep grief, struggles, and hope that come with this journey, offering wisdom and biblical encouragement for those facing infertility and those supporting them.

Key Topics Covered:

• What infertility is and how it manifests.
• The emotional, spiritual, and relational toll it takes on individuals and couples.
• How infertility affects men and women differently.
• Common misconceptions about infertility.
• How faith intersects with fertility treatments and medical options.
• The role of lament and how to grieve well.
• How churches and communities can support those experiencing infertility.
• The biblical hope found in Christ amid suffering.
• Practical advice for those suffering and those supporting them.

Resources Mentioned:

Books: 

• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop – A guide on biblical lament and processing grief.
•  Longing for Motherhood by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik – A book offering personal reflections on infertility and adoption.
•  Praying Through Infertility (Edited by Sheridan Voysey) – A devotional providing encouragement and guidance through infertility.
• When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden – A book providing both medical and biblical perspectives on infertility.

Support Groups & Ministries:

• Waiting and Hope Ministries – Offers in-person and virtual support groups for those experiencing infertility.
• New Mercy Moms – A ministry supporting bereaved moms, including those who have experienced miscarriage and stillbirth.
• Foster the Family – A resource for those considering foster care and adoption.
• National Embryo Donation Center – A resource for couples considering embryo adoption.
• Embryo Adoption Podcast – A podcast discussing embryo adoption and providing insight into the process.

Connect with Our Guests:
Taylor Willis and Rachel Parker are experienced counselors at Anchored Virtual, specializing in biblical counseling for individuals and couples facing infertility, grief, trauma, and adoption-related issues.
If you are struggling with infertility or considering adoption, you can message Taylor or Rachel through the Anchored Virtual website for support and guidance.
If this episode has resonated with you, we encourage you to share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out to us with any questions. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to walk with you.

In this first episode of Consult the Counselor, host Brian Walker is joined by Rebekah Hannah and Jonathan Haefs for a deep dive into the complex issue of Church Hurt.

Together, they explore what it is, why it’s so painful, and how it affects individuals spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. With personal stories and professional insight, they discuss the long-term impact of church-related wounds and, most importantly, how the hope of the Gospel offers healing and restoration.
 Key Topics Covered:

• What defines Church Hurt and how it manifests.
• The emotional and spiritual toll it takes on individuals.
• How pastors and church leaders experience hurt differently.
• Biblical wisdom on processing pain and finding healing.

We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor.

There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.

In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic.

Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.

The first episode drops February 1st. We hope you'll join us.