God Attachment Healing

Send Me Questions on Attachment

Struggling with the notion of God as a Comforter can leave many of us feeling spiritually adrift, especially when our cultural background clashes with our personal experiences of the Divine. This episode of the God Attachment Healing Podcast peels back the layers of this complex emotion with a blend of heartfelt personal narratives and enlightening research. My colleague, Tim Jantz, joins me to bridge the gap between psychology and theology, offering a perspective that's sure to challenge and deepen your understanding of God's multifaceted character.

There's a profound connection between the way we bond with our parents and how we perceive God, especially during life's trials. I open up about my own parenting journey, reflecting on those critical moments that shaped my children's view of God as a source of comfort. We dissect studies which link the style of parental attachment to one's spiritual and religious struggles, sparking a conversation on the transformative power of a nurturing relationship with our Creator. Listen as we navigate the turbulent waters of anxiety, perfectionism, and the search for an ever-present God in the midst of our imperfections.

As we wrap up, we contemplate the bedrock of a strong spiritual life: prayer, community, and diving into the scriptures. These practices aren't just rituals; they're lifelines that reframe our experience of God's presence in our daily walk. I'm excited to share insights from my upcoming dissertation on attachment and how it's reshaping my understanding of faith. So whether you're wrestling with doubt or searching for spiritual solace, our conversation is a beacon of hope, encouraging you to see God in a light that's both comforting and true to the Christian experience. Join us for this enriching dialogue, and we welcome your questions and topic suggestions to continue this vital discussion.

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God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

When the weight of addiction intersects with the strength of faith, an intense and deeply personal battle emerges. This is the journey my colleague, Lewis Alvey, and I navigate in our latest God Attachment Healing Podcast. Lewis, a mental health professional with over a decade of experience, joins me in a conversation that peels back the layers of shame and isolation that often plague Christians grappling with addiction. Together, we shed light on the complexities of recovery, from the recognition of the problem to the hopeful steps toward transformation, all within the framework of our spiritual beliefs.

The path to overcoming addiction is rarely walked alone, and our discussion reveals the importance of community and connection—elements that can be as healing as they are vital. We delve into the role of various support groups and the potential for church communities to extend a hand in this journey. The raw and honest experiences we share underscore the emotional toll addiction takes, not just on the afflicted but also on the family and friends who stand by them. Their stories of perseverance and compassion become powerful testaments to the human spirit and the transformative power of hope.

As we wrap up, we take a moment to reflect on the broader implications of our dialogue, the intersection of forgiveness, redemption, and the gospel's message of grace. It's a reminder that these tough conversations, while challenging, are necessary and can ultimately lead to healing. For anyone touched by addiction or seeking solace in faith, this episode stands as a beacon of understanding and encouragement, inviting listeners to find strength in vulnerability and renewal in their faith journey with us.

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FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

Have you ever found yourself caught in a whirlwind of worry, searching for solace? Embark on a journey with me as I navigate the merging paths of theology and psychology to find a haven from anxiety through God Attachment Healing. In this heartfelt discussion, we unravel the wisdom of Philippians 4:6-7, contrasting the Stoic Greek emphasis on reason with the Apostle Paul's counsel to seek peace in prayer and divine providence. As we face the modern tide of anxiety, we delve into scriptural advice for weathering these inner storms, aiming to offer you insights that resonate with your Christian faith. Whether it's managing your reactions to life's trials or redefining your relationship with God, this episode is your guide to anchoring your heart in the tranquility of His presence.

My conversation travels through the Apostle Paul's own quest for peace amidst adversity, illuminating how his unshakable faith can inspire our own journey toward a serene heart and mind. We look at personal strategies for coping with suffering, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and gratitude. Discover how fostering a secure attachment to God fortifies us against life's challenges, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. Join me as I explore the intimate dance of managing anxiety and nurturing a steadfast trust in God's goodness—even when the waters around us are anything but still.

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

As we celebrate the 75th episode of the God Attachment Healing Podcast, I'm thrilled to share a poignant discussion on how we forge our Christian bonds. Have you ever considered the profound ways in which your early life, cultural background, and personal experiences shape not only your interactions with others but your very connection with God? This episode is a heartfelt journey into the world of attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and their powerful influence on our relationship with the divine.

Embark on an introspective adventure with me as we tackle ten compelling questions from Christians seeking to understand their God attachment. We unravel the threads of our upbringing and examine the role of the church in shaping our faith. By exploring the narratives of biblical figures like Martha, Mary, and Peter, we uncover parallels to our own spiritual attachments and learn how to navigate towards a more secure bond with God. Expect a blend of deep personal insights, transformative stories of prayer and community, and the encouraging potential of scripture to fortify our connection with the divine.

This episode isn't just another milestone; it's a beacon of hope for those yearning to deepen their trust in Christ, especially if you find yourself grappling with fearful or avoidant tendencies. We discuss the possibility of healing from past wounds and building a secure attachment to God despite life’s adversities. Join me in discovering how supportive relationships and an understanding of God's unwavering love can lead us to a place of profound spiritual security. This is not just a conversation, but a path to discovering the steadfast presence of God in our lives.

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

In this episode of our podcast, I was joined by a very special guest, Elyssa Rocha, who shared her personal story of growing up in a non-Christian home and how her search for meaning influenced her decision to have not one, but two abortions. Elysse shares a unique perspective on this topic and sheds light on the complex emotions she experienced during these times in her life. 

My guest opens up about how not having a strong faith foundation left her feeling alone and lost. When she found herself  pregnant in her early 20s, she believed that having an abortion was the "right" thing to do to help the baby and herself. She speaks about the societal pressure and lack of support she felt during this time, which reinforced her decision to have an abortion.

However, when she found herself pregnant for the second time, things were different. Even though she had not received Christ in her heart yet, she had promised herself she would not have another abortion and found herself feeling the emotional and spiritual weight of this decision. The second time around, she was starting to experience His presence and compassion in her life. This led her to feel the weight of her decision to have a second abortion and the guilt and shame that came with it. When she came to know Christ close to two years ago, she opens up about the internal battle she faced and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her past decisions.

Elysse shares how her new personal relationship with Christ helped her cope with the immense feelings of shame and guilt from her abortions. She talks about how she learned to forgive herself and receive God's forgiveness, which ultimately brought her healing and restoration.

As Christians, it can be difficult to approach women who are considering abortion. We may feel the need to judge or condemn, but our guest encourages us to instead approach with compassion and understanding. She shares how we can minister to these women in a loving and truthful way, by pointing them to the hope and redemption found in Christ.

In this powerful episode, my guest's vulnerability and transparency shed light on the complex and emotional journey of women facing unplanned pregnancies. Her personal experience also highlights the transformative power of Christ's love and grace in our lives. We hope this episode will inspire and equip our listeners to have meaningful and compassionate conversations with those facing this difficult decision.

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

In today's podcast, we dive into the intersection of faith and attachment styles. In this episode, I sit down with Rita Blevin, who developed an avoidant attachment style after being separated from both of her biological parents due to an international kidnapping. Through her vulnerable and transparent testimony, Rita shares how she coped with the effects of her avoidant attachment style, including her relationships with her parents, romantic partners, and even with God.

Growing up without a stable family structure, Rita found herself constantly seeking independence and distancing herself from emotional connection. Even though she had family members who treated her well and provided a safe environment, she did observe that  avoidance led to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships in other areas of her life. Rita also shares how her avoidant attachment style affected her Christian walk. 

However, through her journey of healing, Rita found hope and restoration through the guidance of a Christian therapist. She shares the tools and techniques she learned to cope with her avoidant attachment style in a healthier way and how this has transformed her relationships, including her relationship with God. 

Join us as we unpack Rita's powerful story and learn how God used a therapist to help her find healing and ultimately develop a more secure attachment to Him. 

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

In this podcast, I delve into the concerns of individuals with an anxious attachment to God. We explore five common worries, such as fear of abandonment, doubts about God's love, the need for constant reassurance, difficulty trusting God's plan, and feeling distant from God. 

I also provide prayers tailored to the anxious attachment style, including prayers for peace and trust, security, and surrender. Join me as I navigate the intricate connection between attachment styles and faith, offering guidance and solace for those seeking a closer relationship with God.

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

Understanding your attachment style is critical to helping you navigate your dating relationships. I discussed the significance of understanding attachment styles in romantic relationships, how these styles are established in childhood, and how those childhood experiences with our parents can significantly influence how we relate to others in adulthood. 

I discussed the four main attachment styles - secure, anxious, avoidance, and disorganized. I highlighted that a secure attachment style is the most common and desirable style since it leads to healthier connections with people. The meeting also touched on how past experiences and unmet needs can impact relationship dynamics, and I suggested a self-check to identify with common fears and thoughts. Furthermore, I discussed the impact of social media on relationships and suggested that understanding attachment styles can also enhance spiritual relationships.

On today's podcast, I discuss the following topics: 

• Attachment styles in romantic relationships, 
• Secure attachment styles,
• Secure vs anxious attachment styles, 
• Anxiety, self-worth, and independence,
• Intimacy fears,
• Shame, fear and social media in relationships, and
• Attachment styles in romantic relationships

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

The church has a long history of addressing mental health issues and specifically doing what was called "soul care." Throughout the years, it was slowly taken over by secular counselors. In the modern era, the church has come to terms with the reality on how mental health issues are affecting the church. But, are we addressing it effectively and in a way that is still true and consistent with biblical principles? 

On today's podcast, Dr. Knapp and I discuss the differences in how Christians and culture view solutions for mental health issues. 
 
We also discuss the following topics: 

• What is psychology? 
• Existentialism - meaning, suffering, death and purpose/value
• How has the church handled mental health issues historically, 
• What does the church do better when addressing mental health issues, 
• What do modern counselors and psychologists do differently than how the church has handled them, 
• Are there pros to secular counseling? Can Christians get better with having a secular counselor? 
• The differences between Christian and secular counseling, 
• Why those differences matter, and
• How we can avoid allowing the culture to dictate to the church what healthy should look like. 

Connect and tune into Dr. Knapp's podcast "Mental Healthy" podcast and his new book "Healthy Depression" at the links below:
Mental Healthy
Healthy Depression

If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at [email protected]

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling. 

Send Me Questions on Attachment

The process of grieving looks different for everyone, and it even happens with how fathers and mothers experience the loss of a child. It does not always look the way we want it to look, nor does it always follow the stages in the exact order in which it is presented. I think we can all agree that there are different types of suffering that bring on different levels of pain, and there is no greater pain a parent can experience than the loss of a child.  However, it is important for parents to understand that how they feel and what they think throughout this process is completely normal. The key is in reminding one's self of biblical truth and finding a strong Christian community for support. So, a question that naturally arises is, how can we trust God through the grieving process? 
 
 On today's episode, Christy and I discuss why this topic is so important to Christians who have experienced loss, but especially for parents who have lost a child. We also discussed the following topics: 

• What Christy's parents example taught her  about Who God is
• Experiencing the loss of a child
• Negative messages that enter our minds and hearts during loss
• The ministry of presence
• Experiencing a second loss
• The significance of names
• Believing "It's my fault" and "Is God punishing me?" 
• Feeling judged
• Lastly, the "Dos" and "Don'ts" of how to support your friends experiencing grief

If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at [email protected]

Support the show

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@godattachmenthealing

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
God Attachment Healing

MY HOPE FOR YOU
I hope these episodes bring you closer to Christ and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

ABOUT ME 👇
I have been a Christ-follower for the last 20+ years of my life, and have seen the Lord's grace, strength, and faithfulness through it all. He led me to pursue a degree in higher education and has given me a gift for the field of counseling.