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In this powerful episode, host John Sternfels, LPC, a national board-certified counselor and founder of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, sheds light on the destructive psychological tactic known as gaslighting. This subtle form of emotional abuse distorts a person’s reality, often leaving them feeling confused, powerless, and emotionally isolated.

John breaks down the core dynamics of gaslighting—how it works, why it’s used, and where it commonly shows up in relationships, particularly in the context of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. With clinical insight and real-life examples, he reveals how gaslighting erodes trust, reshapes truth, and manipulates the narrative to protect the abuser.

This episode also provides a roadmap for healing: how to recognize the signs, rebuild your inner confidence, and reestablish emotional safety. Whether you're a partner, therapist, or survivor, John offers practical tools and compassionate wisdom to help you reclaim clarity and stand firm in truth.

Join John Sternfels as he exposes the lies of gaslighting and empowers you to walk in truth, freedom, and healing.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

What does it take to raise strong, grounded, and emotionally healthy kids in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world?

In this powerful episode, John Sternfels gives us a sneak peek into his highly anticipated new book, Healthy Parenting: Preparing the Next Generation. With warmth, wisdom, and clinical insight, John unpacks what every parent needs to know to build a solid foundation for their children, one rooted in emotional resilience, spiritual depth, and relational connection.

You’ll hear a real-life story, practical strategies, and timeless truths drawn from decades of counseling experience. From the importance of role modeling to the impact of early emotional experiences, John challenges parents to rethink what it means to lead their children with purpose, presence, and love.

Whether you’re raising toddlers or guiding young adults, this episode will equip and encourage you to parent not just for today, but to prepare your child for a lifetime of thriving.

Don't miss this conversation—it could reshape the way you parent.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

In this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, John Sternfels explores the foundational topic of attachment styles—how our early childhood experiences with parents /caregivers shape the way we connect, trust, and navigate intimacy in adulthood.

John unpacks the four main attachment styles—Secure, Anxious (Preoccupied), Avoidant (Dismissive), and Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized)—offering his own, real-life example, psychological insight, and compassionate guidance to help listeners identify their own patterns.

Whether you're struggling with relationship anxiety, emotional distance, or past trauma, this episode will help you:

• Understand the roots of your attachment style
• Recognize how it affects your current relationships
• Discover practical steps toward healing and growth

If you're ready to deepen your self-awareness and take the next step toward emotional security and connection, this episode is a must-listen.

Need support on your journey?
Visit www.northpoint-counseling.com or call us at 248.773.8440 to connect with a therapist to learn more.

Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore what it means to heal, grow, and connect.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

Are you seeking a structured approach to restore healing, truth, and unity within your home? Then don’t miss this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, where we dive into the Family Impact Meeting — a powerful, guided therapeutic approach to help families begin conversations around broken trust, addiction recovery, or betrayal trauma.

Hosted by John Sternfels, National Board-Certified Counselor, author, and clinical director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, this episode unpacks:

• What a Family Impact Meeting is
• When it’s most helpful in the recovery and healing process
• How it gives voice to loved ones affected by destructive behaviors
• And how it sets the stage for rebuilding connection and accountability

Whether you're a therapist, a recovering individual, a betrayed partner, or a family member seeking answers — this conversation will give you practical tools and hope for restoring your family relationships.

Listen now and take the next step toward healing together!

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

Hosted by John Sternfels, National Board-certified counselor, author, and clinical director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling, this episode dives deep into one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—tools in healing from betrayal: Why a Therapeutic Disclosure.

John brings nearly two decades of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the pain of sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, and broken trust. In this episode, he explores:

• Why a Therapeutic Disclosure
• Why Many Betraying Partners Become Hesitant To Comply
• When it Should Take Place
• How It Benefits Both the Disclosure and the Betrayed Partner
• Why Structured Disclosures Foster Genuine Healing and Rebuild Trust

 Whether you're the partner in pain, the one seeking to make amends, or a professional supporting others on this journey, this episode offers critical insights, practical steps, and compassionate guidance.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

In this episode of NorthPoint Counseling Perspective, host John Sternfels—a National Board-Certified Counselor, marriage therapist, and author—explores the power and purpose of a Couples' Weekly Check-In. This intentional practice can be a game-changer for couples looking to deepen connection, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy.

John walks listeners through a successful weekly check-in structure, offering insight into how couples can create a safe space to reflect, share, and grow together. Whether you're navigating challenges or simply want to stay connected in the busyness of life, this episode provides practical tools to help your relationship thrive.

You’ll discover:

• The five essential components of an effective weekly check-in
• How to use empathy and active listening to foster emotional safety
• Tips for navigating tension or conflict during check-ins
• Examples of real couples using this practice to transform their relationship

Join John Sternfels as he equips couples with strategies that promote healing, connection, and lasting intimacy—one intentional conversation at a time.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

In this compelling episode, counselor and author John Sternfels explores the Therapeutic Marital Healing Separation Agreement—a structured, intentional approach to marital separation that prioritizes healing, emotional safety, and personal responsibility. Designed specifically for couples in crisis who desire clarity, growth, and the possibility of reconciliation, this agreement creates a framework that supports individual and relational healing rather than paving the way for divorce.

John walks listeners through the key elements of the agreement, its therapeutic purpose, and how it differs from traditional separations or legal arrangements. He also addresses an overlooked crucial aspect: who this agreement is not for. The episode clarifies that this approach may not be appropriate for couples dealing with ongoing abuse, untreated addictions, or those unwilling to engage in honest therapeutic work.

Whether you are a clinician, a spouse navigating betrayal or trauma, or someone seeking guidance through relational chaos, this episode offers clinical insight, practical tools, and hope for couples committed to healing with intention.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

Hosted by John Sternfels, The Therapeutic Disclosure Process: A Path to Healing and Trust is a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of therapeutic disclosure after relational betrayal. As a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and the owner of NorthPoint Professional Counseling Inc., John brings his expertise in marriage restoration, sexual addiction recovery, and partner betrayal trauma to help listeners understand the role of disclosure in the healing journey.

Why is Therapeutic Disclosure Important?

When relational betrayal occurs—whether through infidelity, pornography use, or other forms of secrecy—the foundation of trust is shattered. The betrayed partner is often left feeling confused, unsafe, and emotionally devastated. In these moments, many unfaithful partners believe that withholding details or minimizing the truth will protect their spouse from further pain. However, partial truths and continued deception only deepen the wounds and make healing impossible.

A structured, professionally guided disclosure is a crucial step toward true reconciliation and emotional restoration. Here’s why:

✔️ Rebuilding Trust: Full transparency is essential for rebuilding trust. Betrayed partners need to know that their spouse is no longer hiding anything from them.

✔️ Restoring Safety: Healing cannot begin in an environment of secrecy and dishonesty. Disclosure helps create a foundation of truth and emotional safety.

✔️ Validating the Betrayed Partner’s Reality: Many betrayed partners struggle with gaslighting, self-doubt, and an inability to piece together what really happened. Disclosure helps validate their experiences and emotions.

✔️ Preventing Future Triggers: Without a full understanding of the betrayal, a partner is left guessing, which can lead to unexpected triggers and ongoing distress. Knowing the whole truth allows for a more predictable healing process.

✔️ Allowing for True Forgiveness and Healing: Forgiveness cannot be forced or rushed. However, it becomes possible when the betrayer takes full accountability, shows genuine remorse, and commits to honesty moving forward.

Who is This Podcast For?

✔️ Betrayed partners seeking truth, validation, and healing
✔️ Individuals who have betrayed their spouse and want to rebuild trust
✔️ Couples looking for guidance in navigating full disclosure
✔️ Therapists and professionals wanting deeper insights into the process

This episode of The Therapeutic Disclosure Process provides insightful guidance, practical steps, and encouragement to help individuals and couples move forward with clarity and confidence.

Tune in and take the next step toward healing and trust.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

Sex. It’s everywhere—on our screens, in our culture, and shaping how we think about relationships, identity, and intimacy. But with so many competing voices—secular ideologies, cultural relativism, and biblical truth—how do we separate fact from fiction?

In this eye-opening episode, counselor and author John Sternfels explores his upcoming book, SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural, or Biblical?  He will tackle the tough questions:

• How has modern culture redefined sex, and what’s the impact on relationships?
• What messages are we absorbing—consciously or not—from secular and relativistic perspectives?
• How does biblical truth offer a countercultural approach to sex, intimacy, and human connection?

This isn’t just another conversation about sex—it’s a deep dive into the narratives shaping our world and our hearts. Whether you’re searching for clarity, healing, or a stronger biblical foundation, this discussion will challenge what you think you know and offer a refreshing, truth-centered perspective. Don’t miss it!

Join John and tune in for an engaging discussion that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of one of the most debated topics of our time.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives

Send us a text

In this episode, counselor and author, John Sternfels will dive into the complex and often misunderstood topic of codependency in marriage. Many couples struggle with unhealthy relational patterns where one partner becomes overly reliant on the other for emotional validation, self-worth, or decision-making. This imbalance can lead to resentment, anxiety, and a loss of individual identity.

Join John as he will explore:
✔️ What codependency looks like in a marriage
✔️ How past wounds and childhood experiences can contribute to codependent        behaviors
✔️ Practical steps to establish healthy emotional boundaries
✔️ Strategies for fostering mutual respect, trust, and individual growth

Whether you're in a codependent relationship or want to strengthen your marriage, this episode will provide insight, tools, and hope for creating a healthier, more fulfilling connection with your spouse.

Tune in now and take the first step toward breaking free from codependency!

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives