Can we really heal from the things that have shaped us? What does it mean to renew your mind after trauma? And how can we learn to live from love rather than spending our lives trying to earn it?

In this episode of the Faith-Filled Therapy Podcast, Jo Hargreaves is joined by pastor, author and former NFL player Dr Derwin L. Gray for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, identity and the transforming love of Jesus.

Derwin shares openly about growing up surrounded by addiction, abuse and violence, his journey from professional football to faith, and the healing that followed. He and Jo explore how biblical truth can reshape our thoughts, nervous system and lived experience, helping us face pain while replacing the lies we have believed with truth.

Drawing from his new book, It’s Time To Heal: Four God-Given Steps To Restore What Life Has Shattered, Derwin introduces his HEAL framework: being honest about what happened, expecting pain along the way, accepting the past without letting it define you, and ultimately learning to live from love, not for love.

Blending Scripture, neuroscience, grace and real-life stories, this episode offers a practical, Christ-centred invitation to face what has hurt us and move towards healing.

Key Takeaways

• You cannot heal from what you will not reveal. Derwin talks about the importance of becoming honest about what has happened to us, and sometimes what we have done, rather than hiding or minimising our pain. Healing begins with bringing our real story into the light. 
• Your past can shape you without defining your future. Trauma is real and its effects matter, but Derwin challenges the idea that our past gets to “take the ink pen and write our future.” What happened to us is part of our story, but it does not have to become our identity. 
• Renewing your mind is a repeated practice, not a one-time moment. Jo and Derwin explore neuroplasticity, taking thoughts captive and learning to recognise the difference between thoughts that speak against us and the truth of who we are in Christ. 
• Healing is not toxic positivity. Renewing the mind doesn't mean pretending painful experiences did not happen. It means facing what is true while also allowing the truth of Scripture to reshape our beliefs, thoughts and behaviours. 
• We can learn to live from love rather than for love. Derwin describes the security that comes from knowing we are already loved by God, including at our worst. Instead of performing for acceptance, we can begin to live from a place of belovedness. 
• Our brains can learn new patterns. Derwin shares how practices he first learned as a professional football player eventually helped him understand neuroplasticity and the process of replacing deeply rooted beliefs with biblical truth. 
• Healing can change more than one generation. Derwin shares his hope that people will interrupt patterns of hurt, toxicity and trauma so that what is passed to future generations is health and blessing instead. 
• Jesus is at the centre of wholeness. Jo and Derwin discuss healing as something that encompasses spirit, soul and body. Therapy, neuroscience and spiritual disciplines can all have a place, while the conversation continually points back to relationship and union with Christ. 

About Dr Derwin L. Gray

Dr Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the recipient of the John M. Perkins Justice Award, an award given to a visionary leader whose life and work exemplify the principles of biblical justice.

Derwin is also an award-winning author whose books include How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation, Lit Up With Love: Becoming Good-News People To A Gospel-Starved World, and his new release, It’s Time To Heal: Four God-Given Steps To Restore What Life Has Shattered.

Connect with Derwin & Resources Links

Website: DerwinLGray.com

Instagram: @derwinlgray

Facebook: @derwinlgray

Transformation Church: transformationchurch.tc

New Book: Derwin’s new book, It’s Time To Heal: Four God-Given Steps To Restore What Life Has Shattered, releases 8 September.

• It's Time to Heal on the Tyndale Media Center
• Book Buy Link for It's Time to Heal
• NetGalley Link for the It's Time to Heal ARC

If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, you can watch it on YouTube here: YouTube Link

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

How does faith shape the brain? Can neuroscience help us understand spiritual growth? And what does epigenetics have to do with transformation?

In this episode of the Faith-Filled Therapy Podcast, Jo Hargreaves is joined by author, speaker and leadership expert Dr Chuck Coker to explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, psychology and biblical wisdom.

Together, they discuss emotional intelligence, spiritual formation, Gen Z’s search for authenticity, the science of worship, and how God’s design for spirit, soul and body points us towards wholeness. Chuck also shares insights from his book, A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity, which explores spiritual development through both Scripture and brain science.

Key Takeaways

• Faith and neuroscience don’t have to be competing conversations. Jo and Chuck explore how our understanding of the brain can offer another lens through which to consider spiritual growth and transformation. 
• We are designed as whole people. The conversation considers the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, brain and body, and what that means for living a full and flourishing life. 
• Spiritual maturity is an ongoing process. Chuck explores stages of spiritual development and how growth can shape the way we think, relate to others and invest in the next generation. His book develops this journey from “spiritual infant” through to “spiritual parent.” 
• Emotional intelligence and spiritual formation are deeply connected. Chuck and Jo discuss emotional intelligence alongside the Fruit of the Spirit and the role relationships play in our development. 
• Neuroplasticity and epigenetics open up fascinating questions about transformation. Chuck explains his understanding of how our experiences and spiritual formation interact with biological processes. 
• Gen Z is looking for authenticity, not perfection. Chuck reflects on a generation seeking truth and reality, and on a God whose love is based on relationship rather than performance. 
• Community and discipleship matter. Transformation isn't simply about acquiring information. Chuck emphasises intimacy, accountability and meaningful relationships as important parts of spiritual maturity. 

About Dr Chuck Coker

Dr Charles “Chuck” Coker, PhD, DMin, SPHR, is the founder and CEO of LifeThrive Performance Systems and has more than 35 years of experience across leadership, teaching and ministry. His work brings together neuroscience, psychology and biblical wisdom to help people grow emotionally, spiritually and personally. 

He is also the founder of Yesha Ministries and author of A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity, which explores how brain science and biblical truth intersect in the journey towards spiritual maturity.

Connect with Chuck & Resources

Website: ChuckCoker.com 

Book: A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity

Chuck’s book is available now in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart and Target as places where listeners can find it. 

If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, you can watch it on YouTube here: YouTube Link

Special resource for Faith-Filled Therapy listeners:

Purchase a copy of Dr Chuck Coker’s A God-Shaped Mind and send a screenshot of your proof of purchase to [email protected] to receive a complimentary 16-week Bible study designed to accompany the book. 

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection with Dr. Lee Warren

Join us in this insightful episode as Dr. Lee Warren, a renowned neurosurgeon, shares his unique perspective on neuroscience, faith, and mental well-being. Discover how understanding the brain can deepen our spiritual walk and improve mental health.In this episode:

• The role of neuroplasticity and how deliberate mental practices can reshape our brains
• Practical strategies for self-regulation based on Scripture and neuroscience
• The fascinating interface of mind, brain, and spiritual life
• How suffering can refine us and give purpose, supported by biblical perspective
• The impact of hope on neurochemistry and resilience
• Exploring the concept of the mind’s location and its connection to eternity
• The significance of wonder and awe in mental health and spiritual life

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Warren’s blend of neuroscience and faith points to the importance of managing thoughts through intentionality and the biblical practice of taking every thought captive.
• The “self-brain surgery” metaphor emphasises deliberate mental strategies to address emotional and spiritual health.
• The reticular activating system filters our perceptions; belief modifies the signals we focus on, shaping our reality.
• Moments of wonder and awe, especially in the right brain hemisphere, are vital for mental health and spiritual connection.
• Hope activates motivational neurochemicals, empowering us to undertake meaningful change, even in suffering.
• The biblical concept of “renewing the mind” aligns with neuroplasticity principles—changing thought patterns through deliberate action.
• The distinction between mind and brain underscores that thoughts are not exclusively generated by physical brain activity, offering hope and freedom.
• Suffering, when reframed, can lead to character development and hope, as supported by both Scripture and science.

• Dr. Lee Warren's Website

• Self Brain Surgery Book 
• Lectio 365 Prayer App
• Podcast
• Substack Newsletter

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Hello to you. 

After a short break, the podcast returns with an honest and gently reflective episode about waking up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and physically on edge. From that real-life moment, this conversation explores what it means to regulate your nervous system in a way that is both deeply therapeutic and rooted in faith.

Blending neuroscience with scripture, you’ll be guided through simple, grace-filled practices like breath prayer, gratitude, singing, and getting outside, reminding you that your body isn’t a barrier to God, but part of how you were designed to heal, connect, and feel safe.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head, weighed down by anxiety, or simply exhausted, this episode offers a gentle reminder: you make sense, and there is a way through.

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

In this episode, Jo Hargreaves, faith-filled therapist and writer, is joined by Dr Perrianne Brownback for a thoughtful conversation about the left and right hemispheres of the brain, moving beyond pop-psychology myths into something far richer and more meaningful.

Together, they explore how simplistic ideas about being “left-brained” or “right-brained” have been largely debunked, while also uncovering the profound truth that how our brain processes the world really does matter. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist and philosopher Ian McGilchrist, this conversation looks at the distinct roles of each hemisphere, and why the left hemisphere was never designed to operate independently, but to be guided and interpreted through the right.

This episode invites listeners to reconsider how they think, perceive, and make meaning, not just cognitively, but relationally and spiritually. It’s a grounding, curiosity-stirring conversation that connects neuroscience, lived experience, and faith, offering a deeper understanding of how we attend to the world, to God, and to ourselves. 

You can follow Perianne's work here and purchase her book here

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Keywords

Faith, Therapy, Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Spiritual Growth, Peace, Mindfulness, God's Word, Self-Understanding

Summary

In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves discusses the significance of biblical meditation and its impact on mental health and spiritual growth. She shares her personal journey with God's word, emphasizing the importance of taking scripture at face value and the therapeutic benefits of meditation. Jo explores the neuroscience behind meditation, explaining how it can rewire the brain and promote peace. She encourages listeners to integrate biblical meditation into their daily lives, highlighting its transformative power.


Here's the link to the beautiful poster by Nick at The Christian Poster Company 

Here's the booking link to this months webinar with Dr Lee Warren  

Here's the link to my substack 

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

keywords
intrusive thoughts, neuroscience, scripture, mental health, compassion, grounding techniques, faith, anxiety, emotional regulation, spiritual wellness

summary
In this episode of Faith Filled Therapy, Jo Hargreaves explores the complex nature of intrusive thoughts, their intersection with neuroscience and scripture, and how to manage them compassionately. She discusses the role of stress, hormonal changes, and the importance of grounding techniques and scripture in finding peace. Jo emphasizes that intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of one's character but rather a natural response of the brain, and she encourages listeners to approach these thoughts with compassion and understanding.

takeaways

• Intrusive thoughts can be distressing and often arise unexpectedly.
• Understanding the neuroscience behind intrusive thoughts can foster self-compassion.
• Stress and hormonal changes can increase the frequency of intrusive thoughts.
• Mindfulness and interrupting negative thought patterns are crucial for mental freedom.
• Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing and scripture meditation, can help manage intrusive thoughts.
• God's compassion is present in our struggles with intrusive thoughts.
• Scripture can serve as a lifeline for grounding and reassurance.
• The brain's response to perceived threats can be misinterpreted as real danger.
• It's important to not attach meaning to intrusive thoughts to prevent them from gaining power.
• You are not broken; there is grace for your mind and nervous system.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Intrusive Thoughts

02:56
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

05:19
The Neuroscience Behind Intrusive Thoughts

07:38
The Role of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex

10:08
Compassion and Reassurance in Managing Thoughts

13:07
Grounding Techniques and Scripture

15:43
The Spiritual Aspect of Intrusive Thoughts

18:03
Finding Peace and Compassion in Faith

21:12
flow-211881.mp3

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the intersection of neuroscience and scripture, focusing on the concept of taking thoughts captive as outlined in 2 Corinthians 10:5. 

 Jo delves into the workings of the brain, including the default mode network and the reticular activating system, and offers practical strategies for managing thoughts and emotions. The episode emphasises the importance of active engagement in our mental health and the power of reframing thoughts to align with God's truth. 

keywords
faith, therapy, mental health, neuroscience, scripture, thoughts, mindfulness, emotional regulation, neuroplasticity, personal growth

takeaways

• Taking thoughts captive is a powerful scriptural principle that requires active engagement.
• The brain's default mode network can lead to rumination and negative thinking if left unchecked.
• Neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains through intentional thought management.
• Reframing thoughts is essential for emotional regulation and mental health.
• The reticular activating system filters our perceptions based on what we focus on.
• Confirmation bias can shape our experiences and beliefs about the world.
• Practical strategies for thought management include noticing, naming, and reframing thoughts.
• We have been given the mind of Christ, empowering us to take control of our thoughts.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:02
The Cyclical Nature of Life

05:52
Taking Thoughts Captive: A Scriptural Approach

11:58
Understanding the Default Mode Network

18:04
Reframing Thoughts and Neuroplasticity

23:47
The Reticular Activating System and Confirmation Bias

29:48
Practical Strategies for Thought Management

35:53
Conclusion and Resources

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
03:02 The Cyclical Nature of Life
05:52 Taking Thoughts Captive: A Scriptural Approach
11:58 Understanding the Default Mode Network
18:04 Reframing Thoughts and Neuroplasticity
23:47 The Reticular Activating System and Confirmation Bias
29:48 Practical Strategies for Thought Management
35:53 Conclusion and Resources

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Summary
In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the concept of attachment styles and their impact on our relationship with God. She discusses the importance of feeling safe and loved in forming healthy attachments and how our early relational experiences shape our connections with others and with God. Jo outlines the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, and provides insights on how to cultivate a secure attachment with God through practices such as prayer, scripture reading, and community support. The episode emphasizes the redeemable nature of our attachment styles and encourages listeners to look to God for consistent love and support.

Takeaways

• Attachment styles influence our relationship with God.
• Feeling safe and loved is essential for healthy attachments.
• Secure attachment develops from consistent and nurturing caregivers.
• Anxious attachment leads to hyper-vigilance and fear of abandonment.
• Avoidant attachment results in discomfort with intimacy and self-reliance.
• Disorganized attachment stems from trauma and leads to confusion about needs.
• Understanding our attachment styles can help us relate better to God.
• We can earn a secure attachment through consistent relationships.
• God provides the consistent love we need for secure attachment.
• Practices like prayer and community can help cultivate a secure attachment.

Bible Verses on Feeling Safe and Loved by God

• Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
• Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Psalm 91:4 – "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
• 1 John 4:18 – "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Deuteronomy 31:8 – "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Welcome

02:13
Overview of Attachment Styles

08:01
Understanding Attachment Theory

13:41
Exploring Secure Attachment

14:56
Anxious Attachment Style

17:19
Avoidant Attachment Style

21:01
Disorganized Attachment Style

22:24
Path to Secure Attachment

28:54
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

keywords
intentional thinking, faith, neuroscience, cognitive overload, positive mindset, emotional wellbeing, therapy, scripture, mindfulness, community

summary
In this episode of the Faith-Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the powerful connection between intentional thinking, faith, and neuroscience. She discusses the importance of managing negative thoughts, the gut-brain connection, and how intentional thinking can enhance emotional wellbeing. Jo emphasises the need to address deep-rooted beliefs and the role of community in supporting mental health. Through scripture and personal insights, she encourages listeners to cultivate a positive mindset and engage in practices that promote holistic health.

takeaways

• Intentional thinking can help manage worst-case scenario thinking.
• The gut-brain connection is significant and should not be ignored.
• Positive thinking aligns with biblical principles and enhances peace.
• Mindfulness can reduce cognitive overload and improve focus.
• Deep-rooted beliefs may require therapeutic intervention to address.
• Positive mindset can be cultivated through intentional thought replacement.
• Community support is vital for mental health and wellbeing.
• Scripture can be integrated into everyday life for spiritual grounding.
• Cognitive overload can lead to stress and anxiety if not managed.
• God's love and acceptance can transform our self-perception.

titles

Chapters

00:00
The Intersection of Faith and Neuroscience

05:11
Intentional Thinking and Its Benefits

10:05
Cognitive Overload and Mindfulness

15:12
Deep Beliefs and Positive Mindset

19:52
Community and Support in Mental Health

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo