The Steadfast Podcast

Does caring for yourself ever feel selfish—or at odds with your faith?

In this episode of the Steadfast Podcast, Jessie Evans sits down with licensed professional counselor and author Christie Michaud to explore a different perspective: vessel care.

Drawing from her book, Vessel Care, Christie shares how caring for your spirit, soul, and body can support your relationship with God and your ability to care for others. Together, they discuss acknowledging difficult emotions without shame, recognizing when it’s time to pause an argument, and taking small steps toward healing without feeling responsible for fixing everything yourself.

You’ll also hear Christie’s practical “I feel, but I know” exercise and an honest conversation about holding onto biblical truth without brushing past your pain.

Meet Christie Michaud

Christie Michaud, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and author based in Charleston, South Carolina. She integrates biblical principles with therapeutic approaches to help women, couples, and families navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and grow in their faith. Her book, Vessel Care, offers practical guidance for caring for the spirit, soul, and body while aligning with God’s purposes. A wife, mother of three, and breast cancer survivor, Christie brings personal experience and a passion for helping others find hope, healing, and freedom in Christ to her counseling, writing, and workshops.

Christie's Links

Vessel Care

Christie's Website

The Believer's Battle Strategy

Follow Christie on Instagram

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

You finally get a moment to yourself—but instead of relaxing, you feel guilty about everything you could be doing for someone else. Why is taking care of yourself sometimes the hardest thing to prioritize?

In this episode of the Steadfast Podcast, Jessie Evans sits down with therapist Jess Howell to explore why Christian women often struggle with rest, boundaries, and self-care. They discuss the messages that tie our worth to how much we give, how suppressing our emotions can leave us disconnected from ourselves, and what Jesus’ example teaches us about making space for rest.

Jess also shares practical ways to care for your physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational needs without an expensive vacation or an elaborate routine.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

• Why self-care can feel selfish—and how to see it as stewardship
• Learning to recognize your emotions instead of pushing them aside
• Loving yourself while practicing humility
• Setting boundaries, asking for help, and making room for rest
• Small, everyday steps toward taking care of yourself

If you’ve been waiting until everyone else is taken care of before tending to your own needs, this episode is an invitation to pause. You are more than what you do for other people, and your needs deserve care, too.

Meet Jessica Howell

Jessica Howell, LPC, works with adults, offering a compassionate and supportive environment for healing and growth. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Person-Centered Therapy to meet her clients' individual needs and goals. Jessica specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, recovery from sexual abuse, and religious trauma. If you’re ready to start your journey toward healing, Jessica is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today to take the first step.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

Do you ever wonder if God is mad at you—or feel like you can never do enough to earn His approval?

In this episode of The Steadfast Podcast, Jessie Evans and Annalise Lind, LPC, explore scrupulosity and what happens when faith becomes tangled with fear, guilt, and the pressure to get everything right. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), they discuss how religious protector parts can develop, what those parts may be trying to protect, and how early relationships can shape the way we experience God.

Together, Jessie and Annalise explore:

• Fears about salvation, displeasing God, and doing enough
• The connection between attachment experiences and our view of God
• Approaching fearful parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion
• Why exploring your story can be a meaningful part of spiritual growth
• How counselors and pastors can work together to offer support
• Learning to rest in God without needing all the answers

If faith has started to feel like a constant cycle of “work harder, try harder,” this conversation offers an invitation to slow down, notice what’s happening within you, and approach those tender places with kindness.

Meet Annalise Lind, LPC

Annalise Lind, LPC, serves adults, young adults, and couples, creating a welcoming space for clients to explore growth and healing. She utilizes therapeutic approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Person-Centered Therapy, and Attachment Theory to tailor her work to each client’s needs. Annalise specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, young adulthood transitions, and marital and premarital concerns. Whether you’re navigating life changes or working through deep emotional struggles, Annalise is here to guide you toward healing. Reach out today to take the first step in your journey.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

“I’m fine.” “Whatever.” “Do what you want.”

Sometimes the shortest responses carry the most unspoken feelings. So why is it so hard to just say what we need?

Jessie Evans and Tiff Holdgate unpack the passive-aggressive patterns that show up in marriage, parenting, and everyday relationships. They explore how childhood experiences and attachment styles can shape the way we communicate, the difference between needing space and giving the silent treatment, and how to stop expecting others to read our minds.

With relatable examples and practical ways to ask for help, express frustration, and respond to indirect comments, this conversation offers a starting point for breaking the cycle and building more honest, emotionally safe relationships.

You don’t need perfect words to say something real.

Meet Tiff Holdgate, LPCS

Tiff Holdgate, LPCS, works with adults, providing a safe and supportive space for healing and personal growth. She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Brainspotting, to tailor her work to each client’s unique needs. Tiff specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse recovery, grief, and religious trauma. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and wholeness, Tiff is here to walk alongside you. Contact her today to begin your journey.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

Your child talks nonstop at home but goes quiet at school, church, or around family. How do you know when it’s more than shyness—and how can you help without adding pressure?

In this episode of The Steadfast Podcast, Jess Howell, LPC, and Jessie Evans explore selective mutism and the anxiety that can make speaking feel impossible. They discuss what parents might notice, when to seek professional support, and simple ways to make everyday interactions feel safer.

You’ll hear about:

• The difference between shyness and selective mutism

• Building connection without putting kids on the spot

• Using descriptions and simple choices to reduce pressure

• Giving children time to respond before jumping in

• Helping kids build their “brave muscles”

• Working with counselors and teachers for support

This conversation offers a compassionate starting point for parents who want to better understand their child and help them take small, supported steps toward finding their voice.

Meet Jessica Howell

Jessica Howell, LPC, works with adults, offering a compassionate and supportive environment for healing and growth. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Person-Centered Therapy to meet her clients' individual needs and goals. Jessica specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, recovery from sexual abuse, and religious trauma. If you’re ready to start your journey toward healing, Jessica is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today to take the first step.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

How do you find a therapist who’s actually right for you? Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or wondering if it’s time for a change, knowing what to look for can make the process feel less overwhelming.

In this episode of The Steadfast Podcast, Jessie Evans and Tiff Holdgate break down how to find the right therapy for your needs, personality, and season of life. They explore different therapeutic approaches, why connection with your therapist matters, and the questions you can ask before committing.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify what you need from therapy

• The differences between talk therapy, skills-based approaches, and trauma-focused work

• Green flags and red flags in the therapeutic relationship

• What to ask during a consultation

• What the letters LPC, LPCA, and LPCS mean

• When it might be time to find a different therapist

You’re allowed to ask questions, speak up when something isn’t working, and find someone who feels like the right fit.

Meet Tiff Holdgate, LPCS

Tiff Holdgate, LPCS, works with adults, providing a safe and supportive space for healing and personal growth. She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Brainspotting, to tailor her work to each client’s unique needs. Tiff specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse recovery, grief, and religious trauma. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and wholeness, Tiff is here to walk alongside you. Contact her today to begin your journey.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

What if making a mistake didn’t mean you failed?

In this episode, Jessie talks about why mistakes are part of growth, not proof that something is wrong with you. She shares how perfectionism can turn self-reflection into shame, why healthy relationships need repair instead of perfection, and what it looks like to get back up after something doesn’t go the way you hoped.

From taking risks in business to apologizing in relationships, Jessie explores how mistakes can teach us, stretch us, and make us better—if we’re willing to be honest, learn the lesson, and try again.

Because the goal isn’t to never mess up.

The goal is to know what to do when you do.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

Free Kitchen Reflection Guide

Jessie created a simple four-step reflection tool to help you pause, check in, and decide how you want to show up in the middle of everyday life.

Print it out, stick it on your fridge, and use it whenever you need a quick reset.

Download the free Kitchen Reflection Guide:

https://link.mytherapyflow.com/widget/form/Zmgwx48V1NL9CkMdudLv

What if changing how you show up doesn’t mean you’re being fake—it means you’re being intentional?

In this episode, Jessie talks about the idea of the “self-edit” and why being authentic doesn’t mean acting on every feeling, impulse, or reaction. Sometimes the way we instinctively respond comes from insecurity, jealousy, defensiveness, or simply wanting to be liked or right.

Jessie explores the difference between changing yourself to fit in and making thoughtful changes because you know who you want to be. She also digs into the difference between being nice to yourself and being kind to yourself, why kindness sometimes means telling yourself the truth, and how to hold yourself accountable without slipping into shame.

You don’t have to show up perfectly. You can notice what didn’t feel right, make an edit, and keep going.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

What happens when fitting in starts costing you pieces of who you are?

In this episode of The Steadfast Podcast, Jessie talks about mean girl culture, belonging, confidence, and the pressure girls feel to change themselves in order to be accepted. She shares what she’s teaching her own daughters about opening the circle, celebrating other women, using their voices, and knowing they never have to audition for belonging.

Because real confidence isn’t about fitting in. It’s about knowing who you are and making room for others to do the same.

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastchristiancounseling/

💙 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Steadfast-Christian-Counseling/100088672554550/

What does winning actually look like for you?

In the Season 4 premiere of The Steadfast Podcast, Jessie Evans explores a question she’s been thinking about all summer: how do we define winning when life is about so much more than measurable outcomes?

Jessie shares how the Steadfast team thinks about success, impact, and the kind of people they want to become. She also invites you to consider how you want to show up in your own relationships, family, work, community, and everyday life.

In this episode, Jessie talks about moving beyond the “scoreboard,” defining success through your values, making a meaningful impact on the people around you, and building the resilience to keep growing even when things don’t go the way you hoped.

As Season 4 begins, expect more practical conversations designed to help you take big ideas and actually do something with them.

So, what does winning look like for you?

If you’re looking for Christian counseling in Charleston, SC, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling would love to walk with you.

🌿 Learn more: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com

📅 Book your free consultation here: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com