Have you heard the myths about self-care and community service? Myth 1: Self-care means taking time away from others. Myth 2: Self-care is all about indulgence and relaxation. Myth 3: Self-care is a solitary activity. But what if I told you that serving the community is the ultimate form of self-care? I'll share the truth in a compelling hook. Stay tuned!

My special guest is Lindsay Mapp

Lindsay Mapp, a resident of Charleston and a stay-at-home mom, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. With a strong family background rooted in Long Island, New York, Lindsay's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and helping individuals recognize the importance of their own stories and paths provides a unique perspective on finding joy in daily life. Her genuine dedication to serving the community and her role as a mother of four position her as a true leader, offering valuable insights into the profound impact of community service as a form of self-care.

"You have to just sit back and register and be like, Yes, this is awesome because this is a gift. Living in the present is self care. " - Lindsay Mapp

In this episode, you will be able to:

Transformative self-care for fulfillment

Transformative self-care focuses on finding joy and fulfillment in everyday moments, rather than seeking perfection or ideal relaxation. It encourages individuals to appreciate the small moments of tranquility and joy that exist in daily life. This perspective shifts the focus from external sources of relaxation to internal contentment and self-awareness.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

My special guest today is Whitney Owens

Whitney Owens is a counselor and group practice owner in Savannah, Georgia. With over a decade of experience, she has established herself as a prominent figure in faith-based counseling. Managing a private pay group practice with 15 clinicians, Whitney's expertise extends to providing business coaching services to practice owners nationwide. Additionally, she hosts a weekly podcast and a membership community for faith-based practice owners. Whitney's commitment to empowering others in the field of counseling is evident through her consulting work and speaking engagements at various professional conferences. Her practical insights and hands-on experience make her a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of generosity in leadership within the context of ministry and counseling.

Resources from this episode:

Connect with Steadfast

Steadfast Leadership Conference

Where to connect with Whitney

Wise Practice Consulting

Wise Practice Summit

Wise Practice Podcast

Instagram: @WhitneyOwensConsulting

Facebook: Whitney Owens

Free Facebook Membership Community for Faith-based Practice Owners

Water's Edge Counseling in Savannah, GA

This is part two of my conversation with Tana.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting, and you find yourself constantly struggling to understand and connect with those you care for, then you are not alone! The traditional approaches to parenting and caregiving may not be yielding the results you desire, leaving you feeling lost and unsure of how to provide the support these children truly need.

Joining me on the podcast today is my friend Tana Dukes. Tana is a Christian, a mom, a wife, a social worker, and a small business owner. Tana holds an LMSW in the state of South Carolina and is a TBRI practitioner. With over a decade of experience in child services, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating emotional safety for children. Tana's expertise and dedication to her work make her an invaluable resource in our conversation about attachment, parenting, and the importance of understanding and addressing trauma in children (and in ourselves). Her insights and experience will provide valuable guidance for caregivers and foster parents looking to support children who have experienced trauma.

In this episode, you will be able to:

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

My special guest is Tana Dukes

Tana Dukes is an experienced social worker, holding both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work from Florida State University. With over a decade of dedicated service in child welfare, she currently serves as the LowCountry Director of Foster Care for Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries in Charleston, South Carolina. Tana's professional background, coupled with her role as a mother and wife, provides a unique and informed perspective on the topic of attachment styles and their impact on relationships. Her expertise and passion for purpose are evident in her work, making her a credible and valuable contributor to discussions on attachment, parenting, and community dynamics.

In this episode, you will hear how:

Attachment Style Understanding
Tana's insights offer a fascinating exploration into understanding various attachment styles like secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized, and the influence they exert over relationships. Through examples from daily life, Tana reveals how these attachment styles shape an individual's perceptions about themselves and others, often becoming deeply ingrained patterns. Knowledge about attachment styles, therefore, may equip listeners with a beneficial lens to recognize, empathize and respond effectively to differing perspectives, subsequently promoting healthier attachments in relationships.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Want to create a cohesive team with unwavering trust in your leadership? Yearn for authentic connections and resilience in your workplace? I've got the solution for you to achieve just that.

My special guest, Kelly Wells, is a seasoned coach and leader with over two decades of experience, has an impressive track record, including leading teams to state and national championships. Kelly's leadership approach is marked by a rare blend of vulnerability and kindness, fostering genuine connections. From coaching high school and collegiate basketball to his current role as the director of athletics at Morehead State University, Kelly's leadership journey is underpinned by a deep-rooted commitment to community and family values. His unique perspective on leadership, rooted in service, humility, and the transformative power of coaching, provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate secure attachment and authentic connections within their teams.

In this episode, you will be learn to:

Resources from this episode.

If you're feeling trapped by the weight of unexplainable sadness and experiencing a sense of hopelessness in your battle with depression, then you are not alone!
The struggle to step out of your comfort zone, like the feeling of being unable to step out of a screen door, can be paralyzing. It may seem like there's no way out, and you may even feel like you're losing the battle against your own thoughts.
But what if I told you there's a way to find renewed hope and strength, just like the speaker in the podcast found a way to step out of her own screen door and take back control of her life?
Let's explore strategies to overcome negative thoughts and find the freedom you've been longing for.

This is part two with my special guest is Christie Michaud

As a therapist, author, and integral member of the Steadfast Christian Counseling team, Christie Michaud brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the conversation on overcoming depression. Her personal journey and professional expertise offer a unique and relatable perspective on battling negative thoughts and finding renewed hope. Through her candid approach and focus on cognitive-behavioral tools, Christie's insights provide a comforting and empowering voice for those navigating the challenges of depression, offering a beacon of strength and resilience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Overcoming negative thoughts
Negative thinking not only impacts one's mental health, but it can also create a barrier in one's relationship with God. Christy champions the power of challenging and replacing these harmful thoughts, referring to this as a crucial element of the cognitive component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). By directing one's thoughts towards healthier alternatives, Christy argues that it is possible to regain control over mental health and live a life of freedom.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Have you heard these myths about vulnerability in self-care?

1) Vulnerability is a weakness.

2) Being vulnerable means oversharing.

3) Vulnerability makes you a burden.

In this episode, we debunk these myths and reveal the truth about the power of vulnerability in self-care. Discover how vulnerability can actually be a strength and a catalyst for growth.

In this episode, you will learn how:

My special guest is Christie Michaud

Christie Michaud, a valued member of the Steadfast Christian Counseling team in Charleston, is not only a skilled therapist but also an author who brings a unique perspective to the discussion on vulnerability and self-care. Her personal journey of embracing vulnerability during a medical mission trip to West Africa serves as a powerful example of the transformative impact of openness and honesty. With her expertise and real-life experiences, Christie offers valuable insights into the importance of vulnerability in building healthy relationships and setting boundaries for personal growth. Join host Jessie Evans as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Christie, unraveling the significance of vulnerability in self-care and emotional well-being.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:10 - Introduction to the Steadfast Podcast
00:01:56 - Trauma-Informed Church Workshop
00:03:03 - Introduction to Guest Christy Michaud
00:07:59 - Stepping Into Vulnerability
00:10:47 - Writing "The Believer's Battle Strategy"
00:17:33 - The Importance of Acknowledging Emotions
00:20:10 - Technique for Acknowledging Emotions
00:22:27 - The Value of Transparency and Vulnerability
00:25:01 - Breaking Cultural Norms of Vulnerability
00:30:15 - Transparency as a Reflection of the Gospel
00:35:11 - Characteristics of a Safe Person
00:36:35 - Fruit of the Spirit and Truth Tellers
00:39:25 - Embracing Vulnerability and Humility
00:43:07 - Teasing Out Conviction vs. Condemnation
00:45:04 - Trauma-Informed Boundaries and Humility in Churches

- Explore more of Christie's work here

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that to be an effective leader, you need to focus on making decisions and setting boundaries. But deep down, you know you want to have a more meaningful impact and connect with others in a more authentic way. The pressure to constantly have all the answers and maintain a facade of strength is leaving you feeling isolated and overwhelmed. It's time to break free from this cycle and discover the true power of intentional influence in leadership.

My special guest is Amie York

Amie York, an accomplished leader with a master's degree in leadership, has held significant roles both globally within a nonprofit organization and locally within church staff positions. Her extensive experience spans cross-cultural settings and reflects a remarkable blend of ambition, vision, and a genuine commitment to others. Amie's journey underscores the importance of intentional influence and empathetic leadership, offering valuable insights for leaders seeking to enhance their impact and effectiveness.

Leadership is simply influencing another person or a group of people. And so when I think about that, you influence them, whether it's if you're in the corporate area and you're trying to influence them towards the goals that are set for that quarter, or you're a leader in a church and you're trying to influence them towards a certain type of maturity, or you're just in your home or just a friend. I want to influence my friends towards wholeness in life. - Amie York

In this episode, you will be able to:

Mastering the Art of Influence
Influence is at the core of effective leadership. The conversation between Jesse and Amy highlights the significance of impactful influence, going beyond decision-making to inspire and guide others towards positive outcomes. Leaders must operate with intentionality, embodying and acting upon their core values to authentically influence and inspire those around them.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Passionate therapist Emily Coomer challenges the status quo by advocating for early intervention in therapy for children and trauma populations, striving to break the cycle of generational trauma and create a brighter future for families.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Emily Coomer

Emily Coomer, a licensed professional counselor at Steadfast, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in working with children and trauma populations. With a background in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master's in counseling psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Emily has honed her skills in various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. Her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences shines through in her work. Emily values the participation of parents and guardians in the treatment process and prioritizes building strong therapeutic relationships to help her clients lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Her extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavioral issues, makes her a highly valued member of the Steadfast team.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:00:49 - Emily's Therapeutic Journey
00:02:23 - Impact of Therapy on Generations
00:13:31 - Shifting Perspectives on Mental Health
00:15:33 - Evolving Understanding of Trauma
00:20:05 - Flexibility in Counseling Sessions
00:22:03 - Embracing the Unknown
00:27:26 - Self-care for Caregivers
00:29:40 - Impact of Caregiving
00:32:52 - Recommended Read

If you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to pour into others without taking care of yourself first, then you are not alone! Despite your efforts to stay strong and keep pushing forward, you may be experiencing burnout and a lack of joy in your work. You may already be trying to find time for self-care, but finding it difficult to prioritize yourself amidst the demands of your leadership role. Instead of feeling fulfilled and energized by your work, you may be feeling drained and disconnected from your purpose.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Annalise Lind

Annalise Lind, a valued member of the counseling team at Steadfast Christian Counseling, possesses a wealth of experience, backed by a master's in counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Annalise's transition from her involvement in college ministry to her current role as a therapist underscores her personal journey in realizing the criticality of self-care for leaders. Her profound understanding of emotional well-being while ministering to others positions her as a knowledgeable and relatable guide for leaders seeking to prioritize self-compassion and establish healthy boundaries. Through her own therapy journey, Annalise brings a unique blend of empathy and insight, fostering a safe space for individuals to embark on their own paths to self-awareness and self-care.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:07 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:03:15 - Annalise's Career Journey
00:08:13 - Confronting Protectors
00:11:36 - The Bravery of Self-Compassion
00:15:19 - Forming as a Leader
00:18:25 - Overcoming the Inner Critic
00:19:01 - God's Unconditional Love
00:21:11 - Healing Attachment Wounds
00:23:14 - Barriers to Self-Care
00:31:37 - Personal Growth in Leadership
00:35:39 - Importance of Therapy
00:36:04 - Accessing Therapy
00:36:35 - Music Credits
00:35:39 - Disclaimer about the Podcast
00:36:04 - Accessing Therapy