In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, part of an ongoing series exploring abuse, Teri explains digital abuse as a pattern of technology-facilitated behaviors used for power and control, emphasizing that abuse is not only physical and that technology can make controlling patterns harder to detect. The episode describes resulting hypervigilance and erosion of self-trust, highlights warning signs in teens, and notes adults are also vulnerable. Practical steps include securing email first, reviewing location-sharing and social settings with safety in mind, documenting threats, strengthening offline support, and assessing whether the relationship feels free or fear-based, urging safety planning and seeking trained help if threats escalate. 

 

00:00 Digital Abuse Intro 

01:28 Location Sharing Red Flags 

03:52 Password Pressure 

06:03 Online Humiliation 

09:01 Isolation and Control 

11:47 Hypervigilance Effects 

13:42 Parents and Hidden Abuse 

15:16 Safety Planning Steps 

21:43 Protecting Teens Respectfully 

22:59 Closing 

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 This Still Waters Podcast episode examines physical abuse as a means of power and control, often starting before visible injuries. Referencing Darby Strickland’s definition, it addresses both overt harm (hitting, slapping, choking) and subtler intimidation tactics (threats, breaking objects, blocking exits, restraint, reckless driving, sleep deprivation). Teri discusses the escalation cycle and warns against dismissing abusive behaviors. Highlighting Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the episode notes red flags in teen relationships and distinguishes physical abuse from accidents, consensual roughhousing, or mutual aggression. Listeners are encouraged to seek support, local resources, and make a safety plan. 

 

00:00 Introduction 

00:47 Excuses & Early Warning Signs 

01:54 Defining Physical Abuse: Power & Safety 

03:12 Examples: Choking, Reckless Driving 

04:34 Intimidation Without Contact 

06:45 Breaking Objects & Blocking Exits 

09:49 Non-Visible Abuse: Restraint, Sleep Loss 

12:17 Abuse Escalation Cycle 

15:17 Real-Life Cases & Anger in Scripture 

17:39 “Once” Claims & Teen Dating Red Flags 

19:22 What Doesn't Count as Physical Abuse 

20:36 Closing: Trusting Yourself & Seeking Help 

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, host Teri White dives into the second part of a series on abuse, inspired by Darby A. Strickland's book, 'Is It Abuse?'. The episode emphasizes that abuse is not confined to physical acts but can also manifest in mental, verbal, and psychological forms. Teri highlights the subtle nature of emotional abuse, which often leaves no visible marks but deeply impacts a person's inner well-being. Various forms of emotional abuse such as name-calling, rejection, terrorizing, isolation, and threats are discussed. The episode also explores extreme neglect and gaslighting as significant forms of emotional abuse, citing examples from popular culture and scripture. The importance of recognizing and naming emotional abuse is underscored, with a reminder that seeking support is a sign of strength. The episode concludes with a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to acknowledge their experiences and reach out for help if needed.

 

00:00 Introduction 

01:48 Understanding Emotional Abuse

04:52 Identifying Emotional Abuse: Examples and Scenarios

16:24 Extreme Neglect and Gaslighting

24:30 Faith and Emotional Abuse

25:41 Conclusion and Resources

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, Teri introduces a series on abuse, inspired by Darby Strickland’s book 'Is It Abuse?'. She clarifies that abuse involves power and control, not just anger, and offers practical examples to help distinguish conflict from abuse. The episode provides questions for self-assessment, addresses challenges faced by people of faith, gives advice for parents about teen dating violence, and encourages listeners to trust their instincts. It highlights the importance of awareness and education in recognizing abuse and sets the stage for future episodes on specific types.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Series on Abuse

02:06 Understanding the Complexity of Abuse

08:06 Illustrations of Abuse in Everyday Life

11:06 Faith and Abuse: A Complex Intersection

12:59 Recognizing Trauma Responses

16:27 Advice for Parents and Young People

19:25 Final Thoughts 

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, the topic of perfectionism is thoroughly explored. The discussion begins by defining perfectionism and differentiating it from simply caring deeply or trying one's best. It then delves into the subtle ways perfectionism manifests and its psychological and physiological impacts, often rooted in past trauma. The conversation highlights why perfectionism is unhealthy and contrasts it with the concept of progress, offering practical advice on how to shift from a perfectionist mindset to one focused on progress. Biblical examples are used to illustrate the value of progress and faithfulness over flawlessness. The episode concludes with strategies to foster self-compassion and encourage continuous healing.

00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism
00:22 Understanding Perfectionism
03:00 The Impact of Perfectionism
05:19 Origins of Perfectionism
06:57 Perfectionism and Trauma
11:16 Biblical Perspectives on Perfectionism
13:44 Embracing Progress Over Perfection
18:20 Practical Tips for Overcoming Perfectionism
21:04 Conclusion and Encouragement

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, hosts Julie and Teri explore the exciting introduction of a new tool on the Still Waters website called Digital Alibi. This tool allows individuals to report abuse, harassment, or other unethical conduct anonymously and safely. The discussion covers how Digital Alibi can be utilized by various individuals including those dealing with domestic violence, workplace harassment, or teens facing abuse. They emphasize the importance of a safe reporting environment and provide an in-depth explanation of how the tool operates and ensures user protection. The episode highlights the necessity for such a tool in providing support and encouraging transparency and accountability in various settings, including family, church, and work environments.

 

00:00 Introduction 

00:28 Introducing the New Abuse Reporting Widget

02:40 How Digital Alibi Works

03:19 Example Scenario: Mrs. Jones

07:19 Steps and Support for Reporting Abuse

08:55 Handling Anonymous Reports

12:20 Reporting in Different Contexts

16:15 Addressing Concerns for Teens

18:30 Navigating School Support Systems

19:32 The Role of Mandatory Reporting

20:27 Anonymous Reporting and Telehealth Insights

23:21 Understanding Different Types of Abuse

24:33 Addressing Parental Concerns

27:37 Ensuring Professionalism and Credibility

30:00 The Importance of Mandatory Reporting

32:08 Conclusion

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, Teri White explores the concept of emotional safety, emphasizing its importance in our overall well-being. She discusses how emotional safety can be compromised in various relationships, including those with friends, family, coworkers, and even within our own thoughts. The episode outlines practical steps to build emotional safety: setting healthy boundaries, building self-awareness, choosing safe relationships, practicing self-compassion, and creating predictable routines. Teri also highlights the impact of emotional abuse on one's sense of safety and provides strategies for healing and reclaiming one's voice. The episode aims to offer listeners actionable tools to create a secure and supportive environment for themselves.

 

00:00 Introduction and Opening Question

01:18 Understanding Emotional Safety

02:34 Recognizing Emotional Safety and Its Absence

08:10 Impact of Emotional Abuse on Safety

11:39 Practical Steps to Create Emotional Safety

20:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, Teri and Rudy delve into the often conflated concepts of resolutions and goals, clarifying the distinctions between them. A resolution is characterized as a promise to oneself without a specific timeframe, while a goal has a defined outcome and timeframe, requiring a structured plan. The discussion explores the emotional and psychological responses to goal-setting, how to approach clients struggling with this process, and the importance of writing and visualizing goals for increased success. The hosts also share strategies to combat procrastination and emphasize the need for accountability. Practical advice is offered, such as starting with small steps and being flexible with goals as circumstances change. The episode concludes with a reminder that seeking external help and pushing past fear are crucial steps in achieving one's aspirations. 

 

00:00 Introduction 

00:46 Defining Resolutions vs. Goals 

01:48 The Formality of Goals 

02:38 Client Reactions to Goals 

05:02 Writing and Visualizing Goals 

09:05 Steps to Achieve Goals 

13:43 Overcoming Procrastination 

17:36 Fear of Success and Self-Criticism 

23:07 Final Thoughts 

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, the focus is on helping parents shift from making vague New Year's resolutions to setting intentional, specific goals regarding teaching their children about sexual risk avoidance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations, building relationships, and equipping children and teens with the skills to navigate peer pressure and make healthy decisions. The podcast clarifies misconceptions about sexual risk avoidance education, highlighting its broader goals beyond just preventing early sexual activity. Key takeaways include the significance of clarity, consistency, open communication, and modeling respectful relationships.

 

00:00 Introduction 

00:19 New Year's Resolutions vs. Goal Setting

03:52 The Importance of Sexual Risk Avoidance Education

06:15 Reframing Resolutions into Goals

10:45 Building Skills and Handling Peer Pressure

13:17 Modeling Respect and Boundaries

14:19 Final Thoughts

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In this episode of The Still Waters Podcast, the team – Julie, Rufus, Abrielle, and Teri – gather to discuss their experiences from the year 2025 as counselors and coaches. They touch upon the fragmentation within families, sexual abuse, dysfunction, and identity crises among young people. The conversation delves into the necessity of continuous education, the impact of patient care, and the importance of creating safe spaces for clients. The team also reflects on the struggles of balancing work and personal life, the challenges of dealing with younger clients, and the need for a stronger focus on mental health in schools. They express concerns about the lack of mental health awareness in the church and broader society and share their insights on dealing with complex issues like faith questioning and gender identity among clients. The episode concludes with an appreciation for the trust clients place in them and a commitment to continuous improvement in their profession.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:53 Julie Reflects on the Year

03:52 Challenges in Counseling

10:44 Balancing Work and Personal Life

22:44 The Importance of Mental Health in Schools

24:48 Lessons Learned from Clients

32:47 Addressing Faith and Identity Issues

38:59 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Contact The Still Waters Team

www.stillwaterslife.com

Email us at:

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Let us help you find healing and wellness at The Still Waters.