Welcome to the 10,000 Questions podcast—a show for students asking real questions about God, faith, and life. Today we’re jumping straight into the deep end with counselor Jonathan Holmes, Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. Together with host Val O’Brien, we tackle your toughest Qs: helping a friend who’s being abused, living with a parent’s addiction, navigating self-harm thoughts (especially when parents “don’t believe in mental health”), repairing relationships you’ve hurt, and walking through grief and loss.

This conversation is honest, practical, and hopeful—with next steps you can take today and a clear reminder that you’re not alone and God is near.

What you’ll learn:

• How to support a friend experiencing abuse (and why bringing in a trusted adult matters)

• Why addiction can feel like “voluntary slavery”—and where freedom is found

• What to do with self-harm thoughts and how to ask for help safely

• A simple framework to repair relationships after you’ve caused hurt

• How to start processing grief with honesty before God

• Next steps, resources & where to find help

Resources & Links:

• Fieldstone Counseling (in-person & remote): https://fieldstonecounseling.org/
• Follow Jonathan Holmes: https://www.instagram.com/akjonathanholmes/?hl=en
• Learn more about Aspen Ministry: https://aspenministry.org/
• Learn more about the 10,000 Questions project: ask10KQ.org

  If you’re thinking about self-harm or suicide, talk to someone now:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — call or text 988
• Tell a trusted adult, school counselor, or youth leader today

  Subscribe for more student-driven conversations about faith and real life. Comment your question for our next Q&A. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement.