Therapy and Theology
Have you ever looked at a situation you’re facing in utter disbelief and thought, "How will I ever get over this?" Lysa TerKeurst understands. After years of heartbreak and emotional trauma, she realized it’s not about just getting over hard circumstances but learning how to work through what she has walked through. Now, she wants to help you do the same. That’s why Lysa teamed up with her personal, licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress, alongside the Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, to bring you "Therapy & Theology." While Lysa, Jim and Joel do tackle...
S14 E4 | "How To Recognize the Enemy's Weapons Without Living in Fear" With Jonathan Pokluda
How can we recognize when the enemy is using deception, fear, or doubt to pull us away from God’s Truth?
In this episode with special guest Pastor Jonathan “JP” Pokluda, author of "Your Story Has a Villain: Identify Spiritual Warfare and Learn How to Defeat the Enemy," you will learn:
How to tell the difference between healthy questions about your faith and doubt that becomes destructive.What Christian deconstruction can look like and how the enemy can use deception to distort what is true.How to process real fears surrounding the devil, spirit...S14 E3 | What the Bible Really Says About Death, Heaven, and Hell
Have you ever found yourself asking hard questions about death and eternity? What happens to us when we die? Are heaven and hell real places? What will heaven really be like? Is it wrong to be afraid of death? These can feel like scary questions to process, but Scripture gives us truth and hope even in the face of death.
In this episode, you will learn:
What the Bible says about death, heaven, hell, and eternity and how an eternal perspective can change the way we live life in a broken world.What...S14 E2 | You Don’t Have To Face Your Daily Battles Alone
There is a real enemy out there who hates us and longs to deceive us, divide us, and lead us toward self-destruction. But we also have a really good God who has given us access to the armor of God so we can stand firm against the enemy in the midst spiritual warfare.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to lay side the false armor you may be hiding behind.How the enemy capitalizes upon relational conflict, isolation, and division.The context in which Ephesians 6:10-18 was written and what putting on...S14 E1 | Is This God, the Enemy or My Own Emotions?
We must avoid living in one of these two extremes: obsessing over the spiritual realm or completely neglecting it. The most balanced place to live is where we're operating in spiritual discernment by the power of the Holy Spirit. Because the devil is crafty, but he is not creative, and God has given us tools to grow in awareness of his schemes without giving in to fear.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to discern what’s spiritual warfare and what’s simply part of living in a broken world.How to expe...Season 14 Trailer | How To Live in a Broken World with a Spiritual Perspective
In Season 14 of Therapy & Theology, we’re learning what it means to live aware but not afraid. Together we’ll explore topics like spiritual discernment, spiritual warfare, the armor of God, death and dying, heaven and hell, what Scripture says about the unseen realities behind the battles we face, and so much more.
You see, there is a seen, physical reality to the things we experience, but then there is also an unseen, spiritual reality coexisting at the same time. While we don't want to ignore the enemy, we also don't want to give him...
S13 E3 | Their Chaos Doesn't Have to be Your Chaos
We know that it isn't our responsibility to control another person, but when they're chaos enters into our world and we want it to stop, we start trying to manage them without even realizing what we are doing. Friend, you have co-signed their chaos long enough. Now it's crucial that you exercise the one type of control we are supposed to have as followers of Christ — self-control.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to set healthy boundaries with difficult people.How we unintentionally add to others' chaos through our own desires, fears, an...S13 E2 | Are You Being Responsible or Trying to Control?
If we are honest, sometimes we declare that our trust is in the Lord, but we simultaneously doubt His plans and frantically come up with our own. In the name of "being responsible," we obsess over how to get everyone and every circumstance to line up with the outcome we think is best.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Identify sneaky controlling tendencies that may be hiding behind good intentions.Plan for the future without obsessing over the future.Be responsible for what you can be responsible for, and ultimately surrender...S13 E1 | You’re Not Controlling, You’re Afraid
Most of us aren't "controlling people" by nature. We are usually caring people whose desperation has compelled us try and fix what we already know is beyond our ability to control. But underneath the need to control is often something deeper: fear. And that fear has convinced us that it's our job to fix, manage, and hold everything together.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to identify the root of what you're truly afraid of.The four components of fear — and how understanding them can change the way you respond.Healthy ways to...Season 13 Trailer | Making Peace with What I Can’t Control
Welcome to Season 13 of Therapy & Theology! Over the next few weeks, you're going to get an inside look into Lysa TerKeurst’s new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control.
This message will come alive as you learn:
What's really driving your temptation to control people, outcomes and circumstances.How to recognize when healthy responsibility has crossed the line into fear-driven control.How to navigate around other people's chaos without losing your peace and sanity.How to release burdens that were never yours to carry into God's capable hands.If you...
Bonus: When Healing Feels Slow, Relationships Are Strained, and God Seems Silent | Q&A with Lysa, Jim, and Dr. Joel
In this Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Counselor Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle respond to questions sent in by generous partners of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
They're answering questions like:
Can anxiety ever be cured?How do I set boundaries with someone who is in active addiction?What does biblical submission in marriage look like?Why does God feel distant even when I pray and read my Bible?Can Satan influence our thoughts?Links and resources we mention in this episode:
We’re grateful to the American Association of Ch...Bonus: When Helping Others Starts Hurting You
However you are called to help other people, that is your personal ministry. But how can you serve others, lead well, and make a difference without losing yourself or burning out?
In this episode, you'll learn:
When helping others crosses the line into enabling, you're trying to "play savior," or even becoming codependent.How to manage internal desires you have, like longing for affirmation, so that you can stay healthy, emotionally grounded, and purehearted.The difference between bettering your self-image and growing in self-awareness.Links and resources we mention in this episode:<...
S12 E6 | "How To Raise Healthy Kids, Not Just Happy Kids" With Sissy Goff and David Thomas
Parenting in today's world has never felt more overwhelming. Between rising anxiety, social media, and the pressure to get it all right, many Christian parents are wondering: How do I raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids?
In this episode, featuring counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas, you'll learn:
Common parenting mistakes that unintentionally undermine a child's confidence, capability, and emotional growth.How to discern the difference between healthy struggle and situations that require intervention and support.Practical scripts to use when your child experiences failure and disappointment.Tools for overcoming parental shame and trusting...S12 E5 | Does Praying for Our Family Make a Difference?
Praying for our family shouldn't be our last resort — it should be our first priority.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Scripture-based prayers you can borrow when you feel inadequate or short of words.How to persist and make peace with prayers that have gone unanswered.The powerful, generational impact prayer can have on your family.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Give today, and get a copy of Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst as our thank-you. Get started here!Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Pr...S12 E4 | How To Set Healthy Boundaries Without Damaging Relationships
Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries — even with family members. While dysfunction or even abuse needs to be addressed, are there instances where we have taken boundaries "too far"?
In this episode, you'll learn:
When relational boundaries become unhealthy, leading to cutoffs, emotional distance, or family estrangement.How to set boundaries with family members in a way that increases safety, improves communication, and reduces isolation.How to protect your emotional health without attempting to control another person.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband an...S12 E3 | 7 Things That Build and Break Trust in Your Marriage
It’s not always the “big betrayals” that damage trust in a marriage. More often, it’s the seemingly “little things” that are easy to overlook.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The two essentials that must be present for trust to thrive.How to stop having the same argument with your spouse.A simple assessment to help you establish your unique “trust language” as a couple.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Download the "Healthy Conversations Contract" here.Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter...S12 E2 | The Small Marriage Issues That Turn Into Big Problems Over Time
Experiencing hardships in marriage is inevitable — especially as both seasons and partners change. But what truly matters is how you communicate through those challenges.
In this episode, you'll learn how to:
Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.Explore counselor Rebecca Maxwell's work and her new book here: Je...S12 E1 | How To Build a Family Where Everyone Belongs
With so much against us and our families in today's world, how can we build a family rooted in biblical Truth and a strong sense of belonging?
In this episode, you'll learn:
Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Fight for your family by downloading 15 Prayers for Your Husband and 15 Prayers for Your...Season 12 Trailer | Fight for Your Family
Welcome to Season 12 of Therapy & Theology: Fight for Your Family!
Are you longing to strengthen your marriage, build deeper family relationships, or parent with greater intentionality in today’s modern world? In this new season of Therapy & Theology, we combine biblical wisdom with practical therapeutic tools to help you fight for the relationships that matter most.
In this six-episode series, you’ll discover:
S11 E4 | "What Does It Mean To Be Relationally Healthy?" With Lysa TerKeurst
A relationship can only be as healthy as the individuals in that relationship. So how can we grow and show up as our best selves for the people in our lives?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Four things that erode or even break apart a good relationship.How to improve communication and work through conflict when you’re feeling misunderstood.How to answer the question "What is really bothering me?" so you can identify root issues.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
Get your copy of I Want to Trust You, but...S11 E3 | "What Does It Mean To Be Emotionally Healthy?" With Counselor Rebecca Maxwell
Our emotions are God-given signals designed to guide us toward greater self-reflection, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. But how do we learn to manage our feelings instead of letting them control us?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to maintain emotional health, whether you tend to suppress your emotions or feel them intensely.Practical strategies for staying emotionally regulated as a parent.How relationships contribute to our emotional well-being — for better or worse — and how to improve this.Links and Resources We Mention in This Episode:
We’re grateful to the American Association of Christia...S11 E2 | "What Does It Mean To Be Mentally Healthy?" With Jim Cress
In today's world, it can feel like stress is unavoidable. Is constant pressure and burnout just part of life now? How can we protect our mental health with so much pulling at us?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to identify stressors in our life and assess how you're really doing.What to do when you feel overwhelmed by shame.Practical scripts you can borrow to reach out to someone when you need help.Four essential questions to ask your loved ones as you support their mental health journey.Links and Resources We Mention in...
S11 E1 | "What Does It Mean To Be Spiritually Healthy?" With Dr. Joel Muddamalle
If you’ve ever been tempted to confuse spiritual health with spiritual perfection, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The markers of a spiritually healthy Christian and the daily habits they consistently pursue.The overlooked patterns that may be threatening your spiritual health and relationship with God.How to escape shame, guilt, and isolation and return to the Lord — who has never left your side.Links and Resources We'll Mention This Episode:
Download the "Healthy Conversations Contract" Jim talks about here.We're grateful to the American Association of Christian Counse...Introducing Season 11 and What’s in Store for 2026
Therapy & Theology is back for the first time in 2026! Season 11 includes four brand-new episodes designed to help you take an honest look at your life and grow healthier — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. Think of this season as a “health check,” where each episode dives deep into a key area through meaningful one-on-one conversations with a trusted Therapy & Theology voice.
This season isn’t about quick fixes or becoming a “new you” overnight. It’s about sustainable healing, biblical wisdom, faith-based mental health, and learning how to partner with the Holy Spirit for lasting growth — even when progress feels s...
Bonus: Receiving Judgment, Reaching for Closure, Rebuilding Trust | Q&A Part 2
In this bonus Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Counselor Jim Cress respond to voice memos sent in by Therapy & Theology listeners.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:
Navigate conflicting narratives and opinions from others.Respond to someone whose actions and words don't align.Make peace with your desire for clarity and closure as you move forward from a past relationship.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:
Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress.The Therapy & Theology po...Bonus: Confronting Regret, Co-Parenting, Finding the Courage To Move Forward | Q&A Part 1
In this bonus Q&A episode, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Counselor Jim Cress respond to voice memos sent in by Therapy & Theology listeners.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to accept the life you have today, instead of being stuck in ruminating over the past.What to do when life feels "stalled out" and you're waiting for God.Practical tools for co-parenting with an ex-partner and how to approach dating again post-divorce.Links and Resources We'll Mention in This Episode:
Get your copy of Surviving an Unwanted Divorce by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr...S10 E6 | Tools To Fight Anxiety and Better Your Mental Health
When life takes an unexpected turn — whether it’s going through a divorce or another unwanted circumstance — it can feel like survival mode is the only option. Our mental health begins to suffer, bringing increased anxiety, loneliness, and endless what-if questions. But there is hope — and this conversation with Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rebecca Maxwell will help you find it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
S10 E5 | How To Accept a Future You Never Wanted
The cure for grief isn’t time — it’s acceptance. Acceptance helps you process what has been lost, let go of what will never be, and discover new meaning and purpose moving forward.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
S10 E4 | How To Forgive When the Hurt Was So Unfair
Forgiveness often feels like an unfair gift we have to give to someone who hurt us the most. But what if it's actually God's prescription for the hurting human heart to heal?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The dangers and costs of unforgiveness.How to maintain a soft heart heart when you're scared to get hurt again.The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.What to do when you get triggered again.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around th...
S10 E3 | When Divorce Makes You Feel Like You Weren't Enough
After a life-altering experience like an unwanted divorce, the dust may settle, but your mind keeps racing. Questions like Why wasn’t I enough?, What could I have done differently?, or How did I miss this? spiral on repeat. Without healing and healthy processing, these thoughts turn into faulty beliefs that make moving forward even harder.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Who is a trustworthy source of truth to speak into your life.What is a three-step process to take your thoughts captive based on 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.How to live in the identity God has give...S10 E2 | Is Infidelity the Only Reason for Divorce?
Divorce is so deeply complex, confusing, and gut-wrenching — especially when you are blindsided by betrayal and left facing a future you never asked for.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Matthew 19 is often misunderstood and debated, and what Jesus actually meant.What the connection is between Old and New Testament teachings on marriage and divorce.How to keep refusing shame so you can walk toward deeper healing for your future.A special thank-you to our partner for this season: Convoy of Hope. For over 30 years, Convoy of Hope has helped vulnerable communities around the worl...
S10 E1 | Does God Hate Divorce?
Divorce is a deeply painful experience that often carries layers of shame and confusion, especially for Christians. While we don't want to glorify divorce in anyway, we also don't want people quietly suffering without a place to turn.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What it means to be an image bearer of God — whether you're married or single.Why passages of Scripture, like Malachi 2:16, are often misunderstood and how you can know what the original text actually means.How to refuse the shame-filled accusations the enemy throws at you.A special thank-you to our partn...
Season 10 Trailer | Surviving an Unwanted Divorce
For years, Lysa TerKeurst has walked alongside women who never wanted their marriage to end yet find themselves navigating the grief, shame, and unanswered questions that divorce brings. Now, Lysa, alongside theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, and other special guests, offers listeners the emotional fortitude and biblical confidence they need to move forward.
These episodes will especially help:
Someone who has suffered or is currently suffering through an unwanted divorce.Friends, family members, Bible study leaders, pastors, and counselors who are walking with others through their own devastating season.Christians who have l...S9 E4 | Red Flags That May Be Sneaking Into Your Parenting
Whether you're parenting biological, foster, or adoptive children or navigating your own healing journey from when you were a child, this conversation is for you.
In this episode with Meredith Brock, Jim Cress, and Bethany Hall, you'll learn how to:
Links we mentioned in this episode:
Download "...S9 E3 | Is Every Red Flag a Big Deal?
It's one thing to recognize red flags in your relationships. It's another thing to know what to do after that.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Five spectrums to consider when determining how serious a red flag is.Guidelines for determining if a particular red flag is something that needs to be confronted or self-managed.How to grow in awareness of red flags without getting overwhelmed or scared to get close to others.Links we mentioned in this episode:
Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst...S9 E2 | Six Red Flags To Watch For in Any Relationship
Noticing red flags doesn’t make you critical — it makes you wise.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Six red flags to be aware of — whether you're building new relationships or evaluating existing ones.How to talk to someone about behavior that concerns you.How to best utilize godly discernment as you grow in self-awareness.Links we mentioned in this episode:
Download "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst here.Sign up for a $10 webinar on September 4 at 7 p.m. ET with the Chosen team to learn about...S9 E1 | “Is This a Red Flag?” Here’s How You Can Know
Have you been interacting with someone and concern rises up within you? An unsettledness bubbles up? Your guard goes up, and you start thinking things like: I don’t know if I can trust them. I don’t know if I can believe what they’re saying. Am I safe to share with them?
If so, this first episode in our new season, "Red Flags in Relationships," is for you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What a red flag is and what it isn't.How to recognize areas of concern for ourselves without shaming or bla...Season 9 | Red Flags in Relationships
Summertime is a season for sunshine, long days, and making memories with the people closest to us.
But let’s be honest — more time together doesn’t always mean more connection. It could create more tension. And sometimes that’s because we can no longer ignore red flags that are now staring us in the face.
Whether you’re single, dating, married, or navigating complicated family dynamics — we're diving into it all this summer.
In Season 9, Lysa, Jim, and Joel will help you learn:
S8 E6 | Is Pornography Actually Harmful?
The (sometimes secret) struggle with pornography takes an emotional and spiritual toll on individuals, marriages, and families. It's a multifaceted issue that requires a multifaceted healing plan.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How pornography affects intimacy, identity, and trust.Tools and tactics for having conversations around this topic without fear.What to do (and not to do) the moment you discover something.Scriptural passages to turn to on pornography.Helpful Links
Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it could be answered on one of our future podcast...S8 E5 | Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and How To Get Help
Addiction is a heartbreaking reality that weighs heavy on loved ones who are affected. But when you're navigating something this complex, how can you know the best way forward?
In this episode, you will learn:
Helpful Links
Have...S8 E4 | The Truth About Narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder
While we don't want to put labels on people, it is important to be aware of certain patterns of behavior. Because the more awareness we have, the better we'll be able to navigate situations we find ourselves in.
In this episode, you will learn:
The characteristics, signs, and symptoms of narcissism and borderline personality disorder.How to draw boundaries and protect yourself from dysfunctional or even dangerous relationships.The truth behind the age-old question, "Can people really change?"Helpful Links
Have a question for Lysa, Jim, or Joel? Leave us a message, and it...