Your Questions Answered!

What's on your mind?

From time to time, we like to spend a whole episode answering your questions - things that you’ve always wondered about but never knew who to ask. We apply our knowledge about ministry and counseling, as well as our own personal experiences with therapy and mental health, to give thoughtful, actionable advice for the realities of life and relationships. Be ready for some unflinching, honest conversations!

YQA I - Medication for Mental Health, Divorce, and Family Issues: Listen

The WYITW team answers these listener questions:

1. What is a biblical perspective on the use of medication for anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders?

2. What does the Bible say about divorce?

3. How do I deal with an emotionally immature parent?

4. How do I navigate a conflict with my spouse over a deeply rooted desire that my spouse doesn’t share?

YQA II - Helpful Therapeutic Concepts; Singleness in Church: Listen

John, Shay, Lynn, and Austin have a spirited discussion about these important topics:

1. What therapeutic concept has been most eye-opening and helpful to you as a counselor?

2. As a single person in the church, I struggle to figure out where I fit in. How do I deal with being single when I feel overlooked?

YQA III - Marital Conflict & Pornography Addiction: Listen

John and Austin jump into the deep end as they address questions about marriage and pornography. Their answers may surprise, challenge, and encourage you!

1. At the heart of most of our marital conflicts it seems as though my spouse expects me to meet their needs that I cannot meet. How do I handle that?

2. What advice would you give to someone who is addicted to pornography? This has been a struggle of mine for such a long time. I know why it’s a problem and want to stop, but I can’t seem to get any long term freedom from it.

YQA IV - Logical Consequences, Sibling Rivalry, & School Agendas: Listen

John, Lynn, and Shay offer strategies and perspective on these important parenting questions:

1. What are logical consequences? How do I implement them? Ideas for teens?

2. What’s normal when it comes to sibling rivalry? How do I manage it? Ideas to minimize it?

3. How should I navigate agendas in my child's school that conflict with my values?

YQA V - Abusive Son-in-Law, Guilt Trips & ADHD: Listen

You asked and we answered! John, Lynn and Austin address these three listener questions:

1. How do I help my daughter in an abusive marriage? What about the grandkids?

2. How do I deal with a family member who tries to manipulate me with guilt trips?

3. How do I know if my child has ADHD? If they do, what steps can I take to help them?

NEW! YQA VI - Bad Therapy vs. Good Therapy: Listen

A listener asked, “How can I know the difference between ‘bad therapy’ and ‘good therapy’ for my child?” and wanted our hot take on Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier.

Shrier's book questions some of the prevailing practices and ideologies within therapy, particularly in regards to kids, and raises these concerns:

• overdiagnosing of children with mental health disorders

• therapeutic practices that have an unhelpful focus on feelings

• a growing lack of parental involvement that requires "experts" to treat children for normal life struggles

John, Lynn, and Austin weigh in on these concerns, talk about the role a therapist plays in a person's life, and distinguish between bad therapy and good therapy. Thankfully, good therapy - and good therapists - do exist! But we think you should read the book and be an informed parent on this important topic.

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Have a question for the WYITW Team? Send us an email at withyouintheweeds@thecrossingchurch.com and we might address it in a future episode!