
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 some really hard topics, you’ll soon find they're just three friends having a great conversation and learning from each other along the way.
Latest episodes

Jul 31, 2023 • 29min
"If God Knows What’s Going To Happen, Why Should I Pray?" With Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Join author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle in a thought-provoking conversation about the power of prayer. They discuss how prayer is about surrendering control, trusting in God's will, and finding peace. The podcast explores the nature of prayer, expectations of answers, and how prayer can influence God's actions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's attributes and viewing prayer as a communication of surrender.

Jun 12, 2023 • 18min
What if I Can't Do This?
This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded for the day you hit a hard spot and find yourself wondering, Am I going to make it? What if I can't do this?Join Lysa TerKeurst; licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for the encouragement your heart needs when circumstances you're facing feel unmanageable, uncertain or out of control. Even if you just need a reminder today that you're not alone, this episode is for you.Related Resources:We know God has the power to take away all of our problems and pain on earth. But what do we do when He doesn’t? Join our next study on the book of Job, When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers. Together, we’ll find that God meets us in the middle of every question we’re asking with His love and perfect plan. And while He doesn’t always take our pain away, He promises to give us His comfort, peace and presence in it. Order your digital study guide today, and join us in the free First 5 mobile app for additional daily teachings!Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Jun 5, 2023 • 29min
When a Good God Allows Pain and Suffering with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle
This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded to help you process the question we often wrestle with as Christians: How can a good God allow pain and suffering?Join Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for this encouraging, scripture-filled conversation. After listening, we hope you're both comforted and filled with confidence that just because we can't see what God is doing, it does not mean He is not working. Related Resources:We know God has the power to take away all of our problems and pain on earth. But what do we do when He doesn’t? Join our next study on the book of Job, When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers. Together, we’ll find that God meets us in the middle of every question we’re asking with His love and perfect plan. And while He doesn’t always take our pain away, He promises to give us His comfort, peace and presence in it. Order your digital study guide today, and join us in the free First 5 mobile app for additional daily teachings!Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances. Start your journey here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Apr 13, 2023 • 48min
S3 E5 | What If I Don’t Feel Ready to Forgive?
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for conversations about how to keep moving forward in a healthy way when relationships in your life are unraveling. In Episode 5, Lysa, Jim and Joel discuss the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, debunk the myth of "forgive and forget," and show you how taking a step of forgiveness may be possible for you as soon as today.Related Resources:Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today.Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in. We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Apr 6, 2023 • 49min
S3 E4 | Moving on When Your Marriage Doesn’t
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for conversations about how to keep moving forward in a healthy way when relationships in your life are unraveling. In Episode 4, Lysa, Jim and Joel answer commonly asked questions surrounding the grief a family walks through after a divorce, how to know when you're ready to move on, dating again, and more.Related Resources:Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today.Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in.We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Mar 30, 2023 • 39min
S3 E3 | What the Bible Says About a Marriage Falling Apart
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for conversations about how to keep moving forward in a healthy way when relationships in your life are unraveling. In Episode 3, Lysa, Jim and Joel open up God's Word to find biblical Truth, hope and answers as they discuss the hard realities of a marriage falling apart.Related Resources:Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today.Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in. We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Mar 23, 2023 • 40min
S3 E2 | Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships with Leslie Vernick
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart."In this special episode, Lysa talks with her friend Leslie Vernick about the difference between difficult relationships, which we all have to navigate at times, and destructive relationships, which are damaging to our relational and emotional health and overall well-being.Related Resources:Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today.Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in. Links from Leslie Vernick:1. Free Quickstart Guide2. Free 5 Red Flags Guide3. "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage" by Leslie Vernick4. "The Emotionally Destructive Relationship" by Leslie VernickWe'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Mar 16, 2023 • 54min
S3 E1 | Is This Relationship Toxic?
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for conversations about how to keep moving forward in a healthy way when relationships in your life are unraveling. In Episode 1, Lysa, Jim and Joel tackle the hot-topic word "toxic," defining what it is, what it isn't, and how to respond to toxic dynamics in a relationship.Related Resources:Some say time heals all wounds ... but what if that’s not true? It’s what we do with that time that moves us forward or not. In the pages of Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, "You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today," you will receive the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God. Order your copy today!Don't forget to download your Listener Guide! This guide will help you remember and apply what you have learned, with statements to cling to and scriptures to soak in. We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Mar 9, 2023 • 2min
Season 3 Trailer
Welcome to the newest series of Therapy & Theology: "When a Relationship Is Falling Apart."Some of the most joy-filled moments and memories overflow from the relationships in our lives. And some of the most painful, heartbreaking moments and memories overflow from the relationships in our lives. Relationships are wonderful ... until they're not.And when things begin unraveling, it’s so hard to know how to process it all in a healthy way.In these new episodes, join Lysa TerKeurst; her Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, as they answer your questions and have conversations about how to keep moving forward when relationships in your life are falling apart. Lysa, Jim and Joel discuss topics like:- Signs of destructive and toxic behavior.- Marriage, divorce and dating again.- Forgiveness and reconciliation.Join us for this five-part series starting March 16, 2023.Related Resources:Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode!Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram.Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through free devotions; podcasts; speaking events; conferences; resources; Online Bible Studies; and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. Learn more by visiting our website!We'd like to thank the American Association of Christian Counselors for partnering with us to sponsor Season 3 of Therapy & Theology. Click here to apply for their Mental Health Coach program where you'll be equipped to respond to friends walking through tough issues like depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, addictions and more.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

9 snips
Nov 23, 2022 • 50min
S2 E6 | What Makes a Woman Resilient
Welcome to a new series of Therapy & Theology: "Let's Stop Avoiding This Conversation: 6 Topics Women Have Big Questions About." Join Lysa TerKeurst; her licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for a conversation about therapy and theology. In Episode 6, we look at women throughout history who have made a great impact and how emotionally healthy women today are vital in the flourishing of society. Related Resources: Want more wisdom as you navigate hard relationship dynamics? Find practical next steps, powerful scriptures and timely guidance on how to set realistic, healthy boundaries in Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. In the pages of this book, Lysa's personal counselor, Jim Cress, also provides therapeutic insight surrounding the topic of boundaries, helping you confidently apply what you read. Order here.Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances.Has the Therapy & Theology podcast helped you personally gain a fresh, biblical perspective for what you’re facing? Tell us about it by leaving a review. Want to dig deeper? Dr. Joel Muddamalle put together additional biblical context for this episode. Click here to download now.Click here to view the transcript for this episode.