
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

Sep 12, 2023 • 7min
S4 E2 | What if Others Don't Respect My Boundaries? With Jim Cress
Sometimes the hardest part of setting boundaries is communicating them. What do we do when someone disregards or disrespects our parameters?In the second episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress will help you know how to respond when someone challenges your boundaries.Related Resources:Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing In Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season.Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today!Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal 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 about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Sep 11, 2023 • 8min
S4 E1 | "Here Is Your Permission To Set Boundaries" With Jim Cress
Is it even biblical for Christians to draw boundaries in their relationships?In the first episode of our miniseries titled "Boundaries Boot Camp," counselor Jim Cress uses Scripture to give you a clearer picture and definition of boundaries to set you up for more personal peace and better relationships.Related Resources:Download Lysa TerKeurst’s free resource "Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships." Stop tiptoeing around dysfunctions that are robbing you of inner peace, and learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season.Continue your personal journey to setting better boundaries that lead to better relationships with the help of Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are. Purchase your copy today!Ready to take the next step in finding your own personal 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 about how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Sep 5, 2023 • 1min
Season 4 Trailer
Welcome to the newest season of Therapy & Theology: "Boundaries Boot Camp" with Jim Cress!During this season, you will learn what boundaries are and what they're not. You'll also receive the hope and encouragement you need to do the hard work of boundary-setting in your personal relationships. Every episode is short in length but jam-packed with insight and wisdom as Jim highlights best practices and practical tips in each one. "Boundaries Boot Camp" contains seven episodes and begins on September 11, 2023.Related Resources:Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode!Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst and Jim Cress 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!

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?