Speak The Truth

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael discuss the topic of burnout among counselors, particularly those dealing with trauma cases. Joined by recurring guest Beth Claes, they explore how burnout can manifest, the personal and professional factors that contribute to it, and effective strategies for prevention. Beth shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of recognizing red flags, and the critical role of self-care and spiritual refuge. The conversation also delves into practical advice for counselors on maintaining a healthy soul and seeking support before reaching a tipping point.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:20 Guest Introduction and Topic Overview00:44 Beth's Personal Experience with Burnout03:18 Defining Burnout and Its Symptoms04:34 Contributions to Burnout in Counseling08:20 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout15:12 Steps to Avoid Burnout19:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike and special guest, Curtis Solomon discuss the themes of biblical truth and counseling. They explore the significance of God's presence through Psalms 46, emphasizing God's power and provision amid suffering and trauma. Curtis shares updates on his new ministry, the Sentinel Institute, which focuses on empirical research, resources, and reforms in biblical counseling. He also discusses his work at Boyce College and the Biblical Counseling Coalition. The conversation underscores the role of God’s presence and character in providing comfort and solace during times of pain and affliction. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:43 Casual Conversation and Personal Anecdotes01:23 Conference Theme and Counseling Through Psalms02:09 Curtis Solomon's Recent Transitions and New Ministry03:38 The Sentinel Institute: Mission and Vision09:01 Exploring Psalm 46:4–7 God's Presence in Our Pain11:36 Historical Context and Symbolism in Psalm 4620:33 New Covenant Perspective and Personal Application24:05 Encouragement and Final ThoughtsEpisode MentionsThe Sentinel Institute Boyce College Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 

John Henderson, a biblical counselor and ministry leader, joins to explore trauma through a scriptural lens. They delve into Psalm 55, showcasing how David's experiences resonate with modern trauma. John defines trauma's complexity and its dimensions—magnitude, powerlessness, and resource scarcity. The duo discusses the profound impact of interpersonal betrayal and the compassionate role of counselors. They emphasize the importance of Scripture in healing, encouraging listeners to find hope and articulate their trauma through biblical language.

In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts delve into the attribute of God's holiness with Michael, discussing his entry titled 'Embracing Holy Perfection.' They explore the complexities of God's holiness, its association with redemption, moral purity, and how it shapes believers' lives. The conversation includes reflections on pertinent biblical texts, such as Isaiah 6:3-7 and Hebrews 12:10, discussing the distinction between striving for holiness and avoiding legalism. Practical counseling applications and session strategies are shared, emphasizing encountering God's holiness and its impact on personal transformation and worship.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:22 Discussing God's Holiness with Michael01:49 Defining Holiness and Its Implications03:53 Isaiah's Encounter with God's Holiness05:28 Connecting Holiness to Counseling08:13 Practical Applications of Holiness09:56 Striving for Holiness in Daily Life11:55 The Role of Discipline in Holiness26:54 Final Thoughts and EncouragementEpisode MentionsCounseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the focus is on exploring God's steadfast love as highlighted in Lamentations 3. The hosts, Michael and Shauna, delve into how biblical counselors can educate, equip, and encourage counselees by reflecting on God's unceasing love and faithfulness. They discuss practical approaches for integrating these truths into counseling sessions to offer hope and stability, especially during times of suffering. The episode also emphasizes the importance of bringing the vertical truth of who God is to the horizontal struggles of everyday life.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:31 Discussing God's Steadfast Love02:47 Reading and Reflecting on Lamentations 304:17 Applying God's Steadfast Love in Counseling07:05 Encouraging Counselees with Biblical Truths13:22 After Session Assignments and Practical Applications19:17 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementEpisode MentionsCounseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Resource

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael, Shauna, and Jeremy continue their mini-series on counseling through God's attributes, focusing on omnipresence. They discuss the importance of God's omnipresence, especially in counseling settings, drawing from Isaiah 41:10. They emphasize that God's always-present nature offers both comfort and conviction, reminding individuals they're never alone in their struggles. Shauna shares her personal journey as a biblical counselor, highlighting how key scripture verses have guided her and can be used in counseling sessions. The episode rounds off with practical after-session assignments, including scripture memorization and reflective worship music to reinforce the comforting truths about God's constant presence.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:24 Introducing the Counseling Mini-series00:38 Exploring God's Omnipresence01:09 The Importance of Key Scripture Verses02:41 Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promises04:25 Understanding God's Presence07:22 Practical Applications in Counseling15:41 Encouragement and Worship19:17 Conclusion and Future TopicsEpisode ResourcesCounseling Through God's Attributes 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the host is joined by Shannon K. McCoy, an experienced biblical counselor, to discuss the topic of God's peace amidst life's anxieties from her contribution to the ABC Resource, Counseling Through God's Attributes. Shannon shares her life transition from San Diego, California to Spartanburg, South Carolina and her career as a cytology lab manager. The conversation delves into the heightened anxiety and how biblical counseling can address it by focusing on Philippians 4:6-9. They emphasize that peace is an active process tied to trust and obedience in God. Shannon highlights practical counseling techniques, such as daily scripture focus and thought journaling, to help individuals reframe their anxiety in light of God's character and promises.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:55 Shannon's Background and Journey03:40 Discussing God's Peace and Anxiety08:26 Practical Steps for Counseling18:35 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementEpisode Mentions:Counseling Through God's Attributes 

In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike welcomes guest Ellen Dykas, an ABC partner from Harvest USA. Ellen discusses the vital topic of 'God as Comforter' in biblical counseling, specifically referencing 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. The episode not only delves into Ellen's background and her work in discipleship and counseling but also offers a practical guide for counselors on integrating the concept of divine comfort into their sessions. Ellen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's comfort, engaging in meaningful dialogue with counselees, and applying Scripture to help those dealing with pain and suffering. The episode is a rich resource for both current counselors and those in training.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:33 Guest Introduction: Ellen Dykas01:15 Ellen's Background and Ministry03:09 God's Comfort in Counseling06:42 Applying God's Comfort in Counseling Sessions16:44 After Session Assignments and Reflections20:48 Final Encouragement and Closing RemarksEpisode MentionsWives Navigating Sexual Betrayal - Harvest USA Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael is with guest, Betty-Anne Van Rees. Betty-Anne, a key member of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition, shares insights on using God's attributes, particularly God's all-seeing nature (El Roi), to guide counseling sessions. The conversation explores the significance of knowing God personally, using the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-14, and provides practical applications for counselors. The episode highlights the importance of helping counselees see God's care and encourages the use of the 'Counseling Through' resource for both personal growth and enhancing counseling methodologies.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:34 Betty-Anne's Background and Ministry01:17 Counseling Through God's Attributes Miniseries02:29 Focus on God's Attribute: El Roi, The All-Seeing03:55 Application of Hagar's Story in Counseling12:36 Reflection Questions and Practical Assignments21:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEpisode ResourcesCounseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Res 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike sits down with Jesse Pirkle from Southern Hills Church in Carrollton, Georgia, to discuss the concept of God's immutability. They explore how understanding God's unchanging nature can be a powerful tool in counseling, especially for individuals struggling with assurance, doubt, and trust issues. Jesse shares insights from his own ministry and counseling experiences, emphasizing the importance of scripture, singing, and practical assignments in helping counselees grasp this theological attribute. This episode offers a valuable resource for counselors looking to integrate biblical truths into their sessions.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:49 Introducing the Miniseries on Counseling Through God's Attributes01:58 Focusing on God's Immutability in Counseling03:17 Scriptural Foundations of God's Immutability04:11 Practical Applications in Counseling Sessions10:35 Homework and Continued Learning17:59 Engaging the Mind and Heart in Counseling22:31 Addressing Assurance and Doubt in Counseling25:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEpisode MentionsCounseling through God's Attributes - ABC RESDark Clouds Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop Southern Hills Church - Jesse Pirkle