Soul Grit

Hope for Healing Trauma

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

TW: This episode contains a story of violence and assault. Our guest will share how she has overcome the trauma that happened to her, but if you are sensitive to stories of violence, please choose another episode for today.

Even if your personal story sounds like an episode of Dateline, there is hope, healing, and forgiveness possible. Our guest, Kimberly Haar, has a story that is difficult to believe--especially since she has overcome assault, violence, and even kidnapping to give hope now to other people as a trauma therapist. Her book Healing from Life’s Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma shares her story as well as practical tools on healing with God's help. Even if your hurts are not dramatic like Kim's, you can benefit from the help offered here.

Kimberly Haar, LMFT, LPC is a trauma therapist and author based in Oklahoma. Find her online at https://kimberlyhaar.com/.

Follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG and email your questions and comments to info@soulgritresources.com. Sign up at www.soulgritresources.com to be the first to know about new blogs, episodes, and more.

How Change Really Happens in Therapy

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Do you change and grow when you have those "Aha!" moments? When you understand why? Or does change actually happen when new habits, consistency, and accountability are in place? Brandon Joffe talks about the "seduction of why" in therapy. (Brandon also offers great wisdom for parents who may be struggling with their teens--including the host!)

Brandon Joffe, LCSW, is the host of the "Hope for Parents of Struggling Teens" podcast and the director of Inspired Resolutions Counseling in Southern California.

Asian American Mental Health Part 2: Asian + Christian

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0700

How does growing up in an Asian or Asian-American culture shape the way you live out your Christian faith? How do traditional Asian values measure up against biblical values? And how can we understand attachment to a loving God as a basis for our mental health?

Gary Quan, LMFT, James Chen, AMFT, and Ari X. return for Part 2 of the conversation about their new book Asian American Chronicles - Tales of Mental Health and Hope.

Exploring Asian American Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

What is unique about mental, emotional, and relational health in an AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) context? Our guests who are uniquely positioned to respond because of their identities as Christians, as Asian Americans, and as mental health providers are here for our first ever panel conversation with three guests.

Gary Quan, LMFT is a return guest on the Soul Grit Podcast. Gary spearheaded the project to create Asian American Chronicles - Tales of Mental Health and Hope, a new book sharing perspectives on several aspects of the Asian American experience of family, church, and culture. Contributing authors Ari X and James Chen, AMFT also join the podcast.

Life, Love, and Rejection

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Why do we seem to repeat the same emotional patterns over our lifetimes? And why do we pair up with partners who activate those same dysfunctional patterns? Counseling veteran Dr. Gary Lawrence is here to share his wisdom from over 50 years of counseling, ministry, and coaching. He'll show us how our addiction to our own early rejection is tearing us apart.

Dr. Gary Lawrence served as a pastor, counselor, radio host, and investor before leveraging his hard-won wisdom as an author and coach. You can find out more at https://rejectionjunkies.com/

ADHD in Adulthood

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0700

ADHD is just a diagnosis for hyper little boys, right? Not so! Many more adults are realizing that some of the struggles they face in adulthood--causing problems in work, relationships, and parenting--are actually due to ADHD. Perhaps a social media post has you wondering if this is you. Check out Tiffany's story to see if you relate, and listen to Ann's input from a therapist's perspective.

Tiffany Hernandez hasn't always known that she has ADHD. But now that she does, she is learning to communicate, advocate, and find ways of being her best self. She is a homeschool mom and the host of The Ultimate Homeschool Podcast. You can find all her links at https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool.

Discipleship on the Spectrum

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0700

More and more kids and adults are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other types of neurodivergence. If you love someone on the spectrum, you might wonder how he or she processes concepts like salvation or the church. How can parents help autistic kids come to know and love Jesus? Larah from @raisingautisticdisciples is here to encourage parents on this journey.

Larah Roberts has worked in ministry since college, but it was when her son was diagnosed with ASD as a young child that she began to study and create resources for parents in the same situation. You can find her on Facebook or Instagram @raisingautisticdisciples and download a free seven-day devotional for parents of kids with autism. Check out her book How to Advocate & Stay Christian: For Parents of Special Kids.

How Couples Heal from Sexual Addiction and Betrayal

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Sexual addiction is a cry for intimacy and connection that has gone awry. The betrayal a partner feels is excruciating. So how can couples heal, move beyond addictive behaviors, and find true intimacy? Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are here to share their journey and how they are helping couples heal and discover new levels of intimacy.

Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are a Coach-Therapist team with seminary backgrounds who offer coaching, retreats, and more, including small groups and a book--all with the mission of helping couples find true intimacy and connection. Find out more at raabsmithteam.com.

How to Help Your Child Through Grief

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0700

We never want our children to suffer, but tragedy can strike any family. How do you talk to your kids about death? How do you lead them through grief when you are grieving yourself? Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague are here to talk about Jessica's House, a grief center serving families in Central California, and their new book, When Grief Comes Home: A Gentle Guide for Living Through Loss While Supporting Your Child.

Erin Nelson is the founder of Jessica's House and Colleen Montague is a licensed therapist serving as Program Director for Jessica's House. You can find more resources at www.jessicashouse.org and check out their podcast: When Grief Comes Home. Find a grief center near you by searching www.nacg.org.

How God Gets You Through

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0700

When a life-altering tragedy, or even just a big disappointment, threatens to derail your hopes and dreams, you might need a little bit of hope to believe that God plans to get you through it. After her husband's death, Tricia believed that her life was over, but God showed her that she could have "another beautiful life." Today she shares about how you can find peace, gain confidence, and transform your mind.

Tricia Zody is a Christian life coach, speaker, and podcaster, and now the author of her first book Another Beautiful Life. Catch up with Tricia at www.triciazody.com.

Success After Divorce

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0700

After a traumatic divorce, Kathy struggled to find the support she needed as a Christian woman, so she created it! In this episode, Kathy shares her pain, hard-won wisdom, and compassion for those who are navigating being divorced with all the changes to social life, church community, sense of self, and parenting.

Kathy Kaspar is a certified coach, writer, speaker, and leader of the Success After the Storm community for Christian women coming through divorce. Find out more at successafterthestorm.com.

Who Do You Want to Be?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0700

It's a new year and we're being bombarded with messages about goals, resolutions, and transformations. It's high time that we get practical about setting goals in a way that works with our brains and honors God. In this episode, Renee Booe helps us to understand that we first consider who we want to be before we can decide what we should do.

Renee Booe is a Biblical Brain-Based Life Coach and host of the Personal Growth for Christians podcast. You can find out more about coaching based in neuro-faith integration at www.reneebooe.com or find her on IG @reneebooe.

ADHD: Lifestyle, Meds, and Faith

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0700

ADHD brains are fascinating, creative, and capable of amazing things, but if you or someone you love struggles with the difficult parts of ADHD, this episode is for you. Chad Potts is back to talk about lifestyle changes, parenting strategies, and how pharmaceuticals can offer support.

Chad Potts is a pharmacist, pastor, coach, and host of the RevRx Podcast. Find out more at www.therevrx.com and get his newsletter to be notified when the 40 Grit Challenge returns in 2025.

Overcoming Damage from Purity Culture

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0700

If you were a youth group kid in the 90s, you are already familiar with the movement now known as "Purity Culture," a social, political, and religious movement aimed at pushing young people to "save" themselves for marriage. While there were biblical roots to this idea, many young people suffered trauma, shame, and misshapen sexual identities from some of the tactics.

Dr. Camden Morgante is a psychologist who writes, speaks, and counsels people who want to recover from damage done by Purity Culture and reconstruct their faith in a healthy way. You can find more about her at www.drcamden.com and be sure to pick up her new book, Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith .

Navigating Grief through the Holidays

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The holiday season is often a mix of stress and joy, but if you've lost someone, you might be dreading it. Bart Blair lost his teen son in 2021 and is using his experience in pastoral ministry to process through the complicated feelings of grief during the Christmas season.

Trigger Warning: Teen suicide.

Bart Blair is a pastor, author, and podcaster who specializes in church marketing and growth. Check out his new book Grief Makes Christmas Complicated and head over to his website makemoredisciples.com where you can ask Bart to pray for you through the holiday season.

Neurodiversity in God's Family

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0700

What does neurodiversity mean in the context of your family? Why does God allow some of us to suffer more than others? How can we think biblically about the the different ways our brains work?

Emily Flowers is a blogger and a mom to a neurodivergent child who suffers with a psychiatric diagnosis. Through years of struggling, she is discovering how Jesus makes her radiant as she looks to Him. Find her on IG @neuro.radiant and on her blog at neuroradiant.blog.

A Psychiatrist with a Spiritual Gift

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist? Which one should you see and when? Dr. Uejin Kim is a Texas-based child psychiatrist who started her private practice because she wanted to integrate her faith more authentically in her treatment of patients. In this episode, she discusses how her healing from church hurt and acknowledging her spiritual gifts has made her a better psychiatrist.

Dr. Uejin Kim is the host of the Good New Mental Health Podcast and the owner of Restore Psychiatry located in San Antonio, TX. Look this spring for new online courses that combine Dr. Kim's wisdom and efficiency at www.uejinkim.com.

Facing Political Anxiety with Faith

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Have you noticed how divided our country is feeling just weeks away from Election Day? How do you deal with anxiety related to politics? How do therapists keep it together in sessions when clients have different beliefs? How can our Christian identity help us face this political climate with faith and hope?

In this solo episode, Ann talks through the reasons for so much political anxiety, how therapists are helping, and how our faith can overcome division and angst.

Hope for Every Emotion

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

How many feelings do you have in an average week? Probably a lot more than you acknowledge, express, or investigate! Depending on the culture and faith tradition that you've grown up in, you might not have learned how to think about your emotions, let alone talk to God about them. That can leave you feeling alone, awkward, and disconnected from God and others. Anjuli Paschall is helping us learn how to identify, describe, and surrender our emotions.

Anjuli Paschall is an author, spiritual director, and mom from San Diego, here to talk about her third book, Feel: A Collection of Liturgies Offering Hope for Every Complicated Emotion. You can find out more at anjulipaschall.com or on IG @lovealways.anjuli.

How to Live in Your God-Given Identity

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

We all became adults with quirks, hang-ups, and self-protective masks. But what if you could really let your essential self out of hiding, live in an integrated way, and pursue your dreams with new resilience? Dr. Merry Lin is here to share about her new book Rebecoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self, where she shows how personalities are developed--and hopefully re-made more authentically in adulthood.

Dr. Merry Lin is a psychologist and author based in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more at www.drmerry.com and on IG @drmerrylin.

Reevaluate Your Relationship with Alcohol

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Whether you choose to drink or not, you have a relationship with alcohol, a readily available and socially acceptable substance that has the power both to add to celebrations and to destroy lives. If you're considering reducing or eliminating alcohol from your life, you will need support. Our guest today shares her story about why she chose to forsake alcohol and how she's helping others do the same.

Tiffany Hopkins is a certified health coach, nutrition specialist, and a licensed independent social worker in Ohio. You can find more about her sober coaching services at https://www.mindandbodyrestorationllc.com/ and on social media at Sober Is Beautiful - Sober Health Coaching for MOMS! and Tiffany Hopkins (@sober_isbeautiful). For counseling services for Ohio residents, click here.

A Pharmacist and Pastor Talks Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Medications for mental health disorders can be a tricky subject, especially among Christians. If you've been prescribed something for your depression, anxiety, or mood, chances are your doctor didn't have time to explain to you how the medicine would work and what to expect. In this episode, we'll hear from Chad Potts, a pharmacist and pastor, about medicine and non-medical approaches to improving your mental health.

Chad Potts is a pharmacist, pastor, coach, and the host of the new RevRX Podcast. Find out more at therevrx.com and grab his free devotional through the Psalms.

How to Have a Stress-Busting Spiritual Life

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Is stress just the standard mode of operation in our modern society? It seems like everyone you meet is "busy" or "overwhelmed." What if you could learn to use spiritual practices to have more of the rest and abundant life that Jesus talked about?

Barb Roose is a speaker, coach, Bible teacher, and the author of the new book Stronger than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm. Get a free gift at www.barbroose.com and follow along on Instagram @barbroose for more encouragement.

Integrative Steps to Improve Your Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Many of us can improve our mental health by taking a few simple steps for our whole health--body, mind, and spirit. By working with an integrative health practitioner, you can find out how to get the bad stuff out and the good stuff in. Our guest today works with women from a Christian perspective on their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Denise Sultenfuss, MA is a Certified Health-Wellness Coach and Certified Integrative Health Practitioner. Check out her FREE meal plan and other freebies at www.denisesultenfuss.com and on IG @denisesultenfuss.

Parenting Teens in Crisis

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

If your teen has strayed or struggled, you might feel very alone as a parent. Our guest today has experienced it all with her parenting journey: from adoption, to body image, to self-harm, to jail time, all contributing to her own struggling health and relationships. But she is here today to offer hope and encouragement to parents of teens in crisis with a message: "You are not alone."

Stacy Lee Flury is a Christian author and speaker who supports parents of teens in crisis. You can find her two books and other resources at hopeforthebrokenfamily.com.

Mentioned in this episode: hurtingmomsmendinghearts.org

Money and Marriage

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Ever had a fight with your partner about finances? Or made a money decision that you didn't really want to share with your partner? Financial stress is one of the leading causes of relationship breakdown, so it's imperative that husbands and wives learn to talk about money and create a system that works.

Karen Hackman is a finance coach who specializes in helping married couples get on the same page about money. You can find out more and get your FREE Happy Couples Budgeting Tool at www.moneyandmarriage.net and on IG @moneyandmarriage2.

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for Christians

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

A field of study is emerging around psychedelics, promising quicker resolution to trauma and relief from depression. But is it legitimate? Should Christians consider using ketamine, MDMA, or other varieties of psychedelics to heal? What spiritual implications, if any, should we consider?

Amelia Mora Mars is a licensed therapist in Southern California who collaborates with medical staff to offer safe and productive Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Her interest in the field started with her own son's miraculous recovery. You can find out more at www.ameliamoramars.com.

Daring to Be an Underachiever

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Are you driven to rack up accomplishments, only to feel like you're never doing enough? Our guest Rachael Jenneman understands how it feels to look like you're doing all the things on the outside, but on inside you feel like an underachiever. She'll share how to find your purpose and how to be ok with exactly God's timing for your life.

Rachael Jenneman is the host of Unique on Purpose and the author of the newly released Underachiever: Finding Contentment in an Achievement Obsessed World. You can follow Rachael on IG and TikTok @rachaeljenneman.

Thank you for joining us for Episode 100! As part of our celebration, we're giving away access to the Faith Integration for Therapists course for free! Email info@soulgritresources.com for an access code.

How to Gain Secure Attachment with God

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Attachment refers to our styles of relating to our caregivers from our earliest moments. It shapes the way we carry out business, connect in relationships, and parent our kids. It even colors the way we connect to God. Reverend Summer Gross is here to show us how God offers us secure attachment and how we can turn towards Him.

Summer Joy Gross is an Anglican priest, retreat leader, spiritual director, and author of The Emmanuel Promise: Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God. She hosts the Presence Project community and podcast.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Find a Christian Spiritual Director: https://www.graftedlife.org/spiritual-direction/find-a-spiritual-director

Learn about Ignatian Imaginative Prayer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ignatian-contemplation-found-by-the-good-shepherd/id1462343703?i=1000548758605

https://pray-as-you-go.org/series/5-Imaginative+Contemplation+Exercises

Navigating Miscarriage

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

One in four pregnancies results in miscarriage, so chances are, you or someone you know has dealt with the specific, private kind of grief that comes from a lost pregnancy. How can we as Christians respond in a faithful, loving way to the reality of miscarriage? How does miscarriage impact our emotional and relational health?

Cate Purvis is a mom and birth doula turned miscarriage support advocate and the creator of the Christian Miscarriage Co. Follow her on social media to find out about books, devotionals, podcast, and church course coming Summer 2024.

Additional resources: Postpartum Support International can help you find a counselor or other provider specifically trained in maternal mental health and grief as you walk through a difficult loss.

Honest Talk about Divorce for Christians

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

No one heads to the altar planning for a divorce someday. We think that as Christians we should be able to beat the odds. Our churches are not set up to minister to people going through this life-altering split. That's what our guest noticed when he was struggling through his divorce amidst the chaos of the COVID pandemic.

Todd Turner created the Unyoked Podcast and workbook to help Christians facing divorce learn the milestones towards divorce recovery. You can find him at www.toddturner.com and on IG @unyokedliving.

Understanding Self-Injury

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

When life feels out of control and the pain in unbearable, some of us turn to self-injury for a sense of relief. Rather than wanting to die, many people with self-injurious behaviors simply want a reliable way to quiet the noise. Unfortunately, like other attempts at controlling our pain, self-injury can lead to serious problems, not the least of which is shame. Brittany Tinsley is a writer and self-injury support advocate here to talk with us about how we can understand and respond to self-injury.

Find out more about Brittany Tinsley by following her on IG @brittanytinsleywrites or read her work at brittanytinsley.substack.com.

Top 3 Ways to Beat Panic and Anxiety

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

As a therapist, one of Ann's top skills is helping anxious and panicking people learn how to regulate their minds and bodies so that a "swirly" mind and edgy body don't interrupt life. In this solo episode, Ann unpacks the "first line of defense" against anxiety and shows you how to practice three techniques that will stave off a panic attack.

If you try these techniques on yourself or with a friend, make sure to let us know how it went! Disclaimer: these are general techniques that are helpful for most people, but should not be construed as medical or therapeutic advice for your specific situation.

Emotions and Jesus

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Have you been told not to trust your emotions? Or have you inadvertently learned that your mind is more important to your faith than your feelings? Jesus actually has something to say about our emotions! He shows us His own emotions and shapes the emotions of His followers in the Gospels.

Becky Castle Miller is a New Testament scholar, author, and emotions coach, here to help us make sense of how discipleship and emotional health go hand in hand. You can learn more about Becky at beckycastlemiller.com and on IG @wholeemotion.

Fasting for Your Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Most Christians know that Jesus talks about fasting in the Gospels, but many of us don't have a regular practice of fasting or even understand it. Dr. Tabatha was a conventionally trained OB/GYN struggling with her own health when she went back to study functional medicine. She realized that fasting is not only a spiritual discipline, but it is a superpower when it comes to our physical health and mental well-being.

Dr. Tabatha Barber is the host of the The Gutsy Gynecologist Podcast, a triple board certified physician, and an expert in hormones, gut health, and weight loss. She teaches her patients and followers to meditate on Scripture as a way to connect with God in their health journeys. Find out more at drtabatha.com.

Self-Compassion vs Grace

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700

"Give yourself grace" is a common phrase in our culture, but how does it fit in with the biblical concept of grace? And does the modern psychology concept of self-compassion fit within a biblical worldview? Join us, two Christian therapists still figuring it out, as we explore these concepts.

Kristina Tucker is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Christian Yoga instructor in Georgia. You can find her at https://healingroots.online/ where you can also link to her socials.

Some resources mentioned in this episode:

Aundi Kolber's Try Softer

Dr. Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion

Ann's youth group music picks from the '90s:

Newsboys Real Good Thing

MxPx I'm the Bad Guy

God's Lesson Plan for Emotional Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

From the tiny neurons that look like seedlings to the four types of soil Jesus uses to describe the conditions of our hearts, the Bible provides a lesson plan for emotional, physical, and mental health. Dr. Anita Phillips' new book The Garden Within dives into the nuances of God's design for our wellbeing.

Dr. Anita Phillips is a trauma therapist, author, and podcaster whose first language is the Word of God. You can find all her links to get connected through her website: https://www.anitaphillips.com/

How to Reach Out When In Pain

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Some of us have stories of intense physical pain, while others feel broken relationally. There are seven types of pain that all humans experience at one point or another. Dr. Michelle shares with us about the types of pain and how we can reach out to God when it's just too overwhelming.

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a Board Certified Neuropsychologist who is well-acquainted with all seven types of pain in her own life. You can find out more about her books, services, and social media by visiting www.drmichelleb.com.

Healing Trauma, Saving Faith

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

What role has trauma played in your faith? Have you ever wished that your Christian brothers and sisters (and leaders) understood trauma better as they relate to you? How can we prevent further wounding to church-goers as leaders carrying heavy burdens in the church?

Jessica Gaffney, LCSW is a therapist and expert on PTSD coming to us from Florida. After years helping people in therapy, she is now completing her doctorate looking at how some biblical interpretations are adding burdens instead of producing freedom. Find out more about Jessica and her new podcast "Trauma Pastor" at www.thetraumaexpert.com.

How to Sit with People in Pain

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

When people go through difficult circumstances, they don't always need a solution. They need a kind presence. Learn why it's so important to "sit in the dirt" with people with our guest Jeremy Williamson.

Jeremy Williamson is a Storywork Coach in northern Colorado working with people from all over the world. His background in a variety of ministry roles uniquely prepares him to serve ministry leaders. His new course, "The Soul Care Course: Sitting in the Dirt," is for pastors, counselors, small group leaders, and anyone interested in caring for others well. Use the discount code soulgrit at checkout for 10% off!

How to Have Your Best Thought Life

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Many Christians are familiar with the verse that tells us to "take our thoughts captive," but when we're juggling up to 60,000 thoughts per day, that can feel impossible! Victoria Lydon is here to help us break down a simple, faithful process for submitting our thoughts lives and receiving health in return.

Victoria Lydon can be found at www.choose2think.co, where you'll find links to her podcast, books, and social media channels. You can grab her ultimate gratitude guide for free HERE.

Healing Childhood Trauma

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Trigger Warning: Mark discusses briefly some of the abuse that happened to him as a young child. Feel free to skip or save for later if you are sensitive to this content.

A prescription drug addiction landed Mark McNear in rehab, hoping it would be a quick fix so he could get back to his therapy practice and his family. But instead, a caring therapist walked with him to heal the childhood trauma that led to his addiction in adulthood. Mark has written a book to share about his past, his healing, and his hope for the future.

Find Dr. Mark McNear at www.markmcnear.com and check out his book Finding My Words to hear the whole redemptive story.

Help with Boundaries

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Have you tried to set a boundary, only to feel frustrated and hurt in relationships? Does your life feel out of whack but you can't figure out why you're not meeting your goals for faith, wellness, or career? Meghan DeVito is a life coach and boundaries expert, here to help us understand the why, when, and how of boundaries.

Meghan DeVito is a Boundary Coach with a biblical perspective. You can find out more by visiting www.meghandevito.com, where you can find her free 5 minute guide for having strong boundaries. Meghan mentioned a few books in this episode, including: Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKuerst, Boundary Boss by Terri Cole, and Starved by Amy Seiffert.

What is Relationship Coaching?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Have you ever felt stuck in a relationship? Like you can't communicate or solve conflicts with the person you love? Relationship coaching might be a valuable tool in achieving the kind of marriage you desire. In this episode, Catie Loeffler talks with Ann about relationship coaching: what is it, who is it for, and when should a relationship be referred to a licensed therapist instead of a coach.

Catie Loeffler offers relationship coaching to couples and individuals online throughout the country and in-person in Southern California. You can find out more at firstthingsfirstcoaching.com. Stay tuned for more relationship resources coming soon from Catie's new YouTube channel.

The Emotional Health of Jesus

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

When Jesus took on human flesh, he was the most emotionally healthy person ever to walk the earth. What are the markers of emotional health that Jesus displayed? Our guest Chris Thurman is here to show us how Jesus made a way for our emotional health, too.

Dr. Chris Thurman is a psychologist, author, and speaker with years of experience helping people understand how their faith and mental health go hand in hand. You can find out more by visiting drchristhurman.com and be sure to check out his newest book Emotionally Healthy Christianity: Following in the Psychological Footsteps of Christ.

Being Understood

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Imagine not being able to communicate in a way that represents your full intelligence and relational ability. It would have a huge impact on your wellbeing and relationships! Anne Maki is a speech and communication expert who helps accented professionals express themselves clearly in American English. Anne has discovered how much being understood impacts our wellbeing.

You can reach Anne Maki through her website or on LinkedIn. Pass this episode along to someone who wants to communicate more clearly.

Gen Z Friendships, Dating, and Identity

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Faith Lee is a college student at Biola University with a powerful story of healing and God's faithfulness. She talks with Ann about how God worked in her heart after a life-altering accident and how she sees Him working in her mental health, friendships, and perspective on dating. This episode is a must if you have college, high school, or middle school aged people in your life.

You can find Faith on her podcast The Faith Show, on LinkedIn, and on IG @thefaithshowpodcast.

Highlights and Celebrations from Season 2

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The Soul Grit Podcast has another year under the belt! We covered trauma, busyness and rest, body theology, and lots of fun interviews. It was also the season that was disrupted halfway through by a scary medical crisis. Hear all the highlights, celebrations, and updates from Season 2 in this episode!

Got a free spot on your water bottle or laptop? Email for a free sticker!

Supporting Mental Health in Church Communities

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Do you know if there are members of your church who need extra support when struggling with their mental health? What if a member of your church staff were dealing with a disorder like Bipolar II?

Malinda Fugate is an author and a church staff member working in children's ministry. She also deals with a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. In this episode, she shares what has made her feel supported in her church community.

Find Malinda's books, social media links, and Substack writings at www.malindafugate.com.

An OCD Story for Families

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Do you have a "worry wart" or a sensitive kid? Marin Canaday was given these descriptions when she was a child, but it wasn't until motherhood that she was formally diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In this episode, Marin shares about her journey with OCD. With her children's book, My Little Monster, Marin hopes to offer hope to kids and families struggling with those loud worries.

Find My Little Monster: A Story about OCD on Amazon or Marin's Facebook page for her books.

How Does Your Career Impact Your Wellness?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Your career is one of the central aspects of your adult life. If you love it, you're probably feeling great, but if you're missing one of the "career factors," your overall wellness might be suffering. And if you're depressed or anxious or struggling in relationships, your career will suffer, too!

Sam Feeney is a career coach and author The Career Factors: Unlocking Fulfilling Work...Right Where You Are. As a dad and former educator, he's spent countless hours with young people and adults helping them to thrive in their careers. You can learn more and take a free assessment at www.thecareerfactors.com.

Addictions in Young People

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Substance abuse and other addictions can hit any family at any time. Do you know the warning signs you might miss with the young people in your life?

Rick Capriola is a Licensed Addiction Counselor out of Texas and the author of The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Rick shares with us the most common addictions plaguing our kids, the warning signs we can look for, and how to get help. You can find out more at www.helptheaddictedchild.com.

Connecting Churches and Therapists

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

How can churches and therapists connect in ways that are mutually beneficial for the people they both serve? What's the difference between pastoral and clinical counseling anyway? And what's so important about therapists bringing faith into the counseling room?

Whitney Owens is a therapist, consultant, and host of the Wise Practice Podcast, helping therapists grow faith-based practices. Click here for Whitney's website and social media, where you can even download a free resource to help you make that connection between church and therapist.

Is it Anxiety? or OCD?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

It's normal to have worries and even seasons when we feel more anxious. But sometimes a pattern of anxiety reaches a clinical level. On top of that, some anxiety is actually Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Therapist Carrie Bock is here to help us understand the differences and to offer hope for those living with these disorders. We talk about why it may be especially hard for Christians to reach out for help with anxiety.

Carrie Bock, LPC-MHSP is a therapist and podcaster in Tennessee. You can get her free guide for Christians living with OCD at www.hopeforanxietyandocd.com or find her on Instagram.

Are You a Mess or a Masterpiece?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A panic attack as a young mom led Andrea Nyberg to realize that she had been struggling with anxiety and depression for a long time. Now she uses her experiences to help women understand that there is hope and that they are not alone.

Andrea's book I'm Such a Messterpiece releases March 28, 2023. Visit https://andreamnyberg.com/ for special perks for launch team members and other information about Andrea's speaking and written resources.

Also mentioned in this episode: Soul Grit Episode 38 with Drew Froese, "A Pastor on Meds."

Faith, Mental Health, and People of Color

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

What do Christians need to know about mental health for our brothers and sisters of color? Do issues of mental health affect you differently if you're not part of the dominant culture? Our guest today is passionate about helping therapists and lay-people develop insight beyond basic cultural competency.

Shawn LaRe Brinkley, LMFT is a therapist, speaker, and trauma specialist in Encino, CA. Connect with her for counseling, coaching, or her video podcast!

How to Suffer Well

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Even if we know the Bible says our Christian lives will involve suffering, we still seem to be surprised when it happens to us. Whether you've suffered physically, emotionally, or spiritually, you may have asked God some big questions.

Karis Meier didn't set out to be an expert on suffering, but as her life unfolded, she saw more and more opportunities to walk with others in shared experiences of suffering. You can find out more about Karis' blog and book at www.karismeier.com. Find her on IG @authorkarismeier

Coaching for Health and Freedom

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

You've been bombarded by programs offering you quick results to make you "healthy" this post-holiday season. But Christian health coach Kate Muesing is certain that God cares more about your heart getting free than having you following one more failed diet or fitness plan.

Kate never planned on being a health coach, but after exercise helped her overcome depression twice in her life, God revealed a better way for her. Now she is helping women through one on one coaching and a group membership program. Find Kate on Facebook and Instragram @yourchristianhealthcoach.

What is Spoon Theory?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

If you have any of the so-called "invisible illnesses," you know that it's hard to explain to others how you must budget your energy for every day tasks and activities. Since having a stroke in November 2022, Ann has a new appreciation for the mental, physical, and spiritual drain daily life has on her stores of energy.

In this episode, Ann and Jess explain "Spoon Theory" and how it relates to mental health, along with physical and spiritual health. Jess issues a challenge for listeners to replenish their "spoons" on a regular basis.

Hear Ann tell about her stroke on Episode 68 of Soul Grit.

Find out more about Christine Miserandino's Spoon Theory.

Book mentioned: Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

A New Body Perspective

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Everyone has a perspective on his or her body, and some of us spend quite a bit of time thinking about it. Having the wrong perspective about your body can actually be very dangerous, as we will hear with our guest today. But God can transform your perspective and lead you to a healthy relationship with Him and with yourself.

Our guest Hannah Richey struggled with Anorexia Nervosa from the age of 12 after suffering bullying from her peers. After rehab and several more years of struggle, she has found a new perspective as a young adult, a new wife, and a licensed massage therapist. Feel free to send Soul Grit an email to get in touch with Hannah.

My Body is Fallen

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Last week our host, Ann Taylor McNiece, suffered a medical crisis, which seems like odd timing, since we just started talking about our bodies. In this brief episode, Ann will update listeners on the event and what to expect for the podcast in the coming weeks, as well as reflect on the body. This crisis has revealed the fragility of the body and the weight of living in a fallen world.

Let's Talk about Our Bodies

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Your body is a gift given to you for a purpose and a mission. When it's not functioning well, you can be off mission and your mental health can take a hit! In this episode, Ann and Jess host an introductory conversation to a new miniseries about the body and its role in mental and spiritual health.

How Can We Rest?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Ann and Jess are back to talk about how we can actually start making new patterns of rest and connection for ourselves and our families. In this episode, you'll hear about Jess's forced rest (surgery) and Ann's failed attempt at family connection on the Sabbath (bake off). We'll bring it back to how you can connect with the Holy Spirit and a trusted Christian counselor to help you figure it out.

Here are some of the great resources mentioned in this episode:

Breathe by Priscilla Shirer

Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke

Rule of Life podcast with John Mark Comer

In It With You podcast with Kara Osborne

Why Your Family Needs Sabbath

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

You may know of sabbath as a day of rest or a day of worship. In today's busy age, it's pretty challenging to implement in our families! In this episode, join Ann and guest Lindsey Hornkohl for a conversation about what sabbath means for the modern family.

Lindsey Hornkohl is an artist, a pastor's wife, a Revelation Wellness Instructor, adoptive mom, and homeschool mom. You can check out her work on Instagram @e.lindsey.hornkohl.art.

Some resources mentioned in this episode:

Rule of Life Podcast with John Mark Comer

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

Project Stress Relief from Revelation Wellness

Join Ann and Lindsey on November 12, 2:30-4:30pm, at the Dream Center in Lake Elsinore for the Project Stress Relief Meet-up.

What is an Intentional Family?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

How can we make sure our families end up growing in the direction we choose? Ann covers what it takes to create intentionality in the family, with help from Bill Doherty's book The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties. If you're a busy grown-up, you'll want to think through the ways you're connecting with the people who matter most to you, and you might not have time to read the book. So spend a few minutes here for the recap!

Project Stress Relief Meet-up: Join us Saturday November 12, 2:30-4:30pm at the Dream Center in Lake Elsinore. Learn about stress and your brain and God's plan for rest and relaxation, while sharing time to worship God through gentle movement in our bodies. Find out more by following DC Fitness on Instagram or Facebook.

What is the Impact of Busyness?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

We constantly get the messages to do more and be more. We worry that our kids won't be successful if we don't have them in all the activities. We fear that we won't meet our goals if we don't hustle. But what is the impact on ourselves, our marriages, our children if we keep up this pace?

Join Ann and Jess in this episode talking through the impact of busyness on our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. Check out more about the "bids for connection" mentioned in this episode from www.gottman.com.

Busyness and Families

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Drive-thru fast food meals, sleep deprivation, and the loss of free play are shaping how we live in families in modern times. But what is the cost to mental health for ourselves, our partners, and our children? What is the detriment to our discipleship to Christ?

Ann and Jess talk through trends we're seeing in our communities that include over-scheduling, child-centered families, and lack of Sabbath rest.

Trauma-Informed Ministry

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Pastors and ministry leaders have an opportunity to love and serve their people well by becoming trauma-informed. In our finale for the trauma series, Ann talks to Dr. Heather Gingrich, an expert on trauma treatment and trauma-informed care.

Dr. Heather Gingrich is a therapist and professor at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, where she is debuting a new certificate program to train counselors, pastors, and others in trauma. She is the author of Restoring the Shattered Self: A Christian Counselor's Guide to Complex Trauma and the co-editor, with her husband, of Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling.

What is Brainspotting?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Does the term Brainspotting sound really mysterious to you? Continuing in our series on trauma, Ann's guest Timothy Wong, LMFT teaches us about what brainspotting is, how it can help, and how Christians can experience healing through this natural, targeted way of recovering from trauma.

Timothy Wong, LMFT is a therapist working with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California and a graduate of Western Seminary. Using brainspotting, he is seeing his clients recover more quickly and more effectively from trauma and other emotional problems.

What is the Window of Tolerance?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

We each have a zone in which we function the best cognitively, physically, and emotionally. Trauma and stress can push us out of that zone, known as the window of tolerance. In this episode, Ann and Jess explain hyper- and hypo-arousal and how to come back into your window from either direction.

What is EMDR?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the top methods for treating trauma. In this episode, Ann is joined by Monica Helvie, LMFT, a trauma specialist and EMDR Consultant. Monica explains how EMDR works and how Christians can tap into the natural healing that God created for our minds and bodies.

Find out more about Monica at www.monicahelvie.com and on Instagram @monicahelvielmft.

What is Trauma (Really)?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Trauma is a buzzword in our culture today. But what is trauma really? And why should we care? In this episode, Ann and Jess break down what trauma is and how it effects us on mental, physical, and relational levels. This is Part 1 of a series that will continue this fall!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ACES Questionnaire

The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk

Try Softer by Aundi Kolber

Season 2 is here!

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:15:00 -0700

We're back for Season 2! Listen in to hear about how you can know when you need a break and how that might look different than you imagined. You'll also hear updates and some new vision and features for the Soul Grit Podcast!

Reflections and Celebrations: Year 1 of Podcasting

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This episode is the 1st Anniversary celebration! Ann is joined by her sister, Carrie Consalvi, to talk through highlights of the past year and reflect on moments that have been the most impactful. Ann provides a sneak peek at what's next for Season 2 and gives listeners an opportunity to make requests.

Make sure you're subscribed to the Soul Grit Podcast so you'll automatically catch it when we come back from summer break!

Brain Science, Faith, and Suicide

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 24 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

When chronic pain changed the very nature of Tricia's husband, leading him to take his own life, she thought she would never live the life she dreamed of. God met her in her grief and sparked a passion to understand brain science and to help Christian women transform their lives. In this episode, Ann and Tricia talk about how pain changes the brain to make suicide seem like the only option. ***Although we do not talk about suicide in a graphic or detailed way, please use discretion if suicide is a sensitive topic for you.***

Find out more about Tricia on IG or at www.triciazody.com.

What OCD Taught Me About Faith

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Beyond lock-checking and hand-washing, OCD forced Ryan to drop out of seminary twice. In this episode, Ryan shares with Ann how he discovered he had some bad "habits," how he overcame the debilitating impact of OCD, and how he sees now that his faith is a gift.

Ryan Ragozine is the host of the Thinker Sensitive Podcast, where he helps Christians and skeptics alike develop "think better" and "think together."

Faith Integration for Therapists

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Last week we celebrated 50 episodes and next month we will have the first anniversary of the Soul Grit Podcast. It's time that Ann told you about her labor of love, an e-course designed to help therapists integrate their Christian faith into their practices. If you're a counselor (or in school to become one) this episode is for you! If you're not in the counseling field, you're welcome to listen in to hear Ann's passion, and pass the episode to a counselor in your community.

Find out more about the e-course Faith Integration for Therapists at https://soulgritresources.com/courses/.

Anxiety Tools for Christians

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Christians deal with anxiety, just like anyone else. In fact, anxiety on the whole has been on the rise (can you guess why)? But Christians have power to overcome anxiety that the world doesn't have.

Healey Ikerd is a licensed therapist who wrote a book called Changing Your Feelings: A Workbook and Journal for Anxiety and Worry to help Christians manage anxiety with tools from both Scripture and the counseling field. In this episode, she shares some of the highlights from her book, as well as her calm and gentle personality! You can find out more about her at https://hopelifecounseling.com/.

Forgiveness Defined

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

If you're a human, you are in relationship. Relationships are the domain of Marriage and Family Therapists, and one of the big issues we see in practice is the need to give and receive forgiveness.

We know that the Bible instructs us to forgive, but it doesn't really seem like it explains how to forgive. Author Janey Pitts helps us understand what forgiveness means in the Bible and offers some practical tips on how we can practice forgiving in our own lives.

Read the book Deeply Defined and find out more about Janey on her website www.janeypitts.com and follow her @officialjaneypitts.

Letters to Inmates

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Most prisoners are impacted by trauma, mental health, and relational needs that have little chance of being met while they are incarcerated. Jennifer Brianne, author and podcaster, is the founder of the Pens to Prisons ministry, which organizes volunteers to write letters incorporating prayer, scripture, and encouragement to inmates in approximately 10 different prisons in 5 states. Hear her perspective on the mental health and relational challenges that come through in the letters.

Listen to Jennifer's podcasts, read her books, and find out how you can be involved in the Pens to Prisons ministry by visiting her website at www.jenniferbrianne.com.

Incarceration and Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Getting arrested and processed through county jail is traumatizing in itself, but many inmates have mental health challenges before they even arrive in the system. Ann talks with Gary Quan, LMFT, about his time serving in the county jail offering hope and dignity to inmates who find themselves in the cycle of incarceration.

Come back next week to learn more about a ministry that is offering messages of hope and salvation to prison inmates in several US states!

This episode came about because a listener just like you asked a question. What kind of topics would you like to hear about next on Soul Grit?

A Way Thru: Accessing Mental Health Care

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

If you had a mental health crisis, would you be able to afford treatment? Today's guest, Andrew Syed, realized after his own encounter with trauma treatment that he had what many do not: a chance to get the therapy he needed when he needed it most. Along with some friends, he founded A Way Thru, a non-profit that helps people from under-served backgrounds access mental health care.

You can learn more about A Way Thru at waythru.org and consider giving to this organization to help more hurting people get the help they need.

Pastors and Therapists: Frontline Workers

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Who do you call first when you have a crisis? Your pastor, or a therapist? Depending on your background and what you're going through, your answer might be different.

The beginning of this episode includes the end of the conversation that started in the previous episode with Pastor Charles Wolfe. Then Ann explains why she sees pastors and therapists as frontline workers.

Can Pastors and Therapists Work Together?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Charles Wolfe is the pastor of a small local church. As a Soul Grit listener, he started to ask questions about how therapists and pastors can both come alongside hurting people in a collaborative way. In this episode, Ann and Charles discuss why Christians need support from both pastors and therapists and started brainstorming about how to make this kind of holistic care available.

You can find out more about Charles' ministry at www.rockridgechurch.org. And don't forget to come back next week to hear the rest of the conversation!

What is Family Therapy?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

If your family ever hit a moment when a big or a small crisis turned your lives upside down, you may or may not have known that family therapy could help you out. But many of us think of family therapy as too daunting or too impractical to make that phone call.

In this episode, Ann is joined by Lauren McClain, LMFT-A, to talk about family therapy and how it can help in all sorts of family situations. Lauren believes deeply in God's concern about families, as seen throughout the Scriptures. She takes that passion into the counseling room to help families navigate difficult situations.

You can find out more about Lauren on IG @laurenmcclaincounseling or at https://laurenmcclaincounseling.com/ (for TX residents seeking therapy).

Families, Trauma, and Hope

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Kicking off a mini-series about families and family therapy, Soul Grit welcomes Tammy Kennington, a Christian writer, speaker, coach, and mental health advocate. Tammy shares her story of a childhood filled with abuse and the ways God brought about healing in her adult life.

Trigger Warning: physical and sexual abuse, generational curses.

Ann jumps in to help listeners understand the clinical family dynamics and how counselors go about understanding and unpacking generational trauma.

You can find more of Tammy at https://tammykennington.com/ or on IG @tammylkennington.

If you have a question about families or family therapy, email info@soulgritresources.com and Ann will include it in an upcoming episode.

Let's Talk about Bruno

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Whether you're a Disney fan or just a nerd about family therapy, you'll love this episode. Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, LMFT returns to the Soul Grit Podcast to talk about Disney's new hit movie Encanto. Ann and Ibi discuss the family dynamics, mental health issues, and generational trauma present in the Madrigal family. Then they tie it back to roles and gifts in the family of God. Whether or not you've watched the movie, you will find this episode entertaining and enlightening.

You can find out more about Ibi on social media @thezinniapractice or at www.thezinniapractice.com.

Making Up Your Mind - Pt. 2

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Today's episode is a continuation of last week's conversation (Ep. 39: Making Up Your Mind - Pt. 1). You will learn all about mindset and how to choose a healthy one, plus lots more about following Jesus and improving your mental health. Michelle Nietert is the co-author of the upcoming book, Make Up Your Mind, which is available now for pre-order.

You can find out more about Michelle on her website www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com or follow her on social media @michellenietert. Her podcast is called Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.

Making Up Your Mind - Pt. 1

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Why is mindset important? What does the Bible say about our mindsets? In today's episode, Ann chats with Michelle Nietert, a mental health professional and author of an upcoming book Make Up Your Mind. Besides mindset, Ann and Michelle cover lots of topics related to therapy and following Jesus.

You can find out more about Michelle on her website www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com or follow her on social media @michellenietert. Her podcast is called Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.

A Pastor on Meds

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Pastor Drew Froese reveals the moment he realized he wasn't functioning as well as he could mentally and emotionally. In this episode, Ann and Drew talk about how medication helped Drew function as a compassionate and connected father, husband, and leader, and how sharing about his mental health struggles has helped others get the support they need.

Find out more about Drew and his book FAITH FULL: A Practical Guide To Fully Living Out Your Faith at www. drewfroese.com.

My Personal Experience with Medication

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Are you hesitant about meds because you've heard people struggling with side effects or becoming addicted to them? Let Ann share with you her own story of medication, starting from the time she was 17.

In this episode, Ann shares personal experience with meds over the course of several major life events, and how she keeps godly discernment in view at all times.

How Should Christians View Psych Meds?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:30:00 -0700

Is it ok for Christians to take antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds? What about more serious conditions that need meds? How should we understand the role of God's healing versus medical science for mental health conditions?

In this episode, Ann offers some answers to questions about a Christian's approach to psych meds, when they should be taken and when they shouldn't. Listen in for a balanced view considering biblical and clinical wisdom.

From Anointing to Appointing

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Maybe you know God called you to do something big, but you're not sure how to get going? Or maybe your mental health struggles and self-doubt have kept you from really understanding God's purpose for your life?

Listen to this conversation with Taylor Phillips, author of Training Ground: From Anointing to Appointing, and get inspired to get after the dreams God put in your heart. Taylor shares how she overcame her own anxiety and people-pleasing to follow the course God laid out for her.

You can find out more about Taylor on instagram @taylor_phillips_ or at linktr.ee/tayn_phillips

Five Resets for Your Mental and Spiritual Health - Part 2

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Before we can get to any real deep therapy work, we have to have a good foundation. If you want to maximize your mental and spiritual health in 2022, here are five simple resets you may consider. Last week, Ann covered sleep, nutrition, and exercise. In this second part, Ann covers social support and spirituality, and how they impact your mental health, and some quick steps to getting things on track. Ann even shares examples from her own busy schedule.

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com with the subject line "Podcast question."

Follow Ann on IG and FB @soulgritresources. Be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and other resources when you join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com.

5 Resets for Your Mental and Spiritual Health - Part 1

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Before we can get to any real deep therapy work, we have to have a good foundation. If you want to maximize your mental and spiritual health in 2022, here are five simple resets you may consider. In this solo episode, Ann covers sleep, movement, and nutrition, how they impact your mental health, and some quick steps to getting things on track.

Next week, Ann will continue covering the 5 areas by focusing on social support and spirituality!

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com with the subject line "Podcast question."

Follow Ann on IG and FB @soulgritresources. Be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and other resources when you join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com.

Holiday Food Issues

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0700

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the festive foods this season, you'll love listening to this conversation between Ann and Jess Doan. Both are therapists, moms, Jesus-lovers, and foodies that need to have daily conversations with God about this "thorn in the flesh." In this episode, we talk about self-soothing, being connected to God and others, and some practical tips to bring order to your holiday food chaos.

Some resources we mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Curt Thompson on attachment and anxiety on the Going Scared Podcast with Jessica Honneger.

Verses: Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2

If you have a question for a Christian counselor, email info@soulgritresources.com and your question could be turned into a future episode!

Don't forget to join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com and be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and more resources!

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG to join the conversation.

How Do I Have More Joy?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

What brings you joy? Have you ever made a list? How would you put it into practice in your daily life? Listen in to Ann's second session of joy coaching with Robin Shear of Joy to the World Coaching.

This is Part Two of a two part coaching experience. Check out Episode 30 from December 7, 2021 for Part One. You can find out more about Robin at www.joytotheworldcoaching.com. She's also active on social media @joycoachrobin.

Sign up at www.soulgritresources.com to be notified whenever a new podcast or other resource is available! Don't forget to follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG.

Who Needs More Joy?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

We hear a lot about joy in the Bible, but how many of us have it? And do we stop to get more of it when we're lacking?

Ann chats with Robin Shear, a Joy Coach, about the differences between joy and happiness and how coaching can help people get more joy in their lives. In this episode, Ann gets vulnerable and allows Robin to coach her--and you get to overhear her session.

This is Part One of a two part coaching experience. While you're waiting for Part 2, you can find out more about Robin at www.joytotheworldcoaching.com. She's also active on social media @joycoachrobin.

Sign up at www.soulgritresources.com to be notified whenever a new podcast or other resource is available! Don't forget to follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG.

What's Your C-IQ?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Never heard of C-IQ? It stands for Conversational Intelligence, a way of having more successful and satisfying conversations. Ann talks with Nicole Devereaux, a certified C-IQ trainer, about how to have better conversations within our workplaces, families, and communities. Being heard and understood is a major step towards having great relationships and mental health.

You can find out more about Nicole at www.nicoledevereaux.com.

Church Hurt Wrap-Up

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Over the last 8 weeks we have heard from therapists and pastors about their own experiences with church hurt and helping others through those wounds. In this episode, Ann recaps what we learned and offers some reflections about the process of talking publicly about church hurt.

Thanks for tuning in to the first ever series on the Soul Grit Podcast. Stay tuned for some fun, light-hearted episodes coming up!

What is Deconstruction?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

You may have heard this buzzword among church circles in the past few years. But what does deconstruction mean? Can people still hold onto faith while going through the hard questions?

Ann is joined by Brenna Rubio, a pastor in Southern California who works with people in the margins of Christianity. Along with her co-pastor, she offers a safe place for people to explore their questions.

Be the first to know about new episodes and resources by signing up at www.soulgritresources.com. Follow on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Church Hurt and Depression

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

How can we continue to love the church even when we have been hurt?

Heather Sanford was in pastoral ministry when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and she had to help her church shift how church was done. She was let go from her position and continues to desire unity and love among her former church family, despite going through her own doubts and depression.

In this episode, Ann and Heather talk about church hurt, depression, and what's next.

Don't ever miss a new resource when you join our mailing list at www.soulgritresources.com! Follow @soulgritresources on IG and FB.

A Pastor's Experience of Church Hurt

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

So far in the Church Hurt series, we've been hearing stories of people who have been hurt by the church--primarily by pastors and leaders. But what about the pastors who get hurt (as most do)?

Scott Distler experienced "the Cave," where ministry turns into misery, but he trusted God, got some counseling, and made his way back to a flourishing ministry. Listen in as he shares what he learned about moving through the hurt and keeping your faith intact.

Find out more about Scott and his local ministry at www.miefree.org. His book, The Cave: When Ministry Becomes Misery, is available wherever books are sold.

Be the first to know about new episodes and resources by signing up at www.soulgritresources.com. Follow on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Ep. 24: The Pain of Leaving Your Church

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

As a counselor and church leader, Sovann Pen has encountered many people struggling with church hurt. Then, his own family had to go through the pain of leaving a church when they sensed that God had something else for them. In this episode, Ann and Sovann chat about the pain of leaving a church, choosing a healthy church environment for your kids, and how discipleship really happens in small groups.

You can find links to Sovann's Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast, his YouTube videos, and more at www.sovannpen.com. Follow Sovann @sovannpencounseling.

Do you have a question for a Christian counselor? Send Ann an email and you may get your question turned into a future episode of Soul Grit!

Follow Ann @soulgritresources on FB and IG. Never miss a new resource when you join the mailing list at www.soulgritresources.com.

Ep. 23: What to do with Church Hurt

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

How can we move forward when we've been hurt by the church?

Can we ever feel safe to connect with church again?

What do I do in the meantime while I'm hurting?

In this short episode, Ann shares six strategies to help you move through your own hurt without deserting the faith altogether. If reading is easier for you or someone you'd like to share this with, you can also find this content over on the Soul Grit Resources blog.

Do you have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com and your question could turn into a future episode!

Follow @soulgritresources on IG and FB, and don't forget to sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and other resources.

Ep. 22: Counseling through Church Hurt

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Is church hurt more prevalent now post- (or mid-) pandemic?

How does counseling help people walk through church hurt?

Ann talks with Dawn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and host of the Living by Heart channel on YouTube. Both women are therapists, moms, and Jesus lovers. Both experienced the pain of separating from a church family and looking for a new one during the pandemic. Listen in to hear how counselors are helping walk people through church hurt.

Find more of Dawn on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/livinginfluence

or on Instagram @living.byheart

Dawn's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzweJVhO3YngoiPMFh5gf5Q

Do you have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com and your question could become an episode!

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Ep. 21: Why Church Hurts So Much

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Why does it hurt so badly when a pastor or church leader disappoints you?

Do all Christians go through church hurt at some point?

How can we continue to live in Christian community if it hurts?

In this short episode, Ann shares her story of church hurt and why she is passionate to help other Christians stay connected to Christ through this pain. This is Part 1 of a series on church hurt. Tune in over the next few weeks to hear tips and strategies from Ann as well as interviews with other therapists and pastors who work with church hurt.

Follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG, and sign up at SoulGritResources.com to get notified whenever there is a new resource!

Email info@soulgritresources.com for a chance to have your question turned into an episode!

Ep. 20: The God Who Sees My Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Dena Dyer is a writer and speaker who struggled with her mental health from young adulthood. When she was writing about women in the Bible who wrestled with big wounds, she discovered that El Roi, the God who sees, also saw her in her mental health journey.

In this episode, Ann talks with Dena about post-partum depression, panic attacks, medications, and how God worked through Dena's counselor to help her find peace.

You can find more of Dena at http://www.denadyer.com, including a free 5-Day Bible study and a 31 day devotional for busy moms. Find Dena on IG @denadyer

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com and your question could be featured in a future episode.

Follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG.

Visit http://www.soulgritresources.com to sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss any new resources!

Ep. 19: Bipolar Disorder and Walking with Jesus

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

What is it like to have a bipolar diagnosis?

Can we really just "choose joy"?

Is the Church helping people with mental health diagnoses?

Ann talks with Joe Dea, host of the Buddy Walk with Jesus podcast, about his bipolar diagnosis and how he continues to practice the daily rhythms of inviting God's Kingdom here on earth.

Trigger Warning: if suicide is a sensitive issue for you, maybe skip this one! There are two brief mentions during the episode.

You can find out more about Joe and his work at www.buddywalkwithjesus.com.

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com and Ann will answer on a future episode.

Follow @soulgritresources on FB and IG. Don't forget to subscribe/rate/review on the podcast player of your choice.

(Mini) Ep. 18: Friendship When You're Depressed

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

How does God minister to us through our friendships when we're depressed?

How does God use people to draw us close to Him?

What kind of friends do you need when you're depressed?

Catch this mini-episode with a clip all about friendships between Ann and her friend of 20 years, Rebecca Lee. This is an outtake of last week's episode, where Ann and Rebecca talked about chronic depression and treatment with TMS. Make sure you go back and listen to the whole thing in Episode 17 of the Soul Grit Podcast!

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com with the subject line "Podcast question."

Follow Ann on IG and FB @soulgritresources. Be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and other resources when you join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com.

Ep. 17: When Your Depression Doesn't Get Better with Meds

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

What if you've tried therapy and meds?

What if depression and anxiety seem to follow you throughout your life?

What in the world is TMS?

How can you see God at work when you just never feel that happy?

Listen in on the conversation between Ann and Rebecca Lee as they talk about chronic depression and treatment with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Email info@soulgritresources.com with the subject line "Podcast question."

Follow Ann on IG and FB @soulgritresources. Be the first to know about new episodes, blogs, and other resources when you join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com.

Ep. 16: Top 10 Bible Verses for Counseling

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Faith-based counseling is NOT just slapping a Bible verse on a therapy session. A therapist who is excellent at faith integration can weave the truth of Scripture into the clinical interventions in a way that is healthy and appropriate and builds people up. Listen in for Ann's TOP 10 Bible verses that guide her approach to counseling.

Want to know more about faith integration? Ann offers a course for therapists who love Jesus but don't yet feel confident about incorporating faith in their sessions. Check it out at http://www.soulgritresources.com/courses

Have a question for a Christian counselor? Send it to info@soulgritresources.com with the subject line "Podcast question."

Join the email list at www.soulgritresources.com to be the first to know about new podcast episodes, blogs, and other resources! Don't forget to follow Ann on IG and FB @soulgritresources.

Ep. 15: Intrusive Thoughts

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

What are intrusive thoughts? Who gets them? and why?

What can we do personally and clinically about intrusive thoughts?

What does the Bible say about managing intrusive thoughts?

Join Ann for a solo episode covering these questions and more! This episode was inspired by a listener question. If you have a question for a Christian therapist or a suggestion for a show topic, email info@soulgritresources.com or DM Ann on IG @soulgritresources

Don't forget to follow on IG and FB @soulgritresources

Find more at http://www.soulgritresources.com

Ep. 14: All Things Mental Health and Christ

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode Ann is joined by Roslyn Rene from the "Therapy as a Christian Podcast" to talk about all things mental health and Christ. Some questions covered:

Why is it so important that we talk about mental health in Christian circles?
How is the approach to mental health different for African-American Christians versus others?
How does God work through trials and even motherhood to draw us close?
Why does it matter if we read our Bibles?

You can find out more about Roslyn at www.roslynrene.com, including her podcast, weekly newsletter, workshops, and more!

Have a question you’d like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line “Podcast Question.”

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 13: What is Yoga Therapy?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

What is yoga therapy?

How can gentle movement help me process difficult emotions?

How can I find a trauma-informed yoga instructor?

Is yoga ok for Christians?

Christian yoga therapist Cynthia Newton shares with Ann about how God moved her from trauma to transformation by using yoga. Now Cynthia is helping others experience healing through yoga therapy! Find out how it might supplement your mental health care in this episode.

You can find out more about Cynthia at www.yogain3d.com and on IG @yoga.in.3d

Have a question you’d like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line “Podcast Question.”

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 12: Coaching vs. Counseling

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Should I see a coach? or a counselor?

What's the difference?

How much training does each have?

What's the focus of coaching vs counseling?

Ann chats with Sue Bidstrup, coach and founder of Great Big Yes, about when it's best to find a counselor and when you really need a coach. If you've ever wondered which type of professional could be the most help for you, listen in on this fun conversation!

You can find more about Sue on IG @greatbigyes and at www.greatbigyes.com.

Have a question you’d like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line “Podcast Question.”

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 11: Living Well with Anxiety

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

What's it like to be a Christian living with chronic anxiety?

How is therapy and daily practice helpful for anxiety?

How does prayer and worship bring perspective to struggles with anxiety?

How can I trick my friend with social anxiety into hanging out with me? J/K

Join Ann and Christy, long ago college roommates, for a conversation that reveals what it feels like to have anxiety, the unexpected impact of post-partum anxiety, and how God loves us through it.

Have a question you’d like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line “Podcast Question.”

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 10: Soul Care in the Pandemic

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

What would you do if you were living overseas during quarantine?

Learn how this missionary and seminary professor found herself in a pandemic-related depression and how she used her own experience of healing to bring soul care to women across Asia.

Christine Virtue was Ann's mentor in college! She has been on staff with Cru for 21 years. You can read her bio here.

Have a question you’d like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line “Podcast Question.”

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 9: How can I become a counselor?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

What does it take to become a counselor?

What do I need to know about grad school and the licensure process?

Is there a specific way to become a Christian counselor?

Ann and Kate talk through these questions and lay out a pathway for those who want to care for others through counseling psychology or social work.

Special thanks to Kate Ordway for being the "guinea pig" for this type of episode. Find Kate online @kateordway and on the Moms Struggling Well Podcast.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 8: Unexpected Hope with Josette Langevine

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

What can we do when life throws us a huge curve ball?

What if God never gives you all the things you thought you'd have when you were younger?

How does God use unexpected circumstances to bring new hope?

Ann and Josette talk through these questions and marvel at how God restores hope despite dark moments in life.

Find more about Josette:

www.josettelangevine.com

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 7 What's the big deal about sleep?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0700

Why is sleep so important to our mental health?

How can we get better sleep?

Does God care about our sleep?

Ann and Ibi talk through these questions and a powerful, drug-free solution for banishing insomnia.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 6 (mini): Why Therapists Need a Close Relationship with Jesus

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0700

You are a busy therapist, and you may only have a few minutes between sessions to listen to this bit of encouragement. Put in your ear buds while you stuff that protein bar in your mouth and run to the restroom. You're about to be spurred on to loving Jesus more in your capacity as a counselor.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Ep. 5: Should I talk to a counselor or my pastor?

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Why do Christians prefer to talk to their pastors instead of a mental health counselor?

What are the differences between clinical counseling with a Christian therapist or biblical counseling with a pastor?

How can pastors know it's time to refer to a therapist?

Ann and Jessica talk through these questions and reveal the power of good faith integration in therapy.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources.

Ep. 4: Wellness and the Church

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

How has the perception of mental health changed over the years in the Church?

What has the Church done well in regards to mental health, and where has it done damage?

How can Christians work with God for their wellness?

Ann talks with Lindsey Hornkohl, Revelation Wellness Instructor and pastor's wife about these questions and more. We talk about raising challenging kiddos and regulating our emotions.

You can find Lindsey @e.lindsey.hornkohl.art and @wearewellonescards

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit: @soulgritresources on FB and IG.

Ep. 3: How to Find a Christian Therapist

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Ok, so you've decided you actually do want to see a therapist. Where do you start?

Ann breaks down the main sources for finding therapists. You'll hear how to use your insurance to pay for therapy, how to access your EAP, and how to ask the right questions when you get in touch with a potential therapist.

At the end of this episode is a special message to pastors and therapists about creating a referral list for Christian counselors in your area.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Ep. 2: Why Christians Aren't Going to Therapy

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Should Christians go to therapy?

Shouldn't we just pray more?

Is my mental health a sin issue?

In this episode, Ann breaks down some of the myths that Christians might believe about therapy and the emotional health of Christ-followers.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Ep. 1: Let's Talk Jesus & Mental Health

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

If you love Jesus but you also wonder about therapy and mental health, you're in the right place. Have you ever wondered about a relationship question or a mental health concern? If you didn't have a Christian counselor in your life to ask your questions then, you do now! Join Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT for a weekly episode where real people get to ask real questions about mental health from a Christian perspective.

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources

Trailer: Soul Grit Podcast

Ann Taylor McNiece, LMFT — Tue, 18 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Coming June 1, tune in for conversations about mental health and the Christian faith.

Episodes release on Tuesday at midnight Pacific time. Get started by visiting http://soulgritresources.com/podcast

Have a question you'd like a Christian counselor to answer? Submit it to info@soulgritresources.com with Subject Line "Podcast Question."

Follow Soul Grit on FB and IG @soulgritresources