Encountering You: Recent Episodes
AccessMore
You are invited to join Laura Williams, licensed professional counselor and co-host of ‘Out of the Dark’ with Mandisa as she tackles some of the tough issues in mental health and how they relate to your faith journey.
Encountering You will dive deeper into topics like trauma, struggling with my mental heath as a Christian, what are boundaries and how do I grow from them, shame, abuse, dealing with resentment and anger, and more.
Each episode will be full of information and include reflection, so be prepared to be challenged, but know that if you're are willing to move, even an inch, change will be inevitable.
New episodes of Encountering You will be available every Wednesday starting on April 6th so make sure to subscribe as we embark on a journey of hearing the places God wants to bring you in your story.
Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Do you ever wonder why it is difficult to feel the fruit of the spirit? Many people struggle with these because they haven't tackled wounds in their stories. Without certain skills, the fruit of the spirit may feel out of reach. Today, Laura will unpack the last four fruits of the spirit and talk about why you may struggle. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Do you ever wonder why it is difficult to feel the fruit of the spirit? Many people struggle with these because they haven't tackled wounds in their stories. Without certain skills, the fruit of the spirit may feel out of reach. Today, Laura will unpack the first five fruits of the spirit and talk about why you may struggle. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Do feel comfortable in your body or do you struggle with feeling beautiful? In today's episode, Laura is going to tackle the complicated topic of beauty and modesty, how we tend to confuse the two, how modesty has been protrayed and what it really is. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss and episode.
Organization and order are important aspects of our life. Many people think the need for structure is the same as the need for control. These are not the same thing. In today's episode, Laura will talk about why ritual, rhythm and routine are all very important aspects of feeling settled in our lives. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Did you know that the collision of faith and counseling can actually make your relationship with the Lord grow deeper and stronger? In today’s episode, Laura will talk about how the idea that counseling takes away from your faith or that if you need counseling your faith isn’t strong enough is absolutely. It true! The Lord wants us to seek counsel and today we will look at the myths of this stigma and how to encourage our communities to embrace health around these beliefs. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
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Did you know there is a difference between being a good person and being a safe person? In today's episode, Laura is going to unpack the difference between acting like a good person and truly being a safe person. She will discuss why being safe is so important, what are the key traits of a person who is safe, and most importantly, how to be a safe person yourself. You can subscribe on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Fund conversations that matter: donate.accessmore.com
Are you stuck in the comparison trap? Feeling like you can never measure up? Or sometimes feeling like I have to be better than someone else to be good enough? In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about how prevalent this is, why we do it, and how to grow through it. You can subscribe on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Did you know that loneliness is one of the primary things that people present with in counseling? Many people come into therapy feeling like they are the only one that struggles. You are not alone. In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about her own story and how your journey in counseling can help you connect to yourself, to your story, to others and primarily, to God. You can subscribe today on Accessmore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
The Forge Movie. Click here for theaters and showtimes.
Do feel exhausted, irritable, anxious, or just want a break? You may be at risk for burnout. Burnout sneaks up on all of us and it is important to recognize the signs. In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about how to identify when you are getting close to needing to slow down, even if you feel like you can't. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/overflowing-joy-2/#flipbook-sampler/
Wherever You Go I Want You To Know is available here. Save 25% by using code: Go25
The Forge Movie. Click here for theaters and showtimes.
Did you know that you can impact someone else in your life with your own nervous system? Whether it is the cashier at the grocery store or your closest relationship, your nervous system is impacted by and will impact other people. In today's episode, Laura will talk about several different examples of where this will show up from casual acquaintances and workplace relationships to your best friend or significant other. You can subscribe today at AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/overflowing-joy-2/#flipbook-sampler/
Wherever You Go I Want You To Know is available here. Save 25% by using code: Go25
By now you have likely heard about the passing of my dear friend and Out of the Dark co-host, Mandisa. In light of this, we are going to pause for a bit to honor her and take the time to grieve her loss.
We'll be back in May, but if you would like more resources on how to navigate grief, below you'll find links to previous episodes to help you walk through this journey.
I look forward to being back with you soon.
Previous Episodes on Grief:
Dealing with Despair
Is it Healthy to Regret: Grief About Time Lost
The Radical Truth: Healing Takes a Long Time
Containment-When My Feelings are Too Much
Do you consider the stress of parenting to be overwhelming or sometimes too much? It's possible that you are having reactions to your children that are more about trauma than parenting. In today's episode, Laura will talk about how stress in parenting can easily trigger parts of your story and create unnecessary activation in your nervous system and then give you resources on how to cope. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
Do you often feel overwhelmed and wonder if this feeling will ever go away? Today, Laura is going to talk about traumatic stress and how it can actually show up in your day to day life. She is going to discuss how to identify traumatic stress and give you tools to help heal it when you are experiencing it. You can subscribe today on Access More or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
We all talk about stress but do you really know what stress is and how to manage it? Today starts a month long series about stress. April is stress awareness month so what better time than that to really unpack it. Laura is going to talk about what the risks of stress are, the window of tolerance and how to manage it, and ways to cope with stress. Most of all, she is going to help you understand that we don't have to wait for stressors to go away to feel the peace of God! You can subscribe today on Access More or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
As we draw near to the celebration of Easter, we are going to examine the lens with which you look at life. Much like glasses, the lenses can either make things clearer or cloudier. Today, Laura is going to talk about the importance of the lens we look at life through, how to keep it clear, and how living "in light" of the cross is so different than living in the "possibility" of the cross. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
Did you know that you can experience a form of trauma just from watching the news? Vicarious or secondhand trauma happens when we overidentify with someone else's trauma. Many people mistake it for empathy when it is not. In today's episode, Laura will talk about why this happens and give you resources to help yourself create peace in a seemingly chaotic world. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
Anger and rage are two things that most people deal with but not all people acknowledge. During the season of Lent, Laura is going to focus on the things in life that can be maddening sometimes, all through the lens of the hope that the Resurrection of Jesus brings us on a daily basis. In today's episode, she is going to discuss anger and rage, how it looks different for men and women, different ways rage can come out, and then how to process both. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts.
"Overflowing Joy” can be purchased at OverFlowingJoyBook.com
Did you know that despair is an emotion that most everyone feels at some point in their life? Laura is going to use the season of Lent to talk about the things in life that create a feeling of chaos and confusion in the light of the truth and hope that the Resurrection of Jesus brings us. In today's episode, Laura is going to discuss the idea of despair, what it is, the role of hope, and how to reparent the parts of you that feel despair. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you feel selfish when you prioritize yourself in your relationship? In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about how to love yourself well in the context of a relationship. She is going to talk about self-care, boundaries, and towing the line between being selfish and prioritizing self. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Did you know that trauma shows up in our relationships? There are 3 different ways this can happen...trauma from our family of origin, trauma from previous relationships, and trauma from the relationship we are currently in. In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about each one of these and give you tools to navigate how trauma is entering into your relationships. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
What is unconditional love really? Today, Laura is going to talk about what unconditional love is and what it is not. You are going to learn ways to identify unhealthy behaviors in your relationships and ways to grow your ability to have unconditional positive regard with the people closest to you. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
What does it really take to maintain healthy relationships? In today's episode, Laura is going to discuss 6 practices that you can start today in order to grow a healthy relationship. From healthy communication to having fun, these practices can help you in whatever relationships you find yourself in. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about the idea of spiritual bypassing. Many of us don't realize that when parents over-spiritualize things or offer bible verses for solutions, this is actually a form of spiritual abuse. If you grew up in a Christian family, you don't want to miss this episode. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
In today's episode, Laura is going to revisit the idea of regulation. Most people think they are regulated when they are actually not! Listen today to find out how you can tell whether you are or you aren't, and what to do about it! You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Why is it so hard to keep a New Year's resolution? Today, Laura will talk about difficulties with creating change and forming habits, ways to combat that, and encouragement to help you keep making your way through 2024! You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you ever wonder why your New Year's Resolution doesn't stick? Maybe it's because you are not actually making the one that you need. In today's episode, Laura will discuss the origin of the New Year's Resolution, why it doesn't work, and help you learn how to make the resolution that will actually help you! You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
RELATED POSTS:
Healthy New Year's Resolutions
Hey there! I am taking the week off to be with my family in my hometown in Florida. I hope that you all have had a wonderful Christmas and I can't wait to be with you in the New Year!
Are you having trouble feeling "the reason for the season"? Today is the last in a series of episodes on the season of Advent, and why it might be difficult to find hope, peace, joy, and love in this season. Laura is going to talk about the different types of love and why it is important to discern these in a way to develop more love for God, others, and self not just in this season, but always. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
RELATED POSTS:
Fourth Week of Advent: Love
Are you having trouble feeling "the reason for the season"? In this season of Advent, Laura is going to take you through some ways to develop more hope, peace, joy, and love during the holidays. In today's episode, she is going to talk about joy, what it actually is, why you might not have it, and ways to help you develop a sense of joy, not just for this season, but always. You can subscribe on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.
See the Miracle of Christmas only on Sight and Sound TV.
Are you having trouble feeling "the reason for the season"? In this season of Advent, Laura is going to walk you through some ways to find more hope, peace, joy, and love. In today's episode, she is going to talk about peace and how you can develop it amidst chaos. She will also discuss why you might have trouble with it. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
See the Miracle of Christmas only on Sight and Sound TV.
RELATED POSTS:
Second Week of Advent: Peace
Are you having trouble feeling "the reason for the season"? In the next four weeks, Laura is going to walk you through the season of Advent and help you see why this might be the case. In today's episode, she is going to talk about hope, why it is hard for us to have hope, and walk you through a few ways to develop more hope during a hard season. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
See the Miracle of Christmas only on Sight and Sound TV.
RELATED POSTS:
First Week of Advent: Hope
Going home for the holidays? It can be a challenging time for many people. In today's episode, Laura is going to talk about acceptance, protecting your mental wellness, what to do if you are triggered, and how to set healthy boundaries. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
See the Miracle of Christmas only on Sight and Sound TV.
Did you know that compartmentalizing isn't always unhealthy? Today Laura will discuss when it might be good to use the tool of compartmentalization, when it is not healthy, and an exercise to use when you need to save feelings for later. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
See the Miracle of Christmas only on Sight and Sound TV.
RELATED POSTS:
Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Compartmentalization
Do you ever wonder if you will ever be a good enough parent? It seems like such a daunting task but when we do our own work and become healthier and more functional adults, it is possible. Today Laura will talk about 8 constructive ways to look at not feeling good enough as parents. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
RELATED POSTS:
Parenting Expectations: Am I Ever Good Enough
There can be so much mystery and confusion in those early years of parenting. What's a parent to do? Where do you look for help and guidance? Today, Laura will talk about her own journey as a new parent, what was helpful, what wasn't, and some things to focus on as you venture through those early years! You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
RELATED POSTS:
Parenting Expectations: Early Years
Every child has given birthrights--even you. Many people that come into counseling don't understand what they needed because they didn't get it. Today we will talk about your 6 given birthrights and then what happens when these birthrights aren't met. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Did you know that your birth story holds clues to why you do what you do today? Knowing the story of your birth can be either very life-giving or may be contributing to the things that limit your emotional growth and wellness. In today's episode, Laura will unpack why this is important, what the different themes of your birth story might mean, and how to engage with your own birth story. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
RELATED POSTS:
The Power of Your Birth Story
Do you think that trauma only affects some people? Or that you can just "will" your way through it? Today, Laura will unpack some of the realities of trauma, how no amount of money, education or "happiness" can outrun the effects of it, and how to start validating yourself and engaging in your process. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Did you know that sometimes your intent matters and then sometimes it doesn't? In today's episode, Laura will talk about when your intent matters, why or why not, and how to be more aware of ourselves when it comes to our intent. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Why do affairs actually happen? Today, Laura will discuss the topic of affairs as it relates to boundaries. She will cover what they are, why they happen and how to pay attention to yourself in order to have healthy boundaries around relationships. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
We all have a need for physical touch. The problem arises when our story either tells us we don't or makes physical touch into something that doesn't feel safe. In today's episode, Laura will talk about the need for physical touch, why it's important, why it becomes unsafe and how to begin to heal. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Lisa Harper “Jesus” is available wherever you buy books
Do you wonder why your need for affirmation never goes away? Listen to today's podcast to learn more about when and where this need might show up, why it does and ways to help yourself build a sense of worth or value. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Do you struggle to feel worthy around your work? Whether you are in a career, a job, or a parent who stays home with his/her children, this episode is for you. Laura will discuss why learning to value yourself from the inside, in God's eyes, is so important. Achievement and success can be fleeting. Your worth as God sees it is eternal. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Do you struggle with your body image? If you are like many people, this is a place of wounding. Today, Laura will unpack why valuing your body through God's eyes is so essential to our ability to have a healthy self, and how you can start building your value and worth without your body as the focal point. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you liten to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Do you ever wonder why people don't know what you need? It's because they can't read your mind. And you can't read theirs either! Today, Laura will talk about why we think we can read people's minds, why we can't and what to do about it. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Do you struggle with regret? Today, Laura will discuss how staying in regret will actually keep you stuck in your old patterns. We must move from regret into grief in order to truly move forward in our lives here on earth and in our relationship with God. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Do you have a hard time knowing what is normal adolescent behavior? If you are like many of us, it is difficult to know what is typical teen behavior and what is problematic. You can subscribe today at AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Does defensiveness seem to overtake you in conversations? In today's episode, Laura will unpack why defensiveness creeps up and why it gets in the way of connection. You can subscribe today at AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Fund conversations that matter: donate.accessmore.com
Many people commonly refer to themselves as being overwhelmed and society even celebrates this state of being. However, what Laura will unpack today is that being overwhelmed is actually a state of crisis or a trauma response. You can experience stress, and that is ok. But when you express being overwhelmed or numb, you are out of your window of tolerance and unable to function as a healthy adult. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Did you know that we can actually identify what younger part of us is showing up by how Satan is speaking to us? When we are standing in conviction it is our healthiest adult self that hears from God! When we find ourselves in condemnation or confusion, we are in a state of wounding and very vulnerable to Satan. Laura is going to discuss ways to intervene when you find yourself in either confusion or condemnation. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
Do you ever wonder how your attachment style contributes to skills that are essential in adulthood? Today, Laura is going to discuss how some skills that we need in adulthood are directly affected by our attachment style. Some of these skills include leadership, teamwork, empathy, and adaptability. The good news is, you can grow these skills! You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme
How can learning about moderation impact our ability to have adult skills? In today's episode, Laura is going to discuss how important learning about moderation is in developing skills like adaptability, teamwork, empathy, delegation and timeliness just to name a few. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Adrienne Camp's new book "As For Me" is available now at LifeWay.com/asforme.
Does learning to take responsibility for our needs and wants actually have an impact on basic skills in adulthood? The answer is yes and in today's episode, Laura will help to unpack why learning about your needs and wants matters. When we have trouble taking responsibility for ourselves and learning how to ask for help, we can struggle in skills like communication, dependability, intitiative, and problem solving. You can subscibe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Do you wonder if you are perceiving your reality correctly or have reactions that don't match the situation you are in? In this episode, Laura will discuss how the ability to "own our reality" impacts many of our transferable skills in adulthood. When we have trouble owning our reality, we can find ourselves struggling with making decisions, overcommitting, managing stress, problem solving, or even being trustworthy. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Did you ever think that your ability to hold healthy boundaries actually affects some of your transferable skills as adults? Today, Laura will continue with part 2 of a 6 part series on transferable skills and how they are developed from the 6 core areas of development. When we don't have healthy boundaries, we actually struggle in other areas as well including active listening, conflict resolution, social media ethics, being on time, following rules or guidelines, motivation/determination, and empathy. You can find out more about how this happens and what it means in being a healthy, functional adult. You can subscribe today at AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Did you know that transferable skills aren't just about our professional skills? In today's episode, Laura will start a 6 part series on transferable skills that are developed from the 6 core areas of our development. Listen as she unpacks how when we don't have inherent value or worth, other skills can be affected, i.e. conflict resolution, teamwork, integrity, and empathy. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
SAVE 20% by using code You20 at ElevatedFaith.com
Do you realize that when we grow up feeling too much shame, it actually prevents us from feeling healthy shame? Today Laura will talk about the harm of growing up in a family that avoids shame all together. She will unpack Dysfunctional Family Rules as introduced by John Bradshaw. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Do you struggle with putting limits on yourself or have trouble with self-control or knowing what you feel? It's probably because the younger part of you is running the show! In today's episode, Laura will talk about how to actually reparent the younger parts of you based on what they needed growing up. She will talk about addressing feelings, validating self, and setting limits when you need them. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
Did you know that when you feel young, you probably are functioning from a young place? In today's episode, Laura will discuss how to identify the moments that you slip into an unhealthy state, discover how old you feel and how to enter in with that younger part of you. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
"When I Talk to God, I Talk About You" is available now at PenguinRandomHouse.com
Do you want to know more about complex trauma and whether or not you might have experienced it? In today's episode, Laura will shed light on the idea of complex trauma and what it means. She will use an example from her own story to show you what it means and how to care for yourself if you have experienced complex trauma. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
"When I Talk to God, I Talk About You" is available now at PenguinRandomHouse.com
Did you know that there are multiple levels and kinds of trauma? In today's episode, Laura will unpack the basics of trauma, the difference between overt and covert trauma, the importance of regulation, and a few other concepts. This episode is a good introduction to trauma and it's many faces. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
"When I Talk to God, I Talk About You" is available now at PenguinRandomHouse.com
Do you wonder if your mental health journey will ever end? In today's episode, Laura will talk about the idea that healing is an ongoing journey. She will talk about how the idea of growth will include a sense of humility, an openness to what God has for us (whether we like it or not), and that it will be uncomfortable. She will even share a little more of her own story. You can subscribe today on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!
"When I Talk to God, I Talk About You" is available now at PenguinRandomHouse.com
Here’s a preview of what’s coming up on Season 2 of Encountering You!
After a short break, I am coming back rejuvenated and excited to be with you again. I wanted to take some time to let you in on what the new season is going to look like!
In this season of Encountering You, we are going to dive a little deeper into some familiar topics like your family of origin and why it’s important, boundaries, our value as humans, reparenting and codependence to name a few. . We are going to talk about helpful tools and resources to help you along your own journey toward health. You are going to grow but we are also going to continue to have a little bit of fun along the way.
You can subscribe to the podcast now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. I can’t wait to be with you!
Do you struggle with the idea of forgiveness? In today's episode, Laura will differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation, the benefits of actual forgiveness, and what to do if you notice a place in your life where forgiveness might be hard but necessary for you to move forward. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you see one parent as the "villain" and the other as an "angel"? One of the ways that our boundaries are shaped is when one parent holds the other accountable for their behavior. Today, Laura will talk about why this is important, what happens, and how it affects you in adulthood. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you wonder what a healthy client/therapist relationship looks like? Today, Laura is going to discuss what to look for when looking for or evaluating your relationship with a counselor or therapist. Some things that are important include if the therapist is in counseling themselves, if they challenge me, if they do family of origin work and a few more. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you find yourself accepting responsibility for things as a child that weren't yours? Did you own the identity of being a "difficult teenager" or being the one who didn't ask about hard things? In today's episode, Laura is going to explore some common phrases people use to let their parents "off the hook" when it comes to emotional neglect. If any of these phrases feel familiar, you might be taking too much responsibility for what was actually your parent's job. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Was honoring your parents a mode of discipline in your house growing up? Do you have issues with discipline and obedience in your life as an adult? In today's episode, Laura will discuss the difference between these two ideas, why compliance at all costs is harmful and traumatic, what it looks like to struggle with discipline and obedience in adulthood, and ways to challenge yourself in the healing process. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Did you know that you could be too close to your parents or your children? In today's episode, Laura will unpack the issue of enmeshment, why it is troublesome and even traumatic, what it might look like in adulthood and steps you can take to start the healing process. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Did you know the true definition of spiritual abuse? In this episode, Laura will unpack what spiritual abuse actually is, the types of spiritual abuse, and a few ways to challenge yourself to begin the process of healing. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Did you know that how we process trauma as an adult is directly impacted by what we experienced growing up? In today's episode, Laura is going to discuss adult trauma, how processing it (or not processing it) is impacted by your story, identify how your coping skills might keep that trauma stuck, and then how to process adult trauma in a healthy way. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you ever feel like you try and try but just don't feel like your relationship with God is getting deeper? In today's episode, Laura will talk about the ways in which your trauma can actually be a barrier to relationship with God. She will cover 4 areas that get in the way--comparison, attachment, your coping strategies and your parents. You will discover what might be getting in the way of a deeper relationship with God and how to take one step toward healing. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you think it's too late for you to seek counseling? Do you think you are too far gone? Are you frustrated that counseling hasn't worked for you in the past? If any of this sounds like you, then today's podcast will be one you don't want to miss. As a close to the year 2022, Laura will help you assess the year we just had, identify what's holding you back, and help encourage you in your mental health journey. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Want to start off the New Year with a resolution you can keep? In today's episode, Laura will talk about the benefits of changing the word "but" to "and". You will learn how the word "but" has been used to cancel out feelings, how adulthood can bring the understanding we can hold more than one feeling (the "and"), and how to practice this. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you ever feel trapped? In this episode, Laura will talk about the reasons why you might feel like this because of your story, how it might show up as an adult, and teach you a few ways you can help yourself through it! New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you ever feel like some of the things you do in counseling seem like they are not working? In this episode, Laura is going to talk about the importance of doing the work, even when you don't believe it. You will get a refresher on the concept of value and worth, learn what neuroplasticity is and how the brain changes, and how to increase your own brain's ability to change your patterns. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you feel like you are dreading the holidays instead of anticipating them with joy? This episode is the fourth in a series about when the holidays don't bring joy. In this episode, Laura will talk about the benefits of developing a practice of gratitude. You will learn about the toxic ways some Christians use gratitude, what the real purpose of gratitude is and how you can benefit from it, and how to start a gratitude practice. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you feel like you are dreading the holidays instead of anticipating them with joy? This episode is the third in a series about when the holidays don't bring joy. In this episode, Laura will talk about boundaries with family during this season. You will get a refresher of the different types of boundaries, examples of what they are, and how to effectively use boundaries to create a better holiday experience. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you feel like you are dreading the holidays instead of anticipating them with joy? This episode is the second in a series about when the holidays don't bring joy. In this episode, Laura will talk about feelings of sadness during this season. You will learn why experiencing sadness is essential to being healthy, the benefits of sadness, and what do we do to process sadness in a healthy way. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Do you feel like you are dreading the holidays instead of anticipating them with joy? This episode is the first in a series about when the holidays don't bring joy. In this episode, Laura will talk about feelings of loneliness during this season. You will learn about why you might struggle with more loneliness because of your story, the 3 relationships loneliness shows up in, and how to take responsibility for your loneliness. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
How do you recognize the role you played in your family growing up? In this episode, Laura will talk about 3 different roles in the family. Were you the hero, lost child, the scapegoat, or a combination? Through this conversation, you'll learn what each role means, what it might look like as an adult, and how to walk through it in a healthy way. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Most of us don't realize that we are actually not connected to our bodies. In this episode, Laura will talk about the ways in which we can become connected to ourselves and truly "be in your body".
In many of these episodes, Laura talks about being a "functional adult" but what does this mean, really? Today, she will discuss 5 components of the functional adult self.
Building a healthy community is an essential piece of "doing the work". Today I am going to talk about the benefits of healthy community and how to build it.
If you grew up with two parents, most people identify one as the villain and one as the superhero. This is rarely true. In today's episode, I will discuss the idea of balancing the roles of your parents and how EACH of them contributed to the woundings in your story.
Today we are going to talk about what it looks like to "do the work". Change involves so much more than just showing up to your counseling appointment.
In today's episode, we will dive a little deeper into shame; what it is, what it's not, and how to use it in a healthy way.
Today's episode will talk about the things to pay attention to as you are walking along your healing journey. There are markers to look for to know if healing is really happening or not.
What do you do when you are having feelings about something and have to go to work? Or be available to your kids? Or are in a place where it is not safe to process? Today's episode is going to discuss the topic of containment--what we do with our feelings when they are "too much". There will be an exercise at the end of the episode as well, so be ready to pause if you need to find the space to do it.
Many people identify as peacemakers and wear it like a badge of honor. What do you do when you realize that peacemaking really isn't about everyone else? What do you do when you learn peacemaking is about you? Today's episode will tackle this topic and give you a couple of tools to navigate some growth in this area.
Today, Laura is going to take a little turn from the usual format of our podcasts and talk about how her own journey to faith has been impacted (and directly correlated) to her emotional and mental health.
Today's episode will discuss the importance of looking at our attachment style. Laura will also talk about how our attachment style affects our relationship to other people. Finally, we will discuss ways to help become more securely attached to yourself and God!
In this episode, Laura talks about the concept of empathy. It is such a timely episode, given so many things going on in our world. Every person, regardless of your stage in life, needs to listen in. If we could all practice empathy, the people around us might be able to see Jesus a little more. And we could all use that.
Encountering You is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Feelings are an important part of our mental health journey. In this episode, Laura will discuss what feelings are and what purpose they serve in our emotional and spiritual wellness.
Laura Williams Exclusive Devotional
Encountering You is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
In this episode, Laura will discuss the idea of reparenting and the freedom that comes from being able to give yourself what you need. When we can identify the places we are stuck, reparenting helps you move forward and grow into a functional adult.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
This is one of the most popular phrases in our society today but, do we really live by it? It is actually one of the healthiest ways to live (with a few exceptions of course) but one of the most difficult things to do--live in the middle.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Taking care of ourselves involves knowing our needs and wants. In order to do that, we need to know how we were treated as children in regards to our neediness. As adults, we need to be able to know what we need, take responsibility for ourselves and ask for help if we need it.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Knowing our reality is one of the most important things we can tackle in counseling. We need to know where we are in order to get where we want to go. This takes humility and the ability to hold ourselves accountable without judgement or shame. It is vital to our work in our mental health journey.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
How to protect myself from the world and how to protect the world from myself...boundaries seems to be one of the most difficult topics to understand and incorporate. Most people can identify what kinds of boundaries we need but have a hard time keeping them. Today I will unpack why boundaries are so complicated.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Worth or value is given to us first and foremost by God but our parents have to grow it. There are many ways this can go sideways. If you have learned to value yourself by your career, your status in your community, whether you are a good mom/dad or not, or any other ways outside of yourself, this episode is for you. We are not better than or less than anyone else.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
In order to know how we need or want to change, we have to become aware of ourselves and our world. In today's episode, we are going to discuss the topic of awareness, what it means and how to increase it.
Encountering You Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Have you ever read the second half of a book without reading the first half? Doing therapy without going back would be like reading the ending of a book without reading the beginning. A lot of times, people do not like to "rehash" their childhood. However, it is essential in the development of the main character in your story, YOU. In this episode, Laura will talk about the importance of your family origin and how it formed the adult you are today.
Trauma is a complicated word and most of us did not make it out of childhood without it. In this episode, Laura will unpack three specific questions: 1. What is trauma? 2. What can it look like in my adult life? 3. What can I do about it?
In this episode, Laura will tackle one of the hardest questions most Christians tackle in regards to their mental health--if I struggle with my mental health, does it mean that my faith isn't big enough. She will discuss how your journey to emotional wellness actually brings you closer to Jesus.
In this first episode, join Laura as she begins to tackle the subject of emotional and mental health in the church. Why should I go to counseling? Why does it take so long? Why me? Why not me? These are only some of the whys she will talk about in this first episode. Whether you never been to counseling or you are a seasoned client, these episodes will be full of life changing concepts and tools for YOU.
Welcome to Encountering You with licensed professional counselor Laura Williams. Listen as she tackles tough issues relating to your mental health and how they relate to your faith journey just like you heard on 'Out of the Dark' with Mandisa, but here Laura will dive a little deeper with you to unpack topics like trauma, can I be a Christian and struggle with my mental health, what are boundaries and how do I grow them, shame, abuse, dealing with resentment and anger and other issues in counseling.
In this podcast, you will be challenged. If you are willing to move, even and inch, change is inevitable. Each episode will be full of information, so bring a notebook along. Every episode will also include some kind of reflection, journal prompt or practice for you to try in between episodes. These may feel hard to do, but I promise they will create movement. Sometimes when something resonates with you, it can feel positive. But, be aware that many times, conviction can feel uncomfortable. So, if something I say creates discomfort, sit with it. See what God is trying to move in you.
A new episode of Encountering You will be available every Wednesday starting April 6 so make sure to subscribe as we embark on a journey of hearing the places God wants to bring you in your story!