Episodes
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Episode 78: CAN THERAPY MAKE YOU WORSE? Iatrogenic Effects and the Risks of Bad Therapy
Can mental health treatment sometimes do more harm than good? Today, Tom Weil and Alex Hoffman join us to explore that question through Abigail Shrier’s book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up, a selection from the CCA Reading List. Are we helping young people build resilience - or…
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Episode 77: Seeds of Freedom: From Relief to Development
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Tom Weil and Alex Hoffman join us for an update on Seeds of Freedom, our agricultural and Christian development initiative in Liberia. We’ll look at what we learned in 2026, our vision for 2027, and how sustainable development can create...
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Episode 76: Trauma: What Actually Heals (and What Makes It Worse)
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we're joined by Brett Durbin, Executive Director of Advancement at Honey Lake Clinic and founder of the Trash Mountain Project. For years, Brett served people living in some of the most difficult conditions in the world. While helping others...
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Episode 75: Are We Overdiagnosing Mental Illness?
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we're joined by Andrea Hay, Clinical Supervisor, and Allen Joseph, Lead Counselor at Christian Counseling Associates, to discuss a timely question: Are we overdiagnosing mental illness? As mental health awareness has grown, so have…
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Episode 74: Why Men Are Struggling Emotionally — And Rarely Talking About It
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we're joined by Ian Lee, intern counselor at CCA, for a conversation about a growing concern among young men today. Many people struggle emotionally, yet men are often less likely to talk about emotional pain or seek help. As a result, many...
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Episode 73: Can You Heal Without Forgiving?
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Jamie Caruso and Kiley Henehan, Clinical Supervisors at Christian Counseling Associates, to explore a question many people wrestle with after they have been deeply hurt: Can you heal without forgiving? When someone has been...
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Episode 72: When Church Hurt Becomes a Mental Health Crisis
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Rev. Brian Smith, a Missouri Synod Pastor and CCA partner in York, PA, to discuss “Church Wounds”—when church hurt becomes a mental health crisis. What happens when the place meant for healing becomes the source of pain—and…
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Episode 71: The Mental Health Cost of Living Without Truth
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we explore “The Mental Health Cost of Living Without Truth.” As our culture encourages people to define their own reality and “live their truth,” many are experiencing rising anxiety and identity confusion. Joining us is Pastor Clarke…
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Episode 70: Why Success Still Leaves People Empty
Why do so many high-achieving people still feel empty? In this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, Pastor Chris Whitehead from Charter Oak Church helps us explore the psychological and spiritual roots of achievement-driven identity. Discover how success can become a control strategy,...
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Episode 69: What Gives Life Meaning When Everything Falls Apart
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Paul Henderson, Pastor and Director of Men’s Ministries at Adams Rescue Mission. Paul shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to redemption through Christ, helping us explore what gives life meaning when everything...
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Episode 68: Why So Many People Feel Anxious, Even When Life Is Going Well
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Pastor Louis Harrell, Co-Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland County, to ask why anxiety persists even when life seems to be going well. Drawing on theological and clinical insight, we explore how anxiety reflects…
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Episode 67: Renewing the Mind with Dr. Karl Benzio: Faith, Psychiatry, and the Power of Decision-Making
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we’re joined by Dr. Karl Benzio, psychiatrist, author, and Founder of Honey Lake Clinic, a Christian residential mental health program dedicated to whole-person healing. Dr. Benzio brings together personal testimony, medical expertise, and...
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Episode 66: Serving the Silent Wounds: Dr. Tim Murphy on Military & First Responder Care
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Tim Murphy, clinical psychologist, former U.S. Congressman, and Navy Reserve Commander. Drawing from decades of service in military psychology, frontline trauma care, and national...
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Episode 65: The Pilgrimage Journey: Walking the Road to Renewal with CCA
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with Terry DeHamer, Clinical Supervisor for CCA’s Ohio Regions, and Alex Hoffman, Intake Supervisor for CCA and Vice President of the Foundation for Christian Counseling. Together, they share powerful reflections...
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Episode 64: Seeds of Freedom: Growing Hope in Liberia
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a discussion with Alex Hoffman, Vice President of the Foundation for Christian Counseling and Intake Supervisor for CCA, and Dr. Tom Weil, Clinical Director of CCAs’ Western Pennsylvania Division. Together, we explore Seeds of...
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Episode 63: When Darkness Strikes: Helping Children Grieve When Tragedy Hits
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for an insightful conversation with Christian author and expert on childhood grief, Jerry Woodbridge. Drawing from her book Joy Overcame Sorrow, Jerry shares faith-centered wisdom for guiding children through loss, and difficult...
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Episode 62: Am I Living with a Narcissist? Signs You Can’t Ignore
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with Dr. Tom Weil, Clinical Director of CCA’s Western PA Division, as he shares insights on identifying and understanding narcissism. We explore the signs you can’t ignore when living with a narcissist, the…
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Episode 61: Confronting Child Abuse: Guidance for Protecting Children
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a compassionate discussion with Nicole Coleman-Hammett, Licensed Social Worker with CCA, as she shares her expertise on preventing child sexual abuse. We explore practical steps for keeping children safe, responding with wisdom…
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Episode 60: Faith Over Fear: Overcoming Cancer with God by My Side
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a heartfelt conversation with Scott Aiken, Licensed Professional Counselor at CCA, as he shares his personal journey through a diagnosis of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We explore the emotional and spiritual impact of…
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Episode 59: Psalms of Trust: Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd
In this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a meaningful conversation with Deborah Keefe, Licensed Social Worker at CCA, as we explore how the Psalms offer a pathway to healing and renewed trust. Deborah shares how sacred music and Biblical meditation can help us face...
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Episode 58: How Do I Help My Troubled Teen? A Counselor’s Perspective
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we talk with Dr. Jim Matta of Geneva College and CCA counselor Mark Britton. Join us as we explore challenges that teens face in the modern culture, and the growing conversation around neurodiversity from a Christian counseling perspective.
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Episode 57: Can a Chatbot Heal You? What Happens When We Trade Counselors for Code
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with special guest Tom Weil, Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Counselor at CCA. Together, we explore how digital culture is reshaping how people seek help, and why real, embodied relationships remain essential for...
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Episode 56: Faith, Family, and Healing: Meeting Mental Health Needs Through the Church
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with CCA counselors Dawn Ritchie and Andrew Schnur as we explore how faith and family form the foundation of emotional healing and spiritual growth. Hear Dawn's insights as a mother and experienced counselor, and...
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Episode 55: Through a Parent’s Eyes: The ADHD Journey
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we sit down with special guest Gary Petrie as he shares his real-life journey of parenting three children diagnosed with ADHD. Hear a testimonial of honest struggles, surprising breakthroughs, and the hope that grows through challenge. Join us as…
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Episode 54: Faith, Recovery & Community: Meet CCA Counselors Andrew Schnur & David Whipple
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us for a conversation with CCA counselors Andrew Schnur and David Whipple as we explore the vital role of faith in drug and alcohol counseling (DACCA), the mission of the Foundation for Christian Counseling (FFCC), and the impact of...
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Episode 53: Breaking Free: Overcoming Pornography Through Faith and Renewal
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we confront a hidden struggle affecting over half of practicing Christians—pornography. Many suffer in silence, unaware of the deep psychological and spiritual impact. Our guest, Robert Vander Meer, a Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional with...
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Episode 52: Navigating ADHD: Personal Journeys Integrating Scientific and Spiritual Insights
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we sit down with special guest, CCA Counselor Judy McLaren, who brings a unique perspective as a counselor and an individual living with ADHD. Together, we explore the complexities of navigating life with ADHD, from personal challenges to...
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Episode 51: Sexual Abuse, You Be the Judge: Reflecting on the Menendez Brothers Trial
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with special guest, CCA Counselor Tyler Erickson, as we explore the deep and lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the unique challenges faced by survivors. Join the discussion, as we offer insights into the Menendez Brothers Trial...
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Episode 50: Broken Faith: How Church Corruption Impacts Families
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with special guest, Reverend Robert Zilhaver, Pastor of St. Marys Methodist Church and Consultant to CCA, as we explore subtle types of church corruption that are prevalent in today's culture, and its pervasive impact on the family.
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Episode 49: Pilgrims of El Camino de Santiago
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates we meet with special guest CCA counselor Kent Rogers as we discuss the pilgrimage of El Camino de Santiago, and faith, sacrifice, and transformation.
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Episode 48: Remembering 9/11: Finding the strength to rebuild
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with CCA Counselor, musician, and author Deborah Keefe as we reflect on the heroism of 9/11 survivors, focusing on how we find the strength and resilience to rebuild when we are in the most challenging valleys of life.
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Episode 47: Missing Child: A Story of Tragedy to Hope for a Mother Still Searching
In this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, we meet with Janice McKinney. In 1985, her 8-year-old daughter went missing after stepping off of her school bus on a Friday afternoon. Join us as Janice shares her story of tragedy and loss transformed in forgiveness to a life of redemption…
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Episode 46: Mental Health, Clergy and the Church
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with Professor and Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Kristen Kansiewicz, to discuss the state of clergy mental health, as we ask the question, how is my pastor doing?
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Episode 45: Regaining Your Identity
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with CCA Counselor and Professional Figure Skater, Mathew Essigmann, to discuss a personal journey of trauma, abandonment, and finding healing and identity in Christ and Family Life.
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Episode 44: Not Another Christian Parenting Podcast
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with author and father of 4 children, Peter Daniel James, to discuss his most recent publication, Not Another Christian Parenting Book. Join us as we focus on biblical parenting strategies for challenging family situations.
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Episode 43: Biblical Healing from Trauma
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we meet with special guest Former Congressman and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Tim Murphy, to discuss his most recent book, The Christ Cure. Join us as we focus on biblical healing from Trauma, Tragedy and PTSD.
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Episode 42: The Foundation Mission in a Post Roe v. Wade World
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us with our panel guests, including Attorney Allan Parker, Author of Reversing Roe vs. Wade, as we explore the expanding mission of the Foundation for Christian Counseling and its pro-life mission. Learn more about how families are affected…
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Episode 41: Real Counseling with Dr. Joe Maola
This time on Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join us with special guest Dr. Joe Maola as we explore the essence of what makes counseling effective, and how clients can experience great results when they seek professional help.
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Episode 40: Tragedy, Grief, and Redemption: A Mother’s Story of Hope Arising out of Family Loss
In this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, we welcome Tammy Summers, the author of "Homecoming: A Story of Hope Out of Heartbreak," as our special guest. Witness a healing journey as Tammy recounts her testimony, revealing how God's presence amidst immense tragedy and loss brought...
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Episode 39: The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we focus on "The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses.” Join us with special guest Lauren Watka Atwood, Campus Minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, as we delve into the challenges facing students in higher education. Stay…
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Episode 38: The CCA New Year’s Podcast 2024
Welcome to the CCA New Year’s Podcast for 2024, a special episode where we delve into faith, reflection, and insight. Joining us is Tom Weil, Clinical Supervisor of CCA, as we explore the top 10 most impactful stories of 2023 through a Christian lens. Tune in for a journey of faith, learning, and...
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Episode 37: Creativity and the Art of Noticing
On this episode of “Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join special guests Isabelle Toomey and Ben Saenz of CCA, as we explore the lost art of wonder and creativity in our culture, its impact on our mental health, and how embracing God's creative spirit within us can restore it.
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Episode 36: Protectors of the Innocent: Preventing Sexual Abuse
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we delve into the epidemic of sexual abuse. Join us with special guest Pastor Jimmy Hinton as he shares his personal journey of confronting a sexual offender and learning how to become a protector of the innocent.
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Episode 35: Unveiling Shadows: Navigating Post-Abortive Healing, Anxiety, and Embracing Hope
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we delve deep into the intricacies of navigating post-abortive trauma, managing anxiety, and embracing hope. Be here for a special announcement about our new partnership with Concepts of Truth, to provide a national call center dedicated to...
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Episode 34: Faith, Sobriety, and Human Flourishing
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join Justin Kunkle, the Director of Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation at CCA, as he explores the profound intersection of faith, sobriety, and human flourishing. Delve into the transformative journey of addiction recovery, where Justin shares...
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Episode 33: It’s the end of the world as we know it, do we feel fine?
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we explore the question, It’s the End of the World as we know it; do we feel fine? Join special guests Pastor Don Walczak and Dr. Kris M. DeJeet from Cornerstone Ministries as we explore the intersection of addiction, existentialism, and the...
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Episode 32: Nurturing Resilience: Unpacking Trauma, Abuse, and the Nature-Nurture Nexus
On this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, we'll navigate through personal stories of triumph, the complexities of trauma and abuse, and the interplay between our inherent nature and the nurturing we receive. From heart-wrenching anecdotes to enlightening conversations, join the...
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Episode 31: Summertime Blues - Is There a Cure?
Who is Dr. Joe Maola, and why does he have the Summer Time Blues? Answer: Dr. Joe is a counselor at CCA who thought he could "chill" online but missed the podcast scheduled onsite. That’s what happens when we have a case of mixing up virtual rays with real-life delays. But seriously, are you…
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Episode 30: Christian Education is Back
Private Christian schools are in, in a big way. What is the difference between Christian and Public Schools? Why is Christian education important to consider as a viable option? I am your Host, Dr. Rich Hoffman. On this Ask Christian Counseling Associates episode, Join me with our Special Guest,...
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Episode 29: It’s All Gone to Pot!
Marijuana use is on the rise in our culture, most states are on the brink of legalization. What does this say about our society? What is a Christian mental health response to this issue? I am your host, Dr. Rich Hoffman, and on this episode of Ask Christian Counseling Associates, join me to…
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About this show
Dr. Rich Hoffman, Founder and Clinical Director of Christian Counseling Associates will offer weekly podcasts that will cover a wide range of Mental health topics from a biblical perspective.
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Rich Hoffman
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