The Savior's Tools: Building Emotional Resilience

In this final episode we bid farewell and give one last message with the Savior as the main focus. We discuss the concept of protection scriptures and provide examples and experiences with specific power scriptures. We give a big thank you to everyone who has listened to the podcast and encourage continued discipleship in Christ. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

Are there specific gospel-based strategies that can guide parents on how to be great parents? In this episode we outline guiding gospel principles for great parenting along with specific ideas and even words and phrases that intentional parents can use to create a space for kids to thrive.

What is the best parenting approach? Is it modern day soft parenting? Gentle parenting? Helicopter parenting? Snowplow parenting? Does God have specific advice for parents on how to raise children? In this episode we first discuss God’s command to have children, and then review His and prophets’ teachings on the best guiding principles for raising children in love and righteousness. We also review psychologies' teachings on different parenting approaches with a gospel lens. 

What types of questions are young adults asking about sexual intimacy? In this episode we review common questions and spend time answering their concerns with a gospel and therapeutic perspective! We ground the responses in doctrine, therapeutic experience, and guidance from words of the prophets and faithful researchers and practitioners. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

Is being sexual in opposition with being spiritual? Is it okay that we are sexual beings? Why is there so much shame around sex in the church? What does a healthy sexual marriage relationship look like? In today’s episode we address the divine purposes sexual intimacy and potential sources of the shame culture around sex. We review clear teachings from prophets about the purpose of sexual intimacy and implications for young adults and marriages.Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

What do you think about when you hear the word intimacy? Most think of physical or sexual intimacy, but intimacy is so much more! In today’s episode we discuss five different spheres of intimacy. The most intimate of marriages have a high degree of intimacy in each of these spheres. However, be patient. As you put Christ first in the relationship you can build intimacy over time in each of these spheres. 

What are the BEST how’s of effective communication for Christ-centered marriages? In this episode we review direct teachings of Christ about communication and also the leading research on how to communicate for a lasting and happy marriage. We review research from John Gottman on the four horsemen and their remedies with a gospel lens in mind. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter: https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

What does God want for marriage and what does Adam and Eve’s mandate to become one flesh actually look like in practice? In this episode we review scriptures and words of prophets on how God feels about and what He wants for marriage. We also analyze what it looks like for a marriage to become one. The doctrine of the restoration is discussed and its impact on our understanding of marriage. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we review the five stages of grief as a helpful model for understanding the grieving process. We highlight what research supports or does not support about the stages. We then specify teachings of scriptures and words of prophets that help us to understand grief and the comfort and healing that can come from the Savior. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode, we highlight the importance of engaging in wholesome recreational activities. We report on the various positive mental and physiological health outcomes of recreation. We show a doctrinal basis using scriptures and words of prophets for intentionally taking time to have fun. We then explore specific realms and ideas for recreational activities and conclude with an invitation to recreate. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we describe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and it’s gold standard treatment. We then discuss religious OCD known as scrupulosity. We share stories, scriptures, and prophetic quotes that can help to assuage the voice of OCD. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the research on mental health and its association with happiness. We review key scriptures and words from prophets about money, their warnings, and best spiritual practices to navigate financial concerns. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the psychological and spiritual benefits of mission statements. We explore the power of mission statements and find examples in scriptures and from prophets. We provide guidance on how to write a compelling mission statement, and we specifically invite all listeners to write a personal mission statement. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the diagnostic criteria of ADHD and its religious implications. We discuss how the religious behaviors of prayer, scripture study, sabbath worship, and temple worship can be adjusted to accommodate ADHD. We share quotes and scriptures to increase understanding and compassion of this disorder. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss a listener question on how to deal with a narcissist. We first examine symptoms of narcissism and show scriptural examples of each. We give specific strategies for navigating a relationship with a person who shows narcissistic qualities. The example of our Savior is discussed.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we discuss the specific struggle of eating disorders and its associated issue of body dissatisfaction. We offer empirically supported approaches for helping to improve body image and reduce destructive eating disorder symptoms. We share doctrine from scriptures and words of prophets that would help to reduce body shame and ultimately to use our bodies as instruments, not ornaments. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In lieu of the holiday season, in this episode we discuss the power of traditions. Specifically, we discuss 10 psychological benefits of traditions. We then address caveats to tradition and the potentially destructive influence of traditions. We then look to Jesus Christ and His example of keeping, influencing, and leveraging tradition. 

In this episode we discuss common factors of effective psychotherapy. We analyze the four main components of successful outcomes of therapy. We highlight the term of our Savior Jesus Christ as a Wonderful Counselor and share gospel insights on how He is the perfect example of an effective counselor. 

In this episode we discuss the power of stories. We review a therapy approach called narrative therapy and apply it specifically to a young adult case study. Gospel connections and parallels are drawn at each of the four phases of narrative therapy treatment. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss a popular therapy approach called Internal Family Systems. We analyze a doctrinal basis for the idea that within each person are subpersonalities. We discuss the spiritual implications of such an approach and how bringing all of our parts to Christ can unburden and heal them which then causes them to work us in healthy ways. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the evidence-based therapy approach called Solution Focused Therapy. We discuss specific interventions and gospel parallels. Scriptures and words of prophets are used to support validity of this therapy approach. 

In this episode we discuss the well-known psychological model – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. We make gospel comparisons but ultimately repudiate this model from a gospel perspective. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the stages of development as proposed by developmental psychologist Erik Erickson and their relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We analyze each stages negative and positive outcomes and how the doctrine of Christ informs and enlightens each stage.  Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we outline the research on attachment styles and their spiritual applications. We discuss the four attachment styles and how they can impact our view of God. We analyze attributes of parents and deity that lead to secure attachment. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the power of order and organization. We dive into the doctrinal underpinnings of organization and then give specific research and psychological tools from decluttering to calendaring and to do lists. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss specific strategies for effectively setting and reaching goals. We explore a gospel based framework with prophetic quotes that guide goal setting. We dive into the research on specific psychological tools that increase the likelihood of setting and achieving goals. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the concept of grit. We review main findings from psychologist Angela Duckworth and her research on grit. The four pillars of grit are each analyzed with gospel connections. Scriptures and prophetic examples are used to teach grit, and the Savior’s example of grit is discussed. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the powerful idea and lense of growth mindset. The term ‘growth mindset’ was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck in her book Mindset. We address the basics of this mindset and discuss gospel parallels on developing a growth mindset. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we discuss the value of exposure therapy from a gospel context. We provide scriptural examples and quotes from prophets about facing fears. Specific scenarios are discussed and how exposure therapy could be applied to common young adult fears.Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss different personality types and their relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We analyze the value and cautions of ascribing to personality types. We explain the popular color code personality types and show scriptural examples of each. We show how the Savior exemplifies all the strengths of each personality type of the color code. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss the idea of control and its effects on mental resilience. Specifically, we address the idea of locus of control and discuss the implications of having a high internal locus of control versus a high external locus of control. Psychological tools and resources are discussed and as always, the doctrine of Christ and words of the prophets about control are analyzed. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss all things motivation. Specifically, how does a person find motivation to accomplish tasks? How does one motivate other people? We analyze the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation and address their implications. Scriptures and quotes from prophets are utilized to help understand God’s motivations. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this episode we discuss specific steps and strategies for overcoming struggles with pornography. We draw from prophetic and church resources and combine helpful tools from the world of psychology that help addicts break free. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter:  ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA 

In this part one episode we discuss the definition of pornography, stats on pornography, and consequences of pornography use. We detail different levels of pornography addiction and provide prophetic commentary that gives hope to anyone struggling with pornography. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we discuss all things social media and young adults. Specifically, we discuss stats on social media, guiding doctrinal principles and prophetic quotes, warnings, and ways to mitigate the negative effects of social media. We also address the great potential of social media for good. Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter: ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we discuss the 10 most common challenges that young adults face. Young adults are living in a time of unique challenges and anxieties. We discuss each challenge and provide gospel remedies.Register for the Savior's Tools Podcast and Newsletter: https://forms.office.com/r/ck81Zm8AMA

In this episode we discuss stress management strategies combining scripture, words of prophets, and psychology. We specifically address the ABC-X model of stress management and its spiritual and mental applications.  

In this episode we discuss specific pitfalls and strategies for having the best mental health outcomes for your summer. We address the common as well as unforeseen summertime stressors that affect mental health. We discuss the importance of routine, socialization, body image, comparison, and even the great and dreadful family reunions. 

In this episode we discuss ways to understand and improve on toxic perfectionism. We discuss the doctrinal underpinnings of perfectionism and then analyze helpful psychological tools to become the perfect perfectionist. 

In this episode we discuss practical tools for managing anger. We discuss the doctrine of anger and the situations where can even be manifested as guided by the Holy Ghost. We address cautions to the emotion of anger and provide psychological theories for viewing anger while combining helpful strategies for managing anger. 

In this episode we discuss a psychological step by step process called REACH for forgiving others. The mental and physiological benefits of forgiveness of reviewed. We cover misconceptions and helpful tips for forgiving while discussing the doctrinal underpinnings of forgiveness and apply them to real life situations. 

In this episode we discuss the power of music. Specifically, we discuss the psychological, physiological, and spiritual benefits of music. We make practical applications on how to use more intentionally to maximize emotion regulation skills. 

In this episode we define and discuss the psychological tool of grounding. We analyze the popular 5-4-3-2-1 method showing scriptural examples of each. We then discuss 10 practical suggestions for grounding. 

In this episode, we explore the value of not only allowing ourselves to experience a range of emotions, but in reaching out to others and sharing our feelings. We use scriptural examples of emotions being shared and teach practical tools that can be implemented today.  

In this episode we define boundaries, show their doctrinal basis from the life of the Savior and teachings of the prophets, and make practical applications from the world of psychology. We discuss common issues that faithful saints have in setting boundaries as well. 

In this episode we discuss specific strategies for helping others with their mental health struggles. We show examples from the life of the Savior and quotes from prophets on best practices. Research from the world of psychology is discussed and also incorporated from a gospel mindset. We also reference additional resources from the Gospel Library app. 

In this episode we discussed the diagnostic criteria for depression and teachings from words of prophets on depression. We highlight two spiritual side effects of depression and tools for navigating and treating depression. 

In this episode we discuss the importance of feeling and working through emotions. We lay a doctrinal framework with scriptures and words of prophets for how the Savior demonstrates emotion. We then provide quotes with insights and application from the world of psychology. 

In this episode we discuss the research and efficacy of self-affirmations. We assert that affirmations that include the Savior and engender humility are the most effective affirmations. We discuss the psychological underpinnings and then the doctrinal basis for effective affirmations and how they can be used in personal life.