Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast: Women set free

Karen Cruess, MA, LPC
  • 5.0 (65)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Podcast host, Karen Cruess, is a devoted wife, mom of 7 and licensed counselor who is passionate about seeing women set free, as they are healed, equipped and released in to their God-given identity and purpose. The truth is that we are in a war, and the battle plan of our enemy is to wound us in such a way that we miss out on the fullness of God’s vision for our lives. In this podcast, Karen will walk with you and lead you to an experience of God’s healing that will renew your mind, reignite your spirit and set you free to joyfully fulfill the unique mission God has placed on your life.

  1. Jul 17

    66. Wired for Peace and Joy: Learning How to Flip the Switch

    Episode Summary: Have you ever woken up and immediately felt like your kids were disruptions, your husband was an obstacle, and your to-do list was an enemy? In this special, first-ever live recording (coming straight from Karen’s 100-degree Virginia porch!), we unpack the brain science and theology behind why we suddenly slide into these exhausting shame loops and resentment patterns. You aren't losing your faith, and you aren't a bad person. Your biological "Relational Circuit" (RC) has simply clicked into the OFF position due to stress and survival mode. In this episode, Karen shares practical, life-changing frameworks (including her signature CALMS technique) to help you stop trying to fix your problems in the dark, turn your internal lights back on, and reclaim the peace and rest that is your inheritance as a beloved daughter of God. Key Takeaways:Resources & Links Mentioned: The Relational Switch: God designed your right brain with literal hardware meant for connection. When it’s ON, you feel like your true self. When it’s OFF, people feel like burdens and God feels a million miles away. The "Clean the Room" Mistake: We often try to resolve arguments, solve major life problems, or white-knuckle our spiritual life while our circuits are off. Karen explains why we must prioritize fixing the switch before we try to fix the symptom. The CARS Framework (from The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey): Connection, Appreciation, Rest, Shalom My Body. Karen’s CALMS Technique: Connect with a friend or the Lord. Attention & Appreciation (shifting focus to neutral or positive glimmers). Long, slow breath (exhale longer than your inhale; aim for 6 breaths a minute to calm the vagus nerve). Movement (walk, jump, or physically shift the stored energy). Somatic exercises (tuning into the body to create a direct line to peace). Why You Get Stuck "Off": Perceived threats, unprocessed pain (carrying years of hidden tears like a physical bruise), physical neglect (depriving yourself of sleep and boundaries), and a simple lack of modeled relational skills. Join Our Village: Explore the HER Transformation Community Download: Get Karen's free printable guide to the CALMS Technique Book Mentioned: The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey Have Questions for the Next Live Show? Email Karen directly at karen@twoheartsforher.com

  2. May 22

    65. The Primacy of Presence: Why Your Heart Needs a Person, Not a Plan

    We live in a deeply disconnected world, bouncing back and forth between shutdown and overdrive. When emotional storms hit, typical counseling tells us to change our thoughts to change our feelings. But a brain shut down by emotion can’t access logic. Join counselor Karen on the Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast as she introduces a paradigm shift from “What do I need to do to fix this?” to “Who is with me in this?” Using the Immanuel Approach, this series will teach you how to drop the performance checklist, regulate your nervous system through appreciation, and experience real, interactive connection with God and a community of women linking arms for lasting freedom. Check out the HER Transformation Community here! We launch June 1st!! https://twoheartsforher.newzenler.com/courses/h-e-r-transformation-membership-community

  3. Apr 28

    64. From Restraining Orders to Restoration: Healing Your Marriage with Carol Beauchemin

    Is any marriage truly "hopeless"? In this episode, I’m joined by my friend, colleague, and Catholic marriage coach, Carol Beauchemin, to discuss her incredible journey from the brink of divorce to 36 years of marriage. After being told by therapists and experts that her marriage was over, Carol discovered a "secret" that didn't involve dragging her husband to counseling: changing herself. We dive into: The "Feminine Genius" and the power women hold in their homes. The difference between self-care and Soul Care. How to stop being the "Piranha" in the kitchen and start being a source of peace. Carol’s new book, Renew: A Catholic Wife's Guide to Healing Marriage and Rediscovering Her True Self in Christ. Whether your marriage is in crisis or you just want to deepen your intimacy, Carol’s "inside-out" approach is a breath of fresh air in a world that often tells us to just give up. Check out Carol's brand new book on Amazon HERE. Learn all about Carol's coaching opportunities and courses HERE. Check out Carol's Youtube channel HERE.

  4. 10/14/2025

    63. Trading Busyness for Belonging: The Journey to True Rest

    In this episode, Karen invites you to slow down, quiet the noise, and rediscover the peace of heart that only comes from resting in God’s love. She explores how our culture’s obsession with performance and busyness robs us of true connection. Discover how learning to be still and be present can transform our lives from the inside out. Join the Be Still & Know Prayer Challenge here.

  5. 10/01/2025

    Be Still & Know: Day 1

    On this Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Karen invites you into the Be Still and Know  prayer challenge. In this first meditation, you’ll learn the power of beginning prayer with gratitude—shifting your focus from busyness and anxiety to God’s presence and love. Through stillness, positive memory, and thanksgiving, discover how gratitude awakens your heart to deeper connection with the Lord. 👉 Sign up for the challenge here.

  6. 09/19/2025

    62. When You Feel Let Down By God...

    After a wild four months, Karen returns to launch a new season focused on living Matthew 6:33 in real life—seeking first the Kingdom in our schedules, desires, and nervous systems. She shares a personal story (hello, unsold house with seven kids in tow!) and how God used disappointment to expose subtle idols and invite deeper surrender. Drawing on attachment and neuroscience, Karen explains how prayer and Christian meditation form a new, healing attachment to God that calms the body, restores peace, and fuels transformation. You’ll also hear about a new off-social community—Her Joyful Transformation—and an October Be Still & Know prayer challenge (15 minutes a day, guided). If you’re ready to trade rumination for rest and self-effort for grace, this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: How God uses disappointed plans to grow trust and dismantle quiet idols A simple inventory for “seeking first” (time, focus, energy) in home and heart Why joy is not optional for lasting change The power of sisterhood and accountability for staying anchored in peace Scriptures mentioned: “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33) “The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) Join the movement: Community: Her Joyful Transformation — a social-media-free space to connect, share, and grow Challenge: Be Still & Know — Starting October 1st, receive daily guided prayer (≈15 min/day). Commit your focus, delete the distractions, and let God love you. Try this this week: Take a 10-minute inventory of where your attention is going. Replace one scroll session with 15 minutes of quiet, receptive prayer. Invite a friend to listen and “seek first” together for built-in accountability. If this helped: Leave a 5-star rating and a short review—your words help other women find healing and hope. 💛

  7. 05/15/2025

    61. Designed for Connection: Healing Through Co-Regulation and God’s Presence

    In this episode, we dive into the concept of co-regulation through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. We explore how God designed us to need connection in order to regulate our emotions and nervous system, and how relationships play a vital role in helping us feel safe. By engaging in new relationships and understanding our own stories, we can begin to rewrite our narrative and heal. Plus, we’ll reflect on how our relationship with God can serve as a steady anchor, supporting us as we experience healing and emotional regulation in new, life-changing ways. Click here to learn more about how you can participate in the upcoming Rewriting Your Story with God group experience. One-on-one and self-paced options are also available!

  8. 05/09/2025

    60. The Stories Your Body Tells: Partner with the Holy Spirit And Learn to Write a New Story with Your Nervous System

    In this episode, we dive into the Polyvagal Theory and explore the concept of neuroception. Learn how tuning into the subtle cues from your environment can help you recognize and reframe the stories your nervous system tells you. By understanding these subconscious signals, you’ll discover how to feel safer and more at ease in your body. Join us for a journey toward reduced anxiety and a deeper sense of well-being. Check out the new Rewriting Your Story with God group experience starting NEXT WEEK! (one-on-one and self-led options also available ).

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About

Podcast host, Karen Cruess, is a devoted wife, mom of 7 and licensed counselor who is passionate about seeing women set free, as they are healed, equipped and released in to their God-given identity and purpose. The truth is that we are in a war, and the battle plan of our enemy is to wound us in such a way that we miss out on the fullness of God’s vision for our lives. In this podcast, Karen will walk with you and lead you to an experience of God’s healing that will renew your mind, reignite your spirit and set you free to joyfully fulfill the unique mission God has placed on your life.

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