Care to Change Counseling - Practical Solutions for Positive Change

Care to Change Counseling
  • 4.7 (15)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Experienced professionals talking about real life issues and relevant topics. Find hope and practical solutions for positive change. 

  1. All About Marriage - Life After An Affair

    2D AGO

    All About Marriage - Life After An Affair

    In this week’s episode of the All About Marriage series, Larry sits down with therapist Teresa Haskins to have an honest and compassionate conversation about life after an affair. This is a tender and potentially challenging topic, and Teresa encourages listeners to care for themselves as they engage with it. They explore the two primary types of affairs, emotional and physical. Emotional affairs often involve secrecy, deep emotional attachment, and misplaced vulnerability, even if there is no physical intimacy. Physical affairs can take many forms, from one-night encounters to workplace dynamics or patterns connected to addiction. In both cases, the betrayal and secrecy are often the most painful parts to heal from. The conversation addresses what can lead to an affair, including unmet emotional needs, a desire for validation or excitement, poor communication, or personal struggles within the betrayer. Teresa emphasizes that infidelity is not always the result of something lacking in the marriage; sometimes it reflects unresolved issues within the individual. Larry and Teresa also discuss how affairs are discovered. Confession offers the best opportunity for rebuilding trust, while being caught can compound the trauma. From there, healing begins with what Teresa calls the “atonement stage”—a season of humility, transparency, accountability, and patience. Rebuilding trust requires consistent openness and often takes one to two years, sometimes longer. They highlight the importance of involving a trained third party early in the process to help both spouses navigate difficult conversations, avoid further harm, and move toward restoration in a healthy way. Recommended resources from this episode include Not Just Friends by Shirley Glass and What Makes Love Last? by John Gottman. If you or your spouse are navigating betrayal, you do not have to do it alone. Care to Change can provide the structure and support needed to begin healing and rebuilding trust.

    45 min
  2. All About Marriage - Healthy Conflict Resolution

    FEB 9

    All About Marriage - Healthy Conflict Resolution

    In the second episode of the All About Marriage series, Larry Vinson and April Bordeau build on the foundation of healthy communication by addressing a topic every couple faces: conflict resolution. April reframes conflict as an unavoidable part of being human and being in relationship. Rather than something to fear or avoid, conflict can either disconnect couples or draw them closer—there is no neutral outcome. This episode focuses on how couples can approach conflict intentionally so it becomes a pathway to connection, growth, and forward movement rather than division.  Three Foundational Steps to Conflict Resolution April outlines three core steps that set the stage for healthy conflict resolution: Check your intent. Enter the conversation with the shared goal that both partners walk away feeling like they’ve won and grown closer.Have a heart talk. Clarify what the conflict means, how it feels, and what each person is hoping for before trying to solve the problem.Invite God into the conversation. Pray together for unity, wisdom, and direction—not to “win,” but to move forward together with humility and purpose.When couples begin conflict with these three steps, many secondary arguments lose their power and intensity.  Encouragement for Listeners Conflict resolution is a skill that takes time, practice, and patience—especially when there is a long history attached to the issue. April reassures listeners that they do not need to navigate difficult conversations alone. With guidance and support, couples can move through even deeply tangled issues and come out stronger on the other side. Resources & Support Visit caretochange.org to explore marriage resources, podcasts, videos, and recommended readings. Couples who feel stuck or overwhelmed are encouraged to schedule counseling or marriage coaching with Care to Change. Even a few sessions can help couples gain clarity, connection, and forward momentum.

    31 min
  3. All About Marriage - 10 Steps to the Best Communication

    FEB 2

    All About Marriage - 10 Steps to the Best Communication

    In the first episode of the All About Marriage series, Larry Vinson is joined by April Bordeau to explore one of the most essential foundations of a thriving marriage: healthy communication. Before couples can effectively navigate conflict, heal after betrayal, or deepen intimacy, they must first learn how to communicate with emotional awareness, safety, and intention. April draws from both her clinical expertise and nearly three decades of marriage to offer practical, real-life tools couples can begin using immediately. Core Truth About Marriage Marriage is not sustained by intention alone—it requires ongoing effort and grace. April reframes long-term marriage as a continual process of growth and learning. As individuals and seasons of life change, communication must evolve as well. God’s grace, paired with intentional practice, allows couples to remain connected even when they stumble. The 3 Foundational Principles of Healthy Communication You are responsible for your own “yard.” Each spouse is responsible for their own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.You are not responsible for your spouse’s “yard.” You cannot control how your spouse shows up—but you can control how you do.Spouses influence one another, but do not determine one another. Healthy communication invites influence without manipulation or control.April emphasizes that oneness is not sameness. Two distinct people sharpen one another rather than merge into a single identity. 10 Practical Steps for Healthy Communication Pause before responding to ensure you are responding intentionally rather than reacting emotionally.Check your intent by asking why you are having the conversation and what you hope to accomplish.Assume positive intent and remember that you and your spouse are on the same team.Speak from your own experience using “I” statements instead of blame.Listen to understand, not to win, recognizing that winning an argument can cost connection.Reflect what you hear to validate your spouse before responding or problem-solving.Name emotions clearly, going beyond basic emotions like mad, sad, or happy.Stay present and on topic, avoiding “kitchen sink” fighting that derails conversations.Repair after rupture by owning mistakes, apologizing, and returning to connection.End with connection and next steps rather than walking away without closure.These steps are not about perfection, but about increasing the likelihood of emotional safety, connection, and intimacy. Encouragement for Listeners A single podcast episode cannot undo years of communication patterns, but change is possible. With intentionality, support, and the right tools, marriages that once felt tense or disconnected can experience renewed closeness and hope. “It’s not too late. Start today. Start small. Try one thing.” Resources & Support Visit caretochange.org and explore the Resources tab, including the Marriage section, for podcasts, books, and tools to support your relationship. Couples who need deeper support are encouraged to schedule counseling or marriage coaching with Care to Change.

    48 min
  4. Parenting After Loss: Helping Children Navigate Grief

    JAN 26

    Parenting After Loss: Helping Children Navigate Grief

    In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by Brittany Gipson, Director of Clinical Services at Care to Change, to close out our parenting series with a tender and necessary conversation about grief and loss. Loss comes in many forms - death, divorce, estrangement, health challenges, or the loss of a dream - and grief does not follow a predictable timeline. Together, April and Brittany explore how parents can support their children through grief while navigating their own healing journey. This episode offers compassionate guidance for families walking through life after loss, emphasizing that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to integrate with care, honesty, and hope. In this episode, we discuss: Why grief is not linear and why there is no “right” way to grieveCommon misconceptions about grief (including the pressure to move on)How children experience grief differently than adultsSigns that a child may need additional supportWhat rebuilding a “new normal” can look like after lossThe importance of presence - not fixing - for those supporting someone in griefApril also shares personal reflections from her own journey through loss, underscoring the sacredness of grief and the power of walking alongside one another rather than rushing healing. Resources mentioned: Previous Care to Change podcast episodes on grief and lossGrief-focused resources and book recommendations available on the Care to Change websiteGriefShare groups and community-based grief supportIf this conversation brings up questions or emotions for you or your family, we invite you to reach out. You don’t have to navigate grief alone. Care to Change is here to offer support, counseling, and practical tools for healing.

    43 min
  5. Parenting Young Adults - Letting Go While Staying Connected

    JAN 21

    Parenting Young Adults - Letting Go While Staying Connected

    Parenting young adults is one of the most tender and complex seasons of family life. In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by returning guest Jean Crane to explore how parents can navigate the tension between letting go and staying connected as children move into adulthood. Jean brings both professional insight and lived experience, parenting children who are actively launching into college, marriage, and independent life. Together, April and Jean discuss the emotional push-pull parents often feel—grief and pride, closeness and distance—and how to stay relationally connected without overstepping into control. This conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and hope for parents who want to maintain influence through relationship rather than authority. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why parenting young adults is fundamentally different from parenting teens or childrenThe shift from positional influence to relational influenceHow brain development impacts decision-making well into the mid-20sWhat helps young adults want to stay connected with their parentsHow curiosity and listening build trust and opennessHealthy ways to set boundaries with adult childrenHow to respond when you’re deeply concerned about your child’s choicesWhen to speak up, when to step back, and when to pray and waitA simple practice parents can use this week to strengthen connectionKey takeaway: The goal isn’t control—it’s connection. When communication stays open, curiosity replaces judgment, and encouragement is spoken consistently, young adults are far more likely to invite their parents into their lives. Resources mentioned: Parenting Through the Stages (Orange Series) The Power of a Praying Parent The Power of a Praying Parent for Adult Children The Anxious Generation Stolen Focus April also references a previous Care to Change podcast episode on parenting adult children, which will be linked in the show notes. If you’re navigating this season and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected, Care to Change offers experienced therapists who can walk alongside you through counseling, marriage intensives, or leadership coaching. Learn more or reach out at caretochange.org.

    32 min
  6. Parenting Teens Under Pressure

    JAN 13

    Parenting Teens Under Pressure

    Guests: Teresa Haskins, LMHC & Billy Haskins, Associate Pastor of Plainfield Christian Church  Parenting teens today looks and feels very different than it did even a decade ago. In this episode, April sits down with therapist Teresa Haskins and her husband, Pastor Billy Haskins, for an honest conversation about the real challenges facing teens and the parents who love them. Together, they explore how identity is formed during adolescence, why teens reach for autonomy, and how parents can support that process without losing the connection that matters most. Listeners will hear about the pressures today’s teens face academically, socially, and digitally, including the role of comparison, perfectionism, and fear of failure. Teresa and Billy discuss how social media shapes teens’ sense of belonging, how parents can navigate digital boundaries without shaming, and why phones aren’t the root cause—or the solution—to every struggle. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness in parenting. Teresa explains why managing our own emotions is essential, especially when our teens’ choices activate our fears. Billy offers encouragement around letting go of perfect parenting and focusing instead on intentional presence. The episode includes practical steps parents can take this week to lower tension, strengthen connection, and create more meaningful conversations with their teens. Resources mentioned include: The Anxious Generation, Parenting From the Inside Out, Boundaries with Teens, Jim Burns’ Understanding Your Teen, and podcasts from Homeward, All Pro Dad, and iMom. Whether you’re navigating academic pressure, digital boundaries, mood swings, or the tension between freedom and accountability, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and realistic tools for the journey. If you’re feeling discouraged or unsure of your next step, Care to Change is here to help. Discover more resources and support at caretochange.org. Quote 1: “What really matters is not perfect parenting, but it's just authentic presence in your kids lives." Billy Haskins Quote 2: “Your teen doesn’t need you to be a dictator or a helicopter—they need you to listen, stay curious, and trust that they’re becoming who they were created to be.” Teresa Haskins

    46 min
  7. Parenting Littles with Love and Limits

    JAN 6

    Parenting Littles with Love and Limits

    Host: April Bordeau  Guest: Mac Zambrano   Parenting young children can feel overwhelming, especially when big emotions, power struggles, and exhaustion collide. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to parent littles with both love and limits, without relying on shame, fear, or survival-based parenting approaches. Rather than focusing on “fixing behavior,” this conversation reframes early childhood challenges through a developmental and relational lens. You’ll learn why boundaries are not the opposite of love, but one of the clearest ways children experience safety, connection, and trust. We talk about: Why limits are essential for emotional and nervous system developmentHow to respond to big behaviors without escalating power strugglesThe difference between discipline and punishmentWhy parents don’t need to do this alone—and were never meant toHow early support can change the trajectory for both children and parentsIf you’re parenting a little one and find yourself questioning, second-guessing, or feeling worn down, this episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reach for support. 🧡 You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Care to Change offers counseling, parent support, and trusted resources specifically designed for families raising young children. If you’re looking for guidance, reassurance, or professional support, we encourage you to call Care to Change and explore the parenting resources available to you. Parenting with love and limits is not about perfection. It’s about connection, support, and having the right tools along the way.

    25 min
  8. Listeners Choice - Finding Peace - Faith Based Approaches to Managing Anxiety and Stress

    12/17/2025

    Listeners Choice - Finding Peace - Faith Based Approaches to Managing Anxiety and Stress

    Techniques for Coping with Anxiety and Reducing Stress Levels Welcome to "Finding Peace: Faith Based Approaches to Anxiety and Stress," where we explore practical ways to integrate faith with mental health. Today, we dive into a crucial topic: anxiety and stress management. In this episode April Bordeau and Jean Crane discuss effective techniques rooted in faith principles that can help you find peace amidst life's challenges. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Anxiety and Stress:Define anxiety and stress and their impact on mental health.Recognize the prevalence of anxiety in today's society and its effects on individuals.Biblical Perspective on Anxiety:Explore relevant scriptures that address anxiety.Discuss how faith can provide comfort and strength during anxious moments.Techniques for Coping with Anxiety:Prayer and Meditation:The power of prayer as a tool for surrender and seeking peace.Guided Christian meditation techniques to calm the mind and spirit.Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques:Deep breathing exercises to reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety.Progressive muscle relaxation methods to release tension.Journaling and Scripture Reflection:Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on blessings rather than worries.Reflecting on scripture passages that emphasize trust and God's provision.Healthy Lifestyle Choices:Importance of regular exercise in reducing stress and improving mood.Balanced diet and adequate sleep as foundations for emotional well-being.Connection and communityAuthentic relationships with people who support and encourage youForgiveness as a regular part of communitySeeking Professional Help:Encouragement to seek support from counselors or therapists.Remember that managing anxiety is a journey, and you are not alone. By integrating these techniques with your faith, you can experience a deeper sense of peace that surpasses understanding. Thank you for listening. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share with others who may benefit. Remember, in Christ, there is hope and healing for every anxious heart. Until next time, may God's peace be with you always. Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/ Follow Care to Change on Instagram @care_to_change See our YouTube page here If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details. If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

    39 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

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Experienced professionals talking about real life issues and relevant topics. Find hope and practical solutions for positive change. 

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