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 Tech - Raising Kids in a Digital Age

    1D AGO

    All About Tech - Raising Kids in a Digital Age

    In this episode Jared Jones and Mac Zambrano continue the conversation about technology and mental health by focusing specifically on parenting. Together, they explore how to raise kids in a digital world without leading with shame, fear, or control. The heart of the episode centers on one key shift: moving from policing behavior to developing character. Instead of raising rule followers, the goal is to raise wise decision makers who can navigate technology well when parents are not present. In This Episode We Discuss Ten common tech mishaps families faceWhy secrecy often grows when parenting becomes overly controllingThe balance between structure and connectionCharacter development versus behavior managementWhy connection creates influenceMonitoring technology with relationship instead of fearTalking with curiosity instead of criticismPractical ways to create tech-free connection at homeKey Takeaways When technology issues arise, connection comes before correctionStrict control without relationship can create secrecyToo few boundaries can also lead to shame and hidden behaviorThe goal is not zero access to technology but supported accessSmall, consistent moments of connection matterParents do not have to navigate this aloneThe CARE Framework for Parents C – Calm yourself first - Regulate before you respond.A – Ask with curiosity - Seek to understand before correcting.R – Reflect values, not just rules - Anchor conversations in what your family stands for.E – Engage in repair - Collaborate on what needs to change moving forward.Resources discussed: The Digital Parenting Guidebook by David Tucker (link)Screens and Teens (Moody Publishers) (link)Competing Spectacles / Digital discipleship themes (from Desiring God) (link and link)Thank you for spending this time with us. We invite you to pause and reflect on one small step you can take toward greater health this week. Growth rarely happens all at once. It unfolds in steady, intentional choices. If you would like support in your own journey, our team at Care to Change is here to walk alongside you.

    31 min
  2. All About Tech - The Impact of Screens

    MAR 3

    All About Tech - The Impact of Screens

    In this episode Jared Jones and Mac Zambrano explore how screens and technology are shaping our mental and emotional health. From brain development and emotional regulation to family dynamics and social comparison, they unpack what we are seeing clinically and culturally when it comes to screen use. This conversation is not about blame or fear. It is about awareness. Screens are part of modern life. The goal is not elimination, but intentional engagement. In This Episode We Discuss Why this series matters and what to expect this monthThe rapid evolution of technology and its impact on familiesHow screens affect the brain, especially attention and novelty-seekingThe role of dopamine and fast reward cyclesEmotional regulation and using screens to cope with boredom or stressThe shift from shared family screens to personalized devicesSocial development in the digital ageSocial media, comparison, and rising anxiety and depression in teensThe unique pressures facing girls and boys onlineThe relational cost of constant device useWhy small, intentional changes matterKey Takeaways Awareness comes before change.Screens are not inherently evil, but they are powerful.Emotional regulation, sleep, focus, and relationships can all be affected by excessive or unintentional screen useIt is never too late to make small, meaningful shifts.Resources discussed: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (link)Gen Z Mental Health and Wellbeing e-book (link)Thank you for spending this time with us. We invite you to pause and reflect on one small step you can take toward greater health this week. Growth rarely happens all at once. It unfolds in steady, intentional choices. If you would like support in your own journey, our team at Care to Change is here to walk alongside you. You can learn more about our services, intensives, and resources at caretochange.org. Until next time, take care of your mind, tend to your relationships, and remember that meaningful change is possible.

    31 min
  3. All About Marriage - Let’s Talk About Sex and Intimacy

    FEB 24

    All About Marriage - Let’s Talk About Sex and Intimacy

    We’re closing out our All About Marriage series with a conversation that many couples avoid but desperately need: sex and intimacy. In this episode, Teresa Haskins joins Larry Vincent to talk candidly about one of the most misunderstood areas of marriage. From common myths about sex drive to the emotional, biological, and relational factors that influence intimacy, this discussion brings clarity, compassion, and practical insight. If intimacy has felt confusing, disappointing, or difficult in your marriage, you are not alone. This episode will help you reframe expectations, understand the deeper layers of connection, and begin healthier conversations with your spouse. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest myths about sex in marriageWhy intimacy struggles are rarely just a “low sex drive” issueThe biological, psychological, and relational factors that impact desireThe difference between using sex to gain connection versus sex flowing from connectionWhat it means to experience body, mind, and spirit alignment in intimacyHow unrealistic expectations sabotage fulfillmentWhy open, vulnerable conversation is the most important first stepEncouragement for couples who feel stuck or discouragedOne powerful takeaway: healthy intimacy is not a performance or a formula. It is an overflow of safety, connection, alignment, and ongoing communication. Resources Mentioned: The 40 Forms of Intimacy by Alex AvilaSacred Marriage by Gary ThomasCome As You Are by Emily NagoskiIf this conversation resonates with you and your spouse, consider taking the next step. The therapists at Care to Change are here to help you move from frustration to connection in a safe and supportive environment.

    38 min
  4. All About Marriage - Life After An Affair

    FEB 16

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.7
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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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