The Work Within

Watershed Initiative
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Mental Health

The Work Within explores the intersection of mental health, faith, and everyday life, helping people find greater connection and wholeness.  Hosted by John Lin, The Work Within is a Christian mental health podcast featuring conversations with licensed therapists about anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, leadership pressure, church hurt, and the struggles we all carry but seldom say out loud. The Work Within is clinically informed, biblically grounded, and deeply practical. If you want to live and lead more authentically, fully, and faithfully, this podcast is for you. New episodes released bi-weekly. Meet Your Hosts & Expert Contributors Our conversations are led by a diverse team of clinical and ministry leaders: John Lin – Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds Foundation Bringing a background in pastoral ministry and nonprofit leadership to the intersection of faith and mental health. Dieula Previlon, LPC-S – Founder, ElevateHer International A licensed professional counselor supervisor and ordained minister specializing in trauma recovery and purposeful flourishing. Laura Harrison, LPC-S – Executive Director, The WELD Group Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor specializing in chronic stress, trauma, and relational healing. Dr. Ly Tran, LPC-S – Founder and Executive Director, The WELD Group Offering two decades of expertise spanning pastoral ministry, mental health, and organizational leadership. Paul McMullen, LPC – Founder, WellSpring Process Groups A licensed counselor and coach supporting Christian leaders through group process and ministry-informed practice. The Work Within is a podcast of the Watershed Initiative, a group of Christian therapists committed to providing clinically excellent, trustworthy mental health resources for the local church. Learn more and explore listener resources at: watershedinitiative.com/workwithin

  1. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    Episode Highlight: How Family Loyalty Might Be Keeping You Stuck

    This clip from Episode 17, “Help! I’ve Become My Parents!” Highlights the tension of “honoring our parents” and being honest about our experience. Listen to the full conversation here: https://watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Being honest about the negative experiences you had with your parents can feel like you’re dishonoring them.  So instead of telling the truth, it’s easier to pretend everything was fine.  But that comes at a cost. Blind loyalty can keep you from telling the truth about unhealthy patterns and painful experiences you went through.  And the reality is, we can’t heal something we’re not willing to acknowledge.  Breaking old patterns and creating new ones for future generations means being willing to do the hard work of staring down the cycles of generational sin and trauma that have been passed on to us. It is possible to honor and be honest about our parents.  Chapters 00:10 — Can You Honor Your Parents and Still Tell the Truth? 01:02 — Why Family Loyalty Keeps People Stuck 03:28 — Holding Honesty and Compassion Together 04:06 — The Jenga Tower of Family of Origin Hosts / Guests  Dieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained Minister Dr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorJohn Lin, M.Div: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds Foundation Ready to do the work? We’d love to help. 🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    6 min

  2. Jun 2

    Help! I've Become My Parents (How to Break Cycles of Generational Trauma and Shame)

    Have you ever caught yourself doing or saying something — and suddenly realized: I've become my parents?! That unsettling moment is where this conversation begins. In Ep 17 of The Work Within podcast, John Lin is joined by therapists Ly Tran (LPC-S) and Dieula Previlon (LPC-S) to explore one of the most universal and consequential dynamics in human life: the patterns we inherit from our families, and what it takes to change them. They discuss why trauma gets repeated even when we desperately don't want it to, the tension between honoring our parents and being honest about our experience, and how awareness of existing patterns enables the deliberate creation of new ones. Their conversation is grounded in this belief: with intentional awareness and effort, we can break generational cycles and create something truly new and different. In this episode: - How the fear of dishonoring your parents can prevent healing - How conflict styles and attachment patterns are "caught, not taught" in childhood - What shame has to do with generational trauma - A theological lens on Exodus 34:7 — what "generational sin" actually means (and what it doesn't) - Practical wisdom for beginning this work Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Have You Become Your Parents?  02:28 – Meet the Co-Hosts: Dieula Previlon & Ly Tran  03:15 – Startling Moments of Realization  06:45 – You Can Honor Your Parents and Be Honest   08:07 – Why Family Loyalty Can Keep You Stuck  13:44 – How Attachment & Conflict Styles Get Passed Down 15:40 – Shame Spreads Quietly Across Generations  20:18 – Why We Repeat Trauma Even When We Know Better  25:47 – What the Bible Says About Generational Sin (Exodus 34:7)  28:19 – Awareness, Grace, and the Role of Therapy  34:51 – What Breaking the Cycle Looks Like in Real Life  41:21 – Practical Steps: Go Slowly, Grieve It, Be Kind to Yourself Hosts John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained Minister Dr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional Counselor Resources  If you're looking for a clinically trained Christian therapist, we'd love to help.  🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  Articles & Transcript Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    45 min

  3. May 19 ·  Bonus

    Episode Highlight: It Ain’t Easy Being a Healthy Leader. Here’s Why.

    This is a clip from Episode 16, “What Makes a Healthy Leader?” Listen to the full conversation here: https://watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin If being a healthy leader were easy, every leader would be one. In this clip, special guest, Shannon Pugh, and host John Lin discuss the obstacles that get in the way:  1) Self-awareness is hard. You have to understand your own motivations and the unique vulnerabilities that pull you toward unhealthy patterns. 2) Systems reward external achievement, not the invisible internal work that makes leaders healthy. Topics covered: leadership development, self-awareness, the Enneagram, the shadow side of leadership Chapters 00:10 — Motivation matters more than behavior 01:23 — Knowing your shadow side 02:19 — Why this work is rare 03:17 — When systems reward results over health Hosts / Guests  John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional CounselorShannon Pugh: Care and Mobilization Pastor, Irving Bible Church  Healthy leadership starts with doing your own internal work. We want to help.  🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    5 min

  4. May 5

    What Makes a Healthy Leader? 3 Essential Traits to Prevent Burnout, Moral Failure, and a Giant Ego

    What actually makes someone a healthy leader? You already know it’s not charisma, competence, or how many people you lead. In the latest from The Work Within podcast, host John Lin is joined by Paul McMullen, LPC, and Shannon Pugh, Care and Mobilization Pastor at Irving Bible Church, to explore a question many leaders avoid, but eventually have to face: What’s happening inside of you as you lead? As more leaders burn out, fall apart, or slowly lose themselves, this conversation gets underneath the surface of leadership—and into what actually sustains it over time. Through personal stories and practical insight, this episode unpacks what it takes to lead with emotional health, inner alignment, and long-term integrity. In this episode, we discuss: The 3 core traits of healthy leaders: self-awareness, boundaries, and humilityThe hidden systemic pressures that keep leaders stuck and silentWhy competence can mask unhealth—until it can’tPractical ways to start doing the internal work before it’s too late Whether you lead a church, a team, a business, or a family—if you influence people, this conversation is for you. Because we don’t just need more leaders. We desperately need healthier ones. Chapters 00:00 – What Healthy Leadership Looks Like (Pastor Ted’s Story) 06:19 – Why Healthy Leadership Matters 09:05 - The Harm of Unhealthy Leadership 10:28 – What It Feels Like to Work Under a Healthy Leader 13:47 - Defining Healthy Leadership 14:29 – 3 Core Traits of Healthy Leaders: Self-Awareness, Boundaries, Humility 25:48 - Does Competence Matter?  30:05 – Why Leadership Burnout Happens (Systemic + Personal Causes) 35:00 - Why Organizations Reward the Wrong Things 42:10 – Why Sabbath Is a Leadership Discipline 43:53 – The Danger of Isolation in Leadership 46:03 – “Leaders Need to Need” Hosts John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional CounselorShannon Pugh: Care and Mobilization Pastor, Irving Bible Church  Resources  The Leader’s Journey The Emotionally Healthy Leader People Fuel Healthy leadership starts with doing your own internal work. 🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    54 min

  5. Apr 7

    Better Boundaries: Don't Let Resentment Kill Your Relationships

    Have you ever said “yes” but really wanted to say “no”? Have you ever seen a boundary “weaponized” against someone? Have you ever wondered what makes for healthy boundaries?  Boundaries are tricky and often misunderstood. In this episode of The Work Within podcast, host John Lin sits down with licensed therapists Ly Tran and Laura Harrison to discuss how to adopt boundaries that protect us from resentment and foster healthier connections.  In this episode, we explore: Why "clear is kind" and how lack of clarity breeds resentment.Can boundaries ever be too rigid?The difference between hurting someone’s feelings and harming them.How to pivot from a "parental" or "childlike" posture into a healthy adult voice.The biblical paradox of Galatians 5: How freedom in Christ is perfected through the boundary of love. Whether you’re dealing with a solicitor at your door, a chronically late friend, or a complex family dynamic, this conversation provides the practical scripts and theological grounding you need to stop "quiet quitting" your relationships and start showing up with integrity. Chapters 00:00 – "No" is a Complete Sentence: The Struggle with Boundaries 02:17 – Real Talk: When Therapists Break Their Own Boundaries 05:40 – Defining the Line: Where "Me" Ends and "You" Begins 09:13 – Are Boundaries Selfish? Debunking Common Misconceptions 11:51 – The "Weaponization" of Boundaries vs. True Connection 12:39 – The Rubber Band Effect: Overcompensating After Years of "Yes" 18:15 – Re-educating Others: Moving from Over-functioning to Collaboration 25:35 – Live Roleplay: How to Handle the "Chronically Late" Friend 33:55 – The High Cost of Silence: Resentment, Rupture, and "Quiet Quitting" 39:01 – Theology of Limits: Freedom, Constraint, and Galatians 5 Hosts John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, Licensed Professional CounselorDr. Ly Tran, LPC-S: Founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group, Licensed Professional Counselor Resources  🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  "What does the Bible say about boundaries?" Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com Editorial Note: The definition of boundaries mentioned in this episode ("the limit at which I can love both you and myself at the same time") is a paraphrase of the original work by somatic therapist Prentis Hemphill, who famously said: "Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously."

    44 min

  6. Mar 24

    Trauma Is Disconnection: Understanding "Little t" Trauma and the Path to Healing

    “That was traumatic.” The word “trauma” gets thrown around a lot these days. But what does it actually mean for our daily lives, our relationships, and our faith? In this episode of The Work Within podcast, host John Lin talks with licensed therapist Paul McMullen and trauma specialist Jenny Wang to unpack the surprising truth: trauma isn’t just the "bad stuff" that happens to us; it’s the disconnection from our authentic selves that follows.   Drawing on the work of Gabor Maté, Albert Wong, and Peter Levine, the team explores the critical distinction between "Big T" and "little t" trauma, explaining why "too little for too long" (emotional neglect or bullying) can be just as impactful as a single painful event.  They discuss:  Why your nervous system might be stuck in "fight, flight, or freeze" even if you haven’t experienced a major catastrophe.Why presence is critical to healing. Why we often wait until our 40s to do the deep work, and how to start earlier.How Jesus models "being with" rather than just "fixing."How churches can be trauma-informed. Whether you're navigating your own healing journey or looking to support loved ones, this conversation offers an insightful roadmap back to your authentic self. Chapters [00:00] Redefining Trauma: Beyond the Buzzwords  [05:31] Gabor Maté & The Essence of Disconnection  [07:04] Trauma and the Imago Dei: Restoring Your Authentic Self  [11:22] Is Trauma Part of Everyone’s Story?  [12:41] The Empathic Witness: Why Healing Happens in Relationship  [15:17] Big ‘T’ vs. Little ‘t’ Trauma: Too Fast vs. Too Long  [18:27] The Comparison Trap: Why Your Wounds Matter  [20:36] "Deal With Your Trauma or It Will Deal With You"  [23:51] Why We Avoid the Past (And How It Shows Up in Parenting)  [27:11] The Midlife Pivot: Why We Wait Until Our 40s to Heal  [30:55] Jesus as Trauma-Informed: A New Perspective on the Gospel  [38:04] Receiving Before Giving: The Importance of Doing Your Work  Hosts John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor Jenny Wang, LPC-S: Clinical Director of Lifeologie Frisco, Licensed Professional Counselor, Trauma Specialist Resources  🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  Companion Article: "Understanding Trauma" Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    38 min

  7. Mar 10

    Stop the Spiral: How to Take Those Intrusive Thoughts Captive (2 Cor 10:5)

    Ever feel like you’re on the losing side of the battle for your mind? René Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore I am," but what happens when intrusive thoughts start robbing us of joy and peace? What do we do when we can’t stop ruminating about a “what-if” or a past wound? In this episode of The Work Within podcast, host John Lin is joined by therapists Laura Harrison and Paul McMullen to unpack the complex relationship we have with our inner monologue. We explore why our brains produce intrusive thoughts, how to stop ruminating on past hurts, and why typical spiritual advice can sometimes backfire. This conversation offers a compassionate, clinically-informed way to live out 2 Corinthians 10:5 for anyone feeling defeated by their thought life. Key Takeaways The Power of Externalizing: Learn why naming a thought is the first step to diffusing its power.Curiosity Over Condemnation: How the "Toddler Brain" approach leads to faster healing than self-shame.Relational Regulation: Why we need a "safe person" to help talk down our nervous system. Scripture 📖 2 Cor 10:5 – Taking every thought captive 📖 Phil 4:8 – Meditating on whatever is true and nobe Chapters 00:00 | The Traffic Jam of the Mind01:50 | 6,200 Thoughts: The Science of Your Thoughts03:45 | When Thoughts Become Intrusive05:15 | The Protective Brain: Why We Ruminate08:05 | You Are Not Your Thoughts: Creating Distance11:35 | Rent-Free: Giving Away Your Power to Past Hurts14:45 | From Slaying to Staying: A Personal Story of Grades & Grace18:40 | The Vulnerability Balm: Why Connection Heals21:50 | Please Stop Fixing Me: How to Actually Support a Loved One25:25 | Soothing the Toddler Brain28:10 | Re-envisioning "Taking Every Thought Captive"32:10 | Ducks on a Pond: Choosing What to Believe36:30 | The Filter: Is it True, Untrue, or Unsure?40:30 | Final Practices for a Tranquil Mind Hosts John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationLaura Harrison, LPC-S: Executive Director, WELD Group, trauma specialistPaul McMullen, LPC: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups  Resources  🎁 THERAPY DISCOUNT: Mention "The Work Within" for 10% off your first 5 sessions (New, Self-Pay). Call/Text 214-414-0378.  📄 FREE DOWNLOAD: “The Thought Filter” [Link Here]. Connect Subscribe & Review: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Follow: Instagram | Facebook Contact: info@watershedinitiative.com

    45 min

  8. Feb 24

    Food, Body Image, and Mental Health: The Food We Eat, the Bodies We Keep, and the Souls We Feed

    When it comes to food and our bodies, we live in extremes: minimizing our bodies (“it doesn’t really matter”) or obsessing over them (“it’s all I think about”). In Episode 12 of The Work Within, John Lin and Dieula Previlon, LPC-S, are joined by Calvin Burns, LPC (Director of Lifeologie Austin) to explore the deeper question beneath our habits: What if our relationship with food and our bodies is less about willpower and more about safety, control, and disconnection? If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of emotional eating, body anxiety, and the shame that comes along for the ride, this conversation offers a compassionate, faith-informed path towards greater awareness and health.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin serves as Executive Director of Sweet Deeds Foundation and Director of Partnerships for the Watershed Initiative.  Dieula Previlon is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, ordained minister, and founder of ElevateHer International Ministries.  Calvin Burns is a licensed professional counselor and Director of Lifeologie Austin.  CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Complex Relationship with Food 05:44 The Importance of Exercise and Its Spiritual Connection 08:38 Disconnection from Our Bodies 11:35 The Role of Food and Exercise in Coping Mechanisms 12:15 Understanding What's Behind the Craving 17:35 Distinguishing Between Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders 20:31 The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting 26:09 Men and their Bodies: Bigorexia 28:09 Trauma's Shadow: How Past Hurts Shape Our Eating 34:32 Biblical Perspectives on Food and our Bodies 38:12 The Need for Body Theology THERAPY DISCOUNT Mention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time.  Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.  RESOURCES / REFERENCES 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBE Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c SOCIAL Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas CONTACT We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments.  Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    46 min
See All (19)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Work Within explores the intersection of mental health, faith, and everyday life, helping people find greater connection and wholeness.  Hosted by John Lin, The Work Within is a Christian mental health podcast featuring conversations with licensed therapists about anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, leadership pressure, church hurt, and the struggles we all carry but seldom say out loud. The Work Within is clinically informed, biblically grounded, and deeply practical. If you want to live and lead more authentically, fully, and faithfully, this podcast is for you. New episodes released bi-weekly. Meet Your Hosts & Expert Contributors Our conversations are led by a diverse team of clinical and ministry leaders: John Lin – Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds Foundation Bringing a background in pastoral ministry and nonprofit leadership to the intersection of faith and mental health. Dieula Previlon, LPC-S – Founder, ElevateHer International A licensed professional counselor supervisor and ordained minister specializing in trauma recovery and purposeful flourishing. Laura Harrison, LPC-S – Executive Director, The WELD Group Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor specializing in chronic stress, trauma, and relational healing. Dr. Ly Tran, LPC-S – Founder and Executive Director, The WELD Group Offering two decades of expertise spanning pastoral ministry, mental health, and organizational leadership. Paul McMullen, LPC – Founder, WellSpring Process Groups A licensed counselor and coach supporting Christian leaders through group process and ministry-informed practice. The Work Within is a podcast of the Watershed Initiative, a group of Christian therapists committed to providing clinically excellent, trustworthy mental health resources for the local church. Learn more and explore listener resources at: watershedinitiative.com/workwithin

Information

  • Creator
    Watershed Initiative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Watershed Initiative

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