The Work Within

Watershed Initiative
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The Work Within features conversations designed to help everyday people and leaders live with greater connection and wholeness. Each episode, seasoned therapists explore real-life challenges, drawing insight from mental health, Scripture, and lived experience. If you want to live and lead more authentically, fully, and faithfully, this podcast is for you. New episodes released bi-weekly. The Work Within is a podcast of the Watershed Initiative, a group of therapists passionate about supporting the mental health needs of the local church with clinically excellent, trustworthy resources. Learn more and explore listener resources at: watershedinitiative.com/workwithin

Episodes

  1. JAN 27

    A Better Connection: Why and How to Invest in More Fulfilling Relationships

    There’s an epidemic of loneliness, and it’s literally killing us. Loneliness is as harmful to your health as smoking or alcoholism. In this important conversation, John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Ly Tran discuss the urgency of connection and community in fostering wellbeing. They explore the ever-present impact of our devices on relationships, why loneliness hits harder among men, and when practicing vulnerability is worth the risk. The discussion emphasizes practical steps we can take to make the wise investment in relationships for a fulfilling life. HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Laura Harrison, LPC-S, Ly Tran, LPC-S CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 02:21 The Importance of Community and Connection 05:05 Insights from the Harvard Study on Relationships 06:43 Navigating Digital Devices and Relationships 09:43 Devices: Impact and Boundaries 15:07 The Required Shift in Mindset to Approach Devices Differently 18:07 Friendship Recession and the Plight of Men 22:32 Why It's So Important to Spread the Emotional Load 26:21 Practical Steps for Building Connections 31:53 How to practice vulnerability in a way that fosters relationship 39:47 The Felt Need for Relationship 42:05 Relationship Takeaways 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 Harvard Study of Adult Development https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.orgTED Talk: “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzIF3 (Fitness-Faith-Fellowship) https://f3nation.com 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

    45 min

  2. JAN 13

    Spiritual Practices for a New Day (Guilt-Free, Creative Habits to Help You Connect with God)

    Spiritual practices needn’t stir up feelings of guilt, boredom, or frustration. Instead, they can truly help us connect with the Living God, enabling us to discover joy and peace in our hectic, demanding lives. But how??? In the first episode of 2026, John Lin and Paul McMullen discuss fresh ways to approach practices that contribute to greater connection and wellbeing. They explore honestly the struggles of maintaining these practices, the underlying beliefs that hinder us, and how our family of origin shapes our view of God. They talk about creativity, the power of gratitude, the role of our bodies in connecting spiritually, and the need to adapt with life's seasons. HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin and Paul McMullen (LPC-Associate)  THERAPY DISCOUNT Mention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: The Journey to Spiritual Shape 02:45 The Struggle with Spiritual Practices: Guilt and Motivation 05:38 Understanding Our Beliefs About God and Spirituality 08:42 The Role of Family of Origin in Spiritual Practices 11:33 Imagining God: Creative Approaches to Prayer 14:42 Engaging with God: Texting with Immanuel and Other Practices 27:35 The Power of Communal Prayer 29:01 Creative Approaches to Gratitude 31:17 Flexibility in Spiritual Practices 32:57 Adapting Practices to Life Seasons 35:09 Integrating God into Daily Life 37:43 Expanding the Definition of Spiritual Practices 39:32 Breath Prayer and Mindfulness 46:38 Connecting Spirituality with Neuroscience 50:07 Embracing Curiosity in Spiritual Practices RESOURCES Now I Become Myself - Ken Shigematsu (https://a.co/d/et4LRK3) Matthew 3:17 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Psalm 131:2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Luke 18:38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBE Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for your support! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiative Facebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas CONTACT Message us at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    54 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    I’m Ok, Not Really (A Conversation about the Top Reasons People Seek Therapy)

    In the final episode of 2025, John Lin talks with therapists, Dieula Previlon and Paul McMullen, about the most common reasons people seek therapy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life, disappointed or wounded by relationships, beset by unspoken grief, entangled by addictions, they want you to know that you are not alone and why it’s a good thing you’re not unique! They talk about how to know when vulnerability is appropriate and why those who are in therapy are some of the most courageous people they know. This episode offers compassion, encouragement, and solace for individuals, leaders, and anyone who feels a bit road-worn from this holiday season. Share this with a friend who needs a little encouragement.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Dieula Previlon, LPC-S, Paul McMullen (LPC-Associate)  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.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Conversations 03:20 The Struggle of Saying 'I'm Okay' 06:08 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity 09:16 The Impact of the Holiday Season on Mental Health 12:20 Understanding Therapy and Its Stigma 14:45 Common Themes in Therapy: Relationships and Grief 17:41 The Courage to Face Reality 19:57 Exploring Grief in Everyday Life 23:04 Coping Mechanisms and Their Effects 25:42 It Takes Courage to Face Your Stuff 26:34 Grief Is Everywhere 28:45 Encouragement for Listeners 31:46 Nothing New Under the Sun 39:52 Words for Leaders RESOURCES Ecclesiastes 1:9  “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBE Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c CONTACT We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments.  Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiative Facebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

    47 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Learn about Love and Practice It (How We Grow in the Greatest Virtue of All)

    A lot of folks wax eloquently about love, but actually loving people is really hard. The Apostle Paul asserted that “the greatest of these is love” yet how many of us would say that we are great - or even good - at loving others? Laura Harrison, Ly Tran, and John Lin have a far-reaching conversation about how we can become more loving persons. Going beyond do's and don'ts, they look at the impact of our family of origins on how we love and how to go about “un-blending”, practices that open us to new experiences of God’s love, the surprising person we need to love first, and the practical 5:1 ratio. At Watershed Initiative, we long to see the church flourish in its ability to love. Let us be people who learn about love and practice it!  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Laura Harrison, LPC-S, Ly Tran, LPC-S 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.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Riddle of Love 01:42 The Complexity of Love During Holidays 04:27 Understanding Love Through Mental Health 07:38 The Discipline of Love 08:47 The Gap Between Belief and Practice of Love 12:07 Navigating Accountability and Love 16:41 Experiencing God's Love 20:47 Practices to Receive Love 26:59 Unblending Parental Figures and Love 31:16 The Journey to Compassionate Love 35:43 Understanding Love Through Self-Relationship 41:09 The Balance of Giving and Receiving in Relationships 49:35 Leadership and the Practice of Love RESOURCES Now I Become Myself - Ken Shigematsu Galatians 5:14  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBE Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c CONTACT We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments.  Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiative Facebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

    57 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    When You Have a Bad Day, Just ______. (Tips to Cope with Hard Emotions and Hard Days)

    Bad days happen. But that's never an excuse for bad behavior. In this episode of the Work Within, Ly Tran, Laura Harrison, and John Lin talk about the typical ways we cope with stressful days and how to learn healthier ways of navigating crappy circumstances and the negative emotions that come for the ride. This practical episode explores how to access hard feelings without letting them overwhelm you, ways to go from dysregulated to regulated, the power of the pause in transitions throughout the day, and the practices Jesus developed that enabled him to navigate the worst of days. Listen to this episode to develop a workable emotional hygiene routine and prevent yourself from becoming emotionally stinky!  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Laura Harrison, LPC-S, Ly Tran, LPC-S 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.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Navigating Bad Days: Personal Responses 03:05 Understanding Bad Behavior: When Bad Days Escalate 06:19 The Role of Emotions: Coping with Discomfort 09:11 Exploring the Feelings Wheel: Understanding Emotions 12:21 The Complexity of Emotions: From Anger to Reflection 15:17 Regulating Emotions: The Path to Repair 21:12 Understanding Emotions and Regulation 25:39 Identifying and Addressing Emotional Triggers 30:54 The Importance of Reflection and Pause 35:37 Building Healthy Emotional Practices 40:24 Leadership and Emotional Hygiene RESOURCES How We Feel App - https://howwefeel.org/ Feelings Wheel - https://feelingswheel.com/ LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBE Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c CONTACT We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments.  Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    45 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    An Overdrive Kind of Life (How to Shift into a Better Pace of Life)

    Is your life over-scheduled, overworked, overtired? What is driving that and more importantly, what does it take to shift into a different gear? In this episode of the Work Within, Dieula, Paul, and John discuss the aspects of our life in motion. Are we just hustling or are we living in chronic overdrive? They dive deep into the aspects of what causes an overdriven life, if we are running our lives or if our lives are running us, and how to tell if this is just a season or an unsustainable standard. You’ll gain fresh insight to help you discover a more sustainable pace for your life. HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Dieula Previlon, LPC-S, Paul McMullen, LPC-Associate 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.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Living in Overdrive: An Introduction 03:05 The Importance of Awareness 06:08 The Cultural Urgency and Its Impact 09:13 Identifying Patterns of Overdrive 11:51 Fear and Urgency: The Driving Forces 14:48 Challenging Beliefs About Limitations 17:40 The Pursuit of More: A Double-Edged Sword 20:25 Interrogating Our Lives: Finding Meaning 23:05 Conclusion: Seeking a Sustainable Pace 23:59 Understanding the Drive Behind Our Actions 25:21 Distinguishing Life's Seasons: Hustle vs. Overdrive 28:51 The Dangers of Autopilot Living 30:50 The Invitation to Be Still 32:19 Intentional Downshifting for a Balanced Life 39:12 Embracing Limitations and Finding Rhythms RESOURCES The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (https://a.co/d/hYAf9AN) Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.  John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” LINKS Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe!  YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU  Leave a comment or message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    43 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Will the Real You Please Stand Up (How Internal Family Systems Can Help You Be Your True Self)

    Ever show up to a party, meeting, or conversation, and think to yourself, “I like that version of me that showed up”? Ever show up to a party, meeting, or conversation, and think, “I really don’t like that version of me that showed up”? If you’ve ever felt conflicted and confused about the varying ways you show up in life, welcome to the club! Join John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Paul McMullen as they discuss a therapy model called Internal Family Systems, which helps explain why all of us have different parts of ourselves that show up in our lives. Their conversation delves into new language for understanding self, where these different parts of self come from, and how transforming curiosity and compassion can be in discovering our true self.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin, Laura Harrison, LPC-S, and Paul McMullen, LPC-A 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.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to the Real Self 00:54 Personal Experiences and Internal Dynamics 03:19 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) 08:26 Exploring Parts: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles 16:30 Integrating Past Wounds and True Self 17:53 Understanding Our Parts and Coping Mechanisms 19:33 The Influence of Family and Culture 20:15 Inner Conflict and Self-Perception 22:20 The Role of Curiosity in Self-Discovery 24:12 Finding Hope in Internal Struggles 26:04 Grace and Truth in Self-Reflection 28:28 Welcoming Our Parts with Kindness 29:55 The Importance of Self-Compassion 33:23 Transforming Relationships Through Self-Awareness 37:32 Resources for Further Exploration RESOURCES No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz - https://a.co/d/dKsWZik All Together You by Jenna Riemersma - https://a.co/d/7bhgwjJ Try Softer by Aundi Kolber - https://a.co/d/bOfGtew Romans 7:15-25 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! LINKS Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe!  Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU  Leave a comment or message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    40 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Why'd I Just Say That?! (From Triggered to Connected in Conflict)

    “I enjoy getting into conflict” said no one ever. And yet, conflict is inevitable. In this episode of The Work Within, John Lin, Ly Tran, and Dieula Previlon talk about new ways to think about and engage with conflict that will empower you to show up differently when things get heated in your relationships. If you’re tired of the way conflict is playing out in your life and ready for a change, this conversation will introduce you to the vital 80/20 rule, help you identify thought patterns and underlying emotions driving poor conflict responses, and provide a roadmap for cultivating a more effective posture in conflict.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin (Host)  Ly Tran, LPC-S (Co-Host) Dieula Previlon, LPC-S (Co-Host)  THERAPY DISCOUNT For a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Conflict and Its Impact 01:34 The Not so Pretty Ways to Do Conflict 05:10 Leaky, Passive Aggressive Conflict 05:58 The Mental Scripts and Emotions Driving Conflict 10:16 The Role of Family Dynamics 11:44 The 80/20 Rule for Conflict 14:39 The Art of Articulating What's Within 17:03 How do I know what I'm feeling? 20:13 Bottom Up: Understanding Core Emotions in Conflict 24:39 Doing the Work for Yourself First 26:27 Identifying Thought Patterns in Conflict 31:29 To the Extent You Can, Live at Peace with All. 33:02 Reframing Conflict as an Opportunity for Growth 38:53 The Importance of Internal Work in Conflict Resolution RESOURCES Conflicted by Dr. Ly Tran Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” CONTACT  info@watershedinitiative.com  LINKS Leave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe!  Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c We'd love to hear from you! www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin

    42 min

  9. 10/07/2025

    Your Giant Inner Critic (How to Tame the Beast of Self-Condemnation)

    Yours may be small or giant, piercing or quiet, but we all have one. In the second inaugural episode of The Work Within, hosts John Lin, Laura Harrison, and Paul McMullen confront the inner critic that resides within all of us. They discuss personal experiences with their inner critics, the impact of these negative voices on relationships, and the origins of such critical thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, kindness, and curiosity in managing the inner critic, ultimately leading to healthier connections with oneself and others. If you’ve ever made a mistake and then beat yourself up for it, you’ll want to listen to this episode.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin (Host)  Laura Harrison, LPC-S (Co-Host) Paul McMullen, LPC-A (Co-Host)  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to The Work Within Podcast 04:32 The Voice of the Inner Critic  08:30 The Impact of the Inner Critic on Relationships 12:32 When Your Inner Critic Goes Public 17:42 The Origins of the Inner Critic 20:28 Loosening the Inner Critic's Grip 24:47 Practicing Kindness and Curiosity 29:06 The Role of Relationships in Self-Acceptance 32:36 Conclusion and Future Conversations THERAPY DISCOUNT For a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.  CONTACT  info@watershedinitiative.com  LINKS www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin YouTube Spotify  Apple Podcasts

    34 min

  10. 10/07/2025

    Don't Waste Your Pain (Why We Need to Lean In During the Tough Moments)

    In this inaugural episode of The Work Within podcast, we tackle a small but mighty four-letter word: PAIN. With compassion and nuance, hosts John Lin, Dieula Previlon, and Ly Tran explore the complex relationship between pain and personal growth. This episode delves into types of pain, various coping mechanisms, the importance of community in healing, the pitfalls of spiritual bypass, and the urgent need to increase our comfort with discomfort. Listeners will come away encouraged to lean into, rather than run from, pain.  HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin (Host)  Dieula Previlon, LPC-S (Co-Host)  Ly Tran, LPC-S, D.Min (Co-Host)  THERAPY DISCOUNT For a limited time, listeners can receive a 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy by mentioning, “The Work Within.” New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378.  CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to The Work Within Podcast 03:14 Understanding Pain and Its Role in Change 06:17 The Tension of Pain and Suffering 09:41 Pain Will Find You 12:06 Responses to Pain: Lean In and Learn from Bison 18:24 The Ways We Run from Pain 21:11 Using Religiosity to Numb Pain and Spiritual Bypass 24:16 "Never Waste Pain. It's too expensive." 25:08 The Role of Community in Healing Pain 28:23 Not All at Once: the Importance of Timing 33:02 Joy and the Pain of Jesus 35:28 When the Purpose of Pain Isn't Clear 46:23 You Are Not Alone in Your Pain 49:06 The Power of Connection in Healing 50:23 Finding Your Invincible Summer RESOURCES Does God See Me? By Dieula Previlon  CONTACT info@watershedinitiative.com  LINKS www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin YouTube Spotify  Apple Podcasts

    52 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Work Within features conversations designed to help everyday people and leaders live with greater connection and wholeness. Each episode, seasoned therapists explore real-life challenges, drawing insight from mental health, Scripture, and lived experience. If you want to live and lead more authentically, fully, and faithfully, this podcast is for you. New episodes released bi-weekly. The Work Within is a podcast of the Watershed Initiative, a group of therapists passionate about supporting the mental health needs of the local church with clinically excellent, trustworthy resources. Learn more and explore listener resources at: watershedinitiative.com/workwithin

Information

  • Creator
    Watershed Initiative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Watershed Initiative