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. 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, 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

  2. 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

  3. FEB 11

    How to Talk Politics without Losing Yourself or Your Relationships

    Talking politics often stirs up strong emotions, which is why conversations with people who hold very different views can quickly become difficult. Many relationships have been strained—or even broken—over political disagreements. In this episode, Laura Harrison, Ly Tran, and John Lin explore how to navigate political conversations from two key perspectives: how to respond when someone says something you find offensive, and how to bring up a sensitive topic with someone who may judge your viewpoint. They discuss the importance of identifying your governing principle, learning to self-regulate during tense conversations, and using curiosity to foster healthier political dialogue. HOSTS / CO-HOSTS John Lin serves as Executive Director of Sweet Deeds Foundation and Director of Partnerships for the Watershed Initiative. Laura Harrison is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Clinical Director with Lifeologie. Dr. Ly Tran is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder and Lead Executive Director of The WELD Group. CHAPTERS 00:00 K-Pop Demon Hunters and Navigating Hot Button Issues 03:19 Understanding Emotional Triggers 06:12 The Impact of Media Consumption 09:01 Conflict in Political Discussions 14:53 The Role of Curiosity in Disagreements 18:00 Therapeutic Approaches to Conflict 20:39 Practical Strategies for Engagement 27:56 Leading with Curiosity in Conversations 28:57 Relationship Over Outcome 32:43 The Essence of Compassion in Relationships 36:15 Navigating Core Values and Beliefs 36:30 Understanding the Complexity of Sin 36:58 Self-Regulation Before Engagement 39:24 The Importance of Understanding Before Being Understood 42:34 When You're Trying to Communicate Your Ideas 47:23 Self-Reflection Before Engagement 48:26 The Role of the Church in Political Divides 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.  RESOURCES Diffusing Political Triggers Workshop - Saturday, April 11 at 10 AM CT, Online  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

    58 min

  4. JAN 27

    A Better Connection: The Pain of Loneliness and Power of Vulnerability

    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 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 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. 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 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 Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at info@watershedinitiative.com

    45 min

  5. 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, M.Div: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor-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!” TUNE IN 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

  6. 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 John Lin: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor - AssociateDieula Previlon, LPC-S: Founder of ElevateHer International Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained Minister.   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 SCRIPTURE 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 YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c CONNECT www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin Email us at info@watershedinitiative.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiative Facebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

    47 min

  7. 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 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 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 YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5c Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aennc Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7c CONTACT www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithin info@watershedinitiative.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiative Facebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallas

    57 min

  8. 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 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 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
See All (13)

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
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Watershed Initiative

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