Words of Wisdom Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

Show notes
Words of Wisdom 140: On False Empowerment
In this episode, Josh explores the concept of false empowerment and its potential pitfalls. Reflecting on experiences of pain, trauma, and rejection, he discusses how the ego can drive change in destructive ways. Josh emphasizes the dangers of weaponizing boundaries and living from a place of resentment, explaining the importance of surrendering to God for true, healthy transformation. He includes teachings from Jesus in Matthew 7 and insights from Richard Rohr to underline the value of humility, letting go, and unlearning. The episode concludes with reflective questions to guide prayers and journaling on ways to avoid false empowerment and genuinely depend on God.
00:00 Introduction to False Empowerment
00:11 The Dangers of False Empowerment
00:29 The Ego's Role in False Empowerment
00:52 Weaponizing Boundaries and Seeking Justice
01:16 The Consequences of False Empowerment
01:21 Spiritual Teachings on Surrender
01:52 Practical Steps to True Empowerment
02:31 Biblical Wisdom on Judgment
03:30 Reflections and Questions
04:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
Richard Rohr, ​Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps​
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Show notes
In this episode, Josh explores five reflections on love and breaking generational wounds. Key ideas include making the unseen visible by allowing others in, learning to connect through surrender, and the importance of receiving love to be able to give it. Josh emphasizes the complexities of love, which involves valuing, sacrificing, serving, and sometimes disagreeing. Quotes from Terry Real and Pia Melody highlight the importance of facing generational pathology and recognizing inherent worth in oneself and others. The episode concludes with reflective questions encouraging listeners to embrace God’s love, break generational cycles, and live wisely.
00:00 Introduction: Reflections on Love and Generational Wounds
00:09 Understanding Love: Letting Others In and Surrendering
00:23 The Essence of Love: Receiving and Giving
01:04 Marriage: A Path to Selflessness and Intimacy
01:26 Quotes on Generational Healing and Intimacy
02:43 Reflective Questions: Embracing Love and Breaking Cycles
03:20 Conclusion: Living Wisely with Love

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
Pia Mellody, ​The Intimacy Factor​
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Support the podcast

Show notes
n this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh emphasizes the profound impact of prioritizing time in God's presence, particularly by waking early to connect with Him. He argues that this practice can significantly enhance one's life by fostering inner peace and spiritual strength. Key points include the importance of presence before power, the focus on making God famous over personal fame, and the pursuit of worship over pleasure. The episode also features quotes from Saint Seraphim of Seraph and A. W. Tozer, and includes reflective questions to help integrate these practices into daily life.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Presence
00:05 Morning Routine: Wake Early
00:18 Prioritizing God's Presence
00:51 Pursue Presence Over Power
01:19 Becoming a Peacemaker
01:42 Inspirational Quotes
02:08 Reflective Questions
02:54 Conclusion: The Value of Presence
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Support the podcast

Show notes
Breaking the Cycle: The Flywheel of Disconnection and the Power of Connection
In 'Words of Wisdom 137,' Josh explores the essential role of connection in human flourishing. He introduces the concept of the 'disconnection flywheel,' explaining how disconnection from God, oneself, and others perpetuates a cycle of isolation and sin. Josh outlines a pathway to breaking this cycle through awareness, self-honesty, and authentic engagement with others, eventually creating a 'flywheel of connection' that leads to restoration and growth. Featuring quotes from Mother Teresa and Diedrich Bonhoeffer, the episode concludes with reflective questions to guide personal journaling and prayer.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Connection
00:58 Understanding the Disconnection Flywheel
01:53 Breaking Free: The Path to Connection
02:53 Quotes on Connection and Isolation
03:34 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth
04:06 Final Thoughts: Embrace Connection
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
Connection to God​
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ​Life Together​
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Support the podcast

Show notes
Words of Wisdom 136: Paths to Becoming Truly Wise
In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom as the most valuable investment one can make. Wisdom, described as virtuous skill in living, helps ensure a fulfilling and secure life. Josh provides practical advice on how to cultivate wisdom, including stopping evil, embracing good, confessing daily, reading great books, living without secrets, praying continually, expanding one’s vision of God, practicing gratitude, seeking simplicity, and serving others. Inspired by quotes from Socrates and Dorothy Day, Josh challenges listeners to reflect on how the wisest person they know would approach life and to use specific questions as journal prompts and prayer guides. The episode concludes by urging listeners to commit to walking a path of wisdom and virtue.

00:00 Introduction to Wisdom
00:38 Steps to Grow in Wisdom
01:23 Inspirational Quotes
02:04 Reflective Questions
02:26 Conclusion and Commitment
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
Socrates, as quoted in ​Plato's Apology​
Dorothy Day, ​Loaves and Fishes​
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Support the podcast

Show notes
Understanding Addiction Recovery: A Comprehensive Insight
In this episode of 'Words of Wisdom,' Josh explores the complex nature of addiction and its various dimensions, including psychological, physiological, narrative, and spiritual aspects. He differentiates between habits and addictions, emphasizing the profound impact of addiction on one's life and relationships. Josh also highlights the importance of seeking help, sharing insights from experts like Dr. Gabor Mate and Patrick Carnes. Reflecting on personal control over behaviors and understanding addiction can be the first steps toward recovery and a life of flourishing.
00:00 Introduction to Understanding Addiction
00:42 Exploring the Concept of Addiction
01:15 The Four Levels of Addiction
01:56 Habits vs. Addictions: A Deep Dive
02:42 The Devastating Impact of Addiction
03:26 Understanding the Purpose and Control of Addiction
05:00 Seeking Help and Recovery from Addiction
05:19 Expert Insights on Addiction
06:39 Reflective Questions and Conclusion
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 
• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​
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Links
Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned addiction expert and author of ​In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts​
Patrick J. Carnes, considered the grandfather of sex addiction treatment, ​Out of the Shadows​
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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.
Support the podcast