EP13 - Many arrive in counseling hoping for quick pain relief, but Scripture points to a deeper aim: joy in Jesus as He meets us in suffering. James 1:2–4 says, “Count it all joy… for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Romans 8:28–29 says, “All things work together… to be conformed to the image of his Son.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 says, God “comforts us… so that we may comfort others.” John 15:4–5 says, “Abide in me.” We talk abiding with expectancy, walking in community, naming root lies, and finding comfort to share.

In EP12 we define coercive control—isolation, surveillance, financial control, threats, and spiritual distortion—and outline first safety steps and care. Paul says in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives… give yourself up for her.” Peter says in 1 Peter 3:7, “Live with your wives in an understanding way… showing honor.” If you’re in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Episode 11: Psalm 13:1–2 says, “How long, O LORD…?” Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him… pour out your heart before him.” Psalm 142:2 says, “I pour out my complaint before him.” Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases…” In EP11 we learn to lament—turn, complain, ask, and trust—so grief becomes honest prayer, not silence. Q&A: “Is it okay to be upset with God?”

Episode 10: The “fear of man” over-extracts anxiety; the fear of the Lord brings a steady cup. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Isaiah 8:13 says, “The LORD of hosts… let Him be your fear.” Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I seeking the approval of man, or of God?” We share a simple reset and recommended reads to reorder your awe. 

Episode 9: Anger doesn’t have to scorch your relationships. Brian shares his own story, unpacks Eph 4:26 and 2 Cor 7:11, and offers a five-step A.N.G.E.R. Check to respond wisely—acknowledge, notice desires, give it to God, express with grace, repair fast. Q&A: How to be angry and not sin?

Not every hard conversation is abuse—but some patterns are. In this episode of Coffee and Counseling, Brian opens Scripture (Psalm 9:9; Isaiah 1:17; James 1:19; Ephesians 4:29) to show God’s refuge for the oppressed and His call for His people to act with justice and care. You’ll learn clear markers of healthy conflict (rupture → repair, mutuality, safety) versus abuse (pattern, power/control, fear, isolation), plus a simple P.O.W.E.R. self-check to help you name what you’re experiencing. In Sip-Size Q&A, we answer: “We fight and say hurtful things—how do I know if it’s just conflict or abuse?” We also share next steps for safety, wise help, and how churches can become true refuges.

In this episode of Coffee and Counseling, we revisit Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant to challenge the popular idea of “forgiving yourself.” Scripture calls us to receive Christ’s full, finished forgiveness—and then extend it to others. We walk through a simple Receive → Release → Respond practice, answer “What can I expect from biblical counseling?”, and share recommended resources.

In Episode 6 of Coffee and Counseling, Brian Alton confronts the biblical call to justice for the oppressed. He opens with Psalm 146:7 and Isaiah 1:17, then shares how God pressed him into abuse ministry—first with reluctance, then through training like Chris Moles’ Men of Peace curriculum—so he could stand with those silenced by emotional and physical harm. You’ll discover key resources from Leslie Vernick, Darby Strickland, and Sydney Millidge, hear a listener Q&A on verbal abuse, and learn how pastors and churches can become safe havens. Dive in for Scripture, compassion, and practical next steps to reflect God’s heart for the vulnerable.

In Episode 5 of Coffee and Counseling, we dive into the sticky weight of shame and the liberating provision God makes to cover us. We unpack Genesis 3’s fig leaves and animal skins, trace that promise to the cross where Jesus bore our guilt and shame (1 Pet 2:24; Isa 53:5), and explore how His righteousness clothes us today (Heb 10:19–22). Join Brian—plus a dad joke from his friend Stan (“He-brews!”)—for a rich cup of gospel truth and a practical “Put Off/Put On” exercise to live in freedom.

Episode 4 of Coffee and Counseling invites you to pull up a mug and talk brewing — from French-press richness to smooth cold-brew — while we explore how everyday coffee rituals can become gateways to missional living and authentic fellowship. Brian unwraps Acts 2-style community, offers an “Identity Brew” worksheet, and answers a heartfelt listener question: “I’m still single. Is there something wrong with me?” Sip along for gospel-centered comfort, practical next steps, and a friendly challenge to share your favorite brew method.

Episode 3 of Coffee and Counseling pours into everyday marriage communication. Brian unpacks James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:29, observes how a “talk-past-each-other” couple learns to listen, and shares a four-step “Pause–Paraphrase–Pray” loop—plus a forgiveness guide you can download. If you’re in a safe but struggling marriage and want Christ-centered ways to speak with more grace, hit play and sip along.

Episode 2 of Coffee and Counseling pours into everyday anxiety. Brian explores Philippians 4:4-9, shares “Emily’s” 3 a.m. journey from panic to prayer, and offers a practical 4-C Grounding Routine you can start today. Brew a fresh cup and discover how Christ trades our restless boil for peace that surpasses understanding.