Keywords

Faith, Therapy, Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Spiritual Growth, Peace, Mindfulness, God's Word, Self-Understanding

Summary

In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves discusses the significance of biblical meditation and its impact on mental health and spiritual growth. She shares her personal journey with God's word, emphasizing the importance of taking scripture at face value and the therapeutic benefits of meditation. Jo explores the neuroscience behind meditation, explaining how it can rewire the brain and promote peace. She encourages listeners to integrate biblical meditation into their daily lives, highlighting its transformative power.


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For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness.

keywords
intrusive thoughts, neuroscience, scripture, mental health, compassion, grounding techniques, faith, anxiety, emotional regulation, spiritual wellness

summary
In this episode of Faith Filled Therapy, Jo Hargreaves explores the complex nature of intrusive thoughts, their intersection with neuroscience and scripture, and how to manage them compassionately. She discusses the role of stress, hormonal changes, and the importance of grounding techniques and scripture in finding peace. Jo emphasizes that intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of one's character but rather a natural response of the brain, and she encourages listeners to approach these thoughts with compassion and understanding.

takeaways

• Intrusive thoughts can be distressing and often arise unexpectedly.
• Understanding the neuroscience behind intrusive thoughts can foster self-compassion.
• Stress and hormonal changes can increase the frequency of intrusive thoughts.
• Mindfulness and interrupting negative thought patterns are crucial for mental freedom.
• Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing and scripture meditation, can help manage intrusive thoughts.
• God's compassion is present in our struggles with intrusive thoughts.
• Scripture can serve as a lifeline for grounding and reassurance.
• The brain's response to perceived threats can be misinterpreted as real danger.
• It's important to not attach meaning to intrusive thoughts to prevent them from gaining power.
• You are not broken; there is grace for your mind and nervous system.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Intrusive Thoughts

02:56
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

05:19
The Neuroscience Behind Intrusive Thoughts

07:38
The Role of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex

10:08
Compassion and Reassurance in Managing Thoughts

13:07
Grounding Techniques and Scripture

15:43
The Spiritual Aspect of Intrusive Thoughts

18:03
Finding Peace and Compassion in Faith

21:12
flow-211881.mp3

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness.

In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the intersection of neuroscience and scripture, focusing on the concept of taking thoughts captive as outlined in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Jo delves into the workings of the brain, including the default mode network and the reticular activating system, and offers practical strategies for managing thoughts and emotions. The episode emphasises the importance of active engagement in our mental health and the power of reframing thoughts to align with God's truth.

keywords
faith, therapy, mental health, neuroscience, scripture, thoughts, mindfulness, emotional regulation, neuroplasticity, personal growth

takeaways

• Taking thoughts captive is a powerful scriptural principle that requires active engagement.
• The brain's default mode network can lead to rumination and negative thinking if left unchecked.
• Neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains through intentional thought management.
• Reframing thoughts is essential for emotional regulation and mental health.
• The reticular activating system filters our perceptions based on what we focus on.
• Confirmation bias can shape our experiences and beliefs about the world.
• Practical strategies for thought management include noticing, naming, and reframing thoughts.
• We have been given the mind of Christ, empowering us to take control of our thoughts.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:02
The Cyclical Nature of Life

05:52
Taking Thoughts Captive: A Scriptural Approach

11:58
Understanding the Default Mode Network

18:04
Reframing Thoughts and Neuroplasticity

23:47
The Reticular Activating System and Confirmation Bias

29:48
Practical Strategies for Thought Management

35:53
Conclusion and Resources

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
03:02 The Cyclical Nature of Life
05:52 Taking Thoughts Captive: A Scriptural Approach
11:58 Understanding the Default Mode Network
18:04 Reframing Thoughts and Neuroplasticity
23:47 The Reticular Activating System and Confirmation Bias
29:48 Practical Strategies for Thought Management
35:53 Conclusion and Resources

For free resources, reflections, and regular encouragement, come join me over on Substack. You’ll also find the option to subscribe to The Faith-Filled Collective — a monthly space for women who are pursuing wholeness and holiness.