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.

Summary
In this episode of the Faith Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the concept of attachment styles and their impact on our relationship with God. She discusses the importance of feeling safe and loved in forming healthy attachments and how our early relational experiences shape our connections with others and with God. Jo outlines the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, and provides insights on how to cultivate a secure attachment with God through practices such as prayer, scripture reading, and community support. The episode emphasizes the redeemable nature of our attachment styles and encourages listeners to look to God for consistent love and support.

Takeaways

• Attachment styles influence our relationship with God.
• Feeling safe and loved is essential for healthy attachments.
• Secure attachment develops from consistent and nurturing caregivers.
• Anxious attachment leads to hyper-vigilance and fear of abandonment.
• Avoidant attachment results in discomfort with intimacy and self-reliance.
• Disorganized attachment stems from trauma and leads to confusion about needs.
• Understanding our attachment styles can help us relate better to God.
• We can earn a secure attachment through consistent relationships.
• God provides the consistent love we need for secure attachment.
• Practices like prayer and community can help cultivate a secure attachment.

Bible Verses on Feeling Safe and Loved by God

• Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
• Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Psalm 91:4 – "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
• 1 John 4:18 – "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Deuteronomy 31:8 – "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Welcome

02:13
Overview of Attachment Styles

08:01
Understanding Attachment Theory

13:41
Exploring Secure Attachment

14:56
Anxious Attachment Style

17:19
Avoidant Attachment Style

21:01
Disorganized Attachment Style

22:24
Path to Secure Attachment

28:54
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.