Explore every episode of the podcast The Faith Filled Therapy Podcast

In this episode, Jo Hargreaves, faith-filled therapist and writer, is joined by Dr Perrianne Brownback for a thoughtful conversation about the left and right hemispheres of the brain, moving beyond pop-psychology myths into something far richer and more meaningful.

Together, they explore how simplistic ideas about being “left-brained” or “right-brained” have been largely debunked, while also uncovering the profound truth that how our brain processes the world really does matter. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist and philosopher Ian McGilchrist, this conversation looks at the distinct roles of each hemisphere, and why the left hemisphere was never designed to operate independently, but to be guided and interpreted through the right.

This episode invites listeners to reconsider how they think, perceive, and make meaning, not just cognitively, but relationally and spiritually. It’s a grounding, curiosity-stirring conversation that connects neuroscience, lived experience, and faith, offering a deeper understanding of how we attend to the world, to God, and to ourselves. 

You can follow Perianne's work here and purchase her book here

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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.


Here's the link to the beautiful poster by Nick at The Christian Poster Company 

Here's the booking link to this months webinar with Dr Lee Warren  

Here's the link to my substack 

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

If you would like to join the Faith Filled Collective Community then you can find out more here

In this second episode of The Faith Filled Therapy Podcast I talk the threat response, namely Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn.

I of course mention my disco ball diffuser and talk about what I am diffusing today. Link to the diffuser below

Disco Ball Diffuser

I chat about why I swore in the church car park and how in no way do I want to justify my behaviour, however there is power in understanding ourselves and why we react the way we do. You can read that post here: 
As well as touching on the subject of dissociation which you can read about here in a free PDF resource I have created for my listners.

If you would like to join the Faith Filled Collective Community then you can find out more here

Here are some of the scriptures I used:

Bible Verses for Grounding and Safety

1. Psalm 46:1-3
2. Isaiah 41:10
3. Philippians 4:6-7
4. Romans 8:38-39
5. 1 John 4:18

Here are some studies on the power of feeling safe and loved:

Porges, S. W. (2009). "The Polyvagal Theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system." This foundational work by Stephen Porges explains how social interactions and feelings of safety can activate the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Siegel, D. J. (2010). "The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician's Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration." Siegel's work explains how therapeutic relationships that provide a sense of safety can help regulate clients' autonomic nervous systems, shifting them from a state of threat to one of relaxation and healing.

If you would like to join the Faith Filled Collective Community then you can find out more here

Enjoy!
Love and hope
Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

In this first episode of The Faith Filled Therapy Podcast I talk about how I love to work from the intersection of therapy and theology and why I believe that a holistic approach to wholeness and well-being is Biblical.

I talk about my disco ball diffuser which you can get here if that's your thing:

https://amzn.eu/d/bC773WQ

This episode includes a brief look at the link between CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and how the Apostle Paul was ahead of the game when he wrote Romans 12:2

I reference some studies on the power of positive thinking and why this is an ancient practice grounded in scripture, specifically Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

For those of you who love to dig deeper...

Neuroplasticity and Positive Thinking: Positive thinking enhances neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganise and form new neural connections. This capability is essential for adapting to new experiences and learning. Techniques like mindfulness and positive affirmations can alter brain activity, promoting a more resilient and positive mindset​ (MentalHelp.net)​​ (Psychology Today)​.

Stress Reduction and Neural Activity: Engaging in positive affirmations can reduce neural activity in brain regions associated with threat processing and stress reactivity. This leads to lower stress levels and a better ability to cope with challenging situations. Neuro-imaging studies show that positive affirmations activate brain regions linked to positive emotion regulation and reward processing​ (MentalHelp.net)​.

Cognitive Training and Positivity: Research has shown that cognitive training aimed at focusing on positive stimuli can lead to improved cognitive function and overall positivity. Practices like writing self-compassion letters, positive reappraisal, and gratitude journaling can significantly boost one's positive outlook and mental well-being​ (Psychology Today)​.

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

keywords
intentional thinking, faith, neuroscience, cognitive overload, positive mindset, emotional wellbeing, therapy, scripture, mindfulness, community

summary
In this episode of the Faith-Filled Therapy podcast, Jo Hargreaves explores the powerful connection between intentional thinking, faith, and neuroscience. She discusses the importance of managing negative thoughts, the gut-brain connection, and how intentional thinking can enhance emotional wellbeing. Jo emphasises the need to address deep-rooted beliefs and the role of community in supporting mental health. Through scripture and personal insights, she encourages listeners to cultivate a positive mindset and engage in practices that promote holistic health.

takeaways

• Intentional thinking can help manage worst-case scenario thinking.
• The gut-brain connection is significant and should not be ignored.
• Positive thinking aligns with biblical principles and enhances peace.
• Mindfulness can reduce cognitive overload and improve focus.
• Deep-rooted beliefs may require therapeutic intervention to address.
• Positive mindset can be cultivated through intentional thought replacement.
• Community support is vital for mental health and wellbeing.
• Scripture can be integrated into everyday life for spiritual grounding.
• Cognitive overload can lead to stress and anxiety if not managed.
• God's love and acceptance can transform our self-perception.

titles

Chapters

00:00
The Intersection of Faith and Neuroscience

05:11
Intentional Thinking and Its Benefits

10:05
Cognitive Overload and Mindfulness

15:12
Deep Beliefs and Positive Mindset

19:52
Community and Support in Mental Health

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

In this episode of The Faith Filled Therapy Pod, I dive into the transformative power of reflection for personal and spiritual growth. 

We will explore how intentional moments of looking back not only help us grow but also impact our brains in powerful ways. I share insights from neuroscience to show how reflection strengthens our neural pathways and helps us process emotions and experiences more deeply.

We also turn to scripture, looking at how biblical principles encourage us to pause, remember, and learn from our journey. Reflection isn't just about the past—it's a God-given tool for shaping who we become.

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

The episode explores how our daily stream of 60,000–70,000 thoughts, 80% of which are often negative and repetitive, can be reframed through scripture. 

It covers the power of replacing limiting beliefs with scriptural truths like Philippians 4:13, demonstrating how this can reshape neural pathways and promote mental well-being. 

I link neuroplasticity to spiritual practices, explaining how meditation on scripture and prayer impact the brain, reduce stress, and foster a renewed mindset in line with Romans 12:2. Practical steps are provided to implement this daily.

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection with Dr. Lee Warren

Join us in this insightful episode as Dr. Lee Warren, a renowned neurosurgeon, shares his unique perspective on neuroscience, faith, and mental well-being. Discover how understanding the brain can deepen our spiritual walk and improve mental health.In this episode:

• The role of neuroplasticity and how deliberate mental practices can reshape our brains
• Practical strategies for self-regulation based on Scripture and neuroscience
• The fascinating interface of mind, brain, and spiritual life
• How suffering can refine us and give purpose, supported by biblical perspective
• The impact of hope on neurochemistry and resilience
• Exploring the concept of the mind’s location and its connection to eternity
• The significance of wonder and awe in mental health and spiritual life

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Warren’s blend of neuroscience and faith points to the importance of managing thoughts through intentionality and the biblical practice of taking every thought captive.
• The “self-brain surgery” metaphor emphasises deliberate mental strategies to address emotional and spiritual health.
• The reticular activating system filters our perceptions; belief modifies the signals we focus on, shaping our reality.
• Moments of wonder and awe, especially in the right brain hemisphere, are vital for mental health and spiritual connection.
• Hope activates motivational neurochemicals, empowering us to undertake meaningful change, even in suffering.
• The biblical concept of “renewing the mind” aligns with neuroplasticity principles—changing thought patterns through deliberate action.
• The distinction between mind and brain underscores that thoughts are not exclusively generated by physical brain activity, offering hope and freedom.
• Suffering, when reframed, can lead to character development and hope, as supported by both Scripture and science.

• Dr. Lee Warren's Website

• Self Brain Surgery Book 
• Lectio 365 Prayer App
• Podcast
• Substack Newsletter

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

Hello to you. 

After a short break, the podcast returns with an honest and gently reflective episode about waking up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and physically on edge. From that real-life moment, this conversation explores what it means to regulate your nervous system in a way that is both deeply therapeutic and rooted in faith.

Blending neuroscience with scripture, you’ll be guided through simple, grace-filled practices like breath prayer, gratitude, singing, and getting outside, reminding you that your body isn’t a barrier to God, but part of how you were designed to heal, connect, and feel safe.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head, weighed down by anxiety, or simply exhausted, this episode offers a gentle reminder: you make sense, and there is a way through.

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo

How does faith shape the brain? Can neuroscience help us understand spiritual growth? And what does epigenetics have to do with transformation?

In this episode of the Faith-Filled Therapy Podcast, Jo Hargreaves is joined by author, speaker and leadership expert Dr Chuck Coker to explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, psychology and biblical wisdom.

Together, they discuss emotional intelligence, spiritual formation, Gen Z’s search for authenticity, the science of worship, and how God’s design for spirit, soul and body points us towards wholeness. Chuck also shares insights from his book, A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity, which explores spiritual development through both Scripture and brain science.

Key Takeaways

• Faith and neuroscience don’t have to be competing conversations. Jo and Chuck explore how our understanding of the brain can offer another lens through which to consider spiritual growth and transformation. 
• We are designed as whole people. The conversation considers the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, brain and body, and what that means for living a full and flourishing life. 
• Spiritual maturity is an ongoing process. Chuck explores stages of spiritual development and how growth can shape the way we think, relate to others and invest in the next generation. His book develops this journey from “spiritual infant” through to “spiritual parent.” 
• Emotional intelligence and spiritual formation are deeply connected. Chuck and Jo discuss emotional intelligence alongside the Fruit of the Spirit and the role relationships play in our development. 
• Neuroplasticity and epigenetics open up fascinating questions about transformation. Chuck explains his understanding of how our experiences and spiritual formation interact with biological processes. 
• Gen Z is looking for authenticity, not perfection. Chuck reflects on a generation seeking truth and reality, and on a God whose love is based on relationship rather than performance. 
• Community and discipleship matter. Transformation isn't simply about acquiring information. Chuck emphasises intimacy, accountability and meaningful relationships as important parts of spiritual maturity. 

About Dr Chuck Coker

Dr Charles “Chuck” Coker, PhD, DMin, SPHR, is the founder and CEO of LifeThrive Performance Systems and has more than 35 years of experience across leadership, teaching and ministry. His work brings together neuroscience, psychology and biblical wisdom to help people grow emotionally, spiritually and personally. 

He is also the founder of Yesha Ministries and author of A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity, which explores how brain science and biblical truth intersect in the journey towards spiritual maturity.

Connect with Chuck & Resources

Website: ChuckCoker.com 

Book: A God-Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity

Chuck’s book is available now in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart and Target as places where listeners can find it. 

Special resource for Faith-Filled Therapy listeners:

Purchase a copy of Dr Chuck Coker’s A God-Shaped Mind and send a screenshot of your proof of purchase to cwcoker@lifethrive.com to receive a complimentary 16-week Bible study designed to accompany the book. 

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. 

You can also find my e-books and webinar links here

Love and hope

Jo