The Savior's Tools: Building Emotional Resilience – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we unpack cognitive behavioral therapy in more detail. We look at a doctrinal framework for thoughts and what President Nelson teaches us about how to think Celestial. We then refer to Jon Acuff’s book ‘Soundtracks’ and identify three questions that we need to ask each of our thoughts.

In this episode we discuss the doctrinal, psychological, and physiological power of mindfulness. We identify different forms of mindfulness and discuss the specific skill of intentional breathing with spiritual applications. 

In this episode we discuss the difference between normal and clinical levels of anxiety. We look at a Book of Mormon example of anxiety and how it can lead us to revelation. It’s discussed how healthy or normal levels of anxiety are not only helpful but even beautiful. 

In this episode we discuss two additional mindfulness skills - meditation and visualization. We distinguish the difference between pondering, meditation, and visualization. A doctrinal basis for the skills is established from scripture and words of prophets. Practical meditation and visualization skills are discussed with personal application. 

In this episode we discuss the basics of self-care. We differentiate between self-care and self-indulgence and show a doctrinal basis with scriptures and words of prophets for self-care behaviors. We walk through the acronym SELFIE – sleep healthy, eat and drink healthy, light, fun, interaction, and exercise and show gospel parallels with each. 

In this episode we discuss the source of self-worth. Specifically, we analyze different psychological approaches to self-worth and make gospel connections to those theories from scriptures and words of prophets. We discuss a spiritual theory for self-worth and how it fits with the 5C’s model of positive youth development. 

In this episode we discuss the research and efficacy of self-affirmations. We assert that affirmations that include the Savior and engender humility are the most effective affirmations. We discuss the psychological underpinnings and then the doctrinal basis for effective affirmations and how they can be used in personal life.

In this episode we discuss the importance of feeling and working through emotions. We lay a doctrinal framework with scriptures and words of prophets for how the Savior demonstrates emotion. We then provide quotes with insights and application from the world of psychology. 

In this episode we discussed the diagnostic criteria for depression and teachings from words of prophets on depression. We highlight two spiritual side effects of depression and tools for navigating and treating depression.