Eden's Table

So…how does therapy really work?

Is therapy really just for people who are "broken"? Can your faith and a therapist coexist? Is one session actually enough?  In this episode of Eden's Table, therapists Leslie, Marian, Angie, and Ivanna sit down to bust the biggest myths and misconceptions about therapy — and they don't hold back. In this episode, we cover: * What actually happens in your first therapy session (the intake process explained) * How long therapy really takes — and why there's no one-size-fits-all answer * Why therapy isn't a "crutch" and what your role is in the healing process * The truth about faith and therapy: do you have to choose between God and a therapist? * Why feeling worse after a session might mean it's actually working * What couples therapy is really for (hint: you don't have to be in crisis) * The difference between your therapist and your best friend * How to know when it's time to "shop around" for a new therapist * Why seasonal therapy makes sense at different stages of life Whether you've been curious about therapy, nervous to start, or wondering if it's "working," this episode will give you an honest, warm, and faith-grounded perspective on what therapy really is — and isn't. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it! Follow, subscribe, like, and leave a comment. See you next time at Eden's Table.  Find us on Instagram at EdensTablePod [https://www.instagram.com/edenstablepod/] Download free resources on our website EdenTherapyco.com  [http://edentherapyco.com/] Like, comment, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this. Freedom is possible — come sit with us.

What’s Your Stress Personality? (How Your Nervous System Handles Stress)

Show Notes: We all handle stress differently — but did you know you actually have a stress personality? In this episode, the girls break down the five stress personality types, connect them to our nervous system responses, and share practical tools to help you slow down, self-regulate, and respond (not react) to the pressures of life. The 5 Stress Personalities * The Over-Functioner– Go, go, go. Takes control of everything, often driven by high-functioning anxiety. * The People Pleaser– Does everything for others to avoid conflict, often rooted in fear. * The Avoider– Disassociates, numbs out, or scrolls away while things fall apart (the three D's: Disassociate, Deny, Disappear). * The Perfectionist– Freezes and overthinks; paralyzed by standards ("if it's not 100%, why bother?"). * The Fixer– Takes on everyone else's problems to avoid dealing with their own emotions. Key Topics Covered * How stress personalities are formed through childhood patterns, family culture, and environment * The connection between stress personalities and nervous system responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn * Why your stress personality may be shaping your relationships and who you're attracted to * The difference between reacting and responding to stress * How the frontal cortex helps us break stress cycles over time Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System * Breathing exercises and grounding techniques (like the 5-4-3-2-1 method — available free on their website!) * Changing your physical environment * Movement and walking * Voicing your stress out loud to someone you trust * Faith practice: "Be still and know that I am God" releasing control * Taking things one step at a time instead of the whole mountain at once Book Mention 📖 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — highly recommended by the hosts for slowing down and living with intention. Closing Thought You are not bad at handling stress — you just have a pattern. And patterns can change. Start today by asking yourself: Where do I feel pressure in my life? Awareness is the first step. "Freedom is possible." Connect & Subscribe: If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it! Follow, subscribe, like, and leave a comment. See you next time at Eden's Table. 🌿 Find us on Instagram at EdensTablePod [https://www.instagram.com/edenstablepod/] Download free resources on our website EdenTherapyco.com  [http://edentherapyco.com/]

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: How Concussions Affect Mental Health with Dr. Gettings & the Therapists of Eden Therapy Co.

In this eye-opening episode, therapists Leslie, Marianne, and Angie sit down with Dr. Gettings, a physician specializing in neuropsychiatric health and brain optimization, to discuss traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their often-overlooked connection to mental health symptoms. As both a physician and survivor of domestic violence, Dr. Gettings brings unique insight into how mild TBIs are frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or mood disorders. What You'll Learn: * The surprising truth about mild TBIs: 90% don't involve loss of consciousness * Common causes of brain injuries beyond sports: domestic violence, car accidents, falls, and even forceps delivery * Why you don't need to hit your head to sustain a concussion * How brain injuries affect the frontal lobe (focus, motivation) and temporal lobes (emotion, memory) * The connection between TBIs and increased dementia risk * Why standard ER scans miss most mild brain injuries * The difference between structural imaging (CT/MRI) and functional imaging (SPECT scans) * Practical healing protocols: omega-3 fatty acids, lithium orotate, hyperbaric oxygen therapy * How therapists can screen clients for undiagnosed brain injuries * Why helmets prevent skull fractures but not concussions Key Takeaways: * Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries * Brain injuries can present as depression, anger issues, memory problems, and processing speed difficulties * Many people with brain injuries don't respond well to standard psychiatric medications * Anti-inflammatory supplements and oxygen therapy can help heal brain tissue * A thorough history is essential: ask about car accidents, sports, falls, and domestic violence Guest Expert: Dr. Gettings is a physician specializing in neuropsychiatric health and brain optimization.. She advocates for screening individuals for traumatic brain injuries and works to normalize the neuropsychiatric effects of brain injury beyond seizures and paralysis. To Contact Dr Gettings: Clarion Nuro:   https://drgettings.com [https://drgettings.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgettings?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Resources Mentioned: * SPECT brain imaging at Amen Clinics * Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA), Lithium orotate (Life Extension 10,000 micrograms) * Hyperbaric oxygen therapy * Curcumin for inflammation * EMDR therapy for trauma processing Find us on Instagram at EdensTablePod [https://www.instagram.com/edenstablepod/] Download free resources on our website EdenTherapyco.com  [http://edentherapyco.com/] If you liked this episode please like, comment and subscribe!  Thank you for sitting with us!

AI Replacing Human Connection: The Truth About ChatGPT Relationships

In this Valentine's Day episode, the Eden Therapy Co. team explores the growing phenomenon of AI replacing human connection in relationships. From people "cheating" with ChatGPT to children forming dangerous dependencies, they discuss how technology is reshaping intimacy, loneliness, and authentic connection. The conversation covers the difference between AI as a helpful tool versus a replacement for real relationships, and offers practical advice for maintaining genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. 0:00 - Introduction (Opening - ~1 min) * Welcome and Valentine's Day theme ~1:00 - AI Relationships & Emotional Dependency (~9 min) * ChatGPT "cheating" story * How AI learns and validates users * Using AI for relationship advice and love letters * The bot version of yourself ~10:00 - The Illusion of Connection (~3 min) * What real intimacy means * Iron sharpens iron * AI can't truly see you ~13:00 - The Loneliness Epidemic (~5 min) * Social isolation and phone dependency * Generational differences (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X) * Loss of face-to-face connection * Attachment styles and anxiety ~18:00 - AI as a Tool vs Replacement (~1 min) * Proper use of AI * Beginning of dangerous consequences discussion ~19:00 - Dangerous Consequences (~2 min) * Child suicide case linked to AI * Devastating impact on kids ~21:00 - Healthy Boundaries & Practical Solutions (~4 min) * Setting tech boundaries in relationships * Combating loneliness (go outside!) * Using AI appropriately for regulation ~25:00 - Spiritual Connection & Authenticity (~3 min) * AI-generated prayers * Created for relationship with God * Community accountability ~28:00 - Closing Thoughts (~1 min) * Valentine's Day encouragement * Be authentic, not perfect * Outro Find us on Instagram at EdensTablePod [https://www.instagram.com/edenstablepod/] Download free resources on our website EdenTherapyco.com  [http://edentherapyco.com/] If you liked this episode please like, comment and subscribe!  Thank you for sitting with us!

Managing New Year Expectations: Hope, Change, and Sustainable Growth

Join the therapists of Eden Therapy Co. as they tackle the cultural pressure of "New Year, New Me" and explore why real change takes more than a calendar flip. In this episode, Leslie, Marianne, and Angie—along with team member Ivanna —discuss navigating grief during the holidays, sustaining hope through disappointment, and creating lasting transformation from the inside out. Whether you're dealing with loss, waiting for answered prayers, or feeling stuck in the same patterns, this episode offers practical wisdom on setting realistic goals, finding joy in the process, and giving yourself grace when life disrupts your plans. SHOW NOTES Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction & New Year Expectations * Meet Ivanna, the newest addition to Eden Therapy Co. * The cultural pressure of "New Year, New Me" * Why January 1st doesn't magically reset your life [02:30] Grief and the New Year * Leslie shares her first New Year after experiencing loss * How holidays feel different when loved ones are missing * Managing hope when circumstances don't change [06:15] Sustaining Hope Through Disappointment * Ivanna and Alex's journey through infertility and pregnancy * The danger of fixating on timelines and external results * Why internal change matters more than visible outcomes [12:45] The Problem with Quick Fixes * Why most New Year's resolutions fail by April * The illusion of control vs. the reality of influence * How life disrupts even our best-laid plans [18:20] Change Takes Time * The 1% principle from "Atomic Habits" by James Clear * Why healing isn't always visible (especially at first) * Breaking free from the need to document everything [24:00] Vision Boards & Dream Boards * The difference between manifesting and dreaming with God * Why recurring themes matter more than one-year timelines * Stewarding what you have while waiting for more [30:15] Therapy, Community & Accountability * Why therapy isn't a 3-session fix * The power of processing roots to create lasting change * The role of community in sustaining transformation [36:45] Internal vs. External Goals * How character development opens doors to your goals * Cultivating joy in the waiting seasons [42:30] Breaking Stuck Patterns * Rewiring thought patterns that keep you stuck * The danger of comparison in the age of social media [48:00] Practical Tips for Lasting Change * SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable * Pick 1-2 goals instead of 17,000 * Focus on long-term growth over short-term wins * The power of 1% daily improvement Resources Mentioned: * "Atomic Habits" by James Clear Key Takeaways: * Change is not linear—growth happens internally before it's visible externally * Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but joy can be found in the process * You can't rewrite a story that hasn't been processed yet * Nothing that kills contentment more than comparison * Real transformation requires time, community, and compassion for yourself Join us next time at Eden’s Table—where you can always sit with us. Find us on Instagram at EdensTablePod [https://www.instagram.com/edenstablepod/] Download free resources on our website EdenTherapyco.com [http://edentherapyco.com/] If you liked this episode please like, comment and subscribe! Thank you for sitting with us!