When Empathy Becomes Idolatry | The Therapist Friend | Friendship Archetypes Ep. 2

The Encourager Friend: You Speak Life, But Who's Speaking Life Over You? (Friendship Archetypes Series Finale)

She's the friend who always knows what to say. Her words carry hope, her presence shifts the atmosphere, and people leave her feeling better than when they came. She speaks life — but who is speaking life over her? In this powerful series finale, we're closing out the Friendship Archetypes Series with the Encourager Friend. We unpack the wound beneath the warmth, the loneliness of always pouring, and the invitation to let joy and honesty live together. We also look at Barnabas — the biblical Son of Encouragement — whose story reminds us that even great encouragers have limits, needs, and moments that cost them something. If you've ever felt pressure to stay "up" when you're hurting, if you deflect when people ask how you're doing, or if encouragement has quietly become your armor — this episode is for you, Lifter. What we cover: → The strengths and wounds of the Encourager Friend → How she shows up in friendships and with God → Barnabas as the biblical archetype example → What she excels at and what to watch out for → Her growth invitation: receiving as well as giving 📖 Focus Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 🕯️ Grab the FREE 5-Day Devotional — "When God Feels Far" at https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa [https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa] — for the seasons when you've been pouring out and need God to pour back in. New episodes weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this series blessed you, leave a review — it helps more women find their way here.

The Peacemaker Friend: Godly Peacemaking vs. Fear-Based People Pleasing | Friendship Archetypes Ep. 5

She's the one who holds everyone together. She checks on everyone after a hard conversation, smooths over tension before it boils over, and keeps the group warm — often at the expense of her own voice and her own needs. In this episode of the Lift Her Up Podcast, we explore the Friendship Archetype of The Peacemaker Friend — where her gift comes from, what wounds often shape it, and how God wants to heal those roots so she can walk in peace freely, not fearfully. We unpack Abigail's story from 1 Samuel 25, the difference between being a peacemaker vs. a peacekeeper vs. a people pleaser, and what it looks like when the Peacemaker's gift flows from security in Christ instead of survival. Scriptures Referenced: 1 Samuel 25:32-33 | Matthew 5:9 | Proverbs 27:6 | Colossians 1:20 🎁 Download the FREE 5-Day Devotional, "When God Feels Far" — https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa [https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa] This episode is part of the Friendship Archetypes Series on the Lift Her Up Podcast — a faith-based personal development podcast for Christian women at the intersection of psychology and theology.

The Independent Friend: When Self-Sufficiency Becomes a Spiritual Block | Friendship Archetypes Ep. 4

Are you the friend who always figures it out alone — and feels uncomfortable asking for help or support? In this episode of the Lift Her Up Podcast, we're diving into the Independent Friend archetype: the woman whose self-sufficiency has become both her superpower and her shield. We unpack the deeper wounds that fuel hyper-independence — including unmet needs, broken trust, and emotional self-protection — and explore how those patterns quietly affect your friendships, your community, and your walk with God. We also look at Jonah as a biblical example of how extreme independence can lead to isolation and resistance to God's direction. Topics covered: • The 6 signs you might be the Independent Friend • Hidden wounds behind independence as a survival strategy • How self-reliance can replace dependence on God • Why prayer becomes a report instead of a relationship • The difference between strength and surrender • A weekly challenge to practice leaning on God before you have it figured out This episode is for the woman who has pushed through everything — and is ready to ask what it's costing her. Free resource: Grab the "When God Feels Far" 5-day devotional: https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa [https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa]

The Fixer Friend: When Helping Everyone Is Hurting You | Friendship Archetypes Ep. 3

Are you the one everyone calls when something goes wrong? The friend who jumps into solution mode before anyone even asks for advice? The one who can't rest until the problem is solved and everyone is okay? You might be the Fixer Friend — and this episode is for you. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most common friendship archetypes: the Fixer. We'll explore where this pattern really comes from, why it often starts in childhood, and why your nervous system is wired to step in even when you're already running on empty. In this episode we cover: * The origin story of the Fixer Friend and why it's rooted deeper than personality * The signs you might be carrying more than your share * Biblical examples of unhealthy fixing — Abraham & Sarah, and Martha * What Joseph teaches us about being a healthy, God-led problem solver * Practical tools to help you pause, release, and trust God with what you cannot control Because here's the truth — your desire to help is not a flaw. It's a gift. But there's a difference between helping and carrying, and God never asked you to carry what only He can hold. This episode is for you if: * You feel responsible for outcomes that aren't yours to control * You struggle to just listen without offering a solution * You're burned out but still showing up for everyone else * You're ready to learn the difference between partnering with God and replacing Him 💬 Comment or leave a review and tell us — are you a Fixer or are you Learning to let go? 📖 Grab your FREE devotional "When God Feels Far" — https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa  🎙️ If this episode blessed you, share it with the Fixer Friend in your life who needs to hear this. Like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss an episode! Keywords: friendship archetypes, the fixer friend, people pleasing, burnout, faith and relationships, Christian podcast for women, letting go and trusting God, emotional health and faith, biblical friendships, women of faith

When Empathy Becomes Idolatry | The Therapist Friend | Friendship Archetypes Ep. 2

Are you the friend everyone calls when they need to feel heard? In this episode of the Lift Her Up Podcast, we're diving into the Therapist Friend — the empathetic, wisdom-filled woman who holds space for everyone around her. But what happens when empathy crosses into idolatry? As Christian women, the gift of empathy is beautiful — but it can quietly become a burden we were never meant to carry alone. We're talking about emotional burnout, compassion fatigue, spiritual boundaries, and why being someone's safe place doesn't mean you have to be their savior. In this faith-based conversation on Christian friendship and women's spiritual growth, we cover: * Why carrying everyone's burdens is actually a spiritual issue * What Job's friends teach us about showing up for people who are suffering * How to set healthy boundaries without feeling like you're failing people * Practical tools every therapist friend needs to protect her peace If you're a Christian woman who pours into everyone but struggles to receive, this episode on empathy and boundaries is for you. 🎧 Part 2 of the Friendship Archetypes Series | Lift Her Up Podcast with Latrice Simmons 📖 Grab the FREE 5-day devotional on overcoming spiritual dryness — https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa [https://latrice-lift-her-up.kit.com/7d3fb1eeaa] Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with the therapist friend in your life. 💛