Show notes This episode, titled 'Words of Wisdom 142: On Directions and Destinations,' emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and strong perseverance. Josh explains that purpose dictates direction while perseverance determines destination. Josh urges listeners to avoid quick fixes, be patient, resilient, and strive for their highest pu…

Show notes n this episode of Words of Wisdom, the focus is on guiding principles of discipleship, as presented by Josh. The key points discussed include the relational nature of discipleship, which requires intentional time, patience, and love. Six guiding principles are outlined: 1) Pursue presence by maintaining a close connection with God, 2) Jo…

Show notes Words of Wisdom 140: On False Empowerment In this episode, Josh explores the concept of false empowerment and its potential pitfalls. Reflecting on experiences of pain, trauma, and rejection, he discusses how the ego can drive change in destructive ways. Josh emphasizes the dangers of weaponizing boundaries and living from a place of res…

Show notes In this episode, Josh explores five reflections on love and breaking generational wounds. Key ideas include making the unseen visible by allowing others in, learning to connect through surrender, and the importance of receiving love to be able to give it. Josh emphasizes the complexities of love, which involves valuing, sacrificing, serv…

Show notes n this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh emphasizes the profound impact of prioritizing time in God's presence, particularly by waking early to connect with Him. He argues that this practice can significantly enhance one's life by fostering inner peace and spiritual strength. Key points include the importance of presence before power, the…

Show notes Breaking the Cycle: The Flywheel of Disconnection and the Power of Connection In 'Words of Wisdom 137,' Josh explores the essential role of connection in human flourishing. He introduces the concept of the 'disconnection flywheel,' explaining how disconnection from God, oneself, and others perpetuates a cycle of isolation and sin. Josh o…

Show notes Words of Wisdom 136: Paths to Becoming Truly Wise In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom as the most valuable investment one can make. Wisdom, described as virtuous skill in living, helps ensure a fulfilling and secure life. Josh provides practical advice on how to cultivate wisdom, including stopping evil, emb…

Show notes Understanding Addiction Recovery: A Comprehensive Insight In this episode of 'Words of Wisdom,' Josh explores the complex nature of addiction and its various dimensions, including psychological, physiological, narrative, and spiritual aspects. He differentiates between habits and addictions, emphasizing the profound impact of addiction o…

Show notes In 'Words of Wisdom 134: On the Paradox of Crisis', Josh explores the four main stages of life—chaos, crisis, healing, and flourishing. He discusses how people often live in a cycle of chaos and crisis, lacking hope and resilience. Josh explains that escaping this turmoil usually involves enduring a difficult crisis, characterized by int…

Show notes In this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh explores the themes of creativity, wisdom, and creating purposeful spaces in our lives. Josh begins with how creativity involves collecting and connecting ideas, emphasizing the importance of developing a system to gather ideas that ignite curiosity and the necessity of consistent creation to enha…

Show notes Building Self-Control: The Path to Personal Resilience In this episode, Josh dives into the importance of self-control using the analogy of a city wall, referencing Proverbs 25:28. He shares his personal journey of seeking God's help not just to eliminate desires but to develop self-control as a foundational character stone alongside fai…

Show notes Today in 'Words of Wisdom 131 On Desperation for God,' underscores the importance of acknowledging our helplessness without God, drawing on the poignant plea from Psalm 130 verse 1. It emphasizes that turning to God is not a mere lifestyle choice but a fundamental need, likening it to a rebel finally surrendering to the only king who can…

Show notes This episode delves into the complex confusion of modern times, highlighting the contradictions in modern man's pursuit of rights without responsibilities, the loss of fundamental understanding of morality, and the misconceptions about relationships and truth. Through a compelling metaphor of a pilot navigating a jet fighter, it illustra…

Show notes Finding True Belonging Through Integrity. In this episode, we explore the essential connection between integrity and a genuine sense of belonging. I share insights on how lacking integrity can affect our depth of belonging and the stability of our lives, regardless of whether others are aware of our shortcomings. Drawing on my experience…

Show notes Exploring Sexual Minimalism: A Middle Path to Flourishing This episode introduces the concept of sexual minimalism, positioning it as a middle ground between indulgence and repression of sexual desire. It discusses minimalism in the context of material possessions and online activities before delving into sexual minimalism. The approach …

Show notes Cultivating Wisdom and the Power of Rest This episode delves into the importance of being mindful of our internal scripts, the distinction between wisdom and knowledge, and the significance of being intentional in our actions. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Wisdom and Internal Scripts 00:09 The Power of Internal Scripts: Shifting Perspect…

Show notes Embracing Transformation Through Surrender to God In today's episode Josh discusses the profound impact of surrendering to God, highlighting how this state of surrender ensures presence, willingness, and acceptance in one's life. 00:00 Embracing Surrender: The Path to Transformation 02:33 The Power of Suffering and Love 03:20 Practices f…

Show notes Transformation Through Suffering: Embracing Spiritual Rebirth In this episode of the psychotherapy series, part three delves into the concept of transformation through suffering. Josh explores the idea that true transformation requires a change in thinking, feeling, and actions, but also emphasizes the spiritual and mysterious nature of …

Show notes Transformative Healing through Therapy: Unpacking Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions In today's episode Josh explores the concept of transformative healing in psychotherapy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the process. He stresses that deep transformation is possible through the courageous applicatio…

Show notes WoW 122: On what happens in therapy, Psychotherapy Series, Part 1 [Words of Wisdom] This episode of our psychotherapy series kicks off with Josh sharing a profound respect for individuals undertaking psychotherapy, highlighting it as a brave inward journey towards wisdom and personal growth. Josh demystifies what transpires during therap…

Show notes In today's episode Josh emphasizes that the worth of an individual cannot be influenced by any actions; it is irrefutably fixed in the heart of God, and no darkness of sin can erase his grace. The primary focus should be on one's own characters, such as faith, honesty, purity, love, courage, and knowledge. Our worth is fixed, the quality…

Show notes In this episode Josh explores the concept of personal transformation, highlighting that it requires courageous action, prayer and faith. Josh emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness for personal growth, self-reflection and a deeper connection with God. He also references works from Elizabeth Elliot and Timothy Keller, focusing…

Show notes In this episode, the path to victory over personal struggles is explored with a focus on surrendering control to God. Taking time each morning to reflect and surrender uncertainties and fears can lead to a more peaceful existence. It also emphasizes on waiting and resting, and suggests that true courage often involves patient waiting and…

Show notes Words of Wisdom: Fighting Against Selfishness Today's episode looks at the stronghold of selfishness and reminds us that flourishing involves shifting from vice to virtue. A key path to identify and surrender your strongholds is through intentional reflection and prayer. Focusing on selfishness, Josh suggests a structured prayer to help …

Read the full transcript of the episode and see the illustrations here. Show notes This podcast talks about the importance of wisdom, goals, and identity in shaping one's life, referring to best-selling author James Clear's book, 'Atomic Habits'. It addresses the concepts of habits, focusing on identity-based habits. It critiques Clear's work, sugg…

Show notes Words of Wisdom 116: On Commitments and Discipline. The 116th episode of the Words of Wisdom series focuses on the role of commitments and discipline in personal development. It emphasizes that the quality of life is determined by the depth of one's commitments and discipline, with disciplineship and deep prayers being tools for sharpeni…

Show notes In episode 115, Josh speaks about the emotional labor involved in therapies like healing trauma and grieving. He emphasizes the need to intentionally confront the suffering by stepping into solitude and silence. This process, while challenging, leads to exponential growth and maturity. Solitude is a catalyst for transformation, revealing…

Show notes Sign up to hear about my book launch. Do Deeper and follow my 5 days of guided prayers https://www.theflourishingway.co/deeper About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatie…

Show notes In the podcast Josh discusses the theory of fear versus courage cycles. He explains how fear is a physiological and psychological response to perceived threats, and outlines different fear-based reactions including trying to control the threat, experiencing fear and worry, or freezing in response. He then introduces the concept of the co…

Show notes Today we explore insights into how 'power laws', often applied to investing in companies, are also applicable to personal virtues. Josh encourages investing one's time, action, and energy into cultivating virtues such as honesty, courage, love, and service. Comparing the virtues' growth to a company's growth over time, Josh suggests that…

Show notes Josh imparts wisdom on determining what's essentially important over urgency, when it comes to both personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the mental model of the Eisenhower Matrix's and it's usefulness in sorting important, urgent, non-important, and non-urgent tasks, thus providing clarity and facilitating decision-making. The…

Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Curiosity 00:09 The Power of Curiosity 00:44 The Role of Curiosity in Conversations 01:15 Growing Your Curiosity 01:34 Inspirational Quotes on Curiosity 02:02 Questions to Foster Curiosity 02:45 Practical Application of Curiosity 02:52 Conclusion: The Impact of Curiosity About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapi…

This episode revolves around the theme of how posing the right questions to ourselves can shape our reality. Josh discusses how our interpretation of events influences our emotions and reactions. By asking constructive questions, one can stay grounded, connected to their values, patient, and understanding. Relevant quotes from Edward De Bono and Ma…

Words of Wisdom 108 on determining what you want. Questions, Part 2 00:06 Understanding What Truly Matters 01:00 The Power of Questions for Self-Discovery 01:14 The Role of Desire in Helping Others 01:43 Inspirational Quotes on Desire 02:49 Questions to Understand Your Desires 03:38 The Importance of Meaningful Action About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As…

In this week's Words of Wisdom we explore the power of questions for self inquiry and the benefits that self discovery can bring. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Progr…

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. • Sign up to receive my weekly e…

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. • Sign up to receive my weekly e…

In today's episode we take a systemic view of what leads to addictive behavior, focusing on what Josh calls the core chaos cycle. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Progr…

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. • Sign up to receive my weekly e…

Today we explore desire, that part of the human will that deeply yearns for meaning, love, and hope. Josh gives us a mental model for thinking about desire and how it can lead to a life of purpose and flourishing. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collecti…

In this episode we explore the cunning and confounding nature of the false self. To know yourself, you must be aware of your false self. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatien…

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • As a Psychoherapist I help people overcome their greatest struggles. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. • Sign up to receive my weekly e…

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • Psychoherapist. Currently I'm seeing all clients via video Telehealth sessions. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. Learn more at www.greatoakscollective.com. • Sign …

In this episode of "Words of Wisdom," we explore the theme of virtues and how they serve as the directions towards a fulfilled life. We discuss the necessity of virtues for influence and leadership, and how they can shape the quality of our lives. Using the metaphor of ice cream and broccoli, we delve into the trade-offs between short-term comfort …

In this episode, Josh delves into the concept of wise heroes and how their influence can impact the quality of your life and decisions. Josh urges the listeners to identify the people influencing them and to aim to model their lives around people who exhibit virtues such as love, purity, knowledge, courage, and transcendence. The importance of avoi…

In this episode Josh asks one simple yet profound question: 'Who are you becoming?' Discover how your choices can shape the next ten years of your life and be guided towards a path of wisdom and growth. Gain insights from Sister Corta Kent and James Clear as they share their unique strategies on self-improvement, self-discipline, and personal growt…

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the lifelong journey towards goodness and maturity. We explore the themes of selfishness and the power of transformative actions focusing on the highest good. We also tackle the process of self-growth that begins with becoming aware of the darker, twisted parts of our soul and learning to surrender th…

Discover how a deep and deliberate focus on God can impact your marriage in Words of Wisdom 93: On the foundation of intimacy, Recovery, part 10. This thought-provoking episode demolishes conventional notions about maintaining happiness in a marriage and shines a light on an unexpected approach you might never have considered. Embrace the unexpecte…

In today's episode we will consider the impact of secret betrayals on a relationship, and some initial thoughts on why and how to talk about a secret betrayal. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • Marriage & Family Therapist, licensed in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. Currently I'm seeing all clients via video Telehealth sessions. •Founder and CEO of Great …

In today's episode you will learn the two essentials to successful recovery from addiction. About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT • Marriage & Family Therapist, licensed in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. Currently I'm seeing all clients via video Telehealth sessions. •Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtu…