In this season finale episode, Finding and Living in Hope and Healing, hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale, expert counselors on blended families and mental health, provide encouragement and practical advice for those navigating the challenges of blended families. They discuss the common feelings of fear and isolation, and they share stories of how blended families can find success when they lean on God and community. This episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and with the right support and mindset, your blended family can thrive.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this episode of Let's Therapy, Strategies for Coping with Slander in Blended Families, counselors Scott and Vanessa Martindale discuss the impact of slander in blended families and offer practical advice on how to effectively cope with it. They delve into the damaging effects of negative speech on children and bonus children, the importance of setting boundaries, and more. The hosts also emphasize the vital role of faith and community in overcoming these challenges. This episode provides valuable insights and strategies for anyone navigating the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting situations.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this episode of "Let's Therapy," counselors Scott and Vanessa Martindale discuss the challenges of emotional regulation for children and stepchildren in blended families. They provide practical advice on building trust, validating feelings, modeling healthy emotional responses, and setting clear expectations. They also emphasize the importance of counseling resources, social support, and creating a safe environment for children and stepchildren to express themselves. This episode offers valuable insights for parents and stepparents navigating the unique dynamics of blended families.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Dealing with stepchild resentment and rejection in blended families can be one of the most challenging aspects of blended family relationships. In this episode of Let's Therapy, Navigating Stepchild Resentment and Rejection, Scott and Vanessa offer thoughtful insights and practical advice for stepparents on managing difficult emotions related to rejection and resentment and building trust with their stepchildren. They emphasize the importance of empathy, open communication, patience, and keeping your marriage as the top priority. Whether you are a stepparent struggling with rejection or a parent supporting your spouse, this episode provides valuable guidance for strengthening your blended family.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this episode of Let's Therapy,  Co-Parenting in High-Conflict Situations, Scott and Vanessa Martindale tackle the challenging topic of co-parenting in high-conflict situations. They provide practical and insightful strategies for maintaining your mental health, and offer tips for conflict resolution with a co-parent. The discussion centers around active listening, calm communication, collaborative problem-solving, setting boundaries, and more. This episode is a must for anyone navigating the complexities of co-parenting in a high-conflict environment.If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review and share with a family member or friend! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Feeling overwhelmed in your blended family? In this episode,Therapy Essentials for Thriving in Blended Families, Scott and Vanessa Martindale explore the therapy options for your stepfamily. They provide insights on breaking through stigmas, opening up to emotional healing, and utilizing resources like family therapy, EMDR, couples counseling, and more.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Feeling caught in a destructive family triangle? Whether it's biological parents pitting a child against each other or in-laws taking sides, triangulation wedges people apart. In this episode, Scott and Vanessa Martindale define and provide examples of triangulation in blended families. They also offer strategies for coping with these toxic dynamics.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this episode of Let’s Therapy, Scott and Vanessa explore the definitions and signs of enmeshment and emotional incest within blended families. They define this problem from a clinical perspective and discuss how these unhealthy dynamics can deeply impact family relationships. They also offer strategies to break free from these toxic patterns, such as setting appropriate boundaries, respecting autonomy, and creating a healthy environment.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this third and final episode of the series about the impact of narcissism on blended families, Scott and Vanessa share effective strategies for dealing with narcissistic relationships. They share helpful action steps that include setting boundaries, finding peer support, developing assertiveness skills, and using discernment. Did you enjoy this series on narcissism? Please let us know by leaving a podcast review. We love to receive your feedback and pray this series was helpful to you and your family! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

This is the second episode in our three-part series on narcissism. In it, Scott and Vanessa take a deeper dive into understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and its impact on relationships. They reveal the tactic of love bombing, the importance of setting boundaries, and the crucial role of self-care in maintaining mental and emotional health.If you missed last week's episode, you can listen to it here: Episode 1Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

What is a narcissist and what behaviors define their interactions? In this Season 3 opener of Let's Therapy, Scott and Vanessa delve into what characterizes narcissistic personality disorder, including an inflated self-image, lack of empathy, and sense of entitlement. We explore the hallmark narcissist behaviors like gaslighting, love bombing, and the DARVO cycle of manipulation. Learn to spot the red flags of narcissism, like taking advantage of others for self gain, an inability to handle criticism without outbursts of rage, and a history of broken relationships. If you think you may be entangled with a narcissist in any relationship—spouse, co-parent, child or stepchild, or extended family—this podcast is for you! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this last episode of 2023, Scott and Vanessa reflect on an amazing first year of the Let’s Therapy podcast and look ahead to the future. You’ll learn the backstory of Let's Therapy and how it intersects life, faith, and mental health. You’ll also hear the hosts' vision of removing stigma, promoting counseling, and bringing hope, and you can get a sneak peek of the new topics, stories, and guests in 2024. This uplifting finale will re-energize you for the journey ahead!Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

When teen rebellion rocks your home, how do you stop it from affecting your marriage? Scott and Vanessa share battle-tested tips to keep your relationship strong even in the midst of teenager turmoil. On this episode, you'll learn how open communication, united consequences, and professional support can help you and your spouse present a united front. You'll also discover why self-care and connecting with God are critical when tensions run high, and how to gain a helpful perspective on appreciating your spouse.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Blended families often face unique challenges, including learning how to communicate with each other. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and emotional strain. In this episode of Let’s Therapy, join Vanessa Martindale and guest Dan Ennaco as they discuss fostering a safe and open environment, different types of communication, and practical steps to prevent miscommunication.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Join host  Vanessa Martindale along with special guest Dan Ennaco as they explore the transformative journey of resilience in blended families. They discuss the importance of resilience, and they offer biblical insights and practical strategies for building and demonstrating resilience in step-parent dynamics, sibling relationships, co-parenting issues, and more. Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Transitions can bring a sense of excitement, anticipation, and possibility. They can also cause stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. In this episode, Vanessa teams up with team member Dan Ennaco to talk about how blended families can make the most of the transitions they face. Prayer, planning, and flexibility are essential elements in helping our families move  into a new season of life.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Many of us grow up in a home where mental health issues are present, and that upbringing can affect our ability to form healthy attachments, autonomy, and boundaries as adults. In this episode of Let’s Therapy, Vanessa Martindale welcomes special guest Dan Ennaco, BKF’s videographer, to talk about how to work through those childhood experiences and develop healthy coping strategies moving forward. Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Many blended families face attachment issues, or unhealthy styles of connection (or lack of connection) in relationships. These maladaptive attachment styles often stem from trauma in our past, including childhood. In this episode of Let’s Therapy, Scott and Vanessa Martindale outline four attachment styles and how those styles play out in marriage and other significant relationships. They also provide suggestions for healing and moving toward healthy attachment in our marriage and blended family.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Trust can be a challenge for people who’ve been through a divorce. A former spouse may have been unfaithful, abusive, or left the marriage. Learning to trust again after a failed relationship can feel scary and unsettling. In this episode of Let’s Therapy, hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk about sources of mistrust, the role fear plays in trust, and how to foster trust in a relationship and blended family.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

In this episode of Let’s Therapy, we dive into the unique journey of never-married people with no kids marrying someone with children. We explore the complexities a new stepparent can face, including building relationships with the new stepchildren, establishing healthy boundaries with the ex-spouse, and what a new stepparent might need from their spouse. We also share the questions and fears that both the parent and stepparent may face.Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community?Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website