Soundings: An Open Harbor Blog
For the thoughts that don't fit neatly into a session note, a consultation call, or a research paper, this is where they go: reflections on mental health, faith, pop-culture, and the things I'm still working out. Some are clinical, some personal, some just me thinking out loud.
Before the Dam Breaks
Pastors need help before pressure becomes a crisis, and churches need accountability before harmful behavior spreads. A reflection on healthier leadership systems and protecting people downstream.
When No One Can Tell the Pastor No
A pastor who is struggling may need help. A pastor who is causing harm needs accountability. Sometimes the same pastor needs both.
When Faith Language Becomes a Cage
Faith language can be true and still be used abusively. Part Two of a Soundings series on spiritual abuse, pastoral power, and accountability.
When Care Becomes Control
Pastoral care can be deeply healing. But when one person controls the spiritual meaning, mental-health narrative, and access to help, care can become control.
Does Your Attachment Style Shape Your Relationship With God?
A new book argues the church should resist “therapy culture.” It has a real point and a real blind spot. On attachment, God, and why faith and mental health shouldn’t be enemies.
Deconstruction Isn't a Crisis. It's a Process.
The word "deconstruction" gets used as both an insult and a badge. Here's what it actually is, why it feels like a crisis when it usually isn't, and why it's often the first time faith becomes truly yours.