Jesus People Podcast – Episode 48 Summary
The Hidden Source of Anxiety, Trauma, and Triggers with Dr. Courtney Miller
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Ryan Miller
Guest: Dr. Courtney Miller

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the intersections of faith, mental health, trauma, anxiety, and spiritual warfare within the Christian life. Host Ryan Miller welcomes Dr. Courtney Miller—a psychologist with deep church and academic roots—for a robust conversation about the limitations of therapy, the role of forgiveness, the dangers of self-obsession, and practical tools for healing and growth in Christ. Expect candid reflections, practical advice, heartfelt anecdotes, and a repeated call to ground one’s purpose and healing in biblical truth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dr. Courtney Miller’s Background & Passion

• Background: Raised in a Bay Area pastor’s family, educated at UC Berkeley and the Wright Institute in clinical psychology.
• Passion: Helping both Christians and non-Christians find freedom and holistic healing—mind, body, and spirit—rooted in Jesus (01:46).

“I’m super passionate about helping families to actually walk in freedom, healing, wellness, and peace in Jesus.” – Dr. Miller (02:51)

Faith and the Mental Health Crisis

• Complex Roots: Discussion of spiritual warfare and mental illness, especially in the wake of tragic events (e.g., shootings).
• Balanced Viewpoint: Both spiritual and psychological aspects matter—“both/and” rather than “either/or.” (09:18)
• Free Will & Sovereignty: Humans have agency; God is sovereign. Obsessing over causes may keep us stuck—focus should be on seeking God, prayer, and healing (06:18–11:36).

“The Bible informs my worldview, not society ... we have to know as Bible believers and Christians, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but there are powers and principalities in high places.” – Dr. Miller (06:22)

The Limits and Purpose of Therapy

• Not Always the Solution: Therapy can help, but chronic introspection and ‘wallowing’ can hinder progress (13:37).
• Therapy as Incubator: It can provide comfort but must move people forward. Obedience and action in faith are crucial (13:37–16:58).
• Forgiveness as Key: Many remain bogged down in unforgiveness. Forgiveness is a choice and the gateway to freedom, even when the offense is profound.

“If there’s no progress forward, then it makes me wonder how sometimes therapy can actually be a nice incubator... I wonder how much we can get the therapy business even out of business when we actually start moving people into taking action.” – Dr. Miller (14:31)

The Wisdom of Forgiveness

• Forgiveness is a Decision: Waiting to feel ready keeps many trapped. Acting in faith—aligning with Christ’s forgiveness—breaks this cycle (16:58–18:47).
• The Enemy’s Tactics: Unforgiveness is a tool for keeping Christians bound in pain, shame, and resentment.

“Forgiveness is God’s key of freedom, because what it does is I will no longer give the enemy the right...” – Dr. Miller (18:47)

“Forgiveness is like eating rat poison and thinking the rat’s gonna die when it’s just killing you.” – Ryan Miller (18:36)

Thoughts, Feelings, Anxiety, and Taking Captive

• Battlefield of the Mind: Scripture tells us to take thoughts—not feelings—captive. Feelings are God-given but shouldn’t drive behavior (21:20–24:31).
• Discernment: Not all thoughts are true, even if based on facts—truth is defined by God’s Word (24:31).
• Root Causes: Don’t be quick to assign spiritual or clinical labels; context and curiosity matter, especially in the church (27:31–28:35).

Healing Triggers and Parenting Struggles

• Parenting as Spiritual Warfare: Children trigger deep-seated issues. Imperfect parenting is normal—true modeling for kids is in how we repair after conflict, not in avoiding mistakes (31:23–34:40).
• Regulation and Repair: Regulating yourself before attempting to repair or address your child’s reaction is key. Walk away if you need to calm down, then return to connect and apologize (36:07–38:27).
• Neuroscience of Change: Acting against your feelings—choosing new responses—creates new neural pathways for healing (40:51).

“The anger isn’t coming from them. They’re just the trigger. But the anger was already on the inside and it was just waiting to escape.” – Dr. Miller (41:05)

The Power of Gratitude and Being Present

• Gratitude as Antidote: Thankfulness rewires the brain, cannot coexist with anxiety, and grounds you in God’s presence (46:55).
• Staying Present: Healing and connection to God happen in the “now,” not when fixated on the past (shame/grief) or future (anxiety). Cited Philippians 4 and neuroscience backing (46:55–49:58).

“The more you can stay in the present, that is where God is. When we stay in the past, that’s when the enemy tries to remind us and keep us stuck…” – Dr. Miller (46:55)

Purpose, Calling, and the Dangers of Self-Love

• Self-Help Myths: Modern self-love culture and self-absorption can breed anxiety and depression; true calling/purpose are found in biblical obedience and serving others (58:24–61:57).
• True Purpose: Derived from the Word of God: Know Him, love/obey Him, serve others, and steward your gifts/resources (63:03).
• Calling vs. Purpose: Your calling is rooted in your current season and gifts; fulfillment is found in stewarding “what’s in your hand” (67:36).

“Purpose is something that's eternal. God defines what our purpose is. It's not going to be found in any self help book.” – Dr. Miller (67:36)

Living It Out: Action & Activation

• Steward What You Have Now: Don’t wait for approval or perfect conditions to start serving, creating, or leading; your unique gifts are needed in the Body of Christ (71:54–74:31).
• Break Free from Comparison: Each person’s calling looks different. The standard is Christ, not other believers or cultural success (74:31).

“If all of us are operating in our calling, every need will be supplied in the whole world.” – Dr. Miller (68:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |----------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:22 | Dr. Miller | “The Bible informs my worldview, not society ... we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” | | 14:31 | Dr. Miller | “How much we can get the therapy business even out of business when we start moving people into action.” | | 16:58 | Ryan Miller | “Forgiveness isn’t happening to you and flowing through you. You are aligning with the forgiver…” | | 18:47 | Dr. Miller | “Forgiveness is God’s key of freedom, because what it does is I will no longer… give the enemy the right.” | | 21:20 | Ryan Miller | “Nowhere in the whole Bible … does it say to take your feelings captive … go to war with your thoughts.” | | 40:51 | Dr. Miller | “My pastor always says, when I feel something, I do the opposite of how I feel.” | | 46:55 | Dr. Miller | “The more you can stay in the present, that is where God is.” | | 54:22 | Dr. Miller | “You have the DNA of the creator of the universe inside of you. And what the enemy would love to do is to define you based on labels...” | | 63:03 | Dr. Miller | “Self absorption allows us to only see us … but the in between is actually being God-focused.” | | 67:36 | Dr. Miller | “Purpose is something that's eternal. God defines what our purpose is. It's not going to be found in any self help book.” | | 68:05 | Dr. Miller | “If all of us are operating in our calling, every need will be supplied in the whole world.” | | 74:31 | Dr. Miller | “Follow me as I follow Christ, not follow me like on Instagram … all my gifts should be to point back to Him.” |

Important Timestamps

• 00:33 – Episode Introduction
• 01:46 – Dr. Miller’s background
• 06:18 – Spiritual warfare & mental health
• 13:37 – The limitations of therapy
• 16:58 – The power and necessity of forgiveness
• 21:20 – Thoughts vs. feelings; taking thoughts captive
• 31:23 – Parenting triggers & real-life rupture-repair
• 46:55 – Gratitude, presence, and overcoming anxiety
• 58:24 – The danger of self-absorption and self-love narrative
• 63:03 – Balancing self-sacrifice & God-focus
• 67:36 – Biblical definition of purpose and calling
• 74:31 – Living Christ-centered, activating your gifts

Final Thoughts

This episode blends practical mental health strategies, robust theological perspectives, and honest storytelling. Dr. Miller and Ryan Miller challenge popular self-help teachings—calling listeners to a higher purpose rooted in scripture, service, gratitude, and authentic healing. Whether discussing forgiveness, parenting struggles, or the “hidden source” of anxiety, their advice is actionable, compassionate, and Christ-centered.

To connect with Dr. Courtney Miller:

• Instagram: @drcourtneymiller
• The ThriveLife Co (for women seeking to break off limiting beliefs and activate their God-given vision)

To learn more about coaching and support:

• Share the Struggle — Christ-centered coaching, resources, and therapy network

Closing Note from Ryan Miller:
“The coolest thing about the Jesus People Podcast is I get to make new friends... We will see you next week.” (78:12)