In this episode of the Therapist Desk Podcast, Cedric Hoard explores the complex dynamics of gender warfare and the distortion of empowerment in contemporary society. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and healing, urging listeners to dismantle toxic patterns rather than merely imitating them. Cedric draws on his faith to highlight the need for compassion and connection between men and women, advocating for a shift from competition to communion. Takeaways -Cedric identifies himself as a guide rather than an expert.-The rise of gender warfare is marked by combative arguments between men and women.-Empowerment is often confused with imitation of toxic behaviors.-Emotional dysregulation is masked as confidence in both genders.-Healing requires dismantling toxic systems rather than trading roles.-Jesus modeled humility and compassion, offering a new way forward.-The church has sometimes failed to model healthy relationships.-True empowerment involves building a new system of messages.-Men and women are both shaped by the same toxic societal messages.-Healing and reconnection are possible through understanding and compassion.    

In this concluding episode of the series 'The Complexity of Abuse', host Cedric Hoard delves into the intricate dynamics of love bombing, gaslighting, and narcissism. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these behaviors not just to label them as evil, but to explore their origins and the vulnerabilities that drive them. Through definitions, historical contexts, and personal reflections, Cedric aims to foster empathy and healing for both victims and perpetrators of these toxic behaviors. The episode culminates in a poignant poem that encapsulates the struggles of those who engage in love bombing, highlighting the deeper wounds that often go unaddressed.   Takeaways -Understanding abuse requires empathy, not just condemnation.-Love bombing is a manipulative tactic disguised as affection.-Gaslighting makes individuals question their reality and sanity.-Narcissism stems from a deep need for validation and lack of empathy.-Many who engage in abusive behaviors are themselves deeply wounded.-Healing begins with confronting the trauma behind manipulative behaviors.-Vulnerability can lead to falling for manipulative tactics.-Self-awareness alone is not enough; boundaries and healing are essential.-Love should be steady and reassuring, not overwhelming and painful.-Understanding the roots of abusive behaviors can help break the cycle.    

In this episode, Cedric Hoard delves into the complexities of abuse, exploring the distinctions between desire and love, being chosen versus cherished, and the importance of emotional safety in relationships. He emphasizes the need for deeper connections that go beyond superficial attraction and highlights the significance of understanding one's worth in the context of healthy relationships. The conversation encourages listeners to seek genuine love and connection rather than settling for mere desire. Takeaways -Abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain power.-Desire can mimic love but is fundamentally different.-Love is selfless, while desire is often selfish.-Being chosen is circumstantial; being cherished is intentional.-Healthy relationships require emotional safety and commitment.-Desire fades when convenience ends; love remains through challenges.-Not every person who desires you has the capacity to love you.-Attraction is natural, but lust can lead to unhealthy dynamics.-True love involves seeing and valuing the whole person.-Seek relationships that cherish you, not just choose you.    

In this episode, Cedric Hoard delves into the complexities of abuse, exploring how desire and damage can coexist in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the patterns of abusive behavior, the emotional contradictions that victims face, and the role of the church in addressing these issues. Cedric shares personal reflections on his journey with addiction and the impact of societal norms on perceptions of abuse. He concludes with practical steps for recognizing and addressing abuse, encouraging listeners to seek clarity and healing.

In this episode of the Therapist Desk Podcast, Cedric Hoard discusses the impact of theology on mental health, particularly how over-spiritualization, spiritual shame, and spiritual bypassing can hinder emotional and mental well-being. He emphasizes the importance of honesty in faith, the role of discipline in healing, and the need to confront uncomfortable emotions rather than avoid them. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Cedric encourages listeners to seek authentic healing by aligning their truth with their honesty.

Welcome to The Therapist's Desk Podcast! You're tuning into Episode 9, the second part of "I'm Not Churchy, I'm Curious," a series delving into the intersection of mental health and faith with a spirit of curiosity and wonder. In today's episode, we explore the life of King David, using his journey as a case study. By approaching this narrative with curiosity, we unlock transformative insights that can help us navigate the often overlooked aspects of our own stories. Get ready for a perspective-altering experience! Let's dive in!        

Hello! Welcome to Episode 8, marking the beginning of an exciting new series titled, "I'm Not Churchy, I'm Curious." In today's episode, we lay the groundwork for this engaging journey, urging listeners to wholeheartedly embrace curiosity and its profound connection to emotional and mental well-being. Throughout this series, we'll delve into how God exemplifies a healthy sense of curiosity and offer practical insights on integrating it into our daily lives. Join us as we embark on this curious exploration together!

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Therapist's Desk Podcast! Today, I invite you to join me as we delve into insights and meaningful reflections drawn from real counseling sessions. These nuggets, generously shared by one of my clients, I hope will enrich your life and provide you with a fresh perspective. Thank you for tuning in!

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Therapist's Desk Podcast! Today, we delve into the intricate layers of addiction. We will embark on a journey to uncover the hidden areas of our lives that addiction often invites us to explore. Through insightful dialogue and introspection, my aim is to offer not only a fresh perspective but also a beacon of hope amidst the complexities of addiction. So, without further ado, let's dive into the depths of this discussion!

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Therapist's Desk podcast! In today's episode, we delve into the reality of emotions - acknowledging their presence, understanding their signals, and navigating through them with wisdom and grace. Emotions, often seen as reactions, are in fact profound messengers guiding us through the intricacies of our inner world. From both clinical and biblical perspectives, we'll embark on a journey of exploring emotions and discover the profound truth that they are not barriers, but rather entrances to connect with God deeper. 

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Therapist's Desk Podcast. Today, we delve into the often underestimated yet crucial topic of rest. This episode underscores that rest isn't merely a luxury but a fundamental responsibility, emphasizing its role as an expression of self-love, faith, and an indispensable spiritual discipline. Get ready, because this episode is about to get real!

Welcome, and thank you for joining us on Episode 3! In this captivating installment, we bring the "Purpose Over Significance" series to a compelling close, exploring the vital concept of cherishing our character with the same significance as our calling. Brace yourself for an episode that delves deep into authenticity – it's about to get real! Join us as we embark on a journey to unearth profound insights.

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Therapist's Desk Podcast. Delighted to have you back as we delve further into the necessary topic of "Purpose Over Significance." Join me in this soul-searching journey as I share my personal story of pursuing purpose over the allure of chasing significance. We'll also navigate the aspects of life that often leave us feeling insignificant. Don't miss out – hit that subscribe button and share this episode with others!

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Therapist's Desk Podcast! Join Cedric as he unveils the podcast's purpose and sets the tone by exploring the distinctions between pursuing purpose and chasing significance.   Website: cdhspeaks.com IG: @thetherapistsdesk & @cedricdalehoard