In this episode of Extending Branches, Dr. Mike Courtney sits down with pastoral counselor and life coach Bill Robison to talk about the father wound: how a father’s presence, absence, words, and example can shape identity, confidence, relationships, and the way we approach fatherhood ourselves.

Together, they discuss the impact of unmet needs, the importance of taking responsibility, and how humility, forgiveness, and faithful presence can begin repairing what has been broken. Most importantly, they point to God as the perfect Father—the One who meets us in our pain, restores what was lost, and helps us build a new legacy of love, grace, and hope.

Bill and his wife, Tracey Robison, are also the authors of He Calls Me Daughter, a Scripture-rooted resource for women seeking healing from the father wound and a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Learn more: https://amzn.to/3RTcbmd

Extending Branches is a biweekly podcast from Branches, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recover hope, find healing, and experience growth through Christ-centered mental and emotional care.

Thanks for joining us! You can find us online at branches.org.

In this episode of Extending Branches, Dr. Mike Courtney sits down with counselor Madison Grissom to talk about polyvagal theory: how our nervous systems respond to safety, stress, connection, and overwhelm. In simple, practical language, they explore why we may overreact, shut down emotionally, or feel anxious even when nothing obvious seems wrong.

Together, they discuss nervous system states, fight-or-flight, shutdown, glimmers, and the relief that can come from understanding how God designed us. Most importantly, they point back to Jesus as our refuge, our peace, and the One who invites us into safety, connection, and hope.

Extending Branches is a biweekly podcast from Branches, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recover hope, find healing, and experience growth through Christ-centered mental and emotional care.

Thanks for joining us! You can find us online at branches.org.

In this episode of Extending Branches, Dr. Mike Courtney sits down with counselor Chandler Coley to talk about performance anxiety: what happens when pressure crosses the line from helpful focus into fear, panic, and self-doubt. Drawing from Chandler’s experience as a former athlete and his work as a counselor, they explore why teens and adults alike can tie their worth to a single moment, whether on the field, on the stage, or in everyday life.

Together, they discuss practical tools like deep breathing, noticing the inner critic, reframing anxious thoughts, visualization, and gratitude. Most importantly, they point back to the truth that our identity is not found in performance, success, or failure, but in Christ.

Extending Branches is a biweekly podcast from Branches, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recover hope, find healing, and experience growth through Christ-centered mental and emotional care.

Thanks for joining us! You can find us online at branches.org.