Episode Details

In this episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon talks with Jarrod Justice about caring for caregivers and the importance of self-care in this field. They also talk about spirituality how that can be an influence for people in their lives. Gordon and Jarrod have a conversation about how they both have what that consider "faith informed" practices. Both are clergy people and they talk about how this influences the way they do therapy and the ethical considerations they both take in their practices.

Jarrod Justice, MAMFT, is a post-master's counselor in Knoxville specializing in marriage and family therapy. He currently works at Haven Family Psychiatry with clients who are experiencing: anxiety, depression, sexual health issues, relationship concerns, and challenging family dynamics.

Jarrod has worked as a Christian minister for over a decade in Knoxville—serving in various roles as a college pastor, worship leader, and lead pastor. He also has experience working for a local non-profit called With Inc., where he provided mentorship and soul care to individuals, couples, and ministers in need.

Jarrod graduated from Baylor University in 2003 with a B.A. in International Studies, and recently graduated from Richmont Graduate University with a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jarrod loves people and wants to offer his clients hope and courage on life's journey.

He is a current member of the (AAMFT) American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and is an active member of the (CLC) Christian Leadership Concepts in Knoxville. Originally from Texas, he has called East Tennessee home for nearly 14 years. In his personal time, other than good coffee and great music—he enjoys meaningful dates with his wife, peanut butter, and watching his three boys play baseball.

One designation or niche that many therapists and counselors identify with is around spirituality. For some, this very much informs who they are as people. For others, not so much. Gordon and Jarrod discuss how they have both landed in what they refer to as "faith informed" practices.

A "faith-based" practice differs from a "faith informed" practice in that a "faith-based" practice usually has some sort of direct affiliation with a religious organization (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.). Whereas a "faith informed" practice really has to do with the therapist and how they might approach their work with people.

Both Gordon and Jarrod are clinically trained in the traditional sense and use evidence-based approaches with clients. And when religion comes up, if it comes up, they are both very comfortable discussing those things with clients.

One of the things that Jarrod has noted in his own journey is that clergy or pastors can find themselves very isolated at times. Jarrod talks about how pastors and religious leaders can have a lot of external pressure from their "flock". Pastors and clergy are very much in the business of caregiving, not unlike therapists and counselors. And over-time if the caregiver is not being cared for, it can quickly lead to "compassion fatigue".

An important part of this whole thing is also learning self-care and learning how to manage your own emotions well. Clergy and counselors alike, get handed a lot of heavy stuff from our clients and parishioners. It is so important to know how to process that "stuff" well and seek the support you need in handling that.

Jarrod and Gordon also talk about the importance of knowing yourself well and knowing how to not only process other people's emotions but knowing how to process our own well. In many wa