James Willhite is an experiential therapist, coach, and consultant. He previously worked for 20 years in finance and sales management where he found a passion for speaking and coaching, then decided to switch careers and earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. With Steven Shields he co-founded Accepted, a collection of exclusively trained experiential guide who lead individuals, families, groups, and corporations to maximize their health and connection.

James also serves on the board of three non-profit organizations (Unashamed Unafraid, A Warrior Heart, and Heart of a Woman) and firmly believes that as we work to remove the obstacles and barriers of trauma, our true and divine identity will be uncovered at our core. He loves spending time with his wife, Kristy and with his four children.


Links

AcceptedLife.com
Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community
Read the transcript of this podcast
Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library
Highlights
James talks about the complexities of shame, particularly in the context of spirituality and personal growth. Wilhite addresses issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma in his practice. He highlights the subtle yet pervasive nature of shame, often overlooked in therapeutic settings, and how it can lead individuals to hide from God and themselves.

The discussion delves into the biblical story of Adam and Eve, exploring how shame was introduced into the human experience and how it continues to affect individuals today. Wilhite explains that shame is a primary weapon used by the adversary to create distance between individuals and God, leading to feelings of inadequacy and the need to seek validation from others rather than from the divine. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming shame to break free from its grip, encouraging listeners to understand their true identity as children of God.

Throughout the episode, Wilhite offers practical advice for church leaders and individuals alike, urging them to embrace the inevitability of pain, work, and uncertainty in life as opportunities for growth rather than as punishments. He underscores the significance of leaning into God’s goodness and trusting in His promises, even amidst struggles. The conversation culminates in a powerful reminder that healing is possible through understanding one's identity and the nature of God, ultimately inviting listeners to embark on their own "shame adventure" to foster healing and connection.

03:30 - Understanding Shame in Therapy
04:50 - Common Issues in Therapy Post-COVID
06:30 - The Role of Trauma in Therapy
08:00 - Experiential Therapy vs. Talk Therapy
09:30 - Importance of Finding the Right Therapist
10:50 - The Adam and Eve Story and Shame
12:30 - The Subtlety of Shame
14:00 - Hiding from God and Its Consequences
16:30 - The Cycle of Perfectionism and Shame
18:00 - Recognizing Shame in Leadership
19:30 - God's Nature and Our Identity
21:00 - The Importance of Self-Compassion
22:30 - The Journey of Healing from Shame
24:00 - God's Response to Adam and Eve
26:00 - Misinterpretation of God's Blessings
28:00 - Embracing Pain and Work as Inevitable