EP29 - Healing from Shame, Embracing Grace: Josh Loy on Counseling, Faith & Real Transformation

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this vulnerable and wisdom-packed episode of Rooted, Josie and Simone welcome Josh Loy—licensed mental health counselor, founder of New Ground Counseling, and a pastor at Reach Church in Seattle. With over 2,000 clients served, Josh brings profound insights into mental health, healing from shame, sexual struggles, and the intersection of faith and counseling. Josh shares his personal journey—from a pastor in a high-demand church environment to experiencing burnout, deep shame, and ultimately healing through counseling. He talks candidly about why safe spaces matter, why many Christians carry secret shame (especially around sexuality), and how true transformation happens when we’re fully known and still fully loved. This episode offers life-giving truth for anyone feeling stuck in cycles of guilt, fear, or performance—and invites listeners to experience the grace of Jesus in their most vulnerable places.

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TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:

[02:00] – Growing up in a ministry family + early compassion for others

[07:00] – The unique safety of counseling vs. the church

[09:00] – Breaking myths about counseling & why men often avoid it

[12:00] – Integrating faith into mental health work

[16:00] – Learning to see clients the way Jesus does

[17:00] – Most common struggles today: anxiety, depression, and sexual shame

[19:00] – Shocking porn stats & why the church must talk about sexual sin

[21:00] – How safe spaces break the power of shame

[26:00] – Josh’s personal story of rejection, failure, and healing

[33:00] – Group therapy + being fully seen and fully loved

[36:00] – What true transformation looks like in counseling

[39:00] – Knowing God's love vs. experiencing His love

[48:00] – To be fully known and fully loved—that is the gospel.

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NOTABLE QUOTES:

“To be fully known and fully loved—that’s the gospel.”

“Shame says, ‘You are uniquely broken.’ Grace says, ‘You are deeply loved.’”

“Jesus isn’t surprised by your struggle—He wants to meet you in it.”

“Healing begins when we bring the hardest things into the safest spaces.”

“We talk about grace, but many of us still live like we have to earn love.”

“Transformation happens in relationships—especially the safe ones.”

“So many Christians are drowning in shame and silence. We need to open the conversation.”

“People don’t just need theology—they need a lived experience of being loved.”

“Your sexual story is part of your human story—and it deserves grace too.”

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RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• https://www.newgroundcounseling.com/
• https://reachchurch.cc/

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