Marla and Nate Christensen are an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, respectively, working under the supervision of Tony Overbay, LMFT. They work in a private practice setting in Rocklin, California, and share various mental health topics on their podcast “Working Change”. Marla and Nate have been married for five years and have a blended family of seven children ranging in age from 25 to four years old.

Marla has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She often works with couples, individuals, and teens. Her primary areas of focus are grief, betrayal, codependency, and life adjustments. Marla is in the Primary presidency in her ward and loves working with young people. She has served in Relief Society and Primary presidencies and taught in Sunday School, Primary, and Relief Society.

Nate has a master’s degree in counseling from Northwestern University and works primarily with adult and teen individuals. He most enjoys working with people on issues he has worked on in his life, including anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, codependency, and immaturity. Nate has spent several years as the facilitator for his stake’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) group.

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In this podcast episode, Marla and Nate discuss the concepts of codependence and enmeshment in relationships, particularly in the context of addiction recovery. They emphasize the importance of being enmeshed with Christ rather than with other people, highlighting the need for individuals to focus on their relationship with the Savior for healing and support.

The discussion delves into the idea that the ARP is not just for addicts but can benefit anyone seeking to strengthen their connection with Jesus and find peace amidst chaos. Marla shares her personal journey of realizing the need to lean on Jesus rather than being overly dependent on her partner’s actions or behaviors.

The couple reflects on the transformative power of surrendering to the Savior and finding solace in the midst of life’s challenges. They also touch on the importance of maintaining individuality and self-care within relationships, even when faced with difficulties like addiction. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of seeking spiritual guidance and support in navigating personal struggles and relationships.

How Nate and Marla’s Journeys Led to Becoming Therapists

00:03:31 – Nate’s Background and Struggles with Mental Health

00:10:13 – Marla’s Background and Transition to College

The Importance of the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP)

00:24:21 – The Benefits of the ARP Program for Both Addicts and Partners

00:25:02 – The Role of Spiritual Leaders in Supporting ARP Participation

Understanding Codependence and Enmeshment

00:33:35 – Exploring the Concept of Codependence and Enmeshment

00:37:31 – Applying the Principles of Surrender and Enmeshment with Christ

Navigating Relationships and Dependency

00:40:13 – Marla’s Reflection on Codependency in Past Relationships

00:41:45 – Marla’s Shift in Perspective Towards Nate’s Struggles

The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 episodes.

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