Understanding Your Habits and Behaviors [Part 2] with Travis Stewart
In this can't-miss follow-up conversation with Travis Stewart, we’re pulling up a chair, actually, three of them, to continue exploring how God invites us to live free and fully loved.
Welcome back! In this episode, Chrissy is joined by the one and only Travis Stewart, a licensed professional counselor with over three decades of experience blending Christian faith, psychology, and personal growth.
This is Part 2 of the conversation about the Three Chairs Framework, and it’s all about recognizing and working with the different “selves” we carry: the Child Self, the False Self, and the Wise, Trusting, Beloved Self.
Together, Chrissy and Travis discuss what it means to understand your core needs, process big emotions, and respond to life from a place of grace rather than survival mode. If you’ve ever found yourself people-pleasing, stuck in shame, or wondering why certain relationships feel challenging, this conversation will speak directly to your heart.
If you haven't yet listened to Part 1 of this conversation, you'll want to do that first. Part 1 sets the stage for understanding these parts of yourself, and Part 2 explores what to do with the information you find.
In this episode, we cover:
Living out Ephesians 4: How to “put off the old self” and embrace our new identity in Christ
The Three Chairs Model: Understanding our Child Self, False Self, and Wise Self
How early childhood experiences shape our core needs and beliefs
Ways your grown-up survival strategies mirror childhood coping skills
The critical differences between codependency, people-pleasing, and true love
Practical journaling and self-reflection techniques to connect with your “little one”
How to hold compassion for yourself and others even when conflict arises
Why surrender (not passivity!) is key to spiritual and emotional maturity
Navigating difficult emotions like shame and defensiveness with grace
How embracing Christ-centered agency helps you use your voice wisely
Remember: Deep healing and growth don’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Grace is always available, and you don’t walk this path alone. As you listen, think about your own “three chairs.” Which voice speaks the loudest? Which needs most grace and attention?
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop us an email at admin@findingbalance.com, send us a voice message via SpeakPipe, or send us a text. You can also subscribe for more practical episodes coming your way.
“Whenever I think that I've been unfairly accused, I remember that I have been unfairly loved.” -Travis Stewart
More About Travis Stewart
Travis Stewart has spent over three decades thoughtfully integrating Christian faith, psychology, and personal growth in his work as a counselor, teacher, and speaker. At Covenant Seminary, he helps advance the seminary's mission to equip leaders for the broader church.
Travis is a member of the board of directors for Charis Eating Disorder Care, a Christian nonprofit treatment center dedicated to holistic healing for those with eating disorders. With a background as a licensed professional counselor since 2005, Travis brings a relational and creative approach to his work. Rooted in helping others understand their stories in light of God's redemptive grace and developing a deeper, honest trust of God. His work has largely focused on eating disorders, body image, and spiritual formation.
Travis was the visionary behind FINDINGbalance’s Hungry for Hope Conference, a pioneering faith-based event for those impacted by eating disorders. An engaging and thoughtful communicator, Travis has been invited to speak at institutions such as Pepperdine University, Baylor University, and Washington University, and has taught as a visiting instructor at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he lives with his wife, Susan. Together they have two adult children, a son-in-law, and a grandson. For fun, Travis loves golfing, art, and taking a deep delight in anything his grandson says or does.
Links & Mentioned Resources
Book: “The Seven Primal Questions: Take Control of the Hidden Forces That Drive You” by Mark Foster
URGE911 - Help for Resisting Urges and Compulsive Behavior
Mentioned Scriptures
Genesis 1 and 2 and Ephesians 4:22-24
Related Episodes:
Ep 68: Understanding Your Habits & Behaviors [Part 1] w Travis Stewart
Connect with Travis:
FINDINGbalance:
Facebook
Instagram
SpeakPipe – Send us a voice message!
CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM
The Daily Vitamin eDevo: A free devotional with bite-sized truth emailed 5 days a week
Community Groups: Find connection with Bible study and prayer groups
Christian Treatment Finder: Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.
Lasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet course to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.
CREDITS:
Interlude music by “Hotham” – Morning Thoughts
Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – Old Jeans (Funk)
Wrap-up music by Jesse Quinn – Christian Instrumental
Production & Editing by Leah Bryant Co
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The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.
