What If We’re All Addicts? | An Interview with Nate & Marla Christensen

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. Links There is already a discussion started
about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get
14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 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,