I thought I was fine… until therapy.

In this episode of A Conversation with Matthew, I sit down with licensed therapist Lori Benedict for one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had.

We talk about attachment styles — anxious, avoidant, secure, and disorganized — and what they actually look like in real life. Not just in theory, but in relationships. In conflict. In the way we respond to our parents. In the way we love.

I never realized how much my childhood, my relationship with my mom, and even being raised by my aunt and uncle shaped the way I attach to people today.

Attachment styles are formed early in life, often before we even have language. They influence how safe we feel in relationships, how we handle disagreement, whether we fear abandonment, or whether we emotionally shut down.

This conversation with Lori Benedict connected dots I didn’t even know were connected.

If you’ve ever:
• Felt like you push people away
• Needed constant reassurance
• Struggled with emotional safety
• Or thought you were “fine” but something still felt off

This episode might be for you.

Why does God sometimes feel far away?
What happens when you grow up in church but start wondering if you really believe it for yourself?
And is it actually okay to ask questions and still have faith?

In this episode of A Conversation with Matthew, we sit down for an honest, real discussion about the doubts, fears, and thoughts many middle school and high school students carry but don’t always say out loud. This isn’t about pretending to have perfect answers. It’s about creating space to talk, learn, and grow together.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, confused, or nervous to admit you’re struggling with faith, you’re not alone. This conversation is for you.

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📌 Episode Description

In this episode, we sit down for an honest, thoughtful conversation built around real questions people wrestle with when it comes to healing, boundaries, relationships, and emotional health.

This isn’t a lecture or a list of answers. It’s a back-and-forth dialogue—I bring questions that have shaped my own growth, and she brings questions that challenge how I think. We respond to each other in real time, sharing what we’ve learned so far, what’s helped us, and where we’re still growing.

We talk through things like:
• Recognizing emotional triggers versus present pain
• Learning healthier communication during conflict
• Setting boundaries without guilt
• Understanding burnout while still functioning
• Rebuilding trust in yourself after hard choices

We’re not experts—and we’re not pretending to be.
This conversation is simply about learning out loud, reflecting honestly, and offering a perspective that might help someone else feel less alone or see things a little more clearly.

If you’re in a season of growth, healing, or self-reflection, this episode is an invitation to think, learn, and grow with us.