Q&A with Dr. Luann Dunnuck
Author of Soul Mend: Discover Spiritual and Emotional Health"
Q: What motivated you to write Soul Mend?
A: I was motivated to write Soul Mend because I know first-hand what it’s like to struggle with unhealthy negative emotions that affect every area of life, including our physical health. In the book, I talk about the root issues that produce toxicity in all areas of our life and how to recover from these issues.
Q: You suffered from panic attacks for many years. Talk about that journey.
A: As a young woman I became agoraphobic, which means I was afraid to leave my house. I would have severe panic attacks just to go to the grocery store or church. Fear and panic consumed my days and nights. There were several factors that contributed to this area of my life. I was exposed to intense fear as a child, and I had other family members who also suffered from panic attacks. I was under heavy stress at the time, and there was also a spiritual component to the fear. I would spend the next several years seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit on the roots behind each of these areas. My life has been like an onion with God pulling away layers of negativity a little at a time. Years later, my physical body began to wear out due to years of intense fear. I was diagnosed with severe adrenal fatigue, and for a year, I was too weak to leave my home, I did not even have the energy to yawn. God would reveal to me the connection between toxic emotions and a toxic body. I did recover from that sickness, and God exchanged a physical malady with a treasure chest of His wisdom of how the body responds to toxic emotions. My journey has consistently been one of reliance on God’s never-ending love.
Q: Many Christians believe if they know Jesus, they don't need counseling. How do you respond to that?
A: We see throughout scripture the need for godly wisdom, direction and counsel. When Timothy was facing issues it was the apostle Paul who would give him wisdom and guidance. When Ruth returned with Naomi, it was Naomi who guided her and “counseled” her, which would eventually lead to a restored future for Ruth. These are just two of many examples where counsel was given for the betterment of someone else. Sometimes it’s our pride that prevents us from seeking help. We think we can “handle it” when in fact we are a hot mess, and in need of godly counsel.
A: I was motivated to write Soul Mend because I know first-hand what it’s like to struggle with unhealthy negative emotions that affect every area of life, including our physical health. In the book, I talk about the root issues that produce toxicity in all areas of our life and how to recover from these issues.
Q: You suffered from panic attacks for many years. Talk about that journey.
A: As a young woman I became agoraphobic, which means I was afraid to leave my house. I would have severe panic attacks just to go to the grocery store or church. Fear and panic consumed my days and nights. There were several factors that contributed to this area of my life. I was exposed to intense fear as a child, and I had other family members who also suffered from panic attacks. I was under heavy stress at the time, and there was also a spiritual component to the fear. I would spend the next several years seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit on the roots behind each of these areas. My life has been like an onion with God pulling away layers of negativity a little at a time. Years later, my physical body began to wear out due to years of intense fear. I was diagnosed with severe adrenal fatigue, and for a year, I was too weak to leave my home, I did not even have the energy to yawn. God would reveal to me the connection between toxic emotions and a toxic body. I did recover from that sickness, and God exchanged a physical malady with a treasure chest of His wisdom of how the body responds to toxic emotions. My journey has consistently been one of reliance on God’s never-ending love.
Q: Many Christians believe if they know Jesus, they don't need counseling. How do you respond to that?
A: We see throughout scripture the need for godly wisdom, direction and counsel. When Timothy was facing issues it was the apostle Paul who would give him wisdom and guidance. When Ruth returned with Naomi, it was Naomi who guided her and “counseled” her, which would eventually lead to a restored future for Ruth. These are just two of many examples where counsel was given for the betterment of someone else. Sometimes it’s our pride that prevents us from seeking help. We think we can “handle it” when in fact we are a hot mess, and in need of godly counsel.
Q: One of the chapters in the book talks about the origins of negative thoughts. How can we recognize that in ourselves?
A: In chapter three, I discuss three sources of negative thought— traumatic or abusive experiences, generational patterns of thought, and demonically-inspired thought. Many times when someone experiences a negative thought it can be traced to one or all three (as was in my case) of these sources of thought. It’s important to recognize that we can’t have a feeling without first having a thought. Our thoughts produce our feelings. When someone is feeling bad or in a “bad mood,” it’s because their thoughts are negative. When we are feeling down it’s important to ask two questions; one, what am I thinking about, and two, what is the source of this thought or where is it coming from? Once we answer these questions, it will be easier to identify and unravel the issue we are facing, and get back into a place of peace.
Q: You go through several topics that are the cause of damaged emotions. What are the most common ones that you find most people struggle with?
A: The most common reasons why people experience damaged emotions are: a broken heart, feelings of low self-worth, false guilt, excessive worry, bitterness, and unforgiveness. These are potential roots that can impact the emotional health and well-being of a person. The good news is, with the help of God, freedom and restoration is always possible.
A: In chapter three, I discuss three sources of negative thought— traumatic or abusive experiences, generational patterns of thought, and demonically-inspired thought. Many times when someone experiences a negative thought it can be traced to one or all three (as was in my case) of these sources of thought. It’s important to recognize that we can’t have a feeling without first having a thought. Our thoughts produce our feelings. When someone is feeling bad or in a “bad mood,” it’s because their thoughts are negative. When we are feeling down it’s important to ask two questions; one, what am I thinking about, and two, what is the source of this thought or where is it coming from? Once we answer these questions, it will be easier to identify and unravel the issue we are facing, and get back into a place of peace.
Q: You go through several topics that are the cause of damaged emotions. What are the most common ones that you find most people struggle with?
A: The most common reasons why people experience damaged emotions are: a broken heart, feelings of low self-worth, false guilt, excessive worry, bitterness, and unforgiveness. These are potential roots that can impact the emotional health and well-being of a person. The good news is, with the help of God, freedom and restoration is always possible.
About the author:
Dr. Luann Dunnuck is a conference speaker, author and counselor. She holds a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling and earned a Doctorate in Theology. She is also a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. She and her husband Robert have three grown children. Visit www.LuannDunnuck.com for further information.
Endorsements:
“There is a vast treasure in the pages ahead to help those who are drowning and may feel unable to free themselves. If you have a desire to walk in total wholeness or you desire to come alongside of others to help them reach their full potential, this book is a must read.” --Pastor Verna Lilley, First Assembly of God, Waterbury, CT
“As a pastoral counselor, I have seen the connection between emotional and physical health. In Soul Mend, Luann pens how to recognize toxic emotions that may be at the very root of the problems in your life. Luann shares from her own life experiences and the journey that led to her own freedom and healing, which has produced in her a passion to help others receive emotional and physical healing. What I like about this book is that it is a practical, informative guide that gives you the how to meant to help the reader on their personal journey to wholeness. Luann leads you from toxicity to wholeness. If you are a pastoral counselor, clinician, or doctor, this is a must read!” --Carmela Muratori, Co-founder, Calvary Life Family Worship Center, Certified Pastoral Counselor
“Soul Mend is a refreshing change from the humanistic approach to wholeness. With solid scientific evidence, Luann shows you how the Holy Spirit brings real wholeness to your body, soul, and spirit. This book can help you get to the root of your issues and will help you to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus. If you are living a life that is limited and controlled by fear, you need this book. If you are living with chronic illness or pain with no known cause, you need this book. Luann is a living example of how God uses our trials and tribulations to equip and prepare us to minister to others. Soul Mend will help you to experience freedom in Christ and live a life that brings glory to God.” --Rev. Sharon B. Frankel, Assemblies of God Southern New England Ministry Network
“As a pastoral counselor, I have seen the connection between emotional and physical health. In Soul Mend, Luann pens how to recognize toxic emotions that may be at the very root of the problems in your life. Luann shares from her own life experiences and the journey that led to her own freedom and healing, which has produced in her a passion to help others receive emotional and physical healing. What I like about this book is that it is a practical, informative guide that gives you the how to meant to help the reader on their personal journey to wholeness. Luann leads you from toxicity to wholeness. If you are a pastoral counselor, clinician, or doctor, this is a must read!” --Carmela Muratori, Co-founder, Calvary Life Family Worship Center, Certified Pastoral Counselor
“Soul Mend is a refreshing change from the humanistic approach to wholeness. With solid scientific evidence, Luann shows you how the Holy Spirit brings real wholeness to your body, soul, and spirit. This book can help you get to the root of your issues and will help you to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus. If you are living a life that is limited and controlled by fear, you need this book. If you are living with chronic illness or pain with no known cause, you need this book. Luann is a living example of how God uses our trials and tribulations to equip and prepare us to minister to others. Soul Mend will help you to experience freedom in Christ and live a life that brings glory to God.” --Rev. Sharon B. Frankel, Assemblies of God Southern New England Ministry Network