Empower the Warrior Within
This episode features an interview with the authors of Empower the Warrior Within: Using God’s Word to Win the War. Debra Schwietert and Annie Bifulco had a providential meeting through their mutual therapist’s anxiety group. The original author, Rex Briggs, MSW, developed the secular anxiety program many years ago. The principles in his program are also found in the Bible. Before retiring, Rex recruited Annie and Debra to create a Christ-centered program using his original materials. The resulting book and accompanying field journal are available on Amazon.
Link to Empower the Warrior Within (Amazon)
Link to Empower the Warrior Within Field Journal (Amazon)
Debra Schwietert
Dr. Debra Schwietert is a co-author of Empowering the Warrior Within: Using the Word to Win the War on Anxiety, written along with Annette Bifulco. Deb has experienced and recovered from anxiety and depression. This journey is how she met Annie and took up the task to update and re-write the manual of Rex Briggs, who authored Transforming Anxiety and Shame (1999) & From Anxiety to Empowerment (2016).
Deb graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2008), Reading Specialist (2013), Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology (2002), and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (1997). Dr. Schwietert resides in Colorado, where she lives with her English Springer Spaniel. Deb is also a mother to two adult children and two grandchildren. Her life is a testimony of Romans 8:28, God truly makes all things work together for good.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWithinMinistries
Annie Bifulco
Annie Bifulco spent years working to overcome crippling anxiety through intensive individual, group, and advanced group therapy with Rex Briggs, MSW, and other counselors. After working alongside Rex for almost a decade, he approached her about rewriting the program he had used for 40 years in clinical practice, for more tailored use in the Church. As he prepared to retire from his life’s work, Annie agreed to pursue this calling, partnering with Dr. Debra Schwietert, an expert in curriculum and a fellow program graduate.
Annie has served in various ministry roles for over 25 years. Together, Annie and her husband (Coy) have over two decades of combined experience in the fields of mental health and residential treatment. She has given thousands of hours to reading, researching, working, and receiving multiple trainings and certificates in the fields of coaching, psychology, neuropsychology, and theology. Annie and her husband, Coy, live in Rapid City, SD. Together, they have four children.
NEED HELP?
Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org
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Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.
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