Paula Flippin

Paula Flippin—published author, retired counselor, Christian conference speaker—shares a powerful Biblical message of faith and hope, shaped by years of experience helping others navigate life’s challenges. With warmth, relatability, and gentle humor, she offers practical, encouraging tools for anyone seeking lasting transformation.

Paula is a published author, having written, "The Man You Always Wanted is the One You Already Have" (Random House) and, "A Season of Breakthrough: Four Strategies to Living a Life of Sustained Freedom" (self published). Her articles have appeared in numerous print and online publications, including (link hidden) and Charisma Online. Her addiction story was featured in a video segment on The 700 Club, and her story appeared as the cover article in Simple Grace magazine. Additionally, she has been featured on more than 100 radio and television programs, including nationally broadcast shows such as Moody’s Midday Connection, Living the Life (ABC Family), and Lifestyle Magazine (TBN).

Paula is an active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), further supporting her work in faith-based recovery care. She resides in California with her husband, Mark, where they are members of The Neighborhood Church.

Paula travels from LAX, RNO, and Las Vegas for speaking engagements.

Paula has many topics appropriate for church conferences, women's events, retirement communities, and addiction recovery programs. Here are a few:

YOUR SEASON OF BREAKTHROUGH
~ A Message for People in Recovery ~
Addicts who enter recovery are among the strongest, bravest, and most resilient people on the planet. They have resisted temptation hundreds—if not thousands—of times, and they are beating the odds. They are learning to navigate life’s trials and traumas without self-medicating, and they are facing the future with courage. This message is designed to fuel their fire, helping them persevere and look to the future with faith.
The following topics will be covered:
Paula’s testimony of finding freedom from a painkiller addiction
Neuroplasticity and the remarkable role it plays in recovery
A look at Deuteronomy chapter 11—entering your new season!

* Paula offers additional topics for those in recovery and can create tailored presentations for weekend seminars or retreats.
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“THE IMPACT OF ADDICTION - HELPING FAMILIES COPE”
A Message for the Church
Nearly everyone sitting in a pew today has been affected in some way by addiction. A 2023 KFF study reports, “66% of U.S. adults say they or a family member have struggled with alcohol or drug addiction.”

This message speaks directly to that crisis by offering education, perspective, and practical application of God’s Word for those navigating this challenging situation. It also explores the profound emotional toll addiction places on families and loved ones and highlights the hope, comfort, and forward momentum found in our friendship with God and in the truth of His Word. This talk is designed to impart courage and understanding, giving listeners a much-needed boost to continue on this difficult road with prayer, faith, and confidence in God’s continual guidance.

* Paula offers additional topics for church audiences and can create tailored presentations for weekend seminars or retreats.
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“STAY IN THE FIGHT - HOPE IS CONTAGIOUS”
A Message for Addiction Professionals
According to the NIH, “Burnout is prevalent among drug and alcohol counselors, with statistics showing rates as high as 67% experiencing symptoms like emotional exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction.”

In this message, Paula shares stories of the hopeless becoming hopeful and the bound becoming free through faith-based addiction counseling. The talk also covers the following topics:
The importance of addiction professionals maintaining high ethical standards, emphasizing the impact of their words—both positive and negative—when speaking to and about clients.
An exploration of Isaiah 50:4: “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
The role of prayer in the life of an addiction professional, including how prayer ignites faith… and how faith can move mountains!

* Paula offers additional topics for addiction professionals and can create tailored presentations for weekend seminars or retreats.
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The Joy Seminar

Session 1: Bloom Where You Are Planted
Learn to thrive—by the grace of God—right where you are, regardless of present circumstances.

Session 2: Joy Comes in the Morning
This session opens with Paula’s powerful testimony of her miraculous healing from Lyme disease over ten years ago. She then shares three keys to experiencing lasting joy.

Session 3: Singing the Song of Joy
Through biblical examples and personal stories, Paula explores the power and necessity of choosing joy—even in difficult seasons.

This seminar can be offered as a one-day event or weekend retreat. For maximum impact, each session is followed by small group discussion. Discussion questions are provided.
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More Than a Conqueror

This seminar equips believers to fight the good fight of faith and step into the inheritance God has prepared for them.

Meeting 1: Contend for Your Inheritance
Drawing from the story of Gideon, this session shows how God calls and transforms us—even in seasons of fear, oppression, and lack.

Meeting 2: The River of Refreshment
Discover the importance of pursuing God’s presence and how it leads to freedom and breakthrough.

Meeting 3: Awake! Awake!
A call to rise up, shake off past burdens, and stand firmly on the promises of God.

Available as a one-day seminar or weekend retreat.
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A Season of Breakthrough: Four Strategies for Sustained Freedom

Based on Paula’s book, this seminar helps participants recognize their authority in Christ and confront the “freedom stealers” in their lives. Through her testimony of healing from migraines and medication dependency, Paula presents four key strategies for living in lasting breakthrough:

Meeting 1: Risky Obedience
Meeting 2: Tenacious Faith
Meeting 3: Destiny Awareness
Meeting 4: Transforming Love

Participants will learn not only how to experience breakthrough—but how to walk in ongoing, increasing freedom.
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Strength for the Journey

A four-part seminar focused on receiving God’s strength for the days ahead. Though the world may grow darker, this is the Church’s time to rise and shine with bold, transformative love.

Meeting 1: Using Your Gifts
Based on John 4:31–35, this session explores how we are strengthened when we live out God’s purposes.

Meeting 2: Intimacy with God
True strength flows from time in God’s presence—through worship, prayer, and deep connection with Him.

Meeting 3: Relationships That Strengthen
Unhealthy relationships can drain spiritual vitality. This session includes:

Part 1: Resisting Manipulation and Control
Part 2: Nurturing Life-Giving Relationships

Meeting 4: Take Courage!
Inspired by Judges 5:21 and the book of Joshua, this message highlights the importance of courage—especially in seasons of transition. Paula shares how courage is often needed not just in trials, but as we step into victory.