Ever been told that if your faith was strong enough, you wouldn’t be struggling with mental health? For many believers, the message is clear: God and prayer are all you need. But what happens when faith alone doesn’t take away the anxiety, the trauma, or the depression? If you’ve ever felt judged for seeking therapy or told that you just need more faith, this episode is for you.

We dive deep into the complex intersection of religion and mental health—challenging the stigma that “real” believers don’t struggle, or that seeking professional help is somehow a lack of faith. In this conversation, we explore what it means to balance spiritual guidance with qualified mental health support, and why both can coexist in a journey of healing.

For anyone who’s felt shame or doubt about needing more than prayer to heal, we’re here to unpack the myths and break down the walls that prevent people from seeking help. This is about redefining what faith and mental health can look like together, understanding the limitations of pastoral counseling, and finding supportive church communities that uplift rather than judge. Because true faith doesn’t mean ignoring mental health—it means trusting that God’s love can guide you through every step, with the help you deserve.

00:00 Introductions
00:57 The Intersection of Religion and Mental Health
04:01 Personal Spiritual Journey
08:16 Mental Health Journey
11:02 Impact of Trauma on Self-Perception
14:26 Religious Beliefs and Mental Health
18:10 Balancing Spiritual and Mental Health
20:43 Limitations of Religious Practices
29:38 Seeking Spirituality Beyond Church
31:46 Balancing Spiritual and Mental Health
35:01 The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection
36:46 Prioritizing Family and Relationships
37:41 The Dangers of Self-Righteousness
38:26 Understanding Grace and Vulnerability
38:55 God's Love in the Midst of Imperfection
39:54 The Journey to Self-Acceptance
40:02 Walking with God Despite Imperfections
40:31 Personal Experiences of Insecurity and Abandonment
41:31 The Impact of Past Experiences on Self-Worth
42:11 The Need for Validation and Acceptance
42:55 Questioning One's Knowledge and Worth
43:25 The Importance of Listening and Learning
44:12 Maintaining Relationships Amidst Challenges
45:27 The Impact of Trauma on Coping Mechanisms
46:26 Different Responses to Trauma
47:26 Numbness and Peacekeeping in Difficult Situations
48:48 The Journey to Self-Awareness and Growth
49:44 The Delicate Balance Between Faith and Mental Health
50:43 The Importance of Qualified Help in Mental Health
53:22 Providing Accessible Mental Health Support in Churches
56:16 The Danger of Pastoral Counseling
58:19 The Journey of Education and Qualification
59:09 The Importance of Qualified Counselors
01:01:11 Seeking Professional Help Alongside Faith
01:01:47 Finding Supportive Church Communities

Laura's Books Can be Found On Amazon by Laura Spencer:

Reflect | A 90-Day Thoughts & Gratitude Journal
Sermon Notes Journal
Find Me Bible Study Journal: A 90 Day Self-Guided Undated Journal

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