This episode is a presentation that was given at a virtual workshop for the Faith+Mental Health conference in May 2025. Caroline has nearly 20 years of experience as a leader for a Christ-centered mental health support group where she emphasizes hope, transformation, and victory. This approach is based on the Spirit-led process God revealed to […]
THE RESPECT INSTITUTE “The Missouri Mental Health Foundation (MMHF) is proud to offer certified speakers through the RESPECT Institute of Missouri. Our speakers bravely share their lived experiences with mental illness and substance use disorders, providing powerful insights and inspiration.” As a RESPECT speaker, Caroline knows firsthand the importance of sharing your story to provide […]
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Today’s topic revolves around trauma and how it impacts a person’s life. The good news is, with the guidance and healing power of Jesus, recovery is possible! Life can be purposeful, impactful, and joyful. Here Caroline’s guest, Beth Jones, share her story of trauma, sin, recovery, and restoration. Beth Jones is an international speaker and […]
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Caroline closes out her four-part series on wellness by discussion spiritual wellness. Two key activities for spiritual growth are prayer and Bible study. Prayer The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971, German theologian) https://www.prayerfoundation.org/dailyoffice/serenity_prayer_full_version.htm God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should […]
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Affirmations & Journaling In this third of four episodes on wellness, Caroline shares information on how to use affirmations and journaling to improve mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Affirmations Using affirmations and accompanying Scriptures, a person can retrain their thoughts to line up with the truth of God’s Word. They will begin to accept their […]
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Christian meditation In part 2 of the Wellness Tools series, Caroline presents eight types of Christian Meditation based on an article called “What is the best type of meditation?” from Medical News Today. Find out how you can experience presence and peace of God through Loving-kindness meditation Progressive muscle relaxation Mindfulness meditation Breath awareness meditation […]
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wellness and wellness tools What is wellness? In this episode Caroline will define “wellness” and discuss the importance of using wellness tools to find peace and calmness in the midst of chaos. The episode includes scripture and other suggestions for pursuing wellness from a Christian perspective. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Join the conversation by leaving […]
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Facing The Giant: Bipolar Disorder Jessyln McCutcheon spent twenty years battling a giant in her life. A diagnosis of bipolar I revealed the giant’s name, and then the real work began. Hear Jesslyn’s story of how finding the right treatment plan brought her relief from symptoms. The more powerful story is how God transformed Jesslyn […]
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SELECTIVE MUTISM – social anxiety Nanette Holloway shares her experience with selective mutism, a condition typically found in childhood and occasionally continuing into adulthood. The Cleveland Clinic describes selective mutism (SM) as “a mental health condition where you can’t talk in certain situations because of fear or anxiety. It usually affects young children, but it […]
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“Imagine” Brant Winn was so impressed with a workshop he attended by Dianne Mahoney that he has now become an active proponent of The Imagine Project, an approach to mental wellness through “imagining” the possibilities in a seven step approach to healing. The imagine project was created by Dianne Mahoney. This nonprofit organization provides free […]
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The importance of breathing Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7, NASB) Dentistry involves so much more than cleaning teeth. Dentist Timothy Doolin, DMD shares incredible insights on how the development of our tongue […]
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Judith Vander Wege has been a Christian freelance writer for 44 years. On today’s episode, she shares about the heartache she’s endured over her life and how God has walked with her through the pain and grief. Judith shared insights about grief from her book, Annalisa’s Journey through Grief. See the book on Amazon. suggestions for […]
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WAYFARING: A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH Warren Kinghorn is a psychiatrist, theological ethicist, and author. But more than anything, he is a man of God who desires to keep faith at the forefront in all his endeavors. In this interview, Dr. Kinghorn shares personal thoughts and insights from his book, Wayfaring: A Christian Approach […]
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Caroline’s guest, Chris Morris, has a story to tell. In episode 48, he shares important tips for finding a therapist based on his challenging experience. Additionally, Chris talks about the importance of having a support network for accountability. Episode 49 goes deeper into Chris’s story as he shares about his suicide attempt. This important episode […]
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Caroline’s guest, Chris Morris, has a story to tell. In episode 48, he shares important tips for finding a therapist based on his challenging experience. Additionally, Chris talks about the importance of having a support network for accountability. Episode 49 goes deeper into Chris’s story as he shares about his suicide attempt. This important episode […]
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Here are the September-October episode topics and guests for Mental Health & Faith: A Closer Look. 9/3/24 – Resilient & Redeemed: Therapy with Chris Morris 9/10/24 – Resilient & Redeemed: Suicide with Chris Morris 9/17/24 – Wayfaring with Dr. Warren Kinghorn 9/24/24 – Overcoming Grief with Judy Vander Wege 10/1/24 – The Mouth and Mental […]
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Roxanne Pendleton shares information about trauma and trauma informed care (TIC) from a professional and personal perspective. She has lived through trauma and turned that experience into an opportunity to help others. Roxanne works as a trauma consultant at the Center for Trauma Informed Innovation at University Health-Behavioral Health (formerly Truman Behavioral Health). Roxanne is […]
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Jane Alexander bravely shares her experience with mental illness and trauma in a podcast originally posted in March of 2020. As she shares you will gain insight into what it’s like to live with a mental illness. You’ll be comforted that you are not alone in your mental health challenges. And, you’ll be reminded that […]
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Today’s episode is a replay of Caroline’s first episode on the Mental Health & Faith podcast. The information shared is still relevant and you will enjoy listening to insights related to mental health, faith, and recovery. Caroline’s guest is her sister, Terri Cooley-Bennett, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the field for […]
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The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how journaling can be beneficial in working your way to healing. Write Your StorY […]
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The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how journaling can be beneficial in working your way to healing. Journaling Thanks to […]
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The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how poetry can be beneficial in exploring emotions and how to express those feelings […]
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Self-care = taking care of self! Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, many people are over-committed, have too many activities on the calendar, and prioritize their careers over their well-being. But taking time out everyday for yourself is essential for holistic health. Mindfulness You can find free resources on mindfulness on the following websites] Focus on the […]
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Let’s have an honest conversation. My husband lost his job last year and at one point we thought we’d lose our house. Some close relatives have experienced significant health issues. I didn’t receive the promotion that I thought was guaranteed. I had a disagreement with a friend that has broken our relationship. My new insurance […]
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Recovery for life Caroline’s guest, Scott Hartman, is a man who knows how hard life can be. After being raped as a child, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this unresolved pain. For many years, he hid his addictions until they overwhelmed his life. That’s when he began the recovery journey. Scott […]
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lOVE THE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF It is sometimes easier to love others than it is to love ourselves. But God tells us that we are to love others AS we love ourselves! In this episode Caroline share 3 ways to love others and 6 ways to love yourself. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO […]
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Love for the Lonely Many people celebrate love for the entire month of February with Valentine’s Day right in middle. But not everyone enjoys February 14 or thinking about romantic love. Caroline’s guest, Cindy Hixson is one of them. At least she used to be. In this episode, Cindy shares her inspirational and emotional story […]
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Today’s episode is an interview with Alex Dumas, an executive coach and keynote speaker who shares his wisdom from the coaching world. He also invites listeners to join him for a book study related to being your best. Although this is not a Christian study, it will have many applications for Christians who desire to […]
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New Heavens and a New Earth The fourth and final episode in the All Things New series looks at three passages in Scripture — the only three passages — that use the phrase “new heavens and new earth.” Isaiah 65:17-19 God speaks to his people through the prophet Isaiah to give them a glimmer of […]
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The New Covenant When the people of Israel were rescued from slavery in Egypt by the Lord, He established a covenant with them that would be impossible to keep. In His perfect timing, God revealed the New Covenant to take its place. Caroline reads from Exodus, Jeremiah, and Luke in this episode comparing the first […]
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A New Creation As we seek to grow in our spiritual lives, we have hope, joy, and peace. We will realize we God has a purpose for us in life. When we grow in our spiritual lives, we will improve our mental health as well.In the second episode on January’s “All Things New” series, Caroline […]
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All Things New A New Life What does having new life have to due with mental health? Our spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health are all connected. It is my hope that as we explore the idea of having new life that we will experience hope, joy, and peace. When we experience these positive outlooks […]
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Body, mind, and soul Kristin says, “I started my practice to help other women who were fed up with chronic dieting, and ready to focus on improving their health. Better health has the happy side effect of weight loss.” Better health also has the side-effect of better mental health. In this episode, Kristin shares some […]
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Recognizing Victory In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory. The horse is prepared for the day of […]
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This episode is a replay of Episode 18 – The Cycle of Recovery (Part 2) – Transformation, originally published in April 2023. Experience Transformation In this second episode of a three-part series, Caroline continues sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and […]
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This episode is a replay of Episode 18 – The Cycle of Recovery (Part 1) – Hope, originally published in April 2023. Find Hope In this first episode of a three-part series, Caroline introduces the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize […]
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Caroline’s guest this week is Patricia Plumb, an educator, counselor, leadership consultant, and author. She has worn many hats but her focus these days is with The Shepherd’s Touch Ministry, a ministry she founded in 2018. On today’s episode, Patricia shares a couple of stories that reveal keys to effective and caring communication. She also […]
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Call/text 988, the U.S. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, if you are in a crisis. Suicide is a serious problem in the United States and around the world. It is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and 1 in nearly every 100 global deaths is a result of suicide. (multiple sources) See […]
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September is suicide prevention month. If you are in a crisis, please call or text 988, the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline. Or, visit 988lifeline.org and start a live chat. This episode features a conversation with retired pastor and author Oscar Destruge. He courageously shares his story of loss and despair that nearly led […]
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Marsha Morgan – Resilience Builders Marsha Morgan has a passion for providing care for people who have experienced trauma, live with a mental illness, or struggle with substance use disorders. When she retired after a long, successful career as a mental health professional, she turned her passion and compassion into a consulting firm, Resilience Builders. […]
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The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty Rev. Jermine (pronounced Jer-Mane) Alberty is an author, podcast host, faith leader, national trainer with the Mental Health First Aid organization, and consultant. Throughout his 25 years in numerous industries, he has served in both faith-based and secular capacities, including non-profits, faith communities, government, mental health, and academia. In […]
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Brittney Moses is a mental health advocate and content creator with over 50K followers on Instagram and over 2,500 subscribers to her YouTube Channel. She also is a student, wife, mother, and woman of God with a calling to bring awareness to a variety of issues related to mental wellness. In this interview, Caroline talks […]
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Recognize Victory In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory. The horse is prepared for the day of […]
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Experience Transformation In this second episode of a three-part series, Caroline continues sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on transformation. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the […]
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Find Hope In this first episode of a three-part series, Caroline introduces the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on recovery and hope. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. […]
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The Resurrection In this final episode of Caroline’s 3-part Bible study on Easter events, Caroline reads the resurrection story from the gospel of Luke. “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.” Luke 24;5-6 (NASB) The Road to Emmaus Luke also records the events that […]
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Part 2 – Holy Week Events In this 2nd of a 3-part Bible study on the Easter events, Caroline reads select events from Holy Week from the Gospel of Mark including the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Caroline, a musician and composer, also shares her heart and her song that bridges the […]
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Part 1 – Palm Sunday In this first of three Bible lessons on Easter events, Caroline reads the Palm Sunday story. She then takes a look at events immediately before and after Jesus rode into Jerusalem for Passover. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Crisis Lines Nationwide (USA) Suicide […]
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Preparing to write This episode is part 2 in a 2-part series. If you have not listened to part 1, Episode 13, please check it out for some great information to help you prepare for writing. You will learn six reasons why writing your story can be beneficial based on what we read in the […]
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In this 2-part series, Caroline encourages you to write your story. You don’t have to be a writer or have a big vocabulary to take on this assignment. You are already the expert! Although, you may be surprised at what you learn about yourself in the writing process. In part 1 of How to Write […]
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What does the church think about mental health? In this first episode of 2023, Caroline has a discussion with a long-time friend that addresses one of the main purposes of the Mental Health and Faith podcast — taking a closer look at mental health and the church. Their conversation includes the following topics: How does […]
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Restoring Families Caroline continues her interview with Holly Haynes with the Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute (FBCTI). In this episode, Holly shares the final four steps of FBCTI’s 7-step approach to reconciliation. Check out episode 10 for the first three steps! The 7 Steps to Reconciliation Be a peacemaker and make the first move Ask God […]
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Restoring Families Caroline’s guest, Holly Haynes, shares the importance of having a relationship with God as a foundation for restoring relationships with people. Holly shares Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute’s 7-step approach to restoring family relationships. In this episode, Holly gives foundational information and reveals the first three steps with Scriptural support, stories, and insights. (In […]
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Caroline and Dr. James Clark continue their conversation on dealing with conflict in families. This episode is about creating change that lasts in order to have a stronger family — a kind of change that only God can bring. The podcast includes a real-life, inspiring story of how one individual took a journey from resentment […]
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As the holidays approach, many families anticipate family gatherings with excitement and joy. Unfortunately, some people may be dreading the obligatory holiday gathering. In this interview with Dr. James Clark, we will learn practical steps to take to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, potential family conflict. We will also learn to ask for and offer forgiveness […]
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Mental Health Resources at Mental Health America of the Heartland Sue Crain Lewis is the President/CEO of Mental Health America of the Heartland, the local office of the nationwide Mental Health America nonprofit. Sue’s compassion is her strongest attribute in serving the needs of persons living with mental illness as well as their families and […]
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September is Recovery Month! Sometimes this designation gets overlooked because September is also Suicide Prevention Month. But one way to address rising suicide rates is to help people learn to live a life of recovery. In this podcast, Caroline shares definitions of recovery that include one unique perspective of recovery as “to again protect myself.” […]
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This podcast features an interview with Kirsti Millar, licensed counselor and suicide prevention specialist at ReDiscover in the Greater Kansas City area. Kirsti shares important information about forming relationships and having conversations with youth at risk of developing suicidal thoughts or completing suicide. This is crucial information in today’s world. Caroline begins the podcast by […]
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Caroline interviews Terri Cooley-Bennett, a social worker with over 30 years of experience in the field. . . and Caroline’s sister. September is suicide prevention month. Terri shares valuable information on warning signs and how to respond to an individual at risk. They also discuss the role faith can play in the recovery and healing […]
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In this second of two episodes on encouragement, Caroline shares the last five suggestions from her resource on how to encourage friends. While originally written for encouraging someone with depression, the tips provided are applicable for encouraging individuals in many different circumstances. We live in a broken world, and God has called us to encourage […]
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In this first of a two-part episode, Caroline shares the first five suggestions from her resource on how to encourage friends. While originally written for encouraging someone with depression, the tips provided are applicable for encouraging individuals in many different circumstances. We live in a broken world, and God has called us to encourage and […]
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Living With a Mental Illness In this first episode of Caroline S. Cooper’s Mental Health and Faith podcast, she introduces herself to her listeners by sharing a little of her journey to become the writer, speaker, and podcast host that she is today. She tells of childhood trauma, untreated mental illness, and the power of […]
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