May 02, 2026

Church is Community | An Interview with Steve Shields

57 minutes

Steven W. Shields, CMHC, CETII, CECII, is passionate about helping others regain their freedom by healing their root trauma. One of his greatest moments with clients is when he fires them. His hope is to help clients access that inner healing as quickly as possible so they can stop spending time and money in therapy, live the adventure, and experience the joys that life has in store for them. Steven loves dirt biking, Christian rap, and playing Pokémon with his kids.

Links

Is Mental Health Healing Possible? | An Interview with Steven Shields

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Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Steve discusses the importance of community and authenticity within Latter-day Saint congregations, and how to foster genuine connections and address the challenges of secrecy and shame in church settings.

Key Insights

Community vs. Secrecy: Steven emphasizes the distinction between confidentiality and secrecy. While confidentiality involves honoring individuals’ stories, secrecy can hinder authentic connections and healing.

Authenticity in Leadership: Leaders are encouraged to model authenticity by sharing their own experiences and struggles, which can create a safe space for others to do the same.

The Role of Therapy: Therapy serves as an artificial container for healing, providing tools and support that individuals may not find within their community. However, true healing often occurs through genuine relationships and community support.

Cultural Challenges: Many members feel isolated or disconnected in their wards, often due to fear of judgment. Steven argues that this leads to a culture of silence, where individuals keep secrets rather than seeking connection.

Building Connections: Leaders should actively work to create environments where members feel safe to share their struggles, thus fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Leadership Applications

Encourage Vulnerability: Leaders can promote a culture of openness by sharing their own challenges and inviting members to do the same, which can help break down barriers of shame and secrecy.

Facilitate Small Groups: Organizing smaller gatherings or discussion groups can help members connect on a deeper level, allowing for more meaningful conversations and support.

Model Authenticity: By being transparent about their own journeys, leaders can inspire others to engage authentically, ultimately strengthening the ward community and enhancing overall unity.

00:03:43 – The Importance of Community

00:04:16 – Current Trends in Therapy

00:05:40 – Managing vs. Healing

00:08:10 – The Role of Worthiness

00:09:50 – The Journey of Repentance

00:11:32 – Addressing Pornography in Leadership

00:12:25 – Confidentiality vs. Secrecy

00:14:05 – The Nature of Confidentiality

00:15:10 – The Need for Vulnerability

00:18:25 – Creating Safe Spaces in Church

00:19:28 – The Power of Authenticity

00:21:11 – Building Connections in the Ward

00:23:29 – The Role of Community in Recovery

00:25:17 – The Importance of Sharing Stories

00:27:39 – Overcoming Fear and Shame

00:29:10 – The Cost of Speaking Up

00:30:57 – The Role of Therapy in Healing

00:32:19 – Building Community in the Church

00:34:06 – The Future of Healing and Community

00:35:17 – The Role of Therapy as an Artificial Container

00:37:14 – The Need for Organic Healing

00:40:10 – Therapy and Community

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

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