This episode I talk with a friend Richard Black about what happens in the space after someone receives a mental health diagnosis. Richard discusses the hope that neuroplasticity offers and how we can learn to regulate our emotions. I share from my personal experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the hope that I found following this. Richard is a counsellor, and sought after speaker in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For reflective questions on this episode and more about Richard Black’s counselling and church leadership services visit https://revivinghope.life

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

In this episode I sit down with Brett Harvey, an outstanding communicator who equips parents and educators with the tools to effectively talk about pornography with children and youth. His organisation Tāima Kōrero, Time to Talk, is helping to mitigate the harmful effects of pornography on young people in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

In this conversation Brett has a message for parents, as well for those who use pornography and wish they could quit. Brett is relatable with his own recovery journey. We touch on the topics of shame and set backs as they are particularly relevant to ‘churched’ youth. Many of us know from lived experience, that shame from mental illness can cause isolation and suffering. There will be those who use porn, and experience mental health challenges as well. Please share this vital message with family, friends and church leaders.

For more information about Tāima Kōrero, contact, and excellent resources go to: https://www.taimakorero.co.nz/resources

Mind Health counselling services offer in person and online services: https://mindhealth.org/

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Blog site: https://revivinghope.life/

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

I retell a story that has changed my life. It is about a wild man who Jesus heals and restores in a holistic way. It is a confronting miracle that touches every part of this man's life. It offers hope for God's love and healing work in our lives. I also share from my own mental health journey.

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To contact by email [email protected]

For my blog go to www.revivinghope.life

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

Roly McConnell is a drug and alcohol counsellor making a difference in the lives of whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand. His insights and approach to helping people with addictions is gained from a career spanning decades. Roly works for a kaupapa Māori organisation wrapping around the person and their whānau with support. This conversation is a taonga.

For more information about the organisation He Waka Tapu you can visit www.hewakatapu.org.nz

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

This episode counsellor Richard Black shares insights into the gift that forgiveness is to our mental wellbeing. We may leave a church for a variety of reasons. Richard also discusses how to leave a church in a healthy way.

Part one is available on this podcast. The introductory conversation to both can be listened to on the Reviving Hope blog www.revivinghope.life The post is called 'Being Healthy in a Church - Part 1'.

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For more information about Richard Black and Mind Health visit www.mindhealth.org 

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

Counsellor Richard Black and I discuss what it can be like looking for a Christian church. Richard also covers how to serve and give in church in a centred way - balancing our needs in different seasons of our lives. We also discuss healthy ways to perceive church leaders.

You can support this podcast by subscribing to more great content.

For more information about Richard Black and Mind Health visit www.mindhealth.org 

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

Phil Tait talks with me about a powerful practice for renewing our minds, and strengthening our souls. This is all about meditating on and learning Scripture. As you will hear it is an activity that has improved Phil’s mental health and life in a powerful way. I share about how I have incorporated this into my life in small ways and found the benefits too.

Visit my blog www.revivinghope.life for ideas on how to action this in your life, along with scriptures on God's love for you.

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Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.

Lucy Morten is a qualified social worker with experience in the fields of mental health and addictions. She also has her personal mental health journey (discussed with me in part one). This episode we talk about Lucy's research. Her thesis is on ‘Women with bipolar and the experiences (we) have in the New Zealand psychiatric system.’

This episode you will hear an inspiring life story from my friend Lucy Morten. She is a qualified social worker with experience in the fields of mental health and addictions. Being diagnosed with bipolar at only 18 years old, Lucy also knows what it is to face significant mental health challenges. I admire Lucy's courage to grow through these challenges, and work at her recovery in creative ways.

This episode I am introducing my friend Bron Tait. Bron and her husband Phil have been pastors for decades. They have an adult son who is profoundly autistic. This life experience along with her nursing background has enriched Bron’s pastoral care in the area of mental health.

Here Bron shares her story with empathy emerging from a difficult childhood. She tells of how she came to have faith in Jesus.

Bron has helped me greatly throughout my recovery journey. For more about this you can listen to episode one. We begin by having some fun about sharing the same name.

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To find out more about this episode go to www.revivinghope.life

Song credit: Blessed Are They, written by Bazi Baker and Benjamin MacGregor, Grace Vineyard Music.