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By Heidi Mortenson, MA, LMFT
4.9
7070 ratings
The podcast currently has 261 episodes available.
The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

What if every thought going through your mind isn't actually something you need to agree with? Following my conversation with Dr. Natalie Atwell, I want to go deeper into spiritual discernment—and why understanding both the psychological and spiritual realms matters for our mental health. As a mental health therapist and Christian, I believe we can fall into two extremes: seeing a demon behind every struggle or explaining everything psychologically and forgetting that Scripture says spiritual warfare is real. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize when a thought doesn't line up with God's truth Why Scripture tells us both to take thoughts captive and resist the enemy What the Bible says about our authority over demonic spirits Why Christians disagree about whether a believer can "have a demon" Practical steps for growing in discernment and walking in your authority in Christ The goal isn't to become demon-focused. It's to know Jesus, know His Word, and become increasingly able to recognize what is true—and what isn't. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." ~2 Corinthians 10:4–5 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." ~ James 4:7 Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call with Heidi: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!

What if some of what we're seeing in mental health can't be fully understood through a psychological lens alone? In this episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi sits down with Dr. Natalie Atwell, licensed clinical mental health counselor and author of Humanity Under Siege, for a thought-provoking conversation about mental health, spiritual warfare, and the unseen realm. After encountering the biblical scholarship of Dr. Michael Heiser, Natalie began looking more deeply at what Scripture says about the spiritual world—and how that understanding might inform her work with clients. Rather than replacing good clinical care with spiritual explanations, Natalie developed an approach that considers the whole person: psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual. Together, Heidi and Natalie discuss: How Michael Heiser's work on the unseen realm changed Natalie's approach to mental health How clinicians can explore spiritual concerns ethically, including the importance of assessment and informed consent Why Christians need discernment around New Age and other spiritual practices increasingly appearing in mental health spaces How to distinguish psychological and trauma-related patterns from possible spiritual influences—without assuming everything is spiritual How biblical truth, trauma-informed care, CBT, prayer, and spiritual assessment can work together while remaining within appropriate clinical boundaries Natalie also shares why she believes Christian therapists shouldn't have to hide their faith to practice ethically—and why both courage and humility are needed when addressing areas we cannot always see. This conversation is ultimately about hope. We don't have to fear the unseen realm, and we don't have to choose between sound mental health care and a biblical worldview. We can pursue truth, wisdom, discernment, and excellent care while continually pointing people toward the hope found in Jesus. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." — Ephesians 6:12 NKJV Learn more about Dr. Natalie Atwell and her work at Mental Warrior Consulting, and find her book, Humanity Under Siege, wherever books are sold. Natalie's website: https://mentalwarriorconsulting.com/ Purchase Natalie's book Humanity Under Siege: https://a.co/d/000TlgOl Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call with Heidi: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!

Can mental health symptoms have psychological, trauma-related, physical and spiritual components? And how do we discern what we're actually dealing with without spiritualizing everything—or leaving God completely out of the conversation? In this episode, Heidi shares some of her biggest takeaways from the Mental Health & Deliverance Conference and why clinicians, ministry leaders, and believers need wisdom, humility, and discernment when caring for people. One phrase captures the tension: "You can't cast out a person, and you can't counsel a demon." In this episode, you'll discover: • Why not everything is a demon—and not everything is psychological • Why trauma-informed care matters in deliverance ministry • What "you can't counsel a demon, and you can't cast out a person" really means • How to stay in your lane without leaving the Holy Spirit outside the room • Why we need more collaboration between clinicians and ministry leaders We don't have to choose between taking mental health seriously and taking the spiritual realm seriously. We can learn to hold both with wisdom, ethics, compassion, and biblical discernment. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…" — 1 John 4:1 Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Release what isn't yours free guide: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlkIf Heidi's website: www.heidimortenson.com Join Heidi's mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!

What if some of the confusion you've experienced in your faith isn't because God is unclear—but because truth has become mixed with other voices? In this thought-provoking episode, Heidi sits down with therapist, teacher, and author Dr. Jessica Stone to unpack one of the greatest challenges facing Christians today: spiritual mixture. Together they explore what happens when biblical truth becomes blended with personal experiences, emotional reasoning, cultural influences, or teachings that aren't rooted in Scripture. Rather than living from formulas, other people's testimonies, or emotional highs, God invites us into something far deeper—a personal relationship with Him and a Kingdom mindset that brings clarity, freedom, and peace. In this episode, you'll discover: Why spiritual mixture creates confusion and keeps believers stuck. How to discern God's voice from emotions, experiences, and human opinions. Why the simplicity of the Gospel is still the pathway to freedom. How testimonies can inspire without becoming unrealistic expectations. Practical ways to build a Kingdom mindset rooted in Scripture instead of spiritual trends. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV) Dr. Jessica also shares resources from her Kingdom Mindset Masterclass and discusses how believers can grow in biblical discernment while cultivating a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus. Dr. Jessica Stone's website: https://www.kingdommindset.global/ Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!

What if your everyday work could become a catalyst for freedom and healing? In this powerful conversation, Heidi sits down with Stephanie Page, founder of Stories Foundation, to discuss her journey of faith, obedience, and the mission to combat human trafficking right here in Minnesota. Stephanie shares how God led her to start a nonprofit café that not only serves coffee but also creates opportunities, support, and hope for survivors of exploitation and trafficking. Together, they unpack the realities of trafficking, the role manipulation and unhealthy relationships play in exploitation, and how communities can become part of the solution. Stephanie also shares how she stays grounded in God's heart while carrying the weight of such difficult work. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ How human trafficking often begins through manipulation and unhealthy relationships✔️ Warning signs of grooming, exploitation, and relational control✔️ Practical ways to support survivors and raise awareness in your community✔️ How obedience to God's calling can lead to greater impact than you ever imagined Whether you're a parent, leader, counselor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation will equip and inspire you to bring light into some of the darkest places of our culture. "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." — Isaiah 1:17 (ESV) "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." — Proverbs 31:8 To learn more, support the mission, or get involved, visit storiesfoundation.org. Steph's website: www.storiesfoundation.org Heidi's website: www.heidimortenson.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Release what isn't yours free guide: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlkIf · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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