The Chalice: Mental Health and Christian Faith

On this episode of The Chalice, we get to have a thoughtful and hope-filled conversation with Dr. Lorrie Slater, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Director of Henegar Counseling Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Slater offers insight into infidelity and betrayal trauma, how it impacts individuals emotionally and spiritually, and what healing and rebuilding trust can look like.

In this thoughtful episode of The Chalice, Dr. Kathleen Bazile joins us to explore the intersection of mental health, womanhood, and faith. Drawing from her research on faith and body image and her work as a clinician, clinical mental health counseling educator, and her own lived experience, Dr. Bazile discusses what it means to support women through life transitions, how faith can shape healing, and how future counselors can ethically integrate their values into practice. From perimenopause to professional identity, this conversation is rich with wisdom for clinicians, educators, and anyone on a journey of self-acceptance and growth.

In this inspiring episode of The Chalice, Richmont’s School of Ministry professor, Dr. Christopher L. Boyd, reflects on what he calls the “third quarter” of life and how to make the most of this season. Drawing from over 25 years of leadership across business, ministry, and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Boyd explores how we can lead with authenticity, steward our stories, and enter each season of life with purpose. Whether you're in your 20s or 60s, this episode will challenge and encourage you to believe there are still more great things to come.

In this powerful episode, Richmont alumni, counselor, educator, and entrepreneur Lyresa McGriff joins The Chalice to explore the spiritual and clinical importance of self-care for those called to care for others. Lyresa shares practical wisdom on launching a counseling career and insight from years of trauma-informed work, faith-based integration, and leadership in the mental health field.

In this episode of The Chalice, Dr. Robert Duckworth explores the eternal weight of our personal stories through the lens of 1 Corinthians 6:1–3. Drawing from his work in prisons and clinical counseling, Dr. Duckworth unpacks how narrative therapy and biblical theology can help individuals reframe their past as preparation for divine purpose. From eschatological hope to practical counseling strategies, this conversation is a compelling reminder that every story matters — and every story continues.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Chalice, Dr. Preston Hill shares his experience as a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his ongoing journey with C-PTSD. He explores the unique challenges male survivors face, the often-overlooked reality of spiritual trauma, and the pressing need for trauma-safe churches. Drawing from both lived experience and his work in trauma-informed theology, Dr. Hill offers a rare blend of vulnerability and insight into the redemptive power of naming harm.

In this episode of The Chalice: Mental Health & Christian Faith, we sit down with Richmont alumna and licensed professional counselor Mayra Richards and discuss opening a practice, integrating faith into sessions, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From spiritual trauma and EMDR to couples counseling, Mayra shares honestly about what it means to remain connected to God, to your calling, and to those you serve.

In this episode of The Chalice: Mental Health & Christian Faith, we sit down with Deanna Davis, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Clinical and Senior Director of the Richmont Trauma Center. Together, we unpack what trauma really is—beyond the buzzword—and how it often shows up in our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Deanna introduces us to Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach to trauma recovery, and shares why beginning with the body—not just the story—is essential for healing. She also explores how trauma can be misread as personality, how to avoid re-traumatization in therapy, and the importance of trauma-informed care for both clients and future clinicians. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Richmont Trauma Center’s mission to train skilled, compassionate therapists, and how Deanna integrates her faith in the sacred work of counseling.

In this episode, Transforming Trauma into a Life of Mission, Tahliah Peek joins us to share her inspiring journey from deep personal trauma to a life dedicated to Christian missions and mental health. Tahliah recounts how she found healing through faith and her work in counseling, enabling her to bring comfort and support to others facing their own struggles. Her story demonstrates resilience, redemption, and the power of presence in the midst of pain and offers a unique perspective on using one’s past to serve a greater purpose.

In this episode of Richmont To Go, we sit down with Alexandra Thompson, Executive Director of and Therapist at Cumberland Counseling Centers, to discuss her journey as a therapist and her leadership in making counseling accessible through faith-based settings. Alexandra shares Cumberland’s innovative model, which places mental health professionals directly in churches, promotes trauma-informed ministry, and provides affordable and accessible mental health care to communities in need.