TheoTherapist Podcast

What happens when your faith is strong, but your mental health is struggling? Can you question God, experience depression, and still have a meaningful spiritual life?

In this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman, theologian, author, and ordained AME elder, for a candid conversation about depression, spiritual growth, and the courage to tell the truth about suffering.

Drawing from her memoir Bipolar Faith, Dr. Coleman discusses her journey through faith and mental health challenges, her calling to ministry, and why she chose to share experiences that are often kept silent in religious communities.

Together, they explore:

• Why churches must speak openly about mental illness and depression.

• How silence, secrecy, and stigma prevent people from seeking support.

• Why questioning or even losing faith can be part of spiritual growth.

• What womanist theology brings to conversations about Black women's experiences and mental health.

• How spiritual bypassing can minimize real emotional suffering.

• Why being blessed does not mean being free from stress.

• How congregations can provide practical support, referrals, and care.

• The importance of recognizing emotional, verbal, and financial abuse.

Dr. Coleman reminds us that acknowledging pain does not mean abandoning faith. Sometimes, telling the truth about suffering is where meaningful care begins.

Connect with Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman

Website: https://monicaacoleman.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/revdrmonica

Facebook: https://facebook.com/revdrmonica

Subscribe to Dr. Coleman's free newsletter through her website.

The TheoTherapist Podcast

Real talk at the intersection of theology and therapy.

Visit https://thetheotherapist.com for more episodes and resources.

#TheTheoTherapist #BipolarFaith #MentalHealthAndFaith #SpiritualBypassing #BlackMentalHealth #SeekSolaceNow #IDefineStrong

Can artificial intelligence help us care for one another without replacing the human connection that makes healing possible?

In this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, host Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes Marquita Maxwell, LPC, licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and clinical supervisor, for a timely conversation about faith, therapy, artificial intelligence, and the ethical challenges of mental health care in a rapidly changing digital world.

As AI tools become increasingly common in everyday life, more people are turning to technology for emotional support, relationship advice, and mental health information. But what happens when someone consults an AI chatbot before speaking with a therapist, pastor, or trusted friend?

Drawing from their experiences in pastoral counseling, clinical practice, and counselor education, Dr. Glenn and Maxwell explore both the opportunities and limitations of technology. They discuss how telehealth has expanded access to care, why AI requires thoughtful ethical boundaries, and how cultural and spiritual experiences can be misunderstood without appropriate clinical context.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: technology can provide information, but it cannot replace the depth of human relationships, professional accountability, or the sacred dimensions of healing.

In this episode, we explore:

• How faith and professional counseling work together.

• The evolution of telehealth and its impact on access to mental health care.

• Why clients increasingly consult AI before seeing a therapist.

• Ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated mental health advice.

• Cultural sensitivity, spiritual experiences, and the limits of technology.

• Why the therapeutic relationship remains central to effective counseling.

• Using AI as a resource rather than a replacement for professional care.

• The importance of choice, consent, and healthy boundaries.

• How churches and faith communities can use technology while preserving personal connection.

Marquita also discusses her work supporting relationships and introduces her book, Being the One: B12 The Relationship Vitamin.

Whether you're a mental health professional, pastor, faith leader, technology enthusiast, or someone navigating the digital age, this conversation invites you to consider how we can embrace innovation without losing what makes care deeply human.

Connect with Marquita Maxwell, LPC

Website: https://www.millennialc3.com

Instagram: @millennialdatingcoach

Book: Being the One: B12 The Relationship Vitamin, available on Amazon.

Connect with The TheoTherapist Podcast

Website: https://thetheotherapist.com

Follow the podcast on Spotify, subscribe for future episodes, and share this conversation with someone interested in faith, mental health, and the future of care.

Real talk at the intersection of theology and therapy.

Note: This episode is educational and does not replace individualized mental health care from a qualified professional.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:37 Welcome to The TheoTherapist Podcast
02:51 The Guiding Question: Keeping Care Ethical and Human
03:41 Faith Meets Clinical Counseling
06:02 Relationships, Counseling, and Personal Growth
11:10 AI, Ethics, and the Need for Professional Guardrails
12:10 Education, Awareness, and Action: The AI A-Team
13:20 When Clients Consult AI Before Therapy
14:22 AI Limitations, Accountability, and Ethical Concerns
16:53 Technology and the Importance of Human Connection
17:43 The Therapeutic Relationship Cannot Be Duplicated
18:54 Cultural and Spiritual Understanding in Mental Health Care
23:28 Spiritual Growth and the Complexity of Human Experience
24:35 There Is No Easy Button for Life
30:01 Why Faith Communities Need Honest Conversations About AI
31:04 Technology as a Ministry Resource
33:17 Keeping the Human and Sacred at the Center
33:49 Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
35:38 Why Human Connection Cannot Be Replaced

What does it mean to prioritize your mental health unapologetically, especially when faith, cultural expectations, and the pressure to be strong shape how you respond to emotional struggles?

In this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, host Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes clinical psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author Dr. Rheeda Walker for a candid conversation about Black mental health, faith, psychological fortitude, and breaking free from stigma and shame.

Dr. Walker explores how faith can serve as a powerful source of resilience while reminding us that spiritual strength and practical mental health care can work together. Together, they examine the emotional weight of the "Strong Black Woman" myth, the importance of rest, and how families, churches, and communities can offer meaningful support.

In this episode, we explore:

• Psychological fortitude and how to assess your emotional capacity

• The intersection of faith, therapy, and Black mental health

• The hidden burden of always appearing strong

• Why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness

• The importance of rest, boundaries, and emotional honesty

• Suicide prevention, protective factors, and community connection

• How pastors and church leaders can support mental wellness

• Practical ways to show up for people who are struggling

Featured Resources

The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health and The Unapologetic Workbook for Black Mental Health

Learn more about Dr. Walker and her books: https://www.rheedawalkerphd.com/book

Follow Dr. Walker:
Instagram: @dr.rheedawalker
Website: https://www.rheedawalkerphd.com

Connect with The TheoTherapist Podcast

Website: https://thetheotherapist.com

Real talk at the intersection of theology and therapy.

If this conversation resonates with you, follow the podcast, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and join us for more conversations about faith, mental health, and healing.

Mental Health Resource: In the United States, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
02:45 Why Black Mental Health Must Be Unapologetic
05:23 Faith, Spirituality & Resilience
08:35 Understanding Psychological Fortitude
11:27 The Emotional Weight of Carrying Everything
13:21 Hidden Struggles and Appearing Strong
15:41 The Importance of Rest and Sabbath
17:13 Suicide Prevention and Protective Factors
19:50 What Church Leaders Need to Understand
21:51 Recognizing Limits and Making Referrals
25:00 Psychological Fortitude and Community Support
28:00 Overcoming the Strong Black Woman Myth
29:34 Courage, Healing, and Asking for Help
30:15 Dr. Walker's Books and Resources
31:27 Closing Reflections

Faith does not remove uncertainty, but it can help us face uncertainty with honesty, courage, and care.

In this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes Dr. David H. Rosmarin for a thoughtful conversation on anxiety, spirituality, mental health, and the fear of uncertainty.

Dr. Rosmarin brings a unique perspective to the intersection of spirituality and evidence-based mental health care. He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, director of the Spirituality and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, founder of Center for Anxiety, and author of Thriving with Anxiety: Nine Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You. transcript - rosmarin

Together, Dr. Glenn and Dr. Rosmarin explore why anxiety is not always something to fight, how faith can help people live with uncertainty, why spiritual bypassing can keep people from doing needed emotional work, and how faith communities can become safer spaces for people navigating anxiety.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How spirituality and mental health connect
• Why anxiety does not always mean something is wrong
• How anxiety can become motivation
• Why uncertainty is part of being human
• What it means to do the work and let go of the outcome
• Spiritual bypassing and emotional avoidance
• The four steps for managing anxiety: identify, share, embrace, and let go
• Why vulnerability creates connection
• Why faith leaders need exposure to mental health care
• Practical first steps for people who are not ready for therapy yet

Dr. Rosmarin reminds us that the goal is not always to get rid of anxiety, but to learn how to use it constructively through practices like identifying, sharing, embracing, and letting go. transcript - rosmarin

Guest: Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Host: Dr. Ca Trice Glenn
Podcast: The TheoTherapist Podcast
Tagline: Real talk at the intersection of theology and therapy.

Connect with Dr. David H. Rosmarin:
Website: https://dhrosmarin.com
Instagram: @dhrosmarin
TikTok: @dhrosmarin
Facebook: David H. Rosmarin
LinkedIn: David H. Rosmarin

Follow The TheoTherapist Podcast:
YouTube: @theotherapistpodcast
Instagram: @theotherapistpodcast
Website: TheTheoTherapist.com

#TheTheoTherapistPodcast #AnxietyAndFaith #FaithAndMentalHealth #SpiritualityAndMentalHealth #TheologyAndTherapy

Chapters:

00:00 Opening Intro

00:25 Welcome to The TheoTherapist Podcast

00:38 Introducing Dr. David H. Rosmarin

02:52 How Spirituality Entered Clinical Care

05:48 How Anxiety Became Part of His Work

06:35 Working With Anxiety, Not Against It

08:18 Anxiety Does Not Always Mean Something Is Wrong

09:03 Faith Communities and Anxiety Stigma

11:15 The Fear of Uncertainty

12:46 Do the Work and Let Go of the Rest

14:06 Letting Go Does Not Mean Doing Less

15:05 Spiritual Bypassing

17:36 Four Steps for Anxiety

18:58 Vulnerability Creates Connection

19:25 Embrace What Scares You

20:55 Faith Leaders and Psychiatric Care

22:29 One Step Before Therapy

23:33 Final Reflections

24:22 How to Connect with Dr. David H. Rosmarin

24:27 Closing and Subscribe

In this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes Rev. William Hemphill, MDiv., LPC, for a rich conversation about what it means to heal the whole person at the intersection of faith, theology, pastoral care, and clinical counseling.

Rev. Hemphill shares how his own journey as a pastor, counselor, chaplain, author, and speaker shaped his passion for helping people bring faith and mental health into the same room. Together, Dr. Glenn and Rev. Hemphill explore why some faith communities remain hesitant about therapy, why pastors cannot carry every care role alone, and why trusted partnerships between churches and mental health professionals matter.

This conversation also speaks to imposter syndrome, spiritual trauma, church hurt, sabbaticals, clergy wellness, and the courage it takes to seek therapy when you are a person of faith.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How faith and therapy intersect
• Why seeking therapy does not mean a lack of faith
• The limits of pastoral care and the need for clinical support
• Mental health stigma in faith communities
• Spiritual trauma and church hurt
• Imposter syndrome and faith-based reframing
• Why pastors and ministry leaders need rest, therapy, and sabbaticals
• How therapy can create space for faith, pain, grief, and healing

Rev. Hemphill reminds us that therapy can be one of the ways God participates in a person’s healing, just as people seek medical care for the body. william-dr

Guest: Rev. William Hemphill, MDiv., LPCHosted by: Dr. Ca Trice GlennPodcast: The TheoTherapist Podcast

Connect with Rev. William Hemphill:WilliamHemphillSpeaks.comFaithandFamilyEmpowerment.comAt the Table Ministries

Follow The TheoTherapist Podcast:YouTube: @theotherapistpodcastInstagram: @theotherapistpodcastWebsite: TheTheoTherapist.com

Chapters:

00:14 Welcome to The TheoTherapist Podcast

01:50 When Faith and Therapy Work Together

03:01 Meet Rev. William Hemphill

05:37 How Therapy Became Part of His Calling

07:45 Why the Faith and Therapy Bridge Matters

09:02 Why Pastors Often Carry Mental Health Trust

10:30 Why Pastors Need Clinical Partners

11:38 The Guiding Question for Whole-Person Healing

12:39 Therapy Is Not a Lack of Faith

13:25 How Pain, Trauma, and Faith Intersect

15:32 Meaning Making in Grief, Trauma, and Faith

18:31 Holding Faith and Therapy in One Container

19:32 Imposter Syndrome and What God Says About You

22:16 You Are Not Your Mistakes

25:27 Grace, Humanity, and Church Leadership

27:29 Sabbath, Rest, and Sabbaticals

29:21 Why Healthy Pastors Need Time to Replenish

31:01 Church Hurt and the Need to Be Witnessed

32:42 Separating Harmful Leaders from God

33:49 Leaving Harmful Faith Systems

35:37 The Grief of Losing Church Community

37:22 The Courage to Leave

38:33 A Word for Believers Hesitant About Therapy

39:38 Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing in Therapy

41:20 Faith as a Tool for Healing, Not Harm

42:18 Closing Reflections

43:08 How to Connect with Rev. William Hemphill

44:58 Final Encouragement and Subscribe

In this Season 5 opener, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes listeners back to The TheoTherapist Podcast and sets the tone for a new season of real conversations at the intersection of theology and therapy. This episode explores why faith and mental health belong in the same conversation, why silence and stigma still harm individuals and communities, and how honest dialogue can help people heal, grow, and seek support without shame.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the intersection of faith and therapy

02:10 Why season five dives deeper into faith and mental health

04:03 The role of theology in understanding life's challenges

05:13 Therapy as a layer of understanding in healing

06:50 The importance of prayer and spiritual practices

08:24 Living through pain and trauma with faith and therapy

09:45 Therapy as a vehicle for mental wellness

11:00 Topics covered this season: anxiety, depression, community care

12:21 Who this podcast is for: faith communities and mental health advocates

14:06 Encouragement to seek help and embrace healing

In this episode of the TheoTherapist Podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn and Reverend Rebecca Craig delve into the topic of emotional healing after church hurt. They discuss personal stories, the intersection of faith and therapy, and offer insights into overcoming spiritual abuse. Join us for a transformative conversation that explores the power of storytelling and art in the healing process.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:03:00 Guest Introduction: Reverend Rebecca Craig

00:09:00 Personal Stories of Healing

00:18:00 The Role of Art and Storytelling

00:27:00 Understanding Spiritual Abuse

00:36:00 Finding Community and Support

00:45:00 Navigating Forgiveness and Boundaries

00:54:00 Empowering Women in the Bible

01:03:00 Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

This episode explores the dynamics of church family drama and the healing processes involved. Dr. Ca Trice Glenn and Dr. Dawnn Brumfield delve into the concept of the 'church within the church,' examining how family roles and dynamics manifest within congregational settings.

Chapters:

01:32 Introduction to Family Systems in the Church

04:00 Understanding the Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

06:32 Exploring Family Dynamics and Church Roles

09:19 Identifying Scapegoats and Heroes in Congregations

12:07 Impact of Family Systems on Church Dynamics

14:49 Curiosity and Conflict Resolution in Church Settings

17:47 Recognizing Patterns of Dysfunction in Faith Communities

22:39 The Challenge of Curiosity and Awareness

26:07 Navigating Family Systems and Community Dynamics

28:59 Grounding Practices in Community Care

32:46 Healing Through Conflict and Community Care

38:23 Grace and Intentionality in Relationships

In this episode of the TheoTherapist podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn and Marcus Price, MDiv., MSW, LCSW discuss the importance of caring for caregivers, the journey of a wounded healer, and the integration of spirituality in therapy. They explore the challenges faced by mental health providers, the significance of self-care, and the need for therapists to connect with their own wounds to better serve their clients. They emphasize the relational aspect of healing and the necessity of creating spaces for personal replenishment amidst the demands of caregiving. The conversation explores the importance of relationships, personal growth, and the need for therapists to reconnect with their spiritual selves to provide effective care.

In this episode of the Theo Therapist Podcast, Dr. Ca Trice Glenn and Dr. Kamilah Jones discuss the impact of interpersonal violence and the healing journey for survivors. They explore the importance of trust, the complexities of spirituality in healing, and the need for open conversations about violence in our communities. Dr. Jones shares her personal journey into the mental health field and the intersection of theology and therapy, emphasizing the significance of empowerment and support for survivors.