August 2025 – Page 6 – Mental Health & Faith

50. A Christian Approach to Mental Health with Warren Kinghorn

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

WAYFARING: A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH

Warren Kinghorn is a psychiatrist, theological ethicist, and author. But more than anything, he is a man of God who desires to keep faith at the forefront in all his endeavors. In this interview, Dr. Kinghorn shares personal thoughts and insights from his book, Wayfaring: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care. Dr. Kinghorn’s book is published by Eerdman’s Publishing and is currently available. Here is a link to the Amazon page: “Wayfaring” available on Amazon

You can reach Dr. Kinghorn through Duke Divinity. Let him know if you’re interested in studying with him at the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School. Here is a link to his profile: https://divinity.duke.edu/faculty/warren-kinghorn

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of Mental Health Connect) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@carolinescooper.com.

NEED HELP?
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/
Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon

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51. Heartache, Grief, and God with Judith Vander Wege

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Judith Vander Wege has been a Christian freelance writer for 44 years. On today’s episode, she shares about the heartache she’s endured over her life and how God has walked with her through the pain and grief. Judith shared insights about grief from her book, Annalisa’s Journey through Grief. See the book on Amazon.

suggestions for Coping with Grief

What are the things that helped Annalisa cope with her grief?

1. It helped that a kind, concerned and respected friend was the one who brought her the news.
2. He let her cry without giving her platitudes, and acted sympathetic and patient.
3. It’s best not to say much while the griever is adjusting to the shock of the death.
4. Annalisa’s aunt was with her, who was also grieving. She said, “We’ll make it through.”
5. The one who brought the news (Pastor) prayed with them.
6. Annalisa’s dad was her aunt’s brother so they could support each other and understand.
7. They knew God is holy and righteous, and that he uses evil for good for those who love him.
8. It helped that neighbors and church friends were kind and helpful and sympathetic.
9. It helped Annalisa to reach out to Brenda (her bully) to try to help her and pray for her.
10.Favorite songs help.
11. Realizing other people have grief, also, helps.
12. It helps to have an older Christian loved one, who has gone through grief, remind of what God’s word says and help to understand about God and His love.
13. It helps to attend a Grief Support Group, especially if they are around the same age.
14. Realize that varied emotion are normal. It’s ok to cry, to express feelings of guilt, fears, etc.

Judith’s Contact Information

https://judithvanderwege.com/
Email: judith.vw.4hm@gmail.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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52. Breathing & Wellness with Dentist Tim Doolin

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

The importance of breathing

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7, NASB)

Dentistry involves so much more than cleaning teeth. Dentist Timothy Doolin, DMD shares incredible insights on how the development of our tongue and facial structure can affect our ability to breathe, sleep, and develop our minds and bodies in a healthy way. He provides biblical support as well as many references and resources. Dr. Doolin also introduces four methods for improving tongue development and breathing skills that will also lead to positive mental health and wellness.

Tim referenced the following books about breathing: Breath, by James Nestor; The Biology of Belief, by Bruce Lipton; Shut Your Mouth and Save Your Life, by George Catlin.

Learn more!

Information about Dr. Doolin and his dental practice a can be found at http://www.angelfirefamilydentistry.com/

Contact Information:

Timothy Doolin DMD
Angel Fire Family Dentistry
27479 Hwy 64 #936
Angel Fire, NM 87710
Phone: 575. 377. 1383
Instagram @dr.timdoolin

COVER IMAGE “BREATHE” BY tim-goedhart ON unsplasH

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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53. The Imagine Project with Brant Winn

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

“Imagine”

Brant Winn was so impressed with a workshop he attended by Dianne Mahoney that he has now become an active proponent of The Imagine Project, an approach to mental wellness through “imagining” the possibilities in a seven step approach to healing. The imagine project was created by Dianne Mahoney. This nonprofit organization provides free resources to gives kids, teens, and adults the opportunity to work through difficult life circumstances through expressive writing.

Find out more at https://theimagineproject.org/

Contact Brant for More Information

Brant Winn, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Education and Health Professions
Director of Field Experiences/Associate Professor
816-584-6350 (Primary)
816-810-7690 (Mobile)
brant.winn@park.edu

Brant’s Bio

Dr. Brant Winn has worked in education for 30 years as a teacher and administrator, both in public and private K-12 schools and higher education. In his roles as Associate Dean, Director of Field Experiences, and Associate Professor at Park University, Brant pours himself into his work with education students while teaching face-to-face and blended courses focusing on the topics of trauma-informed, mindfulness, resilience, and student engagement. Brant also provides faculty development for full/part time faculty, mentoring them in the development of new teaching and learning strategies that respond to the increasingly complex needs of students and adults. Brant is married to his beautiful wife, Christian, and is the proud father of five amazing girls, Emma, Claire, Olivia, Chloe, and Ellie. He is part of the leadership team at E6 Ministries, a men’s ministry whose mission is to help men discover life, freedom, and healing in walking with God daily along the masculine journey. When not spending time with his family or with his men’s ministry, Brant enjoys watching and playing sports, listening to live music, and traveling with Christian and his girls.

Dianne Maroney – Founder of The Imagine Project

Dianne Maroney is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. She is the founder of The Imagine Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps kids, teens, and adults overcome challenging life circumstances through expressive writing. Dianne is a thought leader in the area of stress and trauma in children. Her simple, yet profound 7-step writing tool, now used by schools across the US and internationally, gives kids and teens the opportunity to rewrite a challenging personal story and Imagine new possibilities in its place. Dianne is an international speaker and author of several award-winning books including her most recent is, The Imagine Project: Empowering Kids to Rise Above Drama, Trauma, and Stress (Yampa Valley Publishing, 2018) won 1st place in the CIPA Evvy Awards in the Parenting division. Her first book The Imagine Project: Stories of Courage, Hope and Love (Yampa Valley Publishing, 2013) won multiple awards including the coveted Benjamin Franklin Award for nonfiction titles. Dianne’s children’s book, Byron the Caterpillar Who Loved to Imagine (Yampa Valley Publishing, 2017) is a gift to all who read it, and Your Premature Baby and Child (Berkley, 1999) was written after her daughter was born extremely premature. Dianne lives outside of Denver with her husband and has 3 grown children.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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54. What is Selective Mutisim? with Nanette Holloway

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

SELECTIVE MUTISM – social anxiety

Nanette Holloway shares her experience with selective mutism, a condition typically found in childhood and occasionally continuing into adulthood. The Cleveland Clinic describes selective mutism (SM) as “a mental health condition where you can’t talk in certain situations because of fear or anxiety. It usually affects young children, but it can also affect adolescents and adults. This condition is more than being shy, bashful or timid. SM is an anxiety disorder. It can overlap with other anxiety-related conditions and have lingering effects later in life.”

Nanette is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. She is also a writer, speaker, and blogger.

Find out more:

Selective Mutism Association: https://www.selectivemutism.org
ASHA, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: https://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Selective-Mutism
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/selective-mutism

Connect with Nanette:

Website: https://nanetteholloway.com
Email: nanette@nanetteholloway.com
Phone number: 405-456-9741
Nanette’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nanette-M.-Holloway/author/B0844RG51Q?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1729613001&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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55. Fighting Goliath with Jesslyn McCutcheon

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Facing The Giant: Bipolar Disorder

Jessyln McCutcheon spent twenty years battling a giant in her life. A diagnosis of bipolar I revealed the giant’s name, and then the real work began. Hear Jesslyn’s story of how finding the right treatment plan brought her relief from symptoms. The more powerful story is how God transformed Jesslyn by revealing his purpose for her life resulting in the establishment of Fighting Goliath for Mental Illness, Jesslyn’s ministry. This episode will include Jesslyn’s story as well as many tips and suggestions to aid anyone who lives with a mental illness. It will also provide important information for those wanting to learn more about what it is like to live with a mental health condition. Finally, you will hear about Jesslyn’s new book to be released in early 2025.

Jesslyn’s Bio

Jesslyn McCutcheon is a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NW Piedmont and the AACC (American Association of Christian Counseling). Since being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder 24 years ago, she actively advocates and speaks regarding mental illness to normalize and destigmatize conversations around mental health. Her ministry, Fighting Goliath for Mental Illness helps and empowers women who live with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms more effectively through resources, lived, experience and incorporating God’s word in order to live a more fulfilling life.

Connect with Jesslyn

Fighting Goliath Support Group: www.facebook.com/groups/986621275666764/
www.jesslynmccutcheon.com
instagram.com/@fightinggoliath4mentalillness
instagram.com/@jesslynmccutcheon
linkedin.com/in/jesslynmfgfmi
www.youtube.com/@FGFMI
TikTok.com/@jesslynmccutcheon

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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56. Wellness and Wellness Tools

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

wellness and wellness tools

What is wellness? In this episode Caroline will define “wellness” and discuss the importance of using wellness tools to find peace and calmness in the midst of chaos. The episode includes scripture and other suggestions for pursuing wellness from a Christian perspective.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

NEED HELP?

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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57. Wellness Tools – Part 2

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Christian meditation

In part 2 of the Wellness Tools series, Caroline presents eight types of Christian Meditation based on an article called “What is the best type of meditation?” from Medical News Today. Find out how you can experience presence and peace of God through

Loving-kindness meditation
Progressive muscle relaxation
Mindfulness meditation
Breath awareness meditation
Repetition (mantra-based) meditation
Meditating on our heavenly home (an alternative to transcendental meditation)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Guided meditation – Meditating on scripture

Scriptures for meditation and experiencing god’s peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27, NLT)
. . . Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NASB)
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1, NLT)

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

NEED HELP?

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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58. Wellness Tools – Part 3

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Affirmations & Journaling

In this third of four episodes on wellness, Caroline shares information on how to use affirmations and journaling to improve mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Affirmations

Using affirmations and accompanying Scriptures, a person can retrain their thoughts to line up with the truth of God’s Word. They will begin to accept their identity as a beloved child of God and heir with Christ while hiding Scripture in their hearts.

Journaling

Journaling gives individuals an opportunity to express themselves in a healthy way. Whether journaling prayers, emotional experiences, or the events in daily life, journaling sometimes reveals surprising feelings or memories that transfer from the subconscious to the paper (or computer document) you’re writing on. Journaling prayers is especially beneficial in growing closer to the Lord.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

NEED HELP?

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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59. Wellness Tools – Part 4

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Caroline closes out her four-part series on wellness by discussion spiritual wellness. Two key activities for spiritual growth are prayer and Bible study.

Prayer

The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971, German theologian)

https://www.prayerfoundation.org/dailyoffice/serenity_prayer_full_version.htm
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Caroline also shared the ACTS prayer as a model for prayer.
A=Adoration
C=Confession
T=Thanksgiving
S=Supplication (petition, praying for needs for self and others).

Prayer Assignment:

Write a prayer expressing your pain, struggles, doubts, questions, etc. God can take whatever you have to say. He wants you to come before his throne and pour out your heart to him. So pour away.
Write a prayer thanking God for listening. Offer words of praise for the blessings in your life.
Write a prayer, asking God to make his presence known to you throughout this process of recovery and into the future. Express your commitment to healing and health by whatever means God designs.

Bible study

When it comes to the Bible, Caroline suggests both reading and studying. One suggested method of studying includes four questions to ask after reading a passage.

Studying God’s Word

Begin with prayer, asking God to bring insights and understanding to the passage you are about to read.
Read a passage from scripture (a few verses at a time is usually plenty when you are first starting)
Look back over the passage, meditate on the words, and ask yourself the following questions:
1. 1. 1. What is happening in the context of the passage? Refer to a few verses before and after the assigned passage for greater understanding.
    2. What do I learn about God?
    3. What are some principles, or teachings, I can identify in the passage?
    4. How can I apply God’s words in my current situation?
End in prayer, specifically asking God to help you live out his word in your daily life.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

NEED HELP?

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

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