Christian Living – Mental Health & Faith

79. Detour Thinking – Part 1

By Mental-Health--And- | June 9, 2026

Cognitive Distortions

Inspired by a poster at a psychiatric treatment center, the two episodes on “detour thinking” will explore the cognitive distortions and relevant scriptures.

A cognitive distortion can be defined as a distorted thought or cognitive distortion is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are. In other words, cognitive distortions are your mind convincing you to believe negative things about yourself and your world that are not necessarily true.

Detour Thinking (Cognitive Distortions) – Part 1

All or Nothing – Ezekiel 18:25, 29
Justification – Luke 14:18-20
Center of the Universe – Matthew 6:33
Jumping to Conclusions – Matthew 7:1-2
Catastrophizing – Amos 6:3

NEED HELP?

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org

Join the conversation!

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.

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

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77. Journey to Recovery with Brian Mathrusse (Part 1)

By Mental-Health--And- | May 19, 2026

Part 1 – Brian’s Story Begins

In part one of a two part series, Brian Mathrusse begins his story of substance use and mental health challenges that, in part, were influenced by situations that occurred in his growing up years. Brian’s story reminds us that substance abuse and mental illness do not discriminate. Even individuals who come from well-respected families and enjoy educational success can find themselves making decisions that are not easily overcome. Part two will continue from where this episode ends and includes specific strategies and encouragement for anyone to improve their mental health and well-being.

Brian Mathrusse can be reached at bmathrusse@gmail.com.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

For greater understanding of mental health, check out the following resources.

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness

MHA – Mental Health America

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

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76. Empowered to Fight Anxiety with Deb and Annie

By Mental-Health--And- | May 12, 2026

Empower the Warrior Within

This episode features an interview with the authors of Empower the Warrior Within: Using God’s Word to Win the War. Debra Schwietert and Annie Bifulco had a providential meeting through their mutual therapist’s anxiety group. The original author, Rex Briggs, MSW, developed the secular anxiety program many years ago. The principles in his program are also found in the Bible. Before retiring, Rex recruited Annie and Debra to create a Christ-centered program using his original materials. The resulting book and accompanying field journal are available on Amazon.

Link to Empower the Warrior Within (Amazon)

Link to Empower the Warrior Within Field Journal (Amazon)

Debra Schwietert

Dr. Debra Schwietert is a co-author of Empowering the Warrior Within: Using the Word to Win the War on Anxiety, written along with Annette Bifulco. Deb has experienced and recovered from anxiety and depression. This journey is how she met Annie and took up the task to update and re-write the manual of Rex Briggs, who authored Transforming Anxiety and Shame (1999) & From Anxiety to Empowerment (2016).

Deb graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2008), Reading Specialist (2013), Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology (2002), and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (1997). Dr. Schwietert resides in Colorado, where she lives with her English Springer Spaniel. Deb is also a mother to two adult children and two grandchildren. Her life is a testimony of Romans 8:28, God truly makes all things work together for good.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWithinMinistries

Annie Bifulco

Annie Bifulco spent years working to overcome crippling anxiety through intensive individual, group, and advanced group therapy with Rex Briggs, MSW, and other counselors. After working alongside Rex for almost a decade, he approached her about rewriting the program he had used for 40 years in clinical practice, for more tailored use in the Church. As he prepared to retire from his life’s work, Annie agreed to pursue this calling, partnering with Dr. Debra Schwietert, an expert in curriculum and a fellow program graduate.

Annie has served in various ministry roles for over 25 years. Together, Annie and her husband (Coy) have over two decades of combined experience in the fields of mental health and residential treatment. She has given thousands of hours to reading, researching, working, and receiving multiple trainings and certificates in the fields of coaching, psychology, neuropsychology, and theology. Annie and her husband, Coy, live in Rapid City, SD. Together, they have four children.

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

75. Disabilities & Mental Health in the Church.

By Mental-Health--And- | April 25, 2026

Based on personal experience and with information provided at the Disability and the Church Conference, hosted by Key Ministry, Caroline S. Cooper encourages churches to explore establishing disability and mental health ministries.

PLEASE POST OR SEND ME COMMENTS!

We are in this together, and Caroline would love to receive your comments on how the church is doing to provide for the needs of the disability community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges. For more information about Key Ministry, please visit their website. www.keyministry.org.

Contact Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com or visit her website. www.carolinescooper.com.

IF YOU ARE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Please call or text 988. Or, visit their website to chat with a trained operator. www.988lifeline.org.

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74. Pain in the Presence of God

By Mental-Health--And- | April 1, 2026

Painful Pancreatitis

On March 12, 2026, I had a sudden onset of pancreatitis. This condition produced excruciating pain, greater than any other pain I’ve experienced. While I at first felt abandoned by the Lord, I knew his promise to never leave me nor forsake me. About halfway through my 6-day hospital stay, I began to experience the comfort of God as he presented four important lessons I could learn to help me persevere. In this podcast, I share my story and present the four ways God taught me to deal with pain. These lessons can be applied to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational pain. I pray that God will use the lessons he taught me to draw you closer into his presence and prepare to face any pain that comes into your life.

Caroline Cooper

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

73. Relationship Reset

By Mental-Health--And- | January 31, 2026

Our Relational Reset, Episode 73, begins with love. In this final episode in the 4-part series to reset our lives in 2026, Caroline reads and discusses two sections in Scripture that can help you renew your relationships with others in a God-honoring way.

1 Peter 2:13-3:12 reveals how we should approach others – with respect and love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 expands on what it means to love others.

If you have not listened to the other episodes in this story, check them out!

1/8/26	Reset: Spiritual Health
1/14/26	Reset: Mental & Emotional Health
1/21/26	Reset: Physical Health
1/31/26	Reset: Relational Health

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

71. A Mental-Emotional Reset

By Mental-Health--And- | January 14, 2026

Welcome to 2026! The first four episodes in January will focusing on a 2026 Reset – resetting our spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical beings as well as resetting relationships. Here’s the schedule. Please share your comments! And don’t forget to subscribe.

1/8/26	Reset: Spiritual Health
1/14/26	Reset: Mental & Emotional Health
1/22/26	Reset: Physical Health
1/29/26	Reset: Relational Health

Episode 71 offers insights on how God can bring peace and delight into your life even in the midst of experiencing worry and anxiety. But, if it is necessary to work with a mental health professional, take medication, or engage in other psychotherapeutic activities, God can work though those treatment options as well!

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

70. A Spiritual Reset

By Mental-Health--And- | January 8, 2026

1/8/26	Reset: Spiritual Health
1/15/26	Reset: Mental & Emotional Health
1/22/26	Reset: Physical Health
1/29/26	Reset: Relational Health

This first episode will give you suggestions from Scripture for resetting your spiritual life. The key passage is found in Ephesians 1:17-19 (NASB) in Paul’s prayers for the believers in Ephesus.

Paul prayed that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you

a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know
- what is the hope of His calling,
- what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and
- what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Start the year by being more intentional in your relationship with the Lord!

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

68. Child Therapy Part 1 (3-8 yrs) with Linda McDougal

By Mental-Health--And- | October 20, 2025

Linda McDougal, LPC

Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with children from 3-19 for more than 10 years. Her varied experience includes songwriting, creating a local Christian newspaper, and working as a substitute teacher.

Child Therapy for 3-8 year olds

In Part 1 of a 2-part series, Linda shares how she works with children from ages 3 to 8. She describes four different modalities (approaches or methods) of working with these young children.

Click on a modality to learn more.

Connect with Linda

lindamcdougalwriter@gmail.com

NEED HELP?

Join the conversation!

Contact and Connect with Caroline

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Follow Caroline on social media.

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

67. Mental Health & Christianity with Charlene Giles

By Mental-Health--And- | October 15, 2025

Charlene Giles

Charlene Giles is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion to minister to people who are ready to grow in their relationship with God and others. According to her website, she is recently retired from her leadership position at Asbury Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For over 28 years she was responsible for the care and marriage ministries of one of the largest Methodist churches in Oklahoma.

On today’s episode, Charlene boldly encourages Christians to seek help from therapists, psychiatrists, or other professionals when experiencing mental health challenges. She shares many insights on how people get out of the downward spiral that occurs when such issues are not addressed. Charlene also encourages individuals to turn to their pastors, lay counselors, support groups, or other resources that may be available in the local church.

To learn more about Charlene, visit her website at https://charlenegiles.com/.