Category: Mental Health
83. Jeremy Smith: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

83. Jeremy Smith: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

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Church and Mental Health

Jeremy Smith is a licensed  professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Ohio. In this episode he shares general information about therapy and the different modalities (types of therapeutic approaches) that one may experience during a therapy session. As an integrationist, Jeremy draws from the strengths of various therapy models to find what will work best for his clients. Solution-Based Brief Therapy is a preferred approach Jeremy uses to focus on finding a solution to an immediate need.

To learn more about these therapies, click on the names below to reach a description.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Motivational Interiewing

Solution-Based Brief Therapy

Jeremy’s Contact Information:

To download this self-care guide, click the image below.

99 Self-Care Techniques for Christians

Join the conversation!

Join the conversation about this episode by leaving your comments and sharing the episode. And don’t forget to subscribe! 

Please email Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

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.

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 

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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82. From Heartache to Healing with Kelly Je

82. From Heartache to Healing with Kelly Je

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F.I.G.H.T.

“Focusing in Growth & Holding Together” is Jessica “Kelly Je” Kelly’s ministry. Her mission is to to provide a judgment-free community that offers support, education, and resources, particularly within the African American community, to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, we believe that healing is a journey, and we are here to uplift, empower, and guide individuals toward growth, transformation, and resilience.

Kelly Je’s story is relatable and inspiring. In this episode, she shares her journey from trauma, suicidal ideation, and mental illness to a place of healing and ministry. Visit her website and social media channels to learn more about her vision.

The F.I.G.H.T. Vision: Our vision is to ignite conversations, challenge stigmas, and create a world where no one feels alone in their mental health journey. We strive to be a source of hope, a voice for the voiceless, and a support system that helps individuals navigate their struggles. Just as a butterfly symbolizes transformation, we believe that with the right support and resources, every individual can rise above their challenges and soar. Through awareness, education, and healing, we are dedicated to fostering a community that embodies strength, unity, and perseverance.

Join the conversation!

Join the conversation about this episode by leaving your comments and sharing the episode. And don’t forget to subscribe! 

Please email Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

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.

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 

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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81. Navigating the Deep with Dave Nienhuis

81. Navigating the Deep with Dave Nienhuis

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And the Sea was No More

In his new book, And the Sea Was No More, Dave Nienhuis shares his journey of trauma to healing using stories in the biblical text. Dave says, “I wrote this book for me. I needed to discover a faith language that could account for the reality of meaningless suffering. That language was revealed to me in the story of Scripture. And now I want to pass it over to others.” In this compelling interview and discussion Dave shares the contrast between darkness and “the deep,” and contrasts the need to ask “why” with the better question of “how.” The Bible contains the answers.

And the Sea Was No More will be released on September 22, 2026. Find it on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Amazon Listing

Publisher Site

Dave Nienhuis is professor of New Testament studies at Seattle Pacific Seminary. He has authored and edited several books. To learn more about Dave, visit his substack page and website.

https://beyondtheshallows.substack.com/

https://davenienhuis.com/

Join the conversation!

Join the conversation about this episode by leaving your comments and sharing the episode. And don’t forget to subscribe! 

Please email Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

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.

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 

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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79. Detour Thinking – Part 1

79. Detour Thinking – Part 1

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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

  1. All or Nothing – Ezekiel 18:25, 29
  2. Justification – Luke 14:18-20
  3. Center of the Universe – Matthew 6:33
  4. Jumping to Conclusions – Matthew 7:1-2
  5. 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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78. Part 2 – Road to Recovery with Brian Mathrusse

78. Part 2 – Road to Recovery with Brian Mathrusse

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Part 2 – Brian’s Story Continues

In part two of this two part series, Brian Mathrusse shares how our creator God gave him assurance that there is hope and recovery is possible. This required turning away from the unhealthy habits Brian had lived with for many years, and making the decision to work through his addiction and mental health issues. 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. This episode includes encouragement for anyone wanting 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?

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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75. Disabilities & Mental Health in the Church.

75. Disabilities & Mental Health in the Church.

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

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

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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.

Play Therapy 

Filial Therapy

FLIP IT Therapy

Theraplay

Connect with Linda

lindamcdougalwriter@gmail.com

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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67. Mental Health & Christianity with Charlene Giles

67. Mental Health & Christianity with Charlene Giles

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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/.

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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62. Support Group Success

62. Support Group Success

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This episode is a presentation that was given at a virtual workshop for the Faith+Mental Health conference in May 2025. Caroline has nearly 20 years of experience as a leader for a Christ-centered mental health support group where she emphasizes hope, transformation, and victory. This approach is based on the Spirit-led process God revealed to Caroline in reflecting on her own recovery journey. This unique perspective will challenge leaders of support groups, small groups, Sunday School classes, etc., to encourage their group members to choose hope in the midst of challenging situations, experience God’s transformation as they grow and heal, and recognize victory in their daily lives. The presentation will include definitions of key terms; how to incorporate hope, transformation, and victory in each meeting; tips for encouraging holistic transformation; sample scenarios that might occur in a group setting; and the use of a confidentiality covenant.

 

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61. RESPECT Speakers – Share Your Story!

61. RESPECT Speakers – Share Your Story!

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THE RESPECT INSTITUTE

“The Missouri Mental Health Foundation (MMHF) is proud to offer certified speakers through the RESPECT Institute of Missouri. Our speakers bravely share their lived experiences with mental illness and substance use disorders, providing powerful insights and inspiration.”

As a RESPECT speaker, Caroline knows firsthand the importance of sharing your story to provide hope, encouragement, and insights to others. RESPECT Speakers share in a variety of setting such as schools and colleges, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and more. The individuals on today’s episode are all trained RESPECT Speakers who volunteer their time to courageously share their lived experience with others.

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!

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 Books

 

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Caroline S. Cooper

caroline@carolinescooper.com

www.carolinescooper.com