Category: Mental Health
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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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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60. Trauma Healing with Beth Jones

60. Trauma Healing with Beth Jones

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Today’s topic revolves around trauma and how it impacts a person’s life. The good news is, with the guidance and healing power of Jesus, recovery is possible! Life can be purposeful, impactful, and joyful. Here Caroline’s guest, Beth Jones, share her story of trauma, sin, recovery, and restoration.

Beth Jones is an international speaker and author. Beth’s mission is encouraging women to use their spiritual gifts for God’s glory, fulfilling their great purpose, and living a life they love. Beth also helps aspiring speakers and authors to share their hearts’ unique, powerful messages through coaching and virtual trainings.

Connect with beth

Website: www.BethJones.net

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

59. Wellness Tools – Part 4

59. Wellness Tools – Part 4

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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. 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!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

57. Wellness Tools – Part 2

57. Wellness Tools – Part 2

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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

  1. Loving-kindness meditation
  2. Progressive muscle relaxation
  3. Mindfulness meditation
  4. Breath awareness meditation
  5. Repetition (mantra-based) meditation
  6. Meditating on our heavenly home (an alternative to transcendental meditation)
  7. Mindfulness-based stress reduction
  8. 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!

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Caroline S. Cooper

caroline@carolinescooper.com

www.carolinescooper.com