Mental Health and Ministry

Mental Health and Ministry

Equipping ministry workers with a holistic perspective of mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Topical interviews with mental health professionals, and personal stories from those serving in ministry. Hosted by mental health professionals with a background in Christian ministry work.

Episodes

December 5, 2025 39 mins

In this episode, Austin and Tim talk with Dr. Jeff Forrey about how Church Initiative is equipping churches to respond to traumatic experiences with the hope of the gospel.

Drawing on his personal experience and his background in helping others, Dr. Forrey offers insight into how the church can walk alongside people in seasons of pain and loss.

Dr. Forrey serves as the Senior Writer and Content Developer for Church Initiative, th...

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In this episode, we sit down with Anne Rana, licensed professional counselor and co-director of The Joshua Center, a non-profit counseling organization with five locations across Arkansas. Together, we explore the topic of forgiveness—what it truly means, how we can extend it to others, offer it to ourselves, and walk alongside those navigating their own forgiveness journey.

 

©2025 Identity and Purpose, P...

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*Please note: the trauma of childhood sexual abuse is discussed in this interview Transforming Pain: Facing Trauma on the Journey to Healing In this episode, we talk with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author and Professor of New Testament & Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. Shane shares his personal journey through trauma and the healing process—one that calls for moving toward the very pain it creates. Shane's newest book: Thinni...

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August 1, 2025 67 mins

In this episode, we talk with Lindsey Mason—a counselor and former global worker—about the unique mental and emotional challenges faced by missionaries serving over seas. Drawing from her personal experience and current counseling work, Lindsey shares common struggles global workers often face unprepared, and offers insight into how the how churches can become safer, more supportive communities for those who serve around the world....

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July 18, 2025 46 mins

Austin and Tim welcome back Debbie Pridemore, a counselor and spiritual director, to talk about how we can often conflate our identity with our ministry role. They discuss the consequences of misplaced identity, how to recognize and respond to the warning signs.

Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology, and is also a Certified Spiritual Director who works with pasto...

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June 27, 2025 53 mins

In this episode, we sit down with Rodney Holmstrom for an honest conversation about how to address—and prevent—moral failure in ministry. Rodney brings a wealth of insight from his experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a campus recovery pastor with a local church, and Global Field Director for Celebrate Recovery.  You can hear more from Rodney on the Celebrate Recovery Official Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

h...

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June 13, 2025 49 mins

Season Premiere: Casualties of Ministry In this 2nd season kickoff episode, hosts Tim Stoner and Austin Brown introduce the new season and unpack what they mean by “Casualties of Ministry.” They share honest reflections and personal stories about stepping away from traditional vocational ministry—and the mental, emotional, and spiritual weight that came with it. https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypur...

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Austin and Tim answer a few listener questions about using the Enneagram, caring for EGRs ("extra-grace-required") in the church, and provide a few reading recommendations. In this episode:

The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile  

Love Thy Neighborhood podcast (episode #74)

 

Tim's recommendations:

The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James, Russell Friedman 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

Aust...

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June 3, 2024 87 mins

Emotions 101 Interview with Dr. James Hawkins, LPC (aka Doc Hawk)

https://www.dochawklpc.com/

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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May 27, 2024 43 mins

Depression 101 Interview with Carol Dutton, LPC-S, LMFT-S

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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May 20, 2024 37 mins

Addiction 101 - Part 2 of 2 Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela Imhoff Dr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader. Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/

For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/ Celebrate Recovery group and sta...

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May 13, 2024 59 mins

Addiction 101 - Part 1 of 2 Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela Imhoff Dr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader. Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/

For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/ Celebrate Recovery group and sta...

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An interview with Pastor Brian Bishop, who shares about his journey with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast

contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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April 29, 2024 30 mins

Grief101, Part 2 of 2 

Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFT Ginny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast

contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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April 22, 2024 34 mins

Grief101, Part 1 of 2 

Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFT Ginny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast

contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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April 15, 2024 33 mins

Anxiety 101, Part 2 of 2 

Interview with Heidi Dennis, LPC  Heidi is a Mental Health counselor, author and speaker. 

You can find her book on Amazon:  Hello, Anxiety: How to Find Peace by Changing Your Response to Anxiety

  Learn more at: https://www.heididennislpc.com/

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast

contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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April 8, 2024 40 mins

Anxiety 101, Part 1 of 2 

Interview with Heidi Dennis, LPC  Heidi is a Mental Health counselor, author and speaker. 

You can find her book on Amazon:  Hello, Anxiety: How to Find Peace by Changing Your Response to Anxiety

  Learn more at: https://www.heididennislpc.com/

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast

contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

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April 4, 2024 38 mins

Trauma 101 Part 2 of 2

Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology. She is trained in EMDR for trauma and is a Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Debbie is also a Certified Spiritual Director and works with pastors and church staff teams. You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debbiepridemorelmftlpc

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast ...

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April 1, 2024 40 mins

Trauma 101 Part 1 of 2

Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology. She is trained in EMDR for trauma and is a Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Debbie is also a Certified Spiritual Director and works with pastors and church staff teams. You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debbiepridemorelmftlpc

 

https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast ...

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March 24, 2024 31 mins

Introducing The Mental Health and Ministry Podcast   Hosted by Austin Brown, LPC and Tim Stoner, LAC - mental health professionals with a background in ministry.   We'll explain what this podcast is and what to expect in future episodes.   TLDR: Start with this episode https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

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