Podcast
Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast
Hosted by Heidi Mortenson, MA, LMFT · ENGLISH
Strong Tower Mental Health is an authentic and encouraging podcast hosted by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Heidi Mortenson. Get ready for heaven to be unlocked in your soul with real life stories, skills, and amazing guests who will inspire you. Topics on this podcast include vulnerability, authenticity, how to have difficult conversations, keeping healthy boundaries with others, marriage, depression, anxiety, addiction, co-dependency and more. You will learn how to pull the gold from yourself and others, and walk in freedom no matter the circumstances surrounding you. Learn more at https://heidimortensonlmft.com/
242episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
240. Breaking Free from Self-Hate (Without Losing Your Faith)
4d ago00:27:15Tap to summarizeWhat if the voice you've been calling "humility" is actually self-hate? In this powerful episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi explores one of the most hidden struggles—especially in Christian spaces: self-hate, self-blame, and internalized shame. Many people love God, serve faithfully, and show up for others… yet live with a constant internal voice of criticism, inadequacy, and rejection. But what if that voice isn't truth—or humility—but shame? Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and clinical insight, Heidi unpacks how self-hate forms, why it's so hard to break, and how to walk in freedom without drifting into self-centeredness or cultural distortions of identity. This episode also explores the tension between biblical humility and healthy identity, addressing both self-rejection and self-worship—and how God's truth provides a grounded, life-giving path forward. "The Lord make His face shine upon you…" — Numbers 6:24–26 Listeners will gain: • How to recognize hidden self-hate and self-blame patterns • The difference between guilt and shame (and why it matters) • What neuroscience reveals about shame and identity • Biblical truth about your identity and worth • How to walk in freedom without losing your foundation in Christ If you've ever struggled with feeling like you're "not enough," this episode will help you move from self-rejection to alignment with truth—and into deeper freedom with God. Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Release what isn't yours free guide: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlkIf · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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239. Meeting God in Your Body With Jennifer Tucker
2w ago00:42:04Tap to summarizeWhat if anxiety isn't something to fight… but an invitation to meet God? In this powerful conversation, Heidi sits down with author Jennifer Tucker to explore a different way of approaching prayer, mental health, and the body. Through her personal journey with anxiety, depression, and her daughter's struggles, Jennifer shares how she moved from striving and perfectionism into a more embodied, present connection with God. Together, they unpack what it looks like to integrate faith, neuroscience, and the body—where prayer becomes less of a checklist and more of a lived, moment-by-moment awareness of God's presence. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to "bring God into it," this episode offers a refreshing and deeply practical path forward. In this episode, you'll learn: How to shift your perspective on anxiety—from something to fix → to an invitation to connect with God Why your body is not separate from your spiritual life (and how to actually include it in prayer) Practical ways to integrate prayer into everyday movements like walking, breathing, and daily routines How trauma and stress impact the nervous system—and how faith, therapy, and embodied practices can bring healing "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?" — 1 Corinthians 6:19 Jennifer's website: https://littlehousestudio.net/prayer-in-motion Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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238. Integration, Not Deconstruction: How to Question Without Losing Your Faith
3w ago00:26:56Tap to summarizeWhat if you don't need to deconstruct your faith… but learn how to integrate it? In a culture where questioning often leads people away from God, this episode offers a different path. Heidi explores the difference between deconstruction and integration—and how you can ask honest questions without losing your foundation in Christ. If you've felt confused, unsettled, or unsure what to hold onto, this conversation will help you stay rooted while growing deeper. In this episode, you'll learn: • What deconstruction really means—and why it's happening • Where deconstruction can lead to disconnection from God • What integration looks like spiritually, emotionally, and relationally • How to stay connected to Christ while processing doubt and questions • Practical ways to grow in discernment without losing your foundation You don't have to tear everything down to grow. God invites you to stay connected—and be transformed from within. "Abide in me, and I in you… apart from me you can do nothing." — John 15:4–5 Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Release what isn't yours free guide: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlkIf · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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237. When Faith Gets Complicated With Dusty May Taylor
4w ago01:04:31Tap to summarizeWhat happens when deep trauma, spiritual experiences, and faith collide? In this powerful episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi sits down with Dusty May Taylor to share an honest and courageous story of survival, healing, and spiritual discernment. Dusty opens up about her childhood trauma, dissociation, encounters with the occult, and the path that eventually led her to healing through therapy, faith, and deliverance. She also speaks candidly about her experiences within charismatic church spaces, including concerns about certain spiritual practices and the importance of biblical grounding and healthy Christian community. This conversation explores the complex intersection of mental health, spiritual warfare, trauma recovery, and authentic faith. Dusty shares both the painful realities of her journey and the hope she has found through truth, forgiveness, and healing. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." ~ Psalm 34:18 Listeners will gain: Insight into trauma and dissociation from both psychological and spiritual perspectives Wisdom about spiritual discernment and faith after spiritual abuse Encouragement for those navigating healing after difficult church experiences Hope that deep trauma does not have the final word If you or someone you love is processing trauma, faith questions, or spiritual experiences, this episode offers honest conversation, thoughtful reflection, and a reminder that healing is possible. Dusty's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DustyMayT Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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236. 5 Skills Emotionally Healthy Christians Practice
Apr 2000:28:48Tap to summarizeWhy do so many Christians know the right theology—but still struggle emotionally? We learned how to pray, serve, and believe… but not always how to regulate emotions, repair relationships, or set healthy boundaries. In this episode, we explore five emotional skills that mark spiritually mature believers and why emotional maturity is essential for a healthy Christian life. You'll learn how to: • Recognize and process emotions without shame • Stay rooted in Christ instead of hijacked by cultural noise • Disagree with others without losing connection • Set healthy boundaries without guilt Spiritual maturity isn't just about belief—it's about growing up into Christ in every way. "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ." — Ephesians 4:15 Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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235. From Charismatic to Orthodox: A Psychologist's Journey of Faith and Discernment With Dr. Anita Marchesani
Apr 1300:53:54Tap to summarizeWhat if true healing isn't found in chasing spiritual experiences—but in deeply knowing Christ? In this episode, Heidi sits down with Psychologist Dr. Anita Marchesani to explore her journey from charismatic Protestant spaces into the historic faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Together, they unpack spiritual discernment in a time when supernatural experiences are increasing—and often misunderstood. This conversation brings clarity to what's truly from God, and how humility, suffering, and surrender shape real transformation. This conversation opens the door to important questions about how we interpret Scripture, pursue healing, and stay grounded in truth. In this episode, you'll learn: Why discernment matters in spiritual experiences The risks of New Age influence in Christian spaces The deeper meaning of communion and early Church practices How true healing is formed through humility and surrender "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 Anita's Substack: https://substack.com/@thedranitagroup Dr. Anita's book Be Still: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Uncovering-Achieving-Happiness-Wholeness/dp/0578226758 Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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234. Discernment & Mental Health: When Spirituality Overlooks Pain
Apr 600:27:49Tap to summarizeWhat if spiritual maturity isn't measured by how powerful an encounter feels… but by how we love the person right in front of us? In this episode, Heidi shares a personal reflection on her faith being refined—learning to hold both the gifts of the Spirit and a deeper commitment to Scripture, discernment, and emotional health. As conversations around revival, deliverance, and spiritual experiences continue to grow, there is an important question we must ask: Are we missing the person right in front of us? Are we overlooking the hurting in pursuit of the miraculous? Through both a biblical and psychological lens, Heidi explores how true discernment is not just about recognizing truth—but expressing that truth through love. Because healing doesn't just come through power. It also comes through being seen, known, and safely held. WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM THIS EPISODE • A deeper understanding of hesed—God's steadfast, relational love • How attachment and emotional safety reflect God's design for healing • Discernment of when spirituality is bypassing pain vs. truly healing it • A framework for integrating faith, mental health, and whole-person healing "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love (hesed) and faithfulness." — Exodus 34:6 Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com · Release What Isn't Yours FREE Download: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlk · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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233. Counterfeit vs. Holy Spirit: How to Discern What's Real with Riaan Swiegelaar
Mar 3000:49:19Tap to summarizeWhat happens when someone deeply embedded in darkness encounters the real Jesus? In this powerful episode, Heidi sits down with Riaan Swiegelaar, former co-founder and leader of the South African Satanic Church, who shares his radical transformation after encountering the love and truth of Christ. Together, they unpack the difference between true discernment and a critical spirit, the dangers of counterfeit spiritual practices, and why many believers are missing the power of a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. This conversation will challenge, stretch, and strengthen your understanding of authority, identity, and freedom in Christ—and remind you that Jesus is still delivering, healing, and transforming lives today. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." — John 8:32 What You'll Gain From This Episode How to discern between the Holy Spirit and counterfeit spiritual practices The difference between true discernment and a critical or religious spirit Why intimacy with God—not striving—develops spiritual authority A deeper understanding of deliverance and the role of Jesus (not human effort) How to walk in your identity and authority in Christ with clarity and confidence Riaan's website: www.deliverance4me.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riaan_swiegelaar?igsh=eG5sNTE2dGE0bTUw Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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232. Release What Isn't Yours to Carry
Mar 2300:26:09Tap to summarizeAre you carrying emotional or spiritual weight that may not actually belong to you? In this episode, Heidi shares how to recognize and release burdens God never asked you to hold. If you're feeling overwhelmed by others' expectations, ministry pressures, or leadership responsibilities, this conversation will help you return to peace and clarity. In this episode you'll learn: • How to recognize the difference between compassion and responsibility • Why your nervous system signals when you're carrying too much • A biblical framework for releasing anxiety and emotional burdens • How to refocus on your God-given assignment • A simple spiritual practice to give your burdens back to God As Scripture reminds us: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7 If this episode encourages you, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find hope, healing, and clarity in their walk with God. Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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231. Discerning God's Voice With Pamela Mertz
Mar 1600:42:19Tap to summarizeHow do you actually know when God is speaking? Pam shares her personal story of walking with God through family dysfunction, deep loss, and healing, and how those experiences taught her to depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance. Together Heidi and Pam explore four levels of listening—listening to, listening for, listening with, and listening in—and how these help believers grow in discerning God's voice in everyday life. In this conversation you'll learn: • How to recognize God's voice vs. your own thoughts • How to identify the enemy's accusations and lies • Why slowing down and listening before reacting matters spiritually • How to test prophetic words and spiritual impressions • Practical ways to grow in hearing God more clearly Pam also leads listeners through a simple listening exercise and closes the episode by praying for those who want to grow in discerning God's voice. John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Pam's website: Blueprintlife.com Pam's book: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-hearing-vs-listening-God-Help-ebook/dp/B0DMZNDDQB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=225SUO0T93X8T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6qRHbNDZcbbdwyV01QtBlg.X1n2hzWzcBcYuaOkzq1uj4r6sGsgIk5roSagfxaGo_I&dib_tag=se&keywords=pamela+mertz+listen+in&qid=1773573926&sprefix=pamela+mertz+listen+in%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com · Join my mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t5u2y5 · If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
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