Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation—Balancing Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer

Sep 26, 2024

John Mark Comer, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of a non-profit for spiritual formation, dives deep into the intersection of mental, emotional, and spiritual health. He candidly discusses his own therapy experiences, challenging misconceptions about discipleship in the church. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating psychological insights into spiritual practices. Comer shares essential spiritual practices for holistic well-being and emphasizes how addressing trauma is crucial for fostering a genuine relationship with God. This enlightening dialogue is a must-listen for anyone navigating faith and mental health.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Revisiting Discipleship: A Holistic Approach

05:23 • 22min

Integrating Health: The Intersection of Spirituality, Therapy, and Personal Care

27:05 • 3min

Integrating Spirituality and Therapy

30:29 • 19min

Integrating Emotional Health and Spiritual Maturity

49:31 • 6min

Integrating Emotional Awareness with Spiritual Discernment

55:26 • 5min

Integrating Faith and Mental Health

01:00:40 • 2min

Has anxiety ever made it hard for you to connect with God?

Do you love God but sometimes struggle with church?

Today's episode is such a breath of fresh air. I had the pleasure of diving into a deep, insightful conversation with New York Times bestselling author John Mark Comer. We explore the powerful intersection of mental, emotional, and spiritual health, uncovering how these aspects work together to create a whole, integrated person.

Here’s what we cover:‍

1. Misconceptions in the church about true discipleship

2. The benefits and limits of therapy for personal growth

3. What to do when anxiety or past trauma make it hard to engage spiritual practices

4. John Mark’s candid experiences with therapy and what he’s learned

5. The two essential spiritual practices for holistic well-being

6. Our thoughts on the overlapping circles of emotional & spiritual maturity

Listen to Dr. Alison Cook discuss fasting with John Mark Comer on the Rule of Life Podcast

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:

Episode 67: The Link Between Faith & Emotional Healing—Gen Z, College Life, & A Hidden Search for Meaning with Cindy Gao

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Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.

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