Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast

Heidi Mortenson, MA, LMFT

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/

  1. 4d ago

    249. Life Under the Rainbow With Dr. Leanna Brewer

    What if the key to peace, purpose, and emotional healing is understanding the covenants of God? In this powerful conversation, Heidi Mortenson sits down with pastor, author, and ministry leader Leanna Brewer to talk about surrender, identity, ministry, trauma healing, and the life-changing power of God's promises. Dr. Leanna shares her personal journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to trust God's calling, and finding freedom from chronic stress by staying rooted in His presence. Together, they explore her book Life Under the Rainbow, the meaning of biblical covenants, the challenges women face in leadership and motherhood, and how healing begins when we stop striving and start partnering with God. This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, spiritually exhausted, or uncertain about their calling. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to overcome imposter syndrome and fully embrace your God-given calling The difference between God's promises and biblical covenant Practical ways to surrender stress, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations Why healing and transformation often begin with honesty and self-awareness Encouragement for women navigating ministry, marriage, motherhood, and leadership Spark Wordwide: https://sparkworldwide.org/ Open Door Church: https://opendoorexperience.com/ 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!

    249. Life Under the Rainbow With Dr. Leanna Brewer
  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: "I Had A Panic Attack For 3 Months" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In this deeply personal conversation, Jay and Millie Bobby Brown talk about the process of discovering who she is outside of finding immense fame at a young age. She opens up about the isolation of growing up in the spotlight, the impact of shaving her head as a child, and the three-month long anxiety spiral that led her to Kyoto, Japan. She also reflects on what parenthood means to her, and we learn more about the moment she found out she was becoming a mother. Jay discovers the daily techniques Millie uses to manage her anxiety, and dives into how her and her husband Jake built a strong foundation for their marriage.  In this episode you'll learn:  How to Build Confidence Outside of External Opinions How to Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks in High Pressure Moments How to Build a Strong Foundation in Relationships  How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media  How to Build and Maintain Loyal, Honest Friendships   How to Approach Adoption and Building a Family   How to Raise Children Deeply Rooted in Confidence This episode is for everyone who needs a reminder that no matter how hard the world gets, you are the creator of your own story. Protecting your peace and your time with loved ones is never selfish, it’s restorative. Knowing yourself before anyone tells you who you are will keep you rooted in the calmness of the present moment.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe ⁠⁠https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe⁠⁠   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! ⁠⁠https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast⁠⁠  PURPOSE10 for 10% at altrarunning.com/onpurpose. Free Shipping and Free 30-Day Trial. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:49:00 What 11-Year Millie Would Think Of Her Now 00:01:39 Why She Shaved Her Head at 10 00:03:55 The Role She Most Identifies With   00:05:43 The Unbreakable Bond with Her Mom 00:06:40 Why Millie Wanted to Be a Mom 00:07:40 Sneaking Out to Get Her 11 Tattoo  00:10:57 How Motherhood Changed Her Forever 00:12:32 This Perspective Shift Changed Her Life 00:13:37 Writing Wedding Vows for a Whole Year  00:16:16 Why Adoption Was Always Part of Her Plan 00:19:08 The Moment She Became a Mom… 00:21:15 Important Lesson From Her Parents 00:23:31 Being A Big Sister 00:24:56 Addressing the “Trad Wife” Assumptions  00:26:07 Being Young In The Spotlight  00:26:16 Her Epiphany After Public Criticism  00:29:16 How to Accept Your True Self 00:32:17 Millie’s Favourite “Rappers” 00:33:13 Why She Quit Social Media Cold Turkey 00:34:52 Healing Her Worst (3 Month) Panic Attack  00:35:38 Living With Health Anxiety and Triggers 00:35:59 Finding Peace In Kyoto, Japan with Monks  00:36:46 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:38:52 How She Discovered Her Health Anxiety 00:41:11 A Crazy Encounter Turned Nightmare  00:42:50 Mediation With A Monk 00:44:24 Being Open To Divine Intervention  00:46:15 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:49:44 Building a Strong Foundation with Jake 00:53:08 What Jake Understands And What Others Miss 00:55:42  What Millie Values Most In Friendships 00:56:53 Watching Jake Become a Dad 00:59:41 Ignoring The Public Noise, Together  01:03:19 Scrutinizing Women In The Public Eye  01:06:44 The Advice She Gives Young Stars  01:08:54 Millie’s Mentors Growing Up 01:10:05 #1 Belief She Stands For, No Matter What 01:12:03 The Jake Game! 01:16:27 Millie On Final Five Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  3. Jul 13

    248. Heavenly Minded and Earthly Good

    Have you ever felt like God was only present during worship, prayer, or spiritual mountaintop moments? Do you ever feel caught between being deeply spiritual and being fully human? In this thought-provoking episode, Heidi explores the tension many Christians experience between pursuing God and embracing their humanity. What if God never intended us to ignore our emotions, struggles, limitations, or everyday lives? What if becoming more aware of His presence in the middle of ordinary moments is part of the journey? Drawing from both faith and mental health perspectives, Heidi shares insights on emotional awareness, God's nearness, gratitude, healing, and what it means to be both heavenly minded and earthly good. "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." ~Ephesians 1:17-18 In this episode, you'll discover: • Why your humanity is not something to overcome but something God created • How to recognize God's presence beyond church services and spiritual experiences • The difference between controlling outcomes and trusting God • Why emotional awareness can deepen your relationship with God • How gratitude helps us see God's faithfulness in everyday life Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min Release what isn't yours free guide: https://subscribepage.io/IAqSlkIf Heidi's website: www.heidimortenson.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!

    248. Heavenly Minded and Earthly Good
  4. Jul 6

    247. Finding Hope After Narcissistic Abuse With Heidi Royle

    What happens when the marriage you prayed would be restored continues to fall apart? In this powerful episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi welcomes Heidi Royle, coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Grove Collective, as she shares her deeply personal story of faith, heartbreak, healing, and redemption. From a dramatic encounter with God as a teenager to international ministry opportunities, Heidi's life seemed full of purpose and promise. But behind closed doors, she found herself navigating an abusive marriage marked by anger, control, addiction, and profound disappointment. Through therapy, faith, community support, and a commitment to facing reality, Heidi discovered healing, freedom, and eventually a new chapter of hope. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ How to recognize the difference between normal marriage struggles and abusive relationships ✔ Why accepting reality is often the first step toward healing ✔ The role faith, therapy, and community support play in recovery ✔ How codependency can keep people stuck in unhealthy situations ✔ Practical encouragement for anyone navigating divorce, betrayal, addiction, or narcissistic abuse Whether you're walking through heartbreak yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope that God can bring healing even from life's most painful chapters. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 Join us for a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness, the courage to face difficult truths, and the healing that can come when we surrender our story to Him. Heidi Royle's website: https://thegrovecollective.co/ Heidi's Glamping Campground: https://thegroveglamping.com/ Find more about Heidi Mortenson: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a free 15 min consult with Heidi Mortenson: https://calendly.com/heidimortenson/15min?month=2026-07  Join Heidi Mortenson's 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!

    247. Finding Hope After Narcissistic Abuse With Heidi Royle
  5. Jun 29

    246. 10 Rules for a Healthy Relationship

    What if the biggest problem in your relationship isn't your spouse—but the story you're telling yourself? In this practical and faith-filled episode, Heidi shares 10 powerful rules that can transform your relationships. Drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and psychological insight, you'll learn how to stop unhealthy patterns, communicate more effectively, and create deeper connection with the people you love. Whether you're married, dating, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode will help you grow in emotional maturity, personal responsibility, and grace. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to stop taking responsibility for someone else's happiness • Why doing your own healing work strengthens every relationship • The secret to resolving conflict without damaging connection • How to identify triggers, wounds, and false stories before they create resentment • Practical ways to build friendship, trust, and emotional safety "Each one should test their own actions... for each one should carry their own load." — Galatians 6:4-5 Healthy relationships aren't built by perfect people. They're built by imperfect people who take responsibility for themselves, extend grace to one another, and keep growing together. 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!

    246. 10 Rules for a Healthy Relationship
  6. Jun 22

    245. Healing Beyond Symptoms With Holly Misener

    What happens when your faith is tested for years through trauma, medical crises, unanswered questions, and the suffering of your children? In this deeply moving episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi sits down with Holly Meisner — president of the Minnesota Christian Chamber and co-owner of His Healing House — to talk about the intersection of faith, suffering, healing, and whole-person health. Holly vulnerably shares how her relationship with Jesus began at age five, how her faith was radically refined through a decade of navigating her children's severe health challenges, and what it looked like to keep trusting God when outcomes were uncertain. Together, Heidi and Holly explore trauma, surrender, nervous system healing, functional medicine, spiritual healing, and the importance of addressing root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. Holly also shares powerful testimonies from her holistic clinic, where faith, trauma-informed care, and physical healing come together in transformative ways. This conversation is honest, hope-filled, grounded, and deeply encouraging for anyone walking through suffering, burnout, chronic stress, or a season where faith feels stretched thin. "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it… But even if He does not, we will not serve other gods." — Bible What You'll Learn in This Episode How prolonged trauma and caregiving can deeply impact faith, identity, and the nervous system The difference between symptom management and root-cause healing Why surrender and trust often deepen most in seasons of suffering How trauma-informed care, functional medicine, and spiritual healing can work together Practical insight into holistic healing approaches for anxiety, chronic stress, inflammation, and emotional wounds Holly's website: www.hishealinghouse.org Find more about Heidi: www.heidimortensonlmft.com Schedule a FREE 15-minute clarity call with Heidi: 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!

    245. Healing Beyond Symptoms With Holly Misener
  7. Jun 15

    244. 6 Ways to Manage Anxiety and Walk in God's Peace

    Do you ever feel like anxiety is quietly running your life? Maybe it shows up as overthinking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, control, fear of the future, or carrying burdens that were never yours to carry. In this episode, Heidi explores anxiety through both a biblical and mental health lens, sharing practical tools to help you move from striving and worry into greater peace, trust, and freedom. You'll discover how anxiety often disguises itself as responsibility and productivity, why many of us struggle to let go of control, and how God invites us into a different way of living. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why anxiety often feels helpful—even when it's limiting your freedom • How to identify the hidden beliefs and patterns driving anxiety • Practical steps to surrender worries and experience God's peace • Why embracing your humanity is an important part of healing and growth • 6 biblical and practical ways to manage anxiety and walk in greater freedom "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) 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!

    244. 6 Ways to Manage Anxiety and Walk in God's Peace
  8. Jun 8

    243. Reading the Bible with New Eyes With Dr. Anita Marchesani

    In this powerful follow-up conversation, Heidi welcomes back Dr. Anita Marchesani to explore how understanding the Bible through its original historical, cultural, and Orthodox context can transform the way we see God, suffering, salvation, and spiritual growth. If you've ever wondered whether you're reading Scripture through a modern Western lens, this episode will challenge and deepen your faith in meaningful ways. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ How cultural context can unlock deeper meaning in Scripture ✨ The difference between a Western and Orthodox understanding of salvation and suffering ✨ Why biblical concepts like justice, wrath, and sanctification may not mean what you think they do ✨ Practical ways to grow in spiritual maturity and become more Christ-like in everyday life "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2 (ESV) Whether you're wrestling with difficult passages, hungry for a deeper faith, or simply curious about the Orthodox perspective, this conversation will help you read the Bible with fresh eyes and a renewed heart. 🎙️ Listen in and discover how understanding the story behind Scripture can transform the way you follow Christ. 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 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!

    243. Reading the Bible with New Eyes With Dr. Anita Marchesani

About

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/

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