Mental Health Matters for Christians

Christine Sneeringer
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Mental Health Matters for Christians is a podcast that creates a safe, honest space where faith and mental health intersect. Hosted by Christine Sneeringer, the show explores real struggles that many Christians face—but often feel unable to talk about—like anxiety, depression, identity, trauma, and shame. With a warm, conversational tone, each episode invites listeners to step out of isolation and into truth, reminding them they are not alone and that their struggles do not disqualify their faith. Through powerful conversations, the podcast features guests who share their personal stories of brokenness, healing, and transformation. From testimonies of overcoming addiction and trauma to navigating complex questions around identity and purpose, each story points back to the hope and restoration found in Christ. These authentic interviews offer encouragement and practical insight for listeners who are seeking clarity, freedom, and deeper healing. The show also equips listeners with tools they can apply in everyday life—blending biblical truth with emotional awareness and practical wisdom. Rather than choosing between faith and mental health, Mental Health Matters for Christians helps bridge the gap, showing how the two can work together. Whether it’s learning how to process emotions, set healthy boundaries, or renew the mind, each episode aims to move listeners toward wholeness. Ultimately, this podcast is about transformation from the inside out. It’s for anyone who loves God but still wrestles, feels stuck, but longs for deeper peace and more freedom. Mental Health Matters for Christians reminds listeners that healing is possible, growth is intentional, and mental health truly matters—not just in the world, but in the life of every believer.

  1. 3d ago

    Her Husband Hid a Sex Addiction Behind Their “Perfect” Christian Marriage

    Ep 26 of Mental Health Matters for Christians PodcastFor years, Priscilla Fretwell believed she had the life she had always wanted: a loving husband, five children, a beautiful home, church involvement, and what appeared to be a strong Christian marriage. But behind that picture-perfect life, her husband Phil was hiding a decades-long struggle with pornography and sexual addiction—one that eventually crossed the boundaries of their marriage.In this deeply candid conversation, Priscilla shares the wife’s side of betrayal—the anger, grief, denial, and devastating loss of trust, but also the difficult journey toward healing. She explains why recovery eventually required more than simply fixing Phil’s behavior: they had to confront the emotional and spiritual disconnection that had existed beneath the surface of their marriage and begin dealing with their own wounds. Today, Priscilla and Phil help other couples discover that even after profound betrayal, brokenness does not have to be the end of the story.TOPICS DISCUSSED- Pornography and sex addiction in marriage- Betrayal and broken trust- The pressure of the “perfect” Christian marriage- Emotional and spiritual disconnection- Anger, grief, fear, and denial after disclosure- Personal responsibility and healing- Confession, honesty, and rebuilding intimacy- Marriage recovery after sexual betrayal🔹 Connect with Priscilla and Philhttps://www.savagemarriageministries.com/Priscilla and Phil's book: Savage Marriagehttps://a.co/d/00rBalRT🔹 Connect with Christinehttps://www.worthycreations.org/#betrayal #pornaddictionrecovery

    Her Husband Hid a Sex Addiction Behind Their “Perfect” Christian Marriage

  2. Sep 8

    Ep25 He Hid a Secret Sexual Addiction from His Wife for 28 Years

    Ep25 of Mental Health Matters for ChristiansFor 28 years, Phil Fretwell hid a secret sexual addiction from his wife, Priscilla—even while teaching Bible studies and serving as a leader in his church. What began with pornography in childhood eventually escalated, all while Phil maintained the outward appearance of a devoted Christian husband, father, and leader. In this deeply candid conversation, Phil shares what was underneath his double life: a longing for affirmation, fear of rejection, pride, and an inability to experience genuine intimacy. He explains why counseling alone didn't end the secrecy and what finally happened 28 years into his marriage that forced him to bring everything into the light. Phil also shares what happened after he confessed everything to Priscilla, why he believes “disclosure day is every day,” and how radical honesty, humility, prayer, and spiritual intimacy helped them rebuild a marriage that could easily have ended. Today, Phil and Priscilla use their story to help other couples find hope and healing through Savage Marriage Ministries.TOPICS DISCUSSED• How childhood wounds and his father’s abandonment shaped Phil’s need for affirmation• How pornography became a source of comfort and eventually a secret sexual addiction• How Phil maintained a double life while teaching the Bible and serving as a church leader• What finally forced Phil to tell his wife the truth after 28 years• What happened when Priscilla learned the full extent of his betrayal• Why Phil says “disclosure day is every day” and transparency must become a way of life• How Phil and Priscilla rebuilt trust, emotional and spiritual intimacy, and their marriage🔹 Connect with Philhttps://www.savagemarriageministries.com/Phil's book: Savage Marriagehttps://a.co/d/00rBalRTCHAPTERS00:00 Phil Fretwell’s Story: Living a Double Life02:17 His Father Leaves—and Pornography Enters His Life10:29 His Wife Discovers the First Secret12:10 Honest Isn’t Enough: Being Open and Transparent15:33 Hiding Sexual Addiction While Leading in Church21:14 What Was Really Driving the Addiction?31:06 The Moment 28 Years of Secrets Began to Unravel32:43 Why Counseling and Accountability Hadn’t Set Him Free37:25 Telling His Wife the Whole Truth38:25 “Disclosure Day Is Every Day”48:17 How They Rebuilt Their Marriage and Created Savage Marriage🔹 Connect with Christinehttps://www.worthycreations.org/#sexaddiction #pornaddictionrecovery

    Ep25 He Hid a Secret Sexual Addiction from His Wife for 28 Years

  3. Sep 1

    Ep24 Healthy Self-Love vs. Sinful Self-Focus

    For many Christians, phrases like self-love, self-care, and self-compassion can feel uncomfortable. After all, Jesus told us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. But does denying yourself mean criticizing yourself, neglecting your needs, or even hating yourself? In this episode Christine Sneeringer and her co-host, Christian therapist Tim Long, explore the difference between healthy, God-centered self-love and sinful self-focus. Together they unpack the teaching of Jesus to “love your neighbor as yourself," why shame and self-criticism can actually drive unhealthy behaviors, and how self-compassion can play an important role in healing. Tim explains why healthy self-love isn’t narcissism or pride. Instead, it grows from receiving God’s love, understanding our worth in relationship to Him, and practicing gratitude—allowing us to serve others from a place of godly humility and confidence. TOPICS DISCUSSED- What Jesus really meant when He said to deny yourself - The difference between healthy self-love and sinful self-focus - How shame and self-criticism can fuel unhealthy coping - Why self-compassion can be an important part of healing - How grace and gratitude keep self-love centered on God 🔹 Connect with Tim • Website: https://www.kainoschristiantherapy.com/ 🔹 Connect with Christine • Website: https://www.worthycreations.org/

    Ep24 Healthy Self-Love vs. Sinful Self-Focus

  4. Aug 25

    Ep23 A Retired Cop’s Battle Cry for Men of Faith to Man Up

    What happens when you do everything "right" and still feel hollow inside? Retired police officer and men's ministry director Eric sits down with Christine to share how a life that looked right on paper — steady job, clean living, hard work — still left him empty, until a chance invitation to church changed everything. From surviving his parents' divorce and custody battle, to his father's parental abduction as a child, to chasing meaning through bodybuilding and dance, Eric's story traces the gap between outward success and inward peace. Today he leads The ROC (Rangers of Christ), a brotherhood built to help men stop performing and start being honest about their struggles, their marriages, and fatherhood. If you've ever done everything "right" and still felt like something was missing — this episode is for you. This conversation dives deep into:• Growing up through his parents' divorce and custody battle• His father's cross-country parental abduction• Chasing meaning through bodybuilding, dance, and achievement• The moment he realized something was still missing• Becoming a Christian while serving as a police officer• Founding The ROC (Rangers of Christ) men's ministry• Why men struggle to open up, even in church• Raising two sons and four daughters 🔹 Powerful Takeaways• Doing everything "right" doesn't guarantee you'll feel whole• Isolation is dangerous — men need brotherhood, not just willpower• Wisdom comes before strength: know what to do before you do it• You can't heal what you keep hidden, even from yourself• Being real and being tough aren't opposites• Your private life — what's really in your head and heart — only opens up when you're invited in CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS02:48 Childhood: Divorce, Abduction, and a Move to North Carolina09:31 Chasing Meaning Through Bodybuilding and Achievement12:56 Finding Church and Finishing College20:00 Becoming a Cop: "Paid to Be a Christian"30:06 The Crisis of Christian Manhood40:56 Founding The ROC (Rangers of Christ)54:24 The 12 Attributes of a ROC59:39 Why Men Struggle to Open Up and Stay Isolated1:06:02 Public, Personal, Private: A Father's Biggest Mistake1:08:43 Raising Two Sons and Four Daughters1:20:08 Rapid Fire Round

    Ep23 A Retired Cop’s Battle Cry for Men of Faith to Man Up

  5. Aug 18

    Ep22 Why Trauma Makes You Feel Like You're Never Good Enough

    Why do so many Christians secretly believe they'll never be good enough? After childhood sexual abuse, poverty, toxic relationships, betrayal, and divorce, Tina Rains spent years believing the lies trauma had written over her life. In this powerful conversation, she shares how God used counseling, biblical truth, community, and the renewing of her mind to heal deep wounds and restore her identity. Together, we explore why trauma often leaves us feeling "never good enough," how our thoughts shape our emotions, the role of counseling and neuroscience in healing, and what it really means to replace lies with God's truth. If you've struggled with shame, rejection, people-pleasing, or feeling unworthy, this conversation offers practical hope rooted in Scripture. Tina is the founder of Masterpiece Women, author of Freedom Climb, speaker, and ministry leader who now helps women discover their God-given identity and purpose. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction to Tina Rains 01:11 – Childhood abuse, poverty, and finding Christ 06:56 – Why trauma made her believe she wasn't enough 10:51 – Hitting rock bottom and choosing healing 13:54 – Renewing your mind with God's truth 18:57 – How Scripture moved from her head to her heart 25:24 – Replacing lies with biblical identity 30:00 – Battling the "never good enough" thoughts 38:55 – Why she stayed single for 15 years 44:45 – From survivor to Freedom Climber and helping others

    Ep22 Why Trauma Makes You Feel Like You're Never Good Enough

  6. Aug 11

    Ep21 Where Is God When Your Loved One Never Gets Better?

    What happens to your faith when you pray for healing—and healing never comes? Rachel Scott’s life changed overnight when her husband suffered a devastating stroke at just 56-years-old. For the next nine years, Rachel cared for the man she loved while raising five children still at home, watching her husband slowly decline and wrestling with exhaustion, grief, anger, and unanswered prayers. In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel shares the hidden emotional toll of caregiving, what it’s like to grieve someone who is still alive, and how she held onto God when she could no longer understand what He was doing. She also opens up about caregiver burnout, PTSD after her husband’s death, and the powerful way God showed her that even in the deepest waters, she had never been alone. If you’ve ever wondered where God is when someone you love doesn’t get better, Rachel’s story offers an honest and hope-filled perspective on faith, suffering, grief, and the presence of God. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Rachel Scott 02:19 The Stroke That Changed Everything 09:18 The Hidden Toll of Caregiving 19:22 “I Can’t Do This Anymore” 23:12 When You Keep Praying for Healing 25:13 Letting Go After Nine Years 29:54 Grieving Someone Who Is Still Alive 35:48 When God Doesn’t Heal 40:08 Finding God in the Deepest Waters 50:46 PTSD, Healing & Life After Caregiving CONNECT with Rachelhttps://www.godsmightywarriors.com/ Rachel's book: Birthing God's Mighty Warriors: A Family Restoration Manual for a New GenerationBuy her book https://a.co/d/00OG4W2F

    Ep21 Where Is God When Your Loved One Never Gets Better?

  7. Aug 4

    Ep 20 Can You Love Jesus and Still Need Therapy?

    Ep20 of Mental Health Matters for Christians Can you love Jesus, pray faithfully, read your Bible... and still need therapy? In this episode, Christine Sneeringer and Christian therapist Tim Long explore why so many Christians are skeptical of mental health, whether therapy and biblical faith can work together, and why emotional health is an essential part of spiritual growth.They discuss trauma, feelings, emotional maturity, grief, empathy, and the biblical case for caring for your mental health—all through the lens of Scripture. If you've ever wondered whether Christians should go to therapy or why you're still struggling emotionally despite your faith, this conversation is for you.Topics Covered:• Faith and therapy• Mental health for Christians• Emotional maturity vs. spiritual maturity• Trauma and healing• Are feelings sinful?• Biblical emotional healthChapters00 Introduction – Why Mental Health Matters for Christians05:13 Spiritual Maturity vs. Emotional Maturity11:39 Are Feelings Sinful? A Biblical Perspective20:09 Inside Out, Lament, and Why Sadness Matters29:52 Tim's Story: Loving Jesus While Battling Depression & Pornography37:21 Why Empathy, Attachment, and Feeling Seen Matter8:49 Attachment Theory, Trauma, and Emotional Healing

    Ep 20 Can You Love Jesus and Still Need Therapy?

  8. Jul 29

    Ep19 A Pastor's Hidden Struggle with Same-Sex Attraction and the Road to Healing

    Ep19 of Mental Health Matters for Christians For decades, Richard Holloman lived a double life. Outwardly he was a respected pastor, husband, and ministry leader. Privately, he carried the crushing weight of childhood sexual abuse, shame, sexual addiction, and unwanted same-sex attraction that no one knew about. When his secret was finally exposed, Richard lost everything—his ministry, his reputation, and nearly his life. But what seemed like the end of his story became the beginning of healing, freedom, and a ministry helping others find hope. In this powerful conversation, Richard shares how childhood trauma shaped his life, why shame kept him trapped for decades, the moment everything came crashing down, and how God's grace met him in his darkest hour. Whether you've experienced trauma, struggle with shame, love someone wrestling with sexual brokenness, or simply need hope that God can redeem even the darkest chapters of life, this conversation offers compassion, honesty, and encouragement. Topics Include: • Childhood trauma and sexual abuse • Shame and secrecy • Same-sex attraction • Sexual addiction • Living a double life • Healing and restoration • Identity in Christ • Faith and mental health #FaithAndMentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #HealingFromTrauma #OvercomingShame #SameSexAttraction #Testimony

    Ep19 A Pastor's Hidden Struggle with Same-Sex Attraction and the Road to Healing
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About

Mental Health Matters for Christians is a podcast that creates a safe, honest space where faith and mental health intersect. Hosted by Christine Sneeringer, the show explores real struggles that many Christians face—but often feel unable to talk about—like anxiety, depression, identity, trauma, and shame. With a warm, conversational tone, each episode invites listeners to step out of isolation and into truth, reminding them they are not alone and that their struggles do not disqualify their faith. Through powerful conversations, the podcast features guests who share their personal stories of brokenness, healing, and transformation. From testimonies of overcoming addiction and trauma to navigating complex questions around identity and purpose, each story points back to the hope and restoration found in Christ. These authentic interviews offer encouragement and practical insight for listeners who are seeking clarity, freedom, and deeper healing. The show also equips listeners with tools they can apply in everyday life—blending biblical truth with emotional awareness and practical wisdom. Rather than choosing between faith and mental health, Mental Health Matters for Christians helps bridge the gap, showing how the two can work together. Whether it’s learning how to process emotions, set healthy boundaries, or renew the mind, each episode aims to move listeners toward wholeness. Ultimately, this podcast is about transformation from the inside out. It’s for anyone who loves God but still wrestles, feels stuck, but longs for deeper peace and more freedom. Mental Health Matters for Christians reminds listeners that healing is possible, growth is intentional, and mental health truly matters—not just in the world, but in the life of every believer.

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