Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast

Heidi Mortenson, MA, LMFT
  • 4.9 (77)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. 6d ago

    255. Discerning Spiritual Mixture With Dr. Jessica Stone

    What if some of the confusion you've experienced in your faith isn't because God is unclear—but because truth has become mixed with other voices? In this thought-provoking episode, Heidi sits down with therapist, teacher, and author Dr. Jessica Stone to unpack one of the greatest challenges facing Christians today: spiritual mixture. Together they explore what happens when biblical truth becomes blended with personal experiences, emotional reasoning, cultural influences, or teachings that aren't rooted in Scripture. Rather than living from formulas, other people's testimonies, or emotional highs, God invites us into something far deeper—a personal relationship with Him and a Kingdom mindset that brings clarity, freedom, and peace. In this episode, you'll discover: Why spiritual mixture creates confusion and keeps believers stuck. How to discern God's voice from emotions, experiences, and human opinions. Why the simplicity of the Gospel is still the pathway to freedom. How testimonies can inspire without becoming unrealistic expectations. Practical ways to build a Kingdom mindset rooted in Scripture instead of spiritual trends. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV) Dr. Jessica also shares resources from her Kingdom Mindset Masterclass and discusses how believers can grow in biblical discernment while cultivating a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus. Dr. Jessica Stone's website: https://www.kingdommindset.global/ 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!

    255. Discerning Spiritual Mixture With Dr. Jessica Stone

  2. Aug 24

    254. When Surrender Is Really Control

    Have you ever "surrendered" something to God—while secretly hoping your surrender would finally make Him change the situation? Sometimes control doesn't look like control. It looks like helping. Fixing. Praying harder. Being extra kind. Trying to say exactly the right thing. Or even telling God, "I give this completely to You," while quietly expecting a particular outcome in return. In this episode of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi explores the difference between true biblical surrender and spiritualized control—and why trauma, relational pain, and a dysregulated nervous system can make letting go feel so difficult. Using a simple dream about mowing someone else's lawn, Heidi asks a powerful question: Am I tending what God has actually given me to tend—or am I trying to manage something that belongs to someone else? In this episode, you'll learn: How control can disguise itself as love, helping, prayer, or surrender Why trauma and nervous-system activation can make control feel like safety How to distinguish what belongs to God, what belongs to you, and what belongs to another person Why trusting God does not require blindly trusting people How to carry hope for someone's transformation without making yourself responsible for producing it "Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.'" ~ John 21:21–22 (NKJV) Surrender isn't trusting God to give me the outcome I want. Surrender is trusting God with the outcome. Sign up for the FREE Mental Health & Deliverance Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997857590835?aff=oddtdtcreator 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!

    254. When Surrender Is Really Control

  3. Aug 17

    253. When Trauma Meets Deliverance With Adele Vrey

    Can someone survive extreme trauma, ritual abuse, and generational Satanism—and not only find freedom, but dedicate their life to helping others heal? In one of the most powerful conversations on the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast, Heidi sits down with Adele Vrey from South Africa to hear her remarkable testimony of redemption. Adele shares her journey out of generational Satanism, the devastating effects of ritual trauma and dissociation, and the years-long healing process that included counseling, deliverance, inner healing, prayer, and God's miraculous restoration. Together, Heidi and Adele tackle one of the most important conversations facing the Church today: How do we wisely discern the difference between trauma, mental illness, and spiritual oppression? They discuss why the Church needs both biblical discernment and trauma-informed care—and why no single tool is enough. In this episode you'll discover: How severe trauma can impact the brain, body, and spirit. Why healing often requires counseling, deliverance, prayer, and community—not just one approach. How to discern between psychological, physical, and spiritual causes of suffering. Why trauma-informed ministry is essential for today's Church. The incredible hope that Jesus brings, no matter how dark your past has been. "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." — Isaiah 61:1 Connect with Adele Vrey To learn more about Adele and Riaan Swiegelaar's ministry, counseling, training, and resources, visit: https://www.deliverance4me.com/ Join Us at the Mental Health & Deliverance Conference Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-deliverance-conference-tickets-1997857590835 If this conversation resonates with you, we'd love to have you join us August 26–27, 2026, at Truth and Freedom Church (Minnesota) for the Mental Health & Deliverance Conference featuring Adele Vrey, Rafe Ronning, and Heidi Mortenson. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-deliverance-conference-tickets-1997857590835 Whether you're a therapist, ministry leader, pastor, or someone pursuing healing, this conference will equip you with practical tools, biblical wisdom, and greater discernment for walking with people toward freedom. 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!

    253. When Trauma Meets Deliverance With Adele Vrey

  4. Aug 10

    252. Jesus and Your Nervous System

    What if the behaviors you feel ashamed of are not proof that you are weak—but evidence that your nervous system has been trying to protect you? In this episode, Heidi explores how faith, trauma, attachment, and neuroscience come together to explain why we sometimes overreact, shut down, people-please, strive, control, or feel uneasy when life is finally peaceful. You'll learn: • Why the brain predicts danger based on past experiences • Why familiar patterns can feel safer than healthy ones • How neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new pathways • Why safe relationships and co-regulation matter for healing • Five practical ways to retrain your nervous system with Jesus Drawing from basic neuroscience research on predictive processing, memory reconsolidation, emotional regulation, and attachment, Heidi explains that healing is not about ignoring the body or simply "having more faith." It is about allowing God's truth, the Holy Spirit, healthy relationships, and the way God designed the brain and body to work together. You'll also discover how to notice your reactions without shame, regulate before responding, identify old predictions, renew your mind with truth, and experience God as a secure place of attachment. "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 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!

    252. Jesus and Your Nervous System

  5. Aug 3

    251. Following God's Call into Difficult Places With Stephanie Page

    What if your everyday work could become a catalyst for freedom and healing? In this powerful conversation, Heidi sits down with Stephanie Page, founder of Stories Foundation, to discuss her journey of faith, obedience, and the mission to combat human trafficking right here in Minnesota. Stephanie shares how God led her to start a nonprofit café that not only serves coffee but also creates opportunities, support, and hope for survivors of exploitation and trafficking. Together, they unpack the realities of trafficking, the role manipulation and unhealthy relationships play in exploitation, and how communities can become part of the solution. Stephanie also shares how she stays grounded in God's heart while carrying the weight of such difficult work. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ How human trafficking often begins through manipulation and unhealthy relationships ✔️ Warning signs of grooming, exploitation, and relational control ✔️ Practical ways to support survivors and raise awareness in your community ✔️ How obedience to God's calling can lead to greater impact than you ever imagined Whether you're a parent, leader, counselor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation will equip and inspire you to bring light into some of the darkest places of our culture. "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." — Isaiah 1:17 (ESV) "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." — Proverbs 31:8 To learn more, support the mission, or get involved, visit storiesfoundation.org. Steph's website: www.storiesfoundation.org Heidi's website: www.heidimortenson.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!

    251. Following God's Call into Difficult Places With Stephanie Page

  6. Jul 27

    250. Overcoming Perfectionism

    Do you constantly feel like you have to get everything just right? Do you struggle with fear of failure, people-pleasing, or feeling like you're never enough—even when everyone else thinks you're doing great? What if perfectionism isn't about having high standards at all... but about trying to protect yourself from shame? In this episode, Heidi unpacks the hidden roots of perfectionism through the lens of psychology, Brené Brown's research, and biblical truth. You'll discover how striving for perfection can actually keep you from the freedom, peace, and authentic connection God desires for you. In this episode, you'll learn: The surprising difference between healthy excellence and perfectionism Why shame—not failure—is often driving your need to perform How perfectionism becomes emotional armor that keeps you stuck Practical tools to break free from striving and embrace grace What Scripture says about your identity, worth, and freedom in Christ You don't have to earn God's love—or anyone else's approval. Freedom begins when you stop trying to be perfect and start believing what God already says about you. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) If this episode encourages you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that they are loved—not because they're perfect, but because they belong to Christ. 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!

    250. Overcoming Perfectionism

  7. Jul 20

    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

  8. 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
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4.9
out of 5
77 Ratings

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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