The Chalice: Mental Health and Christian Faith

On this episode of The Chalice, we get to have a thoughtful and hope-filled conversation with Dr. Lorrie Slater, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Director of Henegar Counseling Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Slater offers insight into infidelity and betrayal trauma, how it impacts individuals emotionally and spiritually, and what healing and rebuilding trust can look like.

In this thoughtful episode of The Chalice, Dr. Kathleen Bazile joins us to explore the intersection of mental health, womanhood, and faith. Drawing from her research on faith and body image and her work as a clinician, clinical mental health counseling educator, and her own lived experience, Dr. Bazile discusses what it means to support women through life transitions, how faith can shape healing, and how future counselors can ethically integrate their values into practice. From perimenopause to professional identity, this conversation is rich with wisdom for clinicians, educators, and anyone on a journey of self-acceptance and growth.

In this inspiring episode of The Chalice, Richmont’s School of Ministry professor, Dr. Christopher L. Boyd, reflects on what he calls the “third quarter” of life and how to make the most of this season. Drawing from over 25 years of leadership across business, ministry, and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Boyd explores how we can lead with authenticity, steward our stories, and enter each season of life with purpose. Whether you're in your 20s or 60s, this episode will challenge and encourage you to believe there are still more great things to come.

In this powerful episode, Richmont alumni, counselor, educator, and entrepreneur Lyresa McGriff joins The Chalice to explore the spiritual and clinical importance of self-care for those called to care for others. Lyresa shares practical wisdom on launching a counseling career and insight from years of trauma-informed work, faith-based integration, and leadership in the mental health field.

In this episode of The Chalice, Dr. Robert Duckworth explores the eternal weight of our personal stories through the lens of 1 Corinthians 6:1–3. Drawing from his work in prisons and clinical counseling, Dr. Duckworth unpacks how narrative therapy and biblical theology can help individuals reframe their past as preparation for divine purpose. From eschatological hope to practical counseling strategies, this conversation is a compelling reminder that every story matters — and every story continues.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Chalice, Dr. Preston Hill shares his experience as a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his ongoing journey with C-PTSD. He explores the unique challenges male survivors face, the often-overlooked reality of spiritual trauma, and the pressing need for trauma-safe churches. Drawing from both lived experience and his work in trauma-informed theology, Dr. Hill offers a rare blend of vulnerability and insight into the redemptive power of naming harm.

In this episode of The Chalice: Mental Health & Christian Faith, we sit down with Richmont alumna and licensed professional counselor Mayra Richards and discuss opening a practice, integrating faith into sessions, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From spiritual trauma and EMDR to couples counseling, Mayra shares honestly about what it means to remain connected to God, to your calling, and to those you serve.

In this episode of The Chalice: Mental Health & Christian Faith, we sit down with Deanna Davis, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Clinical and Senior Director of the Richmont Trauma Center. Together, we unpack what trauma really is—beyond the buzzword—and how it often shows up in our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Deanna introduces us to Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach to trauma recovery, and shares why beginning with the body—not just the story—is essential for healing. She also explores how trauma can be misread as personality, how to avoid re-traumatization in therapy, and the importance of trauma-informed care for both clients and future clinicians. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Richmont Trauma Center’s mission to train skilled, compassionate therapists, and how Deanna integrates her faith in the sacred work of counseling.

In this episode, Transforming Trauma into a Life of Mission, Tahliah Peek joins us to share her inspiring journey from deep personal trauma to a life dedicated to Christian missions and mental health. Tahliah recounts how she found healing through faith and her work in counseling, enabling her to bring comfort and support to others facing their own struggles. Her story demonstrates resilience, redemption, and the power of presence in the midst of pain and offers a unique perspective on using one’s past to serve a greater purpose.

In this episode of Richmont To Go, we sit down with Alexandra Thompson, Executive Director of and Therapist at Cumberland Counseling Centers, to discuss her journey as a therapist and her leadership in making counseling accessible through faith-based settings. Alexandra shares Cumberland’s innovative model, which places mental health professionals directly in churches, promotes trauma-informed ministry, and provides affordable and accessible mental health care to communities in need.

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Wires, a Richmont Graduate University alumna and the Director of Programming and Communications at OneRace Movement, to explore her journey in ministry, her work in racial reconciliation, and the role of women in leadership. Katie shares insights from her over 20 years of experience in ministry, offering a unique perspective on integrating justice with the gospel.

Join Dr. Cara Cochran as she interviews Moose Lutes, former marine and Richmont Graduate University Director of Financial Aid, as he walks through the early days of Richmont Graduate University's foundation and fight for regional accreditation.

Sit down with Canton Jones, Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, musician, and pastor, to explore the cultural intersection of hip-hop and the church. Tune into this enlightening and inspiring conversation with Rochelle Mason, Peter Brindley, and Canton Jones as they discuss the vital role of worship in hip-hop, the need for the church to embrace cultural expressions to stay relevant, and growing concerns regarding men’s mental health.

Get to know Dr. Lorrie Slater, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mother, Grandmother, Richmont Graduate University Faculty Member and the Director of the Henegar Counseling Center with hosts Devin Pritchett and Peter Brindley. Listen along as Dr. Slater discusses mindfulness, authenticity, her relationships with her family and the Lord, and how this informs her relationships with her clients as well as the direction of the Henegar Counseling Center.

Join Dr. Preston Hill and Dr. Cara Cochran as they delve into the past, experience the present, and consider the future of Christian Integration with Dr. Gary Moon.

Join hosts Peter Brindley and Devin Pritchett as they chat with Dr. Stanley Hoover, Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling about Richmont's growing online Clinical Mental Health Counseling modality, telemental health, and online learning across the board.

Peter Brindley welcomes Devin Pritchett, the new co-host to Richmont To Go, a Richmont Graduate University Podcast.

In many ways, “integration” is theology made practical. It is how we relate truths from Christian theology and spirituality with the theory and practice of clinical mental health counseling and psychology - whether in ministry, counseling, or other domains of learning, helping, and healing. Join the Richmont Podcast hosts Peter Brindley and Mel Meyer as they introduce Dr. Cara Cochran and Dr. Preston Hill, hosts for the Richmont Podcast Integration series as they speak about what integration means to them in the unexpected moments.

Dr. Cara Cochran and Dr. Preston Hill introduce the Richmont Podcast's first series on integration. Stay tuned for more to come.

With a talent for casting vision which inspires others, fostering pathways to student achievement, building communities of diversity and inclusion, anticipating future trends, and piloting effective strategic initiatives, Richmont’s President, Dr. Timothy Quinnan, is passionate about transformational leadership and believes “good things will come from thoughtful experimentation”.