Conversations with Coach LA

Faith, Spirituality & Mental Health: Can They Coexist?

Episode Summary

Episode Focus: This episode explores the intersection of faith, spirituality, and mental health through the lens of healing generational, personal, and societal trauma. We’ll examine how these elements either harmonize or conflict—and how we can lean into all three to build stronger, more resilient communities. Featured Guest Bio: Bishop William E. Dickerson II, founder and Senior Pastor of Greater Love Tabernacle (GLT) and Prelate of Restoration Ministries of Boston, is a spiritual trailblazer, urban theologian, and advocate for the disenfranchised. For over 35 years, Bishop Dickerson has led with wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to healing communities—spiritually and emotionally. With degrees in counseling, theology, and urban ministry, his work exemplifies the transformative power of purpose and faith in action. www.grltabernacle.org @greaterlovetab IG @greater_love_tab

Episode Notes

From the pulpit to the people, he’s been a voice for healing and hope for over three decades. This week on Conversations with Coach LA, we welcome the iconic Bishop William E. Dickerson II to unpack faith, healing, and what it truly means to BET on SELF. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.

Featured Guest Bio:

Bishop William E. Dickerson II, founder and Senior Pastor of Greater Love Tabernacle (GLT) and Prelate of Restoration Ministries of Boston, is a spiritual trailblazer, urban theologian, and advocate for the disenfranchised. For over 35 years, Bishop Dickerson has led with wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to healing communities—spiritually and emotionally. With degrees in counseling, theology, and urban ministry, his work exemplifies the transformative power of purpose and faith in action.

www.grltabernacle.org @greaterlovetab IG @greater_love_tab

COACH’S CORNER – Final Thought:

"Healing isn't about perfection; it’s about presence. When we allow faith, therapy, and spiritual practice to work together, we create a healing container for ourselves and our communities. Don’t be afraid to choose both Jesus and a therapist. That might just be your BET on SELF moment." – Coach LA

STATISTICS & DEFINITIONS

Faith & Mental Health Stats:

• According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
  
   
• Pew Research Center reports that 75% of people turn to a religious leader before a mental health professional.
  
   
• Mental Health America notes that people with strong spiritual beliefs often report higher life satisfaction and resilience, especially during crisis.
  
   

Defining Key Concepts:

• Spirituality: A personal, often emotional connection to something greater than oneself, not always tied to religion.
  
   
• Faith: Often rooted in organized religion, it’s a structured belief in a higher power, often involving rituals and community.
  
   
• Generational Cycles: Patterns of behavior, beliefs, and trauma that are passed down through families.
  
   
• Dysfunctional Patterns: Repetitive, unhealthy behaviors and responses within families, often formed as coping mechanisms.
  
   

BOOKS & RESOURCES TO SHARE

Books:

1. The Emotionally Healthy Church – Peter Scazzero
   
    
2. My Grandmother’s Hands – Resmaa Menakem
   
    
3. Sacred Wounds: A Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma – Teresa B. Pasquale
   
    
4. Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
   
    
5. The Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy – Kenneth I. Pargament
6.  You Too Can Be Delivered: Keys to Walking in Personal Deliverance - William E Dickerson II (Author), Bishop George Bloomer (Foreword) https://amzn.to/4lWIUl0
   
    

Resources:

• Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives LLC – Offering therapy, coaching, and wellness programs to address trauma, purpose, and growth. www.IamCoachLA.com
  
   
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
  
   
• Therapy for Black Men/Women: therapyforblackmen.org / therapyforblackgirls.com