In this episode of Can You Just Sit With Me? podcast, the focus is how to navigate grief and mental health. Natasha welcomes back Tabitha Yates, a bestselling author, speaker, and mental health advocate, to discuss her journey of navigating trauma through a combination of faith and therapy. They explore the importance of wise counsel, breaking the stigma around therapy within the church, and integrating psychological and biblical insights. Tabitha shares personal stories and highlights from her book Jesus and Therapy, emphasizing that true healing marries both faith and professional mental health support.
It’s [therapy] not contrary to trusting God, it’s trusting God and using wisdom and honoring the life he’s given you and the time he’s given you and not wasting it being unhealed for the rest of your life.
tabitha yates
“In Jesus and Therapy: Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Mental Health, Yates combines insights from psychology, personal experience, and Scripture to offer practical steps for confronting and healing trauma. This book is a beacon for those who feel lost in their faith while grappling with mental health challenges. It provides pastors and faith leaders with the tools to approach these struggles with empathy and understanding, while additionally serving as a valuable resource for mental health professionals.”
Get the book here.
This dialogue between Natasha and Tabitha sheds light on the complexities of grief, faith, and the transformative power of Jesus and therapy.
Main Points
- Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Therapy
- Breaking Down Stigmas Within Church Communities
- The Power of Sharing Stories
- A Call for Integration
Episode Talking Points
- 00:00 Welcome to the Can You Just Sit With Me Podcast
- 01:03 Personal Stories of Grief and Depression
- 02:13 Introducing Tabitha Yates: Author and Advocate
- 04:02 Tabitha’s Journey Through Trauma and Healing
- 10:50 The Role of Therapy in Healing
- 15:49 Biblical Encouragement for Seeking Help
- 20:43 Core Message of ‘Jesus in Therapy’
- 21:01 Personal Journey and God’s Presence
- 22:14 Integrating Psychology and Faith
- 24:05 Breaking the Stigma in the Church
- 26:14 Challenges in the Black Church Community
- 27:42 Personal Reflections on Mental Health
- 34:04 Encouragement for Seeking Therapy
- 36:51 Faithfulness of God’s Promises
- 38:49 The Importance of Combining Faith and Therapy
- 41:18 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Tabitha Yates:
About the Guest
Tabitha Yates is a bestselling author, speaker, and mental health advocate who’s passionate about helping people heal. Her debut book Jesus and Therapy: Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Mental Health dives into the messy, beautiful space where faith meets emotional wellness. Known online as The Redeemed Mama, Tabitha shares her journey of surviving trauma, spiritual abuse, and mental health challenges to remind others they’re not alone, and that healing is possible. She’s been featured on Yahoo News, MSN, Relevant Magazine, The Mighty, and hear on the In the Market with Janet Parshall, The Bob Dutko Show, The Messenger Movement Podcast, Renew You Podcast and more, reaching millions with her honest, hope-filled message. Tabitha’s all about breaking stigma, embracing vulnerability, and showing how hair isn’t a substitute for healing, it’s the foundation.
*AACC Affiliation* Tabitha is a Presidential Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Tabitha Yates is currently in 2 different courses through Light University, Caring for People God’s Way and seeking certification as a Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach. Connect with Tabitha here.
In the Episode
Jesus and Therapy by Tabitha Yates
Can You Just Sit With Me and Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
