Ask a Pastor: What Churches Look for in Therapist Partnerships with Pastor Payton Stone | WP 133

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Payton flips the script on how mental health professionals engage with spirituality. For clients whose faith is central to their identity, it’s not just relevant — it’s essential. Payton makes the case that integrating spiritual life into clinical work isn’t just respectful; it’s transformative.

He shares what he looks for in a trusted therapist, how counselors can build real relationships with local churches (without feeling like they’re pitching a service), and why speaking the language of faith can open doors to deeper healing and collaboration. Whether you're a clinician working in Christian spaces or someone curious about bridging the sacred and the clinical, this episode is a must-listen.

It’s not about marketing. It’s about ministry. And it starts with showing up.

12:34 The Challenge of Reaching Out
14:31 Dealing with Resistant Pastors
17:29 Mental Health Trends in the Church
20:11 How Therapists Can Support Pastors
23:49 Follow-Up is Crucial
30:10 Connecting with the Right Counselor
31:13 Sensitivity to Client Needs

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