001 | I'm Dr. Martin Fletcher - The Shrink - Welcome to the Shepherd and the Shrink

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Meet The Shepherd and The Shrink

SS001 - I’m Dr. Martin Fletcher - The Shrink - Welcome to the Shepherd and the Shrink

Welcome to the Shepherd and the Shrink Podcast, the show where theology meets psychology and mental health meets spirituality. I’m your co-host, Dr. Martin Fletcher, founder of Renew Hope Counseling, a private counseling practice for adults, children, and families based in Dexter, Michigan. I hold advanced degrees in clinical psychology and education. In 2019, I partnered with Dr. Matt Hook, Pastor of Dexter United Methodist Church, to address the growing mental health crisis and restore meaning and purpose to individuals, families, and communities through the unique approach of blending psychology with spirituality. 

In this episode, I share my personal and career background and why I pivoted my career from working in the software industry to becoming a clinical psychologist. I explain why I believe Christianity is a great form of psychology and why many people hold onto the disillusioned belief that the more things you own is a symbol of your true happiness. I also discuss the five key things that completely changed my worldview, how our views of the world around us impact the way we find purpose and meaning in life, and why I believe the rates for depression, anxiety, and suicide are on an upward trend in our society. 

“For a radical transformation that protects you and makes you resilient in a world full of trouble, we have to go to the higher things - which is spirituality.”
- Dr. Martin Fletcher


This week on Shepherd & the Shrink:

  • The connection between Christianity and Psychology

  • Why materialism often leads to the disillusioned belief of what happiness really means

  • Why I believe the rate of anxiety, depression, and suicide are currently on an upward trend

  • Understanding sin, forgiveness, judging, and repentance

  • What it means to be a ‘spiritual being,’ walk in the spirit, and how to lead a Christ-like life

  • How our modern culture has ‘colored’ our views of Christianity

  • Lessons I learned from reading the Bible’s Book of Matthew

  • How being disciplined can bring you peace and happiness

  • What the ‘fruits of the spirit’ are and how to obtain them

  • The importance of practicing forgiveness and loving your enemies

Bringing Mental Health and Spirituality Together

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Shepherd & the Shrink Podcast with your hosts Dr. Matt Hook and Dr. Martin Fletcher, the show where theology meets psychology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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