In this post-conference conversation, Fr. Turbo Qualls joins me to reflect on the themes, insights, and discussions that emerged from the inaugural OINTMENT Conference—an event bringing together clergy, clinicians, and laypeople to explore the relationship between Orthodox Christianity, mental health, and the healing of the human person. Our discussion moves beyond the usual debates about therapy and religion to examine deeper questions: What is healing? What role do trauma, suffering, and repentance play in spiritual growth? How should Orthodox Christians think about psychology, medication, and mental health treatment? And how do we avoid reducing human beings to either diagnoses or demons? We explore the Orthodox understanding of the person, the Church as a hospital for the soul, the modern crisis of loneliness and fragmentation, and the ultimate goal of the Christian life—theosis. Whether you're a priest, clinician, convert, or simply someone seeking healing, this conversation offers a thoughtful and deeply Orthodox vision of what it means to become whole. In This Episode * Reflections and takeaways from the OINTMENT Conference * Orthodoxy and modern psychology * Trauma, suffering, and spiritual healing * The relationship between clergy and clinicians * The Church as a hospital for the soul * Medication, therapy, and discernment * Theosis as the goal of the Christian life * The deepest wounds of modern America * Hope for the future of Orthodox ministry and mental health care About Fr. Turbo Qualls Fr. Turbo Qualls is the rector of St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the founder of the OINTMENT Institute, an initiative dedicated to fostering collaboration between Orthodox clergy and mental health professionals in the care and healing of the human person. Fr. Turbo holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Addiction Studies and Pastoral Counseling with an emphasis in crisis response and trauma. He also serves as a spiritual father, speaker, educator, and conference organizer, helping Orthodox Christians think more deeply about healing, suffering, and the therapeutic tradition of the Church. Learn More:
OINTMENT Institute A growing network dedicated to fostering collaboration between Orthodox clergy and mental health professionals while remaining rooted in the Orthodox understanding of the human person and the healing of the soul.
OINTMENT Conference St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church Located in Kansas City, Missouri, St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church is known for its commitment to Orthodox evangelism, pastoral care, education, and outreach. The parish also supports ministries including Mt. Tabor School of Liberal Arts and has become a hub for Orthodox formation and discipleship. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend. Your support helps us continue exploring faith, culture, and the pursuit of truth through conversations with Orthodox clergy, scholars, clinicians, and cultural commentators.
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