Faith, Therapy, and the Digital Age

IIn this episode of The TheoTherapist Podcast, host Dr. Ca Trice Glenn welcomes Marquita Maxwell, LPC, licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, clinical supervisor, and trainer in telehealth and artificial intelligence in counseling, for a thoughtful conversation about faith, therapy, and the digital age.

The TheoTherapist Podcast, where we explore the intersections connecting theology and mental health. The TheoTherapist podcast is hosted by Dr. Ca Trice Glenn, a practical theologian and licensed therapist.

How do we keep mental health care ethical and human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?

From ChatGPT and AI-powered tools to telehealth platforms and digital mental health resources, technology is transforming how people access information, navigate relationships, and seek emotional support. While these advances create new opportunities, they also raise important questions about ethics, cultural understanding, spirituality, and the future of human connection.

Drawing from their shared backgrounds in theology and professional counseling, Dr. Glenn and Maxwell explore the opportunities and limitations of technology in mental health care. They discuss how telehealth has expanded access to counseling, especially for underserved communities, while examining the ethical challenges that arise when individuals increasingly turn to artificial intelligence for emotional support, relationship advice, and mental health information.

A central focus of their discussion is the therapeutic relationship and the importance of empathy, cultural competence, spiritual understanding, and professional accountability. They consider what happens when AI-generated responses fail to recognize the complexity of a person’s lived experiences, including the ways cultural traditions and religious beliefs shape emotional wellness.

The conversation also examines how churches and faith communities can approach emerging technology thoughtfully, using digital tools to support communication, outreach, and ministry without allowing technology to replace authentic relationships and personal care.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Faith and clinical counseling: How theology and therapy contribute to understanding and caring for the whole person.
• Telehealth and access to care: How technology has expanded mental health services for individuals and communities.
• AI in the therapeutic relationship: What happens when clients consult artificial intelligence before speaking with their counselor.
• Ethics and professional responsibility: Why boundaries, informed consent, cultural competence, and clinical judgment matter.
• Cultural and spiritual understanding: The limitations of technology when interpreting faith experiences and diverse cultural perspectives.
• Human connection and emotional healing: Why empathy, accountability, and meaningful relationships remain essential.
• Technology in faith communities: How churches can use digital resources without losing the relational foundations of ministry.
• Responsible AI use: Understanding the difference between using technology as a resource and relying on it as a substitute for professional care.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Glenn and Maxwell emphasize that technology itself is not the enemy. Rather, the challenge is learning how to use these emerging tools responsibly while protecting the deeply human and sacred dimensions of mental health care.

The central message: Technology can be a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the relationships, discernment, and human connection essential to healing.

Whether you are a mental health professional, pastor, faith leader, educator, or simply someone navigating life in an increasingly digital world, this episode offers important insights into the relationship between innovation, ethics, faith, and care.

Podcast Host

Rev. Dr. Ca Trice Glenn, LPC, ACS

Host

Through counseling, consulting and training, Dr. Glenn shares her passion for wellness and balance. Over the last 20 years, she has held leadership positions in the entertainment, corporate, information technology and counseling fields. In addition to her professional experience, she also lives out her life’s vocational calling as an ordained minister. Dr. Glenn uses her gifts to educate and care for others seeking holistic wellness. Through counseling, consulting and training, Dr. Glenn shares her passion for wellness and balance.

Guest

Marquita Maxwell, LPC

Guest

Marquita Maxwell is a graduate of Mercer University with a Master of Science in Community Counseling and Master of Divinity with a concentration in pastoral counseling. Marquita received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University in Psychology & Sociology. She is a licensed professional counselor in Georgia, author, approved clinical supervisor, speaker, nationally certified counselor, board certified tele-mental health counselor, certified professional counselor supervisor and core professor at Naropa University in their Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counseling program. Marquita is also a certified brainspotting practitioner. Her specialties include women issues, dating, divorce, spirituality, and stepfamilies. Marquita is currently completing her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University.

Connect with Marquita Maxwell, LPC

Website: www.millennialc3.com

Instagram: @millennialdatingcoach

Book(s): Being the One: B12 The Relationship Vitamin

Podcast Episode Quotes

“You can’t duplicate this heart center approach.” – Marquita Maxwell, LPC

“There is no easy button for life.” – Marquita Maxwell, LPC

“AI can’t replace the heart of it.” – Marquita Maxwell, LPC

“What can’t be replaced is the human connection.” – Dr. Ca Trice Glenn