Being Human

What does it take to be funny—and faithful—in today's culture? In this lively and thought-provoking conversation, Catholic Psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with comedian and broadcaster Tom Shillue to explore the grit, humility, and creative discipline behind the scenes of stand-up comedy. From resisting comfort in favor of calling, to navigating AI, analog living, and the deeper meaning of being human, Tom shares a rare peek behind the curtain of the entertainment world. Whether you're a fan of Gutfeld, a lover of vintage vinyl, or just hungry for a more integrated life, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even reconsider your smart fridge.   Key Topics: The tension between professionalism, calling, and comfort The power of imperfection in both performance and relationship The spiritual and psychological cost of convenience culture How shared laughter creates connection and healing What to expect at the Summit of Integration—and why Tom said yes to hosting it   Learn More: Summit of Integration – June 20–22 in Madison, NJ Join us in person or virtually for a unique gathering of thought leaders exploring the integration of faith, psychology, and human formation. https://catholicpsych.com/summit Tom Shillue's Website Find out more about Tom's work, upcoming shows, and media appearances.  https://tomshillue.com Dr. Greg Bottaro's Book: The Personalist Cure (Preview) Get the 3-chapter sample of Dr. Bottaro's new book when you register for the Summit in May. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What if the path to healing isn't about fixing yourself, but finally letting yourself be loved—right in the mess? In this deeply human and hopeful conversation, Dr. Greg sits down with longtime friend and CFR friar Fr. Columba to explore why our spiritual lives fall apart when we try to be angels instead of humans. Together, they unpack the quiet power of incarnation, what holiness looks like in real life (hint: it's not clean or quick), and how surrendering to God's pace opens the door to joy, wholeness, and peace. Whether you're weary from striving or just hungry for something more honest and integrated, this episode offers a refreshing breath of grace.   Key Topics: Why trying to be “perfectly spiritual” often leads us further from God The hidden danger of rejecting our humanity in the name of holiness How Jesus reveals the beauty of slowness, patience, and imperfection The role of emotions in spiritual life—and why they're not the enemy Why integration (not suppression) is key to authentic healing and holiness   Learn More: Join us for the 2024 Summit of Integration – June 20–22 in Madison, NJ, featuring Fr. Columba, Peter Kreeft, Jake & Heather Kim, Jennifer Morel, and Matt Maher. Spiritual Passages by Fr. Benedict Groeschel – A foundational resource on integrating psychological growth with spiritual maturity. Dr. Greg's Book: “The Personalist Cure” (Coming Soon) – Early chapters available with May ticket purchase to the Summit of Integration. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

Ever wondered what kind of mental health advice people look for on Reddit? In this refreshingly candid episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro teams up with certified mentor Jack Beers to unpack the internet's most common (and sometimes surprising) questions about anxiety, therapy, burnout, and more. With humor, wisdom, and a deeply Catholic lens, they dive into real struggles people face every day—and offer practical insights that go far beyond a Reddit thread. Whether you're curious, confused, or just tired of pop-psych buzzwords, this conversation is for you.   Key Topics: The difference between stress and anxiety—and why it matters What it means to feel numb (and why you can't just “snap out of it”) Why we sometimes can't sleep—and how to calm your brain without forcing it How to share your mental health struggles with others in a healthy way The real meaning of burnout—and how to spot it early   Learn More: The Summit of Integration – June 20–22, 2025 | Madison, NJ Join us for three powerful days exploring the integration of faith and mental health. Featuring keynote speakers Peter Kreeft, Jake and Heather Kim, Fr. Columba CFR, Jennifer Morel, and a special acoustic concert with Matt Maher. In-person and virtual tickets available. Purchase your ticket in May and receive a complimentary three-chapter preview of Dr. Greg Bottaro's upcoming book, The Personalist Cure. Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat Experience the retreat that's helped thousands find peace and clarity in daily life. This self-paced program includes guided mindfulness exercises rooted in Catholic spirituality—designed to help you pray, focus, and rest with greater intention. Jack Beers – CatholicPsych Certified Mentor Learn more about Jack's work supporting individuals through mentorship grounded in Catholic anthropology. Visit thecatholicmentor.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What happens when one of the greatest living Catholic philosophers takes on the rise of artificial intelligence? In this lively and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with Dr. Peter Kreeft to explore what makes us truly human in an age of technology, why analogies and wonder matter more than ever, and how faith, philosophy, and psychology together can help us navigate a world increasingly dominated by machines.   Key Topics: Dr. Peter Kreeft's famous aversion to technology—and why he's learned to (mostly) make peace with it The surprising connection between artificial intelligence and the decline of analogical thinking Why quantity can never replace quality in art, beauty, or human experience How modern culture's obsession with image and efficiency is eroding our humanity The collapse of humanities education—and why it matters for the future of civilization Learn More: Dr. Peter Kreeft's book The Philosophy of Tolkien, The One and the Many, and Socrates Meets Jesus Brave New World by Aldous Huxley — the dystopian classic discussed in the episode Pensées by Blaise Pascal — a brilliant, accessible introduction to defending the faith John Paul II's Theology of the Body — key writings on human dignity and personalism Fr. Norris Clarke's The One and the Many — a foundational text in Thomistic metaphysics The Summit of Integration — learn more about the upcoming event (update with your event link) Being Human Podcast Archives — explore past episodes on culture, technology, faith, and human integration (update with your archive link) Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What if the key to understanding who we are was hidden in cultures all around the world? In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with theologian Jennifer Morel to uncover how different cultures—along with her own Cajun heritage—offer powerful insights into what it really means to be male and female. Through stories of travel, surprising discoveries, and deep reflections on Catholic anthropology, they dive into why reclaiming the truth of our embodiment matters now more than ever. Whether you're fascinated by theology, culture, or just what it means to be fully human, this conversation will inspire you to see yourself—and the world around you—with new eyes.   Key Topics: Why Catholic anthropology looks beyond Western assumptions about gender and identity The hidden treasures in every culture that reveal what it means to be human What Cajun culture can teach us about matriarchy, gift, and authentic complementarity Why embodiment—being male or female—matters for our flourishing and our future resurrection The dangers of cultural pride and the invitation to learn from other traditions   Learn More: Summit of Integration – Join us in person or virtually for the upcoming Summit of Integration, featuring incredible speakers like Jennifer Morel, Dr. Peter Kreeft, Jake and Heather Kim, Fr. Columba, and Matt Maher. Man and Woman He Resurrected Them (Kindle Version) – Jennifer Morel's book exploring the meaning of male and female embodiment in the theology of the body. CatholicPsych Podcast Archive – Explore past episodes and topics in Catholic anthropology, integration, and human flourishing. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What happens when you say yes to God - and it turns your whole life upside down? In this powerful episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Jake and Heather Kim, two of the featured speakers at the upcoming Summit of Integration, to talk about marriage, mission, and radical trust. With honesty, humor, and deep wisdom, they unpack what it means to follow the Holy Spirit through seasons of change, simplicity, and surrender - while staying rooted in love, relationship, and the everyday reality of family life. Whether you're married, discerning, or navigating your own leap of faith, this conversation will inspire you to see your story through the lens of grace.   Key Topics: How radical trust in God led Jake and Heather Kim into a season of major life transition What it means to live out simplicity, change, and mission in marriage and ministry The beauty and challenge of following the Holy Spirit without a detailed roadmap Why ongoing marriage counseling is a strength, not a sign of failure The difference between resuscitating something in your relationship vs. inviting God to resurrect it Learn More: Summit of Integration – Join us in-person or virtually for the CatholicPsych Summit of Integration, featuring powerful speakers, worship with Matt Maher, and transformative conversations on becoming who God created you to be. Life Restoration Ministries – Explore the healing and discipleship ministry led by Jake and Heather Kim. Restore the Glory Podcast – Hosted by Jake Kim and Dr. Bob Schuchts, focused on healing the whole person through Catholic teaching and personal transformation. Abiding Together Podcast – Co-hosted by Heather Kim, Sister Miriam James, and Michelle Benzinger—offering weekly conversations on faith, healing, and community. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What happens when AI starts to feel like a friend - but isn't one? In this final installment of our AI series, Dr. Greg explores the growing ability of artificial intelligence to mirror human behavior - and why, no matter how convincing it gets, it can never truly love or choose. Drawing from the Catholic tradition and John Paul II's personalism, we unpack the deep spiritual and psychological truths of freedom and love - and why real relationship can only happen between persons. If you've ever felt both amazed and uneasy about the rise of AI, this conversation will challenge and ground you in what it really means to be human.   Key Topics: Why AI may soon be indistinguishable from a real person - and why that matters The core differences between mimicking humanity and being human How real love requires real freedom—and why AI can't offer either How tools like AI can support human flourishing—but not replace human relationship The danger of substituting digital connection for true communion Learn More: CatholicPsych Mentorship Program – Explore professional accompaniment grounded in Catholic anthropology and designed to foster real human growth and healing. CatholicPsych Podcast Archive – Search past episodes by topic and dive deeper into conversations on AI, psychology, faith, and the human person. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Greg explores the rising influence of artificial intelligence in therapy and why no machine, no matter how advanced, can truly replicate what it means to be human. Drawing from Pope St. John Paul II's theology of the person, he explains the irreplaceable dignity of real human connection - and why healing, growth, and love can only happen in relationship with another person. Whether you're fascinated by tech, worried about where it's all headed, or just craving a deeper understanding of what makes us human, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of our unique identity and mission.   Key Topics: The fundamental difference between knowing about a person and truly knowing them The irreplaceable role of human relationship in healing and growth Why Catholic psychology insists on the sacredness of the human person How technology often reflects our cultural misunderstanding of what it means to be human How AI lacks the one thing essential for real therapy: love   Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 4:55 - The Church's View on Technology 9:30 - AI in Mental Health & Therapy 11:30 - Introducing 4 Human-Only Traits (Overview) 12:47 - Horizontal Transcendence (Relationality) 15:16 - False Relationships with AI 21:05 - Part 1 Conclusion 21:49 - Recap of Part 1 (Horizontal Transcendence) 24:45 - Vertical Transcendence Learn More: CatholicPsych Podcast Page – Browse past episodes and search transcripts by topic, including previous discussions on AI and spirituality. CatholicPsych Mentorship – Learn more about accompaniment services rooted in Catholic anthropology. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What makes therapy Catholic—and is it really just adding a rosary to the session? In this unique episode, Dr. Greg is the one answering the questions, sitting down with college student Lucina Frank who's wrestling with how to bring her faith into the world of psychology. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on why CatholicPsych's approach feels so different—because it is—and how it responds to the deep hunger for healing that actually honors both our humanity and our faith. Whether you've been skeptical, searching, or simply curious, you'll walk away seeing therapy—and the Church's role in it—through a whole new lens.   Key Topics: Why “just adding prayer” isn't what makes therapy Catholic The real difference between faith-informed and faith-integrated therapy How a Catholic understanding of suffering changes the entire therapeutic goal What St. John Paul II's personalism offers that secular psychology can't How CatholicPsych is meeting a deeper need in the Church—and why it matters The danger of over-spiritualizing therapy (and how to avoid it)   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:07 – From Divorce to Vocation: Dr. Greg's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 09:05 – What's the Therapeutic Approach at CatholicPsych? 13:15 – Leading Clients Toward True Human Flourishing 17:00 – Therapy Isn't About Erasing Suffering 21:32 – Faith-Informed vs. Faith-Integrated Therapy 28:54 – Do Catholic Therapists Just Add a Rosary to the Sessions? 32:19 – Where Does Spiritual Direction Fit in Therapy? 41:12 – Why St. Thomas Aquinas Still Matters in Modern Psychology 46:22 – What St. Thomas Got Wrong about Gender Learn More: CatholicPsych's model of daily accompaniment: Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship  Spiritual Passages by Fr. Benedict Groeschel Discernment of Spirits course by Dr. Greg Bottaro Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Mulieris Dignitatem by Pope John Paul II Related Episode: Ep. 197: Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment     Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What happens when someone outside the faith asks for your honest take on one of today's most controversial issues? In this episode, Dr. Greg shares a conversation with secular therapist and podcast host Stephanie Winn, who came with real curiosity: What does Catholic psychology say about gender ideology? Even without sharing the same faith background, Stephanie engages deeply—and the result is a rich dialogue that offers clarity, compassion, and truth.   Key Topics: How to speak about gender truthfully and compassionately Why Catholic anthropology offers clarity in a confused culture The psychological roots of gender confusion and identity struggles The difference between repression and integration in Catholic psychology A merciful, hopeful vision of healing for those struggling with gender and identity wounds   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Why a Secular Therapist Wanted a Catholic Take 08:00 – Can Faith, Reason, and Science Really Work Together? 19:35 – Making the Leap of Faith When Understanding Falls Short 25:35 – The Scandal of Psychology: No Answer to “What Is a Person?” 29:58 – Fractured Identity: Dr. Greg Reflects on His Parents' Divorce 31:16 – Stephanie Reflects: I Didn't Know My Struggles Were from a Father Wound 35:13 – Lack of Compassion Is Missing from Religious Approaches 38:42 – Using the Blueprint to Help Those Suffering with Gender Issues 46:44 – Digging into the Causes of Gender Identity Struggles   Learn More: Check out You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Winn LMFT For the second half of this conversation, listen to Ep. 218: A Conversation with a Secular Therapist: Unveiling the Blueprint of the Human Person Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation to learn more about the daily accompaniment of Mentorship. Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment. Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What happens when a Catholic psychologist and a secular therapist sit down for a conversation? In this compelling discussion, Stephanie Winn (host of You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist) and Dr. Greg explore the intersection of faith and psychology, offering a bridge between faith and reason. Together, they unpack how a relational understanding of the person can lead to healing and wholeness in a culture grappling with identity and meaning.   Key Topics: The five relational marks that shape human identity How relationships form, wound, and ultimately heal us The significance of objective truth, goodness, and beauty in psychology The Catholic understanding of atonement, healing, and personal growth A fresh, merciful perspective on purgatory and the communion of saints   Learn More: Check out You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Winn LMFT Previous episodes unpacking the blueprint of the human person: Ep. 2: The Human Blueprint Ep. 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint We'd love to hear your feedback! Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation. Want help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment.   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

You've heard of the 5 Love Languages—now meet the 5 Anxiety Languages! In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Greg Bottaro introduces a groundbreaking way to understand anxiety: The 5 Anxiety Languages. Just like understanding love languages helps us express love, your Anxiety Language reveals how you instinctively process stress, uncertainty, and fear. Which anxiety language do you speak? Tune in to find out.   Key Topics: Why anxiety feels different for everyone—and why that matters. The 5 Anxiety Languages explained: Reactive, Activated, Minimizing, Withdrawing, and Impulsive. How these Anxiety Languages show up in your day-to-day life. Why Jesus' command to “be not afraid” isn't just a spiritual ideal—it's psychologically practical. How understanding anxiety as a “language” can help you break unhealthy patterns. Faith-based, practical steps to navigate anxiety and find peace.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Everybody has some level of anxiety 03:02 – Anxiety is not what you think 05:54 – The 5 Anxiety Languages: What's your predominant language? 07:18 – Reactive Quick-tempered, snappy, stressed-out under pressure. 12:02 – Activated: Always “on,” overachieving, constantly in motion. 14:34 – Minimizing: Saying “I'm fine” even when the house is on fire. 17:27 – Withdrawing: Avoidance, procrastination, or retreating inward. 22:02 – Impulsive: Jumping from thing to thing, seeking distraction (and the ADHD overlap). 24:53 – Review and Close   Learn More: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicPsychInstitute Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro's mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. Daily Catholic Accompaniment – CatholicPsych's approach combines faith and psychology, offering personalized mentorship to transform your daily challenges. Blog article: Is Mindfulness safe for Catholics to practice? Coming soon: “What Is Your Predominant Anxiety Language?” Quiz We'd love to hear your feedback! Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com. Need help transforming anxiety into peace? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation.   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

We all had bad parenting in some way—but now what? No parent is perfect, and childhood wounds don't just disappear when we grow up. Whether you struggled with criticism, emotional neglect, control, or a lack of support, those experiences shape your self-worth, relationships, and faith. In this episode, Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro explains how faith and psychology help rewire false beliefs, break destructive patterns, and heal childhood wounds. Key Topics: How bad parenting affects adult relationships & self-worth. The difference between healing and “just forgiving”. How to honor parents while setting healthy boundaries. Rewiring false beliefs about your identity through faith. How to break the cycle and parent differently.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:21 – How bad parenting impacts children's sense of identity 07:00 – Breaking the cycle: Understanding toxic family patterns 11:55 – How faith rewires false beliefs about your identity 13:44 – Learning self-stewardship and true self-care 17:12 – Correcting distortions of value learned from bad parenting 18:47 – Final encouragement to self-stewardship   Learn More: Episode 215: When Are Parents Toxic? with Noelle Mering Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro's mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. Need support navigating a difficult family relationship? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation.   Follow Us on Socials:  Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Toxic parents? Difficult family relationships? Can Catholics set boundaries and follow God's commandment?  Is it ever okay to step back from a parent-child relationship? Dr. Greg Bottaro and Noelle Mering explore the balance between honoring parents and protecting mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In a culture where cutting ties is increasingly normalized, does it truly lead to healing? This episode dives into forgiveness, boundaries, and finding peace in difficult family relationships. If you've ever wrestled with family wounds or guilt over boundaries, this conversation offers a powerful blend of faith and psychology. Key Topics: The difference between normal family conflict and toxic relationships. Catholic teaching on honoring parents vs. setting healthy boundaries. How the “No Contact” movement is reshaping family relationships—for better or worse. How to forgive without enabling harmful behavior. The psychological impact of unhealthy family ties—and the path to healing. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 03:30 – Impact of Woke Ideology 05:50 – Raising Children to be Faithful Catholics 08:45 – Protecting Children from Harmful Ideology 13:20 – How to Best Help Struggling Kids 15:21 – Are Your Parents Actually Toxic? 30:18 – When is “No Contact” Justified? (Or is it a cultural overreaction?) 36:07 – The 4th Commandment: Honoring vs. Obeying 44:30 – Setting Boundaries as a Catholic 52:49 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement Learn More: Awake, Not Woke  – book by Noelle Mering Theology of Home – co-directed by Noelle Mering & Carrie Gress Theology of Home (4 volumes)  – books by Noelle Mering & Carrie Gress Ethics and Public Policy Center – where Noelle co-directs EPPC's Theology of Home Project Need support navigating a difficult family relationship? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Feeling overwhelmed by endless scrolling? Discover how a faith-based digital detox can help you reclaim peace of mind. In today's hyperconnected world, our minds are constantly bombarded by notifications, newsfeeds, and endless scrolling. But is social media helping us—or hurting us? Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with Darrell Miller of MAX Studios to explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of digital overload. Together, they discuss why social media fuels anxiety and comparison, and how faith-based mindfulness can help us unplug and reconnect with real life. Key Topics: The hidden mental health costs of digital overload How dopamine addiction keeps us glued to our screens Why social media fuels anxiety, comparison, and loneliness How faith & mindfulness offer a Catholic alternative to secular digital detox trends Practical steps to set healthier tech boundaries—without missing out Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 07:30 – How Social Media Affects Mental Health 12:48 – Faith & Mental Well-being 14:25 - Helping Children with Anxiety 21:30 – Social Media Causing Loneliness 35:50 – A Catholic Digital Detox Plan Learn More: MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, creating innovative digital content. Duc In Altum Schools – Supporting Catholic educators and fostering faith-based education. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – A book exploring the impact of social media and digital culture on mental health. Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier – A book examining modern therapy trends and their effects on mental well-being. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A book on trauma, stress, and how the body holds psychological distress. Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro's mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. The Church and the Internet  – Vatican document on the internet and technology use. Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Think faith and mental health don't mix? Think again. In an interview with Oscar Rivera on Ave Spotlight, Dr. Greg breaks down the biggest myths about psychology and Catholicism. Are faith and psychology at odds? Where do we draw the line between normal emotions and real mental health struggles?  Can prayer cure anxiety? Is therapy un-Catholic? How do you beat seasonal depression? Tune in for a fresh perspective on faith and mental well-being! Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between faith and mental health; Why Catholicism and psychology are not at odds; How the Catholic Church has studied the human person for centuries; Why anxiety and depression don't mean you lack faith; How Jesus, Mary, and the saints experienced human emotions; The biggest myths about mental health in the Catholic community; When to seek professional mental health support; How to tell if you've crossed a threshold into needing professional help; Practical steps to combat seasonal depression; The power of relationships and community in mental well-being; How prayer and gratitude affect mental well-being; How the CatholicPsych Institute is changing the mental health conversation; A personal story of Dr. Greg's first encounter with Jesus; Encouragement for anyone struggling with mental health today. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Listen to more episodes of Ave Spotlight with Oscar Rivera Follow Ave Maria Press & Oscar on Social Media: @AveMariaPress @OscarTwoten Need help? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

If you've ever felt stuck in your spiritual life—doing all the right things but still not feeling closer to God—this episode is for you. Dr. Greg explores the layers of distraction that keep us from deeper prayer, and how to quiet the noise of our own narratives and hear God's voice in the stillness.  Discussed in this episode: Why doing all the right things in your spiritual life doesn't always lead to feeling closer to God; How interior noise and distraction can block us from hearing God's voice; Understanding the layers of inner narratives that shape your perception of God; Why silence in prayer can feel uncomfortable—and how to move through it; The role of self-awareness in spiritual growth; St. John Paul II's concept of “incommunicability” and what it means for your interior life; How to discern between your own thoughts and God's voice; How God speaks in ways we don't expect—and how to recognize His presence; The importance of patience in deepening prayer and overcoming distractions; How to redirect thoughts that pull you away from prayer; What to do when God's only response seems to be silence; How past wounds and false narratives can affect your ability to hear God; Practical ways to apply Catholic mindfulness in your daily spiritual practice. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about Catholic daily accompaniment: Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship; Grow in self-awareness and freedom through the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat; Once you clear away the noise and listen to God's voice in the silence, learn how to how to understand what God is saying to you through the Discernment of Spirits; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Think growth is all about grinding harder or going it solo? Think again. In this episode, Dr. Greg dives into the surprising truth about growth: it takes both trusting God and showing up yourself. Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on breaking through plateaus to experience real transformation. Discussed in this episode: The importance of balancing trust in God with personal responsibility in the growth process; Why relying entirely on God or entirely on yourself leads to stagnation; A practical understanding of the phrase: "Pray as if it all depends on God, work as if it all depends on you"; Why growth is a process of continual conversion, fueled by grace and effort; The dangers of self-sufficiency and extreme self-reliance in the growth process; How spiritual paralysis and passivity can hinder growth; What it means to start growth from where you are, not where you want to be; Why mistakes are essential for growth and learning; The importance of humility and being open to correction in the growth journey; The necessity of dreaming big and aligning those dreams with God's greater plan. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about Catholic daily accompaniment: Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship; Grow in self-awareness and freedom through the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat; Previous episodes on Growth: Episode 210: Are You Safe But Stuck? Uncovering Hidden Obstacles Blocking Your Growth Episode 208: A Trick to Unlock Hidden Secrets in Your Unconscious Episode 207: The Consequences of Not Dreaming Big Enough Episode 10: Why Failure Is a Good Thing Need help? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Discover the blind spots and defense mechanisms quietly holding you back from real growth. In this episode, Dr. Greg unpacks tough truths, shares relatable personal stories, and offers practical insights to help you break free and flourish. Discussed in this episode: The importance of growth and development in becoming the best version of yourself; Blind spots and defense mechanisms: how they form and why they hold us back; The role of avoidance in blocking personal growth; Personal insights from Dr. Greg's life and leadership at the CatholicPsych Institute; The value of outside perspectives, such as consultants, mentors, and spiritual directors; How blind spots are similar to scabs and calluses—defense mechanisms that protect but also limit us; The connection between personality traits and defense mechanisms; Why personality tests can be helpful but don't define your identity; The beginner's mind: approaching growth with humility and openness; How blind spots can lead to years of avoiding challenges or tough decisions; The importance of seeking help proactively rather than waiting for crises to force growth; Why embracing growth is a lifelong journey that leads to freedom and fulfillment. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling stuck? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Grow in self-awareness and freedom through Catholic Mindfulness; Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Men today are searching for identity, purpose, and real freedom—but so many feel stuck, especially when it comes to breaking free from pornography. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Nick Clune, a CPMAP graduate, to talk about his journey, what men really need, and how true masculinity leads to lasting freedom.  Discussed in this episode: The deep need for fatherly guidance in developing true masculinity; The struggles men face in finding affirmation and purpose; How Nick's relationship with his dad shaped his mission to help men; The importance of intentional mentorship and guidance for young men; Why many men feel lost after high school and struggle to define their purpose; The illusion of success through career, sports, or external validation; How pornography is an attempt to fill a void men don't even realize they have; The role of self-awareness in breaking free from addiction; The shame cycle that keeps men stuck in unhealthy habits; How compassion—not just discipline—helps men find freedom; Why many men resist the idea that their struggles are understandable; How Nick's new podcast “Hey Brother” is helping men foster real connection; Nick Clune's journey from CPMAP graduate to launching a ministry for men. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Listen to Nick's free podcast for men: Hey Brother Podcast;  Connect with Nick's ministry for resources and support: Crafted for More; Schedule a free consultation with Nick Clune; Learn more about Theology of the Body: Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2) Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert Theology of the Body Institute  Previous Being Human episodes on addiction: Episode 51: Are We Getting Addictions Right? Episode 113: Surprising Sources of Pornography Problems Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Start the New Year with renewal, not resolutions! In this episode, we dive into a powerful exercise to unlock hidden patterns in your unconscious, deepen self-awareness, and align your growth with God's plan for your life. Tune in and discover a new way to set the tone for a year of transformation. Discussed in this episode: A fresh perspective on the New Year—renewal, not resolutions; How self-reflection helps us grow in holiness; Unlocking the unconscious to discover what's hidden within; Using psychological tools to access deeper self-awareness; Why transformation is necessary for full union with God, and how to start that journey toward sainthood now; How to bring hidden areas of growth into conscious awareness so that you can recognize what needs to change in your life; A different way to think about purgatory; A simple exercise to unlock hidden wisdom from your future self; How to leverage ChatGPT to actually help your spiritual growth; The power of intentionality and how to structure your personal growth for the next year. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Download the free step-by-step guide to A Catholic “Letter from Your Future Self” Exercise; Learn about the unconscious mind through the lens of JP2: Episode 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint Grow in self-awareness and freedom through Catholic Mindfulness; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Are you dreaming big enough? In this episode, uncover what's holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself. Through practical insights on self-awareness, inner freedom, and embracing mistakes as stepping stones for growth, discover how to unlock your full potential and share the unique gift only you can offer to the world. Discussed in this episode: The importance of dreaming big and why most people dream too small; How childhood dreams of greatness get suppressed by societal expectations; Why the world needs you to embrace your unique greatness; Understanding the connection between psychological, spiritual, and physiological aspects of personal growth; How to trust and refine your inner voice as you grow and mature; The value of "failing forward" and learning from mistakes; How the unconscious mind shapes your perceptions and decisions; Recognizing and reframing the stories you tell yourself; The impact of creating space to think clearly and make better decisions; Practical steps to uncover and challenge unhelpful mental narratives; How awareness of mental narratives helps you live more intentionally; The ultimate path to fulfillment through growth, freedom, and serving others. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Join our 12 Days of Christmas Celebration: Sign up here! Previous Being Human episodes: Episode 54: Why Your New Year's Resolutions Will Fail (and How to Actually Succeed!) Episode 161: Habit Hacks for Real New Years Changes Episode 10: Why Failure Is a Good Thing Blog article: Why You Don't Need to Fear Failure Grow in self-awareness and freedom through Catholic Mindfulness; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Discover how understanding God's love can transform your ability to heal and forgive—even amidst the deepest wounds. Explore the profound connection between psychology and spirituality, and unlock the secret to forgiveness through the trauma-informed lens of Divine Mercy. Discussed in this episode: The concept of Trauma-Informed Divine Mercy and its impact on forgiveness; The relationship between psychological and spiritual paths to forgiveness; Why forgiveness requires uncovering buried wounds; How trauma imprints on the brain and influences behavior; The role of psychological defense mechanisms, like repression, in avoiding pain; Why true forgiveness goes beyond a simple act of will; The importance of processing emotions like anger, sadness, and grief in healing; The dangers of viewing God through a lens of vengeance or wrath; How past experiences shape the stories we tell ourselves about hurt and healing; How truly understanding God's mercy unlocks the ability to heal deep wounds and forgive others deeply. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Part 1 in this mini series on Divine Mercy:  Episode 205: Is God Angry? Understanding God's Justice and Mercy Blog article: Catholic Psychology: Combining Easter and Trauma Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Discover the profound connection between God's mercy and justice. We often think of them as opposites, but what if they're not? Explore how this truth transforms your understanding of God's love and deepens your capacity to receive His mercy. (Divine Mercy mini series, part 1 of 2) Discussed in this episode: Why this may be the most important topic ever discussed on the Being Human podcast; The surprising truth: mercy and justice are not opposites but inseparable; Why God is never angry with us, even if there are corrections we need to make; The idea of a wrathful God is a misunderstanding rooted in Calvinism and Jansenism, not Catholic teaching; God knows every detail of our lives—our wounds, weaknesses, and struggles—and judges us with complete understanding and compassion; Justice means seeing the full picture of our lives, and God's infinite mercy flows from this perfect understanding; How the Enlightenment and postmodern thinking shaped our misconceptions of authority and objective truth; Why God's justice isn't about wrath but about seeing the whole picture of our lives; The deep psychological connection between forgiveness, mercy, and justice; The invitation to deepen our capacity to receive God's mercy. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Grow in self-awareness and self-compassion through Catholic Mindfulness; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

This week, Dr. Greg explores what it really means to follow Christ by starting with compassion—towards ourselves. Discover a fresh approach to self-compassion by embracing every part of who you are—even the inner critic.  Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between self-compassion and following Christ; The cultural misunderstanding of self-compassion as selfishness or pride; The "mono-mind" theory vs. the emerging "multi-mind" model of personality; How sub-personalities affect our inner conflicts and decision-making; The role of the inner critic in self-protection and survival; Why rejecting or suppressing negative inner voices doesn't work; Jesus' example of welcoming the rejected and applying it to our inner parts; Practical ways to engage with your inner critic instead of battling it; Recognizing how wounds from the past shape our internal voices; How gratitude for our inner defense mechanisms can bring healing; Why many pop psychology approaches inadvertently promote self-rejection; The importance of creating inner silence for self-reflection and healing; How radical acceptance leads to greater freedom and self-understanding. Resources mentioned or relevant:  PartsWellness.com: Download the free guided exercises to engage with your inner parts and develop self-compassion; Grow in self-awareness through Catholic Mindfulness; Past Podcast Episodes:  Episode 130: How to Stop Internally Beating Yourself Up  Episode 35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Parts? Episode 179: Superheroes Within: Parts Work and Inner Peace Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Gender confusion in today's culture might seem like a curveball, but in this episode, Dr. Greg explores the unexpected opportunity it provides for the Church—and for each of us—to deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be man and woman. Discussed in this episode: Why understanding complementarity is key to healing personal and cultural wounds; How the relationship between man and woman provides access to the face of God; Why healing the wounds between men and women is essential for restoring communion with God; The mystery of how man and woman together image God's love; How JP2's Theology of the Body revolutionizes our view of human dignity; Why male and female differences are essential to imaging God; The critical distinction between mutual self-gift and hierarchical domination in relationships; How original sin distorted trust between man and woman and between humanity and God; The role of divinization in the Christian understanding of humanity's destiny; What Sr. Prudence Allen and JP2 reveal about integral sex complementarity; The biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of male and female complementarity; How equal dignity and differentiation coexist in the Catholic vision of gender; The dangers of reducing man and woman to rigid roles versus embracing integral identity; How historical pendulum swings between equality and differentiation have shaped gender views; How marriage reflects and points to the ultimate communion with God. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Mulieris Dignitatem by Pope St. John Paul II Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) Previous episodes on gender complementarity:  Episode 202: Complementarity Without The Competition: Why We Need Each Other  Episode 201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man's Job? with Special Guest Barbra Bottaro Episode 200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote to Celebrate Our 200th Episode! Episode 99: Diversity, Gender, and the Genius of Women, w/ Simone Rizkallah Flight from Woman by Karl Stern The Catholic Genius of Integrated Masculinity and Femininity Maria Fedoryka at Hildebrand Conference The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity by Carrie Gress Doctrinal Note USCCB 2023 Female and Male He Resurrected Them edited by Jennifer Morel Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Since the Fall, the differences between men and women have been a source of tension and conflict, shaped by how we interpret the other through our own perspective. But this very tension is a pathway to holiness—a chance to discover the gift, beauty, and wonder of the other. In this episode, we lay the foundation for understanding the masculine and feminine genius so we can go deeper into gender complementarity as part of God's plan. Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between masculinity, femininity, and holiness through conflict and tension; A free preview of a CPMAP certification lecture on the foundations of masculine and feminine genius; How John Paul II's concept of “feminine genius” offers profound insights into gender differences; Why our biology as male or female is foundational to understanding who we are; Cardinal Ratzinger's thoughts on how sexuality marks us physically, psychologically, and spiritually; Why the battle of the sexes and gender wars date back to the fall of Adam and Eve; How Marxist ideology and feminism have shaped modern views on gender and equality; Why “fractional complementarity” can lead to a distorted understanding of gender; The role of Mary and St. Joseph in forming Jesus through their respective geniuses; The dangers of conflating equality with sameness in the modern cultural landscape; Why the Church's anthropology is uniquely positioned to respond to gender confusion; Why understanding gender differences can lead to complementarity and heal relationships. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Mulieris Dignitatem by Pope St. John Paul II Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) Previous episodes on the Being Human Podcast:  Episode 201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man's Job? with Special Guest Barbra Bottaro Episode 200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote to Celebrate Our 200th Episode! Episode 99: Diversity, Gender, and the Genius of Women, w/ Simone Rizkallah Flight from Woman by Karl Stern The Catholic Genius of Integrated Masculinity and Femininity Maria Fedoryka at Hildebrand Conference The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity by Carrie Gress Doctrinal Note USCCB 2023 Female and Male He Resurrected Them edited by Jennifer Morel Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

This week, Dr. Greg is joined by his wife, Barbra, to explore the often-misunderstood concept of mutual submission in marriage. Together, they share how they navigate leading their family—the joys, the messiness, and everything in between. Don't miss this candid discussion tackling the question: “Is Leadership of the Family a Man's Job?” Discussed in this episode: Dr. Greg and Barbra Bottaro's candid discussion on mutual submission in marriage; Common misunderstandings about leadership roles in Catholic families; Exploring the question: “Is leadership of the family a man's job?” Reflecting on the traditional narrative of “man as the head” and what it means today; What “mutual submission” really looks like when there's conflict or big decisions; Practical examples of how they apply mutual submission in everyday family life; Why mutual submission in marriage isn't just an ideal, but a daily practice; The cultural challenges of viewing submission as a shared responsibility; How we're called to heal outdated, often misogynistic, views in marriage; Why mutual trust and dialogue are essential in decision-making; Why submission doesn't mean “one person always gets the final say.”  Resources mentioned or relevant: Being Human episode 200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote to Celebrate Our 200th Episode! Further reading: The Catholic Genius of Integrated Masculinity and Femininity Mulieris Dignitatem by Pope St. John Paul II Flight from Woman by Karl Stern Learn more about gender complementarity: Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In celebration of the 200th episode, Dr. Greg shares exclusive audio from his recent keynote at Franciscan University's Man and Woman conference. Dive into a fresh look at gender complementarity through the lens of John Paul II's teachings, exploring the masculine and feminine genius, insights from marital therapy, and what it means to live fully in our God-given identity. Join Dr. Greg for this special milestone episode—a journey to create and a gift to share.  Discussed in this episode: Dr. Greg's reflections on reaching the 200th episode milestone; Why the “Mars vs. Venus” mindset is a distortion that keeps us trapped in suspicion; An exploration of John Paul II's teachings on gender complementarity; The concept of masculine and feminine genius and what it means for relationships; A philosophical perspective on the role of men and women in God's plan; How gender differences contribute to personal growth and fulfillment; How men and women are designed to be gifts to each other; The importance of receiving the genius of the opposite gender; Why thinking “she'd understand if she were a man” actually misses the entire gift of gender complementarity; The science behind why men want to fix things and women seek empathy; Why learning to “receive” the opposite gender's gifts can lead to true joy; The difference between rational and transrational thinking in male and female brains; How relationships are like oxygen for the human person.  Resources mentioned or relevant:  The audio of this keynote is provided the courtesy of Franciscan University. Visit FUS to learn more about Man and Woman in the Order of Creation and other conferences. Further reading: The Catholic Genius of Integrated Masculinity and Femininity Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World (Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI) Flight from Woman by Karl Stern Learn more about gender complementarity: Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Dr. Greg dives into a captivating conversation with leadership expert Alexandre Havard (calling in from Moscow!) about the '3 Spiritual Diseases'—rationalism, sentimentalism, and voluntarism—that could be influencing your life in hidden ways. Are you unknowingly living as a 'partial human being'? Tune in to learn how to avoid these traps - and discover what it takes to reclaim true wholeness.   Discussed in this episode: The 3 spiritual diseases plaguing our culture – and why they matter; How rationalism, sentimentalism, and voluntarism disconnect us from reality and human flourishing; How “partial human beings” are created by separating heart, mind, and will; How to recognize if you're living under the influence of Descartes, Rousseau, or Nietzsche; Why integration of heart, mind, and will is essential for true personal growth; The influence of philosophers like Descartes, Rousseau, and Nietzsche on modern ideologies; How gender ideology mirrors Nietzschean voluntarism; How rationalism disconnects people from reality by over-prioritizing intellect; The manipulation of sentimentalism in today's “I feel, therefore I am” culture; How voluntarism leads to a will-driven society, prone to ideological extremes; What it means to have an “integrated heart” in today's fractured world; Why understanding spiritual diseases can help identify and avoid ideological traps; Havard's process of categorizing historical philosophers as “destroyers” or “builders”; Dostoevsky, Pascal, and Soloviev as examples of integrated thinkers who inspire wholeness; Alexandre's latest book, Seven Prophets, and its call to unity of the person.  Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about the Alex Havard's books, resources, and courses: www.alexhavard.com Seven Prophets and the Culture War: Undoing the Philosophies of a World in Crisis Free Hearts: The Power of Human Harmony Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!  

Bishop James Conley shares his raw and personal journey of battling anxiety and depression as a Church leader. He reveals the trap of “just try harder” and emphasizes that true healing comes only by breaking free from self-reliance. If you've ever felt the pressure to keep pushing through, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace authentic healing.  Discussed in this episode: Bishop James Conley's personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD; The surprising decision to take a leave of absence and publicly share his mental health struggles as a bishop; Recognizing the trap of “try harder” and the American mentality of “ungodly self-reliance;” Self-reliance deepening mental health struggles instead of relieving them; Breaking free of the messages of “man up,” “work harder,” and “toughen it out” which led to a loss of joy; The fears involved in admitting that “I can't fix myself;” How vulnerability and radical surrender became essential parts of his healing process; How relying on our own talents gets in the way of Christ working through us to do great things; The importance of a proper Catholic anthropology in addressing the modern mental health crisis; The impact of technology on children's mental health and the value of play-based learning; How parents, schools, and the Church can work together to support children's development; Bishop Conley's call for a radical renewal in education and healthcare grounded in Christ-centered principles. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Pastoral letters by Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln: A Future with Hope (on mental health) The Joy and Wonder of Catholic Education: Developing Authentically Catholic Schools Resources recommended by Bishop Conley: Surrender Novena The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catholic Medical Association Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance Familiaris Consortio (The Christian Family in the Modern World)  Ex Corde Ecclesiae (On Catholic Universities) Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Do you know the limitations of St. Thomas Aquinas' “pre-microscope” view on gender, and how it is still influencing the Church today? In this special episode on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, Dr. Greg unpacks why JP2's teachings on gender, identity, and what it means to be human are exactly what the Church—and the world—needs right now.  Discussed in this episode: The limitations of Aquinas' “pre-microscope” view on gender and how it still influences erroneous views of gender roles; The “truth bomb” of JP2 that reshapes our understanding of gender, identity, and the dignity of the human person; The shift from a “pre-microscope” to “post-microscope” view of gender and why it matters; JP2's teachings as a foundational response to today's trans and gender identity confusion; Why mutual submission between men and women is essential to true equality; How Protestant approaches to gender often swing between extremes: complementarianism vs. egalitarianism; The Catholic response is a “both/and” approach in contrast to “either/or” pendulum swings; How JP2's insights into human dignity answer today's questions on gender and identity; Why Pope St. John Paul II is considered the most impactful Catholic psychologist of the 20th and 21st centuries; Why JP2's teachings serve as a lighthouse through today's “isms” and ideological shifts; Why understanding true human dignity is essential to addressing gender confusion. Resources mentioned or relevant:  The Personalism of John Paul II by Dr. John Crosby  Person and Act by Pope St. John Paul II  Please share your feedback and questions: drgreg@catholicpsych.com Previous podcast series on the psychology of JP2: Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience Episode 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint Episode 184: Secrets to Succeeding in Marriage Learn more about gender complementarity: Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? Mulieris Dignitatem – JP2's apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women Witness to Hope by George Weigel – An in-depth biography exploring John Paul II's life, influence, and vision Learn more about the Theology of the Body: Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2) Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert Theology of the Body Institute  Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In today's episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Louis Merosne dive into a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to live a holy life. They get real and vulnerable, peeling back layers on what it means to draw close to God—and what often holds us back. Discussed in this episode: A new approach to the Being Human podcast; Bringing together psychological concepts with spiritual concepts through the lens of the liturgy; What the story of the Rich Young Man reveals about our relationship with God; How to identify what might be quietly holding you back from true holiness; Personal struggles Dr. Greg and Fr. Louis have faced on their spiritual journeys; The one thing that transforms faith from routine to radical; Why some well-intentioned habits may not bring us closer to God; The key challenge that every follower of Christ will face; Common misconceptions about holiness and spiritual growth; The essential thing needed to deepen your spiritual life and grow close to God; Applying the Gospel to real-life challenges and decisions; A fresh, vulnerable perspective on what it means to follow Christ authentically. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Readings for October 13, 2024 (Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time); Story of the Rich Young Man from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:17-30); More on how to train our brains to live out Abandonment to Divine Providence; More on our call to stay close to the poor as an essential part of following Christ; Support the mission of Fr. Louis Merosne in Haiti; Would you like to hear more episodes like this one? Let us know so we can create resources that serve you best. Email your feedback to Dr. Greg at drgreg@catholicpsych.com or to the CatholicPsych team at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In this special live-recorded episode from Australia, Dr. Greg and his guests explore the rich intersection of faith and mental health. Joined by spiritual director Katherine Stone, MGL, and CatholicPsych's International Programs Director, Shawn van der Linden, the discussion weaves together personal stories, cultural insights, and thoughtful audience questions. Tune in to hear what Americans and Australians can learn from each other and gain a fresh perspective on faith's role in mental health. Discussed in this episode: Dr. Greg Bottaro's eye-opening experiences on his whirlwind three-week tour across Australia; Surprising cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia when it comes to mental health and faith; What Australians can teach us about staying anchored in faith in a secular society; Personal stories of accompanying others through journeys of anxiety, doubt, and growth; Katherine's unique insights on the overlap of faith and mental health in spiritual direction; Mental distress issues that Katherine sees come up often in spiritual direction; Different ways scrupulosity manifests itself in the lives of dedicated Catholics; Why the spiritual dimension of the person needs to be front and center for any Catholic utilizing mental health services; Being created in God's image means our core orientation is towards goodness and growth, despite any suffering or mental health challenges; Relationships “clear the path” for us to rediscover our goodness and move toward wholeness; Relationships in accompaniment provide individuals with a genuine sense of being deeply loved; The ultimate goal of the healing relationship is to guide us toward a deeper, more profound relationship with God; Why a deep understanding of Catholic anthropology matters in therapy; Those providing accompaniment—whether in therapy, mentorship, or spiritual direction—need support, too; The importance of having a support system and avoiding burnout by staying anchored; The “one foot on shore, one foot in the water” approach: balancing immersion in others' experiences with personal grounding; Utilizing "parts work" to explore the various aspects of a person's identity, including the parts that hold anxiety or fear; Acknowledging and welcoming these anxious parts is essential, rather than fighting against them; Love and acceptance of each part of oneself facilitate a path toward greater wholeness and peace; Why faith and psychology aren't in opposition—and how they powerfully work together. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Podcast with Katherine Stone MGL: Contemplating Culture: A Missionary Walk through A Secular Age; Learn more about Raphael Network, the Australian network of Catholic mental health care professionals; Learn more about parts work:  Episode 160: Healing through Parts Work Episode 179: Superheroes Within Book recommendation for parts work: Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry Crete; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Go to catholicpsych.com/openhouse to sign up for our Open House event!  In today's episode, Dr. Greg interviews Jack Beers—an amazing husband, father, and graduate of the CPMAP program. They chat about his journey from being a leader in mass evangelization to following his true calling in mentorship. Jack opens up about how the CPMAP program brought him closer to God, strengthened his family connections, and made him even better at what he loves—helping others. Discussed in this episode: Introduction to Jack Beers and his background with Dynamic Catholic; Jack's journey from mass evangelization to personal mentorship; The transformative impact of the CPMAP certification on Jack's life; Insights into the challenges Jack faced during the CPMAP program; The dramatic shift from mass evangelization to one-on-one accompaniment; Jack's experience in becoming a better husband and father through CPMAP; Overcoming Cartesian Dualism through spiritual and psychological integration; Jack's favorite parts and key takeaways from the CPMAP program; The role of supervision and mentorship in Jack's growth as a mentor; How CPMAP deepened Jack's understanding of human dignity and personhood; The impact of the CPMAP program on Jack's professional and personal relationships; The significance of embracing vulnerability and openness in personal transformation; Jack's 6-week spiritual bootcamp, RISE, and his current work as a Certified Mentor. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Jack Beers to discuss your next best step;  Check out Jack Beer's website for additional information and to sign up for RISE: https://www.thecatholicmentor.com/ Connect with Jack Beers directly on LinkedIn or email (jack@catholicpsych.com); Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Go to catholicpsych.com/openhouse to sign up for our October 1st event!  In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Mary Sutarik, a graduate of the CatholicPsych certification program. Mary shares her journey from being a FOCUS missionary on college campuses to becoming a certified Catholic Mentor. They discuss the challenges she faced and the transformation she experienced through the program — and her work to now bring that transformation to others.  Discussed in this episode: Mary's background as a FOCUS missionary and how it shaped her journey; The mental health struggles Mary faced while on mission; How Mary discovered CatholicPsych; The key role of Mentorship (IDDM) in Mary's healing process; Mary's decision to pursue certification in the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; The challenges Mary faced during her certification training; Mary's insights for those struggling with mental health issues in ministry; The unique aspects of CPMAP compared to other mental health training options; How Mary now mentors others using the CatholicPsych model; The impact of CPMAP on Mary's personal and professional life; The future of Mary's work in mental health and ministry. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our October 1st event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse Connect with Mary Sutarik directly on Instagram (@themoderncatholicmentor) or email (mary@catholicpsych.com); Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Mary Sutarik to discuss your next best step;  Check out Mary's website for more information and resources: https://www.themoderncatholicmentor.com/ Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Go to catholicpsych.com/openhouse to sign up for our October 1st event!  In today's episode, Dr. Greg interviews Bobby Angel about his experience of the CPMAP certification program and how it has transformed his ministry. They discuss Bobby's journey through the program, the personal growth he underwent, and his amazing work to support ministry leaders through retreats focused on rest and integration.  Discussed in this episode: The challenges faced by people in ministry roles; Bobby's initial skepticism about the CPMAP program; The personal growth Bobby experienced during the Certification process; Combining personal growth with a call to serve others; Bobby's retreat for ministers: a space for rest, integration, and ministering to ministers; How the CPMAP program isn't just about learning or material regurgitation; it's about transformation; Bobby's use of CPMAP principles in his retreat program; The impact of the CPMAP program on Bobby's ministry work; Bobby's vision for the future of his ministry.   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our October 1st event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Bobby Angel to discuss your next best step;  Learn more about Bobby's personal story in episode 163: Leading from Weakness: Authenticity in Fatherhood  Learn more about the REST Retreat, a retreat for frontline ministers, hosted by Bobby and Jackie Angel; Visit Jackie and Bobby's website for their books, podcast, blog, speaking engagements and more; Watch Jackie and Bobby on Ascension Presents; Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych Instagram: @catholicpsych X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Go to catholicpsych.com/openhouse to sign up for our October 1st event!  In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Julie Xistris, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her journey through the CPMAP certification program. Julie shares her struggles with integrating her Catholic faith into her therapy practice and how the CatholicPsych training program provided her with the tools and freedom to align her work with her vocation. Discussed in this episode: The hidden struggles and pressures Catholic therapists face in a secular world; The challenges of integrating faith into licensed therapy, especially when restricted by insurance or documentation requirements; Julie's journey from self-doubt to newfound confidence in her vocation; Why traditional therapy methods weren't enough for her as a Catholic therapist; The lack of effective supervision in Julie's previous work experiences and how the CPMAP program provided life-changing guidance and support; The importance of a supportive community and intentional supervision within the CPMAP program; Julie's passion for helping families and faith-based individuals, inspired by her own experiences and challenges within both Catholic and Protestant communities; Julie's plan with another CPMAP graduate to work together on addressing family, faith, and financial wounds, particularly in underserved communities; How the CPMAP model continues to evolve based on the unique contributions of its graduates; Why the CPMAP certification was a game-changer for Julie's therapy practice.   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our October 1st event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Julie Xistris to discuss your next best step;  Connect with Julie Xistris directly on Instagram (@jdx_mentorship) or email (julie@catholicpsych.com); Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Go to catholicpsych.com/openhouse to sign up for our October 1st event!  In today's episode, Dr. Greg begins a series highlighting the experiences of graduates from the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) certification program. He interviews Johnna Sullivan, one of the original pilot students, who shares her journey through the program and her current work as a Certified Mentor.  Discussed in this episode: Johnna's journey from missionary work to becoming a Certified Mentor; How CPMAP helped Johnna access and fulfill long-buried dreams; Johnna's struggle of balancing motherhood and personal dreams, and the gift of living inside God's will; How CPMAP turned Johnna's personal story of darkness into a light for others; Johnna's fears about workload and financial stability when starting CPMAP; How CPMAP helped Johnna confront deep-rooted grief and lost dreams; The surprising amount of internal and academic work required in CPMAP; Why the CPMAP program felt both safe and challenging for Johnna, and how it helped her take risks without fear of failure; The moment Johnna realized she wanted to pursue a professional career as a Certified Mentor; Why CPMAP offers a faster, more cost-effective path to a sustainable career; Johnna's financial journey and success after completing CPMAP.   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our October 1st event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Johnna Sullivan to discuss your next best step;  Learn more about Johnna's personal story in episode 162: Unveiling Grace: A Journey of Redemption and Mercy  Connect with Johnna Sullivan directly for speaking engagements and additional resources: Johnna@catholicpsych.com; Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Welcome to Episode 189 of the Being Human Podcast: Social Sabbatical: Join Our 31-Day Summer Challenge for Personal Growth!   In this short episode, Dr. Greg introduces a 31-day social media fast challenge, inspired by his experiences as a Franciscan friar. He explains the importance of interior silence and invites listeners to join him and the CatholicPsych team in this social sabbatical. Discussed in this episode: Insights from Dr. Greg's time as a Franciscan friar, including the cadence of prayer throughout the day and “Hermitage Day” each week;  The need for interior silence in personal and professional life; Prioritizing the contemplative life of intimacy with God from which all charitable activity flows; In some way, shape, or form, every single one of us baptized into Christ is called to develop intimacy with Him; We all need to grow in intimacy with God, so we all need to cultivate interior silence; An invitation and challenge to participate in CatholicPsych's 31-day social media fast; Why CatholicPsych is going dark for a month (August 2024), including pausing the Being Human podcast;  Dr. Greg's personal commitment and sacrifice during this social media fast; How to use this social media sabbatical to cultivate interior silence and intimacy with God.   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about Catholic Mindfulness: Blog article: “Why Catholic Mindfulness?”  Book: The Mindful Catholic 8-Week Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Want to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

What does “offer it up” really mean? What is the Christocentric take on trauma? What does a holy and healthy life look like? In this mailbag episode, join us for a lively Q&A show where we answer these questions and more! Discussed in this episode: Healing abandonment wounds and overcoming negative psychological effects of being adopted; Adoption in the light of the Holy Family (we're all adopted!); Every parent-child relationship involves being wounded, even with the greatest of parents; The Christocentric take on trauma and the path of healing which is open to all; Our traumas do not end our life: hope from a Christocentric life; God takes our wounds and turns them into light and life; 3 phases of healing trauma, and the healing work of finding Jesus in our trauma; How to discern which type of accompaniment to pursue (coaching, spiritual direction, therapy, mentorship); How we project our parental experiences onto God; Why the phrase “offer it up” is out of context and misused; The real spiritual answer to another's suffering; The need for integration in spiritual direction; A healthy understanding of mortification and aestheticism;  Discerning a healthy amount of social media use; Announcement of CatholicPsych's upcoming “social media fast.” Resources mentioned or relevant:  If you enjoyed this mailbag episode, tune into The CatholicPsych Show which airs at 11am ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Learn more about Catholic Mindfulness: Blog article: “Why Catholic Mindfulness?”  Book: The Mindful Catholic 8-Week Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Want to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Let's go beyond pop psychology and explore the path to authentic human flourishing! In this episode, Dr. Greg explains how to distinguish between good psychology and pop psychology. Also, find out why “attachment parenting” actually creates self-sabotaging anxiety. Discussed in this episode: How to distinguish between good psychology and pop psychology, and why that matters for human flourishing; Dangers and benefits of pop psychology; Most theories of the entire world of psychology are either atheist or agnostic; How psychological adjustment interplays with spiritual growth; Understanding the difference between spirituality and religion; “Attachment parenting” as a fad of pop psychology; Understanding what secure attachment actually is, and why attachment parenting causes self-sabotaging anxiety; How anxiety responses differ between men (fight, flight or freeze) and women (connect or reject); Can we pray away our anxiety? Genuine inner peace as a mark both of spiritual growth and of psychological adjustment; What does it mean to be self fulfilled? To be satisfied? How defense mechanisms block our deep desires and our understanding of identity; The dire consequences of not grounding our experimental perspective in revealed truth; Insider access to a lecture from the Spirituality concentration of our Certification training program! A Catholic mental health professional's goal is not symptom reduction or to reduce suffering; instead, the goal is to increase peace. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development by Fr. Benedict Groeschel;  Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism The Jeweler's Shop by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Person and Psyche by Kenneth Schmitz The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych   Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!   If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In this special episode of the Being Human podcast, join Dr. Greg and Father Louis Merosne as they delve into the often-overlooked crises in Haiti, exploring the profound lessons for both Americans and Haitians, and opening up Christ's call to stay close to the poor. Discussed in this episode: Haitian News Edition of The CatholicPsych Show What Haitians can learn from Americans, and what Americans can learn from Haitians The importance of tuning into current events outside the news cycle of mainstream media Mind-blowing events unfolding in Haiti Taking our vocation seriously to care for the plight of the poor Our call to stay close to the poor Ways to help the poor in Haiti   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Support the work of Fr. Louis Merosne at “Mission to the Beloved”: www.missiontothebeloved.com  Tune into The CatholicPsych Show which airs at 11am ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Course created by Fr. Louis Merosne as a means of raising money to serve the poor in Haiti: “What Exorcisms Teach Us about the Spiritual Life” (all proceeds go to Fr. Louis' Haiti Mission Fund) Other Being Human podcast episodes with Fr. Louis Merosne: Episode 32: The Endless Mystery of the Human Person Episode 41: What Is Integration Anyway? Episode 45: Halloween, Haiti, and Spiritual Warfare Episode 53: Can Priests Do It All? Episode 120: Leading with Vulnerability Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!   If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Dr. Brad Wilcox, Catholic sociologist, professor and author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Learn about Dr. Brad's sociological research on family dynamics, marriage, and parenting across different cultures, and his key findings on what makes families strong. Discussed in this episode: Dr. Brad's amazing work bringing a foundation of Catholic faith to the world of sociology The connection between family stability and societal health Practical insights on building a strong, resilient family The five pillars of a strong marriage: communion, children, commitment, cash and community The importance of forging a “we before me” approach to marriage The ways in which when marriages and families are strong, our country and communities are more likely to be flourishing The importance of prioritizing a “family first” approach to life rather than a “me first” approach to life Dr. Brad's journey from the Episcopal Church to Catholicism The gift of having a job where the work is actually improving one's personal growth and vocation Resources mentioned or relevant:  Get Married, Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization by Dr. Brad Wilcox Go to the Institute for Family Studies to learn more and to access Dr. Brad's books, articles, social media, and podcast interviews Gender and Parenthood: Biological and Social Scientific Perspectives by Dr. Brad Wilcox Learn more about gender complementarity: Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

What are the “secrets to success” for dating, marriages, and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Greg discusses the profound and practical wisdom in JP2's book Love and Responsibility. Part 4 of our series on the psychology of Pope John Paul II.    Discussed in this episode: Personalistic norm: the most misunderstood principle in marriages and family dynamics A surprising and different way to understand love Dating mistake: Why it is backwards to look for the right person with a list of checkboxes The one question to ask during dating and the discernment of marriage Why a spouse's infidelity does not change your vow or “break the marriage” Using a person as a means to an end vs loving a person  Sexual complementarity and the two dualist errors harming marriages: rigorism and libidinism Tenderness: JP2 takes us a step further than empathy in relationships The correct understanding of “marriage as a remedy of concupiscence”  Resources mentioned or relevant:  Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Series on the psychology of JP2: Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience Episode 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint Resources on dating and marriage: Marriage Mini-Course: A Free CatholicPsych Resource Episode 127: “I'm Gonna Want to Divorce You” Episode 131: The #1 Threat to Marriage Blog article: The One Most Important Quality to Look for in a Spouse Episode 122: There Is No Real Marriage Therapy Learn more about gender complementarity: Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? How does the error of dualism impact your life? Blog article: You're No Angel, But Neither Am I Blog article: Who Are We? And What Heals Us? Episode 41: What Is Integration Anyway? Learn more about JP2's Theology of the Body: Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2) Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert Theology of the Body Institute  Please share your feedback and questions (drgreg@catholicpsych.com) and share this podcast episode with Catholic mental health professionals Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

A continuation of our series on the psychology of Pope John Paul II. In this episode, Dr. Greg discusses JP2's blueprint of the human person and how it is the answer to all the problems we face today. When it comes to transforming our culture, this is the lead domino that will knock over every other domino.   Discussed in this episode: What it means to have a blueprint of the human person Every moment of our humanity is impacted by the teachings of Pope John Paul II (JP2) JP2 answers the questions of contemporary man  For therapists and psychologists, the practical implications of having a blueprint of the human person Why JP2 is the most important psychologist of the last 200 years (more important than Freud, Brene Brown, Jordan Peterson, and literally any other) Catholic therapists have to be experts of consciousness The proper understanding of the terms “self realization” and “self actualization” The difference between self knowledge and self awareness How addiction limits human freedom  The philosophy of JP2 as the most effective approach to a contemporary understanding of the human person JP2's work uniquely marries together two philosophical systems: Thomistic Philosophy and Phenomenology Why the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas alone is not enough to convert most people today Ways to join the mission to bring the psychology of JP2 to mainstream society   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Person and Act by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Writings, speeches, and encyclicals of Pope St. John Paul II Setting the Stage: Early Plays of St. John Paul II   Series on the psychology of JP2 on the Being Human podcast: Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience Gaudium et Spes Theology of the Body: Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2) Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert Theology of the Body Institute  Please share your feedback and questions (drgreg@catholicpsych.com) and share this podcast episode with Catholic mental health professionals If you are a Catholic mental health professional, join the waiting list for Fellowship, a practical way to deeply connect the dots between your identity as a therapist and a Catholic Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

A continuation of our series on how the psychology of JP2 is the answer to our modern world gone sideways. In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro and philosopher Dr. John Crosby delve deep into the human experience through the lens of Dietrich von Hildebrand and Pope John Paul II. Discussed in this episode: Why a psychology of JP2 is what the world needs to move forward from the mess we're in What it means to “meet someone where they are” The difference between our conscious and subconscious, and how this affects our human acts The difference between reflective consciousness and reflexive consciousness Reflexive consciousness as “an experience of myself from within” (interiority) Without reflexive consciousness, an individual is a stranger or spectator to himself/herself Self-determination vs the dangers of determinism even within one's spiritual life Coercion vs freedom and other parenting challenges in passing on the faith to our children The importance of the philosophy and work of Dietrich von Hildebrand Personal anecdotes of von Hildebrand as a professor of philosophy and a confessor of the faith Phenomenology and the subjective experience of the person The lived experience of one's own subjectivity as an important dimension of the blueprint of the human person Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about the Hildebrand Project and the books, events, and resources available Support the work of the Hildebrand Project The Art of Living by Dietrich von Hildebrand with Alice von Hildebrand Learn more about Alice von Hildebrand Person and Act by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Past Being Human podcast episodes: Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal Episode 174: Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth about Bad Therapy Episode 173: Unmasking Disintegration: Examining the APA's Stance on Gender Identity If you are a Catholic mental health professional, join the waiting list for Fellowship, a practical way to deeply connect the dots between your identity as a therapist and a Catholic Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!   If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!  

Welcome to Episode 181 of the Being Human Podcast: Harrison Butker's Anger: Making Sense of Current Events This week, we're announcing our newest project: a live call-in show during which Dr. Greg Bottaro and Dr. Bryan Violette try to make sense of the latest news headlines. Among other news headlines, this episode includes a discussion of the football commencement speech heard round the world (Harrison Butker's controversial graduation address at Benedictine College). Discussed in this episode: The new live CatholicPsych Show  Harrison Butker's commencement speech: the good, the not so great, and everything in between  Reactions from the public and media to Butker's controversial statements Context for Butker's comment about homemakers, marriage, and motherhood  Butker's angry and ineffective chastisements against bishops vs helping a person in leadership affect change Butker's immature and pejorative statement about Natural Family Planning as a form of birth control Butker's narrow mentality about the Latin Mass The Latin Mass and reverence: Reverence has to do with the heart and with obedience, not in the externals. President Joe Biden's poor witness causing tremendous confusion about what it means to be Catholic Misconfusions about the pro-life perspective   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Get notified when the CatholicPsych Show goes live! Watch “The CatholicPsych Show” live on YouTube or catch the replay: @CatholicPsychInstitute  Email us your questions that we'll answer on The CatholicPsych Show! Email mailbag@catholicpsych.com and put "mailbag" in the subject heading. Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!   If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Welcome to Episode 180 of the Being Human Podcast: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal In this week's episode, Dr. Greg explores a bold new proposal for a Catholic standard of mental health rooted in the psychology of St. John Paul II. Dr. Greg entreats all Catholic psychologists and therapists to mine the treasures of JP2's Personalism in order to offer hope, clarity, and healing in an increasingly confused and suffering world. Discussed in this episode: Why St. John Paul II's psychology is more brilliant, effective and important to study than any other psychologist (including Freud) The significance of human dignity and personhood in mental health care How the teachings of JP2 can combat the modern mental health crises Pitfalls of a solely scientific approach to mental health The big difference between subjective criteria for mental health and a clear standard for mental health (and why there is no standard for mental health) Being a Catholic psychologist does not mean simply being Catholic in the secular study of psychology Anyone saying they are doing Catholic therapy should be an expert in both the science of psychology and the philosophy of psychology How a model that integrates the spiritual and material dimensions of the human person offers deeper insights and more effective care compared to secular models Find out how you can contribute to and benefit from a Catholic standard of mental health Resources mentioned or relevant:  Please share your feedback (drgreg@catholicpsych.com) and share this podcast episode with Catholic mental health professionals If you are a Catholic mental health professional, join the waiting list for Fellowship, a practical way to deeply connect the dots between your identity as a therapist and a Catholic Person and Act by Karol Wojtyla Person and Community by Karol Wojtyla Writings, speeches, and encyclicals of Pope St. John Paul II Setting the Stage: Early Plays of St. John Paul II   Past Being Human podcast episodes: Episode 174: Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth about Bad Therapy Episode 173: Unmasking Disintegration: Examining the APA's Stance on Gender Identity Episode 145: What Does It Mean to Be Healthy? Episode 124: A Letter to Catholic Mental Health Professionals Episode 123: Fake Science and Real Compassion Episode 121: How the APA is Schizophrenic Episode 81: The Lies of the American Psychological Association Episode 72: The DSM Disease (Part One) Read more on the CatholicPsych blog: What Does Catholic Psychology Mean? More on Catholic Psychology Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych   Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

In this episode, Dr. Gerry Crete explores parts theory through the fascinating lens of Marvel superheroes, The Lord of the Rings, Scripture, and the saints. A master at leading people into their interior life, Dr. Gerry leads an experiential activity to connect the dots between parts work and inner peace. Discussed in this episode:  What parts theory is (parts work, IFS, Internal Family Systems, Ego State Therapy) How parts theory helps deepen our spiritual life Within each human person, there is a multiplicity Marvel's “Avengers” movie as a portrayal of integration We relate to the characters in the “Avengers” movie because in them we see something of ourselves Parts work through the lens of The Lord of the Rings and the characters of Middle-earth A guided experiential activity to make parts work practical and personal What blending is and how unblending with parts gives access to our deep spiritual center Insights of parts work from the writings of the saints and from Scripture The sad reality that most people loathe themselves and how that limits love for others The goal in therapeutic work is to experience inner harmony (when our parts are unburdened and integrated) Resources mentioned or relevant:  Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing our Parts by Dr. Gerry Crete Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism CatholicPsych's annual Summit of Integration Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe   Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.   Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.   For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Welcome to Episode 178 of the Being Human Podcast: The Last 70 Years in Psychology: Personal Reflections with Dr. Paul Vitz In this episode, Dr. Paul Vitz reflects on the last 70 years of psychology, from psychoanalysis to the emergence of humanistic psychology, interpersonal psychology, family therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapy, forgiveness therapy, positive therapy, and narrative psychotherapy. Dr. Vitz shares valuable insights for the future of psychology and mental health professionals today.  Discussed in this episode: The fascinating development of psychology across seven decades Why Dr. Paul Vitz became known in the 1960's for criticizing humanistic psychology The important contributions and pitfalls of new kinds of psychology as they emerged through the decades The impact of positive psychology after 100 years of negative psychology (psychology of our pathologies)  The three theological premises for the Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person The three vocations of each and every human person  Psychology through the decades as an intelligent search for the truth about the person, and our gratitude to those who have brought psychology to its current state The challenges facing mental health professionals today Encouragement to the “troops on the ground” to do to secular psychology what St. Thomas Aquinas did to secular philosophy Hope and optimism for the future of psychology Resources mentioned or relevant:  Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Dr. Paul Vitz A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person: Integration with Psychology and Mental Health Practice Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism  Sign up for the annual Summit of Integration Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE's - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!