Podcast appearances and mentions of greg bottaro

What happens when a platinum-selling musician and a Catholic psychologist sit down to talk about suffering, creativity, and the soul? In this rich and unexpected conversation, Dr. Greg Bottaro welcomes Matt Maher—award-winning worship leader and featured guest for this year's Summit of Integration—to explore the deep links between music, identity, and healing. Together, they unpack how true art gives voice to the heart, why presence matters more than performance, and how the Church can become a vital place of accompaniment for those struggling with mental health. Whether you're an artist, a parent, or someone craving deeper meaning in the mess of life, this episode is for you. Key Topics: The surprising parallels between leading worship and offering therapy Why music can reach the heart when words fail—and how it fosters healing The importance of presence over performance in both ministry and mental health How real art gives people back their voice, even in the midst of suffering What it means to live with creative constraints rooted in liturgical beauty Matt's personal journey of faith, trauma, and healing in community The dangers of spiritual bypassing and the Church's call to holistic care Why mental health struggles don't define us—and how language matters The value of integration across psychology, spirituality, and artistry A preview of Matt's special role at the upcoming Summit of Integration   Learn More: Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: Matt serves as an ambassador for this Christian organization offering free small-group resources on faith and mental health—including a Catholic-specific course now available on FORMED. Learn more at sanctuarymentalhealth.org The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Healing the Eight Stages of Life by M. Scott Peck The Wounded Healer and other works by Henri Nouwen The Context of Holiness by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD 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  

Founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP)

What if your deepest wounds could become the very place where God shows up most powerfully? In this honest and hope-filled episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with CatholicPsych mentor Beth Carrell to explore her incredible journey from teenage motherhood and marital betrayal to healing, restoration, and mission. As Beth shares her personal story—including the heartbreaking loss of her son to suicide—she offers a profound witness to how God's mercy meets us in our darkest places and draws us into deeper union with His Sacred Heart. This conversation is raw, real, and a powerful reminder that no story is beyond redemption.   Key Topics: Beth Carrell's journey from teen motherhood to Catholic conversion The healing power of the Sacred Heart in the face of deep suffering Rebuilding a marriage after betrayal and civil divorce The unique grief and hope following the loss of a child to suicide Why authentic healing requires both faith and psychological formation   Learn More: Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket. Grieving a loss to suicide? Red Bird Ministries offers Christ-centered accompaniment for bereaved families. Mentorship with Beth: If you're navigating a complex family structure or step-parenting dynamic, reach out to Beth Carroll here. 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 one of the most compassionate and powerful episodes of Catholic Answers Live, we take on difficult but crucial questions about mental health, suicide, guilt, and healing from a Catholic perspective. Help us reach our goal by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 20:16 – What can I do for my son who has Autism and recently tried to take his own life? How can I support him? 24:46 – What will it take for mental health to catch up to actually treating people, especially those considering suicide? 40:57 – I'm new to the faith and my friend who helped me come to the faith has been struggling mentally so much lately. How can I be a support for him? 45:19 – We tend to feel guilt after we sin, but do we get out of the constant dwelling of that guilt? 47:48 – Where do you feel the Eucharist fits into mental health and healing?

The Holy Spirit isn't just a once-a-year topic for Pentecost — He's meant to be at the center of our daily spiritual life. In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro unpacks 5 powerful insights from Archbishop Luis Martinez's The Sanctifier to help you enter more deeply into the mystery of how the Holy Spirit transforms us. From the Holy Spirit's permanent dwelling in your soul to His intimate collaboration with Our Lady, this conversation offers a fresh, integrated perspective on how God is actively sanctifying you right now.   Key Topics: Why the Holy Spirit deserves more than just Pentecost-level attention How the Holy Spirit and Our Lady work together to form Christ in us The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every baptized soul The real difference between spiritual growth and psychological development The role of mindfulness in opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work Learn More: Dive deeper into the themes from today's episode: The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis Martinez — the powerful spiritual classic Dr. Greg unpacks in this episode. Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat — walk through the full eight-week formation with Dr. Greg: catholicpsych.com/virtual-retreat Reserve your spot for the 2025 Summit of Integration (June 20–22, virtual + in-person) Catch past episodes with Summit speakers here. 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 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  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Over the last 25 years, there are more people in therapy and more people receiving medication for mental health struggles than ever before, with nearly every metric indicating downturns as it pertains to suicide, gender dysphoria, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Join us on this episode of “Follow to Lead” as Dr. Greg Bottaro, Founder and Director of the CatholicPsych Institute, talks about Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM) or “Mentorship,” which is breakthrough model of accompaniment that is offering hope and healing to patients who have been stagnant in self-destructive behavioral patterns for years. This mentorship model also provides great opportunities for wellness in Catholic schools.

In this thought-provoking episode of Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Frank Caggiano is joined by Dr. Greg Bottaro, founder of The Catholic Psych Institute—also known as "The Catholic Psych Guy." Together, they explore the concept of relationality and its role in our lives. They discuss the long-standing notion that relationships are merely accidental to our essence, Bishop Frank and Dr. Bottaro draw on the insights of Pope St. John Paul II, understanding that this view is incomplete. Instead, they delve into the idea that relationality is intrinsic to who we are; that to be human is to be in relationship. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of philosophy, theology, and psychology, and what it means for how we understand ourselves and one another! #catholic #christian #faith

We're live with Bevi Fontenot, Communications Director in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today talks about teens and summer jobs and Dr. Greg Bottaro is the Director and Founder of CatholicPsych Institute, talks about Catholic approach to mental health.

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  

Check out this great encore from March 24, 2025 Father Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Anxiety in the Spiritual Life What is Anxiety? (6:49) What is the biggest source of anxiety? What is scrupulosity? (12:58) Email - How can we stop worrying we aren’t going to go to heaven? Barbara - I have suffered with OCD and scrupulosity. In the last couple years, I discovered Dr. Greg Bottaro's book and he has a chapter called Surrender to the Will of God. Admitting we are powerless over this. That is what I have to do every day. Just turn it over to God. (22:09) Break 1 What is the difference between anxiety, fear and stress? (27:41) Lisa - Are there are people who are predisposed to worry and anxiety genetically.? If they don't have faith, but tendency toward perfectionism. How advice would you offer to them? Thomas - Comments on healing between psychiatric approach and spiritual approach. Action between mental health work and spirituality. Finding healing and that people have the power to trust God and not get anxious. (40:51) Break 2 Leticia - Anxiety developed into a eating disorder. I battle with that. I do what you are suggesting...Jesus I trust in you. I take some medication. I teach catechism...takes my mind off it. (46:38) what can we do to keep anxiety down?

Father Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Anxiety in the Spiritual Life What is Anxiety? (6:49) What is the biggest source of anxiety? What is scrupulosity? (12:58) Email - How can we stop worrying we aren’t going to go to heaven? Barbara - I have suffered with OCD and scrupulosity. In the last couple years, I discovered Dr. Greg Bottaro's book and he has a chapter called Surrender to the Will of God. Admitting we are powerless over this. That is what I have to do every day. Just turn it over to God. (22:09) Break 1 What is the difference between anxiety, fear and stress? (27:41) Lisa - Are there are people who are predisposed to worry and anxiety genetically.? If they don't have faith, but tendency toward perfectionism. How advice would you offer to them? Thomas - Comments on healing between psychiatric approach and spiritual approach. Action between mental health work and spirituality. Finding healing and that people have the power to trust God and not get anxious. (40:51) Break 2 Leticia - Anxiety developed into a eating disorder. I battle with that. I do what you are suggesting...Jesus I trust in you. I take some medication. I teach catechism...takes my mind off it. (46:38) what can we do to keep anxiety down?

I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the Catholic Psych Institute. We delve into the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of gender dysphoria, and explore the importance of compassion in addressing these sensitive issues. Dr. Bottaro emphasizes the need for a blueprint for understanding the human person, which he believes is rooted in Catholic teachings. For a deep dive into this blueprint check out our other conversation in episode 152.We discuss how the Catholic vision of the human person can inform our approach to mental health and well-being. Dr. Bottaro shares insights on the unity of body and spirit, and how this understanding can help individuals who feel at odds with their identity. We also touch on the historical role of the Catholic Church in preserving knowledge and culture, and how this legacy can guide contemporary discussions about ethics and psychology.Throughout our conversation, we aim to explore critical questions: How can we approach those struggling with their identity with both compassion and truth? What does it mean to have a healthy understanding of personhood? And how can the principles of Catholicism provide a framework for healing and thriving in today's complex world? Join us as we navigate these profound topics and seek to understand the intersection of faith, reason, and mental health.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:00:10] Compassion in identity struggles.[00:05:37] Civilization saved by Catholic Church.[00:10:03] Resurrection and its implications.[00:12:33] Eucharistic miracles and their significance.[00:19:40] Catholicism and Human Understanding.[00:22:12] Faith versus science paradox.[00:26:22] The ideal human person.[00:30:29] Fatherlessness and its impact.[00:34:02] Compassion in conservative approaches.[00:37:03] Spiritual identity and personhood.[00:40:18] Identity and body connection.[00:45:00] Complexities of therapeutic relationships.[00:49:39] Eternal communion with divinity.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

What does Catholic theology have to offer the field of counseling psychology? Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro joins me to explore the concept of the "blueprint of the human being" according to Catholic thought, emphasizing that we are made in the image of God, which inherently involves a relational aspect. Dr. Bottaro outlines five essential marks of relationship that shape our identity: being made in God's image, being formed in relationships, experiencing wounds in relationships, finding healing through relationships, and ultimately being destined for eternal relationship with God.We discuss how these principles extend into family life and the ideal structures for nurturing healthy relationships. I ask Dr. Bottaro about the common perception that Catholicism promotes repression, and he offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of authentic human experience and the developmental journey toward becoming our best selves in right relation with all things.Throughout our dialogue, we aim to uncover how understanding our relational nature can lead to deeper healing and growth, both personally and within our families. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the transformative power of connection in the context of faith and psychology.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:02:09] Catholic view of human being.[00:07:42] Eternal relationship and purpose.[00:08:14] The blueprint of the person.[00:15:48] Transcending space and time.[00:18:06] Inner goodness and relationships.[00:21:39] Corrective emotional experiences in relationships.[00:25:10] Objective truth and beauty.[00:30:31] The path to moral action.[00:33:25] Integrated approach to healing.[00:38:35] Communication skills for children.[00:41:29] Mirroring in parenting.[00:48:02] Growth through therapeutic experiences.[00:52:57] Purgatory as God's mercy.[00:54:05] Mercy in life and death.[00:58:57] Suffering and knowledge in purgatory.[01:03:39] Trust in God's mercy.[01:06:30] Loving God Through Neighborly Actions.[01:10:33] Marriage and maturity challenges.[01:15:57] Transcendent relationships in therapy.[01:18:58] Gender craze impact on families.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

Check out this excellent conversation where Dr. Greg Bottaro expounds on the thinking of Pope St. John Paul II as laying the ground for sound therapy and healing. You can check out the work of Dr. Greg at the Catholic Psych Institute: https://catholicpsych.com Check out Dr. Greg Bottaro's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicPsychInstitute

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

Join Oscar and Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, for a thought-provoking discussion at the intersection of faith, science, and human vulnerability. In this episode, they explore the Catholic Church's evolving perspective on the human person, the connection between faith and mental health, and how emotions and relationships mirror God's creation. They also delve into the Church's role in mental health conversations, the impact of seasonal depression, and the importance of emotional growth in living a faithful life. This conversation is insightful, authentic, and inspiring. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Join Fr Rob, Alyssa and Justine in this episode of Season 12 of the Catholic Influencers Podcast as they break open this week's upcoming Gospel. 33rd Sunday in Ordinary TimeGospel: Mark 13:24-32Throughout this episode, you'll hear highlights from an interview between Augie Angrisano & Dr Greg Bottaro. You can find the extended interview exclusively on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicInfluencersPodcastDr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict. In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment. He currently lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children.For a shorter, more reflective explanation of the Gospels, be sure to check out the Fr Rob Galea Homilies podcast.Discover more OSV Podcasts content by signing up for monthly updates on the latest show highlights at www.osvpodcasts.comSupport the showAn OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

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!

Have a question for Joey or our guests? Text us.Carl Jung once said, “Unless you make the subconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.” In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro explains why our untreated wounds and our subconscious rule our lives, often without us knowing it. We also discuss:How his parents' divorce impacted him and how he found tremendous healingDr. Bottaro answers your questions, such as:How do you heal?How do I overcome my extreme fear of marriage and intimacy?How can you reconcile and build a strong relationship with parents who've been blind for years to the harm their divorce caused for me and my siblings?And many more questions related to healing, relationships, your parents, helping others, and even your relationship with God.What exactly are abuse and narcissism?A NEW resource that's an alternative to therapy.Register for the CatholicPsych Open HouseSchedule a FREE mentorship consultation (Get 10% off your first month of mentorship with the code: RESTORED24 )Listen to Dr. Bottaro's podcast, Being HumanListen to 9 Ways to Pay for CounselingSubmit your question for the showView Restored's ResourcesShownotes

In collaboration with Sydney Catholic Youth, Fr Ben hosts a live podcast at Fidelis with special guest, American Catholic psychologist Dr Greg Bottaro to discuss all things mental health in relation to the Catholic faith. Purchase Dr Greg's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mindful-Catholic-Finding-Moment-Time/dp/1635820170 Visit Catholic Psych at: https://catholicpsych.com/ Visit the official sponsor of the show at https://mjpodiatry.com.au Visit our big hit of the week sponsor at https://www.totustuus.com.au Against The Grain Insta: againstthegrain.podcast TT: against.the.grain.pod FB: www.facebook.com/againstthegrainfaithandfooty

What is "Catholic mindfulness"? Is it a new age add-on to Christian spirituality, or is it compatible with Catholic tradition and orthodoxy?  "Mindfulness" can refer to the natural ability to focus our attention fully on the present moment. Defined thus, mindfulness can be understood as essential for meditative prayer and active recollection, and for the contemplative life in general. Strongly influenced by Dr. Greg Bottaro's book, The Mindful Catholic, this episode explores the topic of mindfulness: what it is (and is not), the fruits of practicing mindfulness, basic practicals, and reasons why mindfulness is especially critical for Catholics in our anxious and distracted age. Dr. Greg Bottaro's website: https://catholicpsych.com

"On his great work in each one of us...we each individually are a part of his mighty works!!!" -"Psalm 145:3&4. This week I am joined by psychologist, speaker, and author of "The Mindful Catholic", Dr. Greg Bottaro to discuss living in the presence of God.  Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). Dr. Greg provides some powerful insights into the importance of mindfulness and how practicing it can create a holy awareness of the present moment with a Christocentric mindset. Dr. Greg BottaroDr. Greg Bio (catholicpsych.com)Mentorship with CatholicPsychIntegrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM™) (catholicpsych.com)Book: The Mindful Catholichttps://a.co/d/0f2wz5rnIf this episode blessed you, I would be so honored if you shared it with a friend, rated it, or left us a review! I always love to connect :suzanne @latteandlaundry.com

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!

I was connected with Dr. Greg Bottaro and CatholicPsych Institute through our mutual friend, Simone Rizkallah, who I had on the show a few months ago. Find the episode here! It was great to speak with him. I am a big admirer of what CatholicPsych Institute is doing and the approach that Dr. Greg is taking. We get into that quite a bit in this relatively short episode. I hope that you enjoy it and I hope it inspires you! I was certainly edified and strengthened in my conviction to continually renew the pursuit of integrating faith, reason, and science!SummaryDr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist who emphasizes the integration of faith, reason, and science in understanding and helping individuals find true healing and wholeness. He believes that there should be no tension or conflict between these three categories, as they all point towards the same truth - God. Dr. Bottaro's Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing. The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests. The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Dr. Greg Bottaro discusses the need for a Catholic approach to psychology and mental health. He explains that current psychology programs are often secular and do not integrate Catholic principles. Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to fill this gap by providing therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health. He emphasizes the importance of integrating faith and reason in understanding the human person. Dr. Bottaro also discusses the limitations of current research and the need for a Catholic standard of mental health.Takeaways* Faith, reason, and science are interconnected and should be integrated in understanding and helping individuals.* There should be no tension or conflict between faith, reason, and science, as they all point towards the same truth - God.* The Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing.* The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests.* The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Current psychology programs often lack a Catholic foundation and do not integrate Catholic principles.* Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to provide therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health.* John Paul II's theology of the body provides a deep understanding of the human person and should be studied as a psychological framework.* The Catholic approach to mental health promotes a Catholic standard of mental health and integrates faith and reason.* There is a need for better research that aligns with Catholic principles and validates the truths of faith and reason.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:29Introduction to Applied Personalism05:37Understanding the Human Person08:03Certification Program at Catholic Psych Institute09:12Network of Certified Therapists12:22The Need for Catholic Psychology14:33The Lack of Catholic Marriage Therapy21:10The Catholic Psych Institute's Approach25:26The Importance of First Principles28:58Understanding Personalism32:26Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM)35:24Promoting Catholic Mental Health36:23ConclusionACTION ITEMS to help Good Distinctions grow and thrive* Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts* Leave a rating on Spotify* Become a paid subscriber* Pray for Good Distinctions* Pray for those listening to the show* SHARE the content! - Every time there is a post and you enjoy it, please share it. This is THE best way to increase visibility for the podcast and articles! Get full access to Good Distinctions at www.gooddistinctions.com/subscribe

EP073: Dr. Greg BottaroWhat is a man? And have you heard of the “masculine genius?”Men today are constantly told their masculinity is “toxic,” but is that really the case? Dr. Greg Bottaro of the Catholic Psych Institute joins Mary on the EDIFY Podcast to unpack the neuroscience behind the “masculine genius” and how it relates to male and female complementarity. From traditional gender roles, to the role of science in the pursuit of truth, this episode digs deep into key aspects of our society's confusion.  To learn more from Dr. Bottaro, listen to his podcast, Being Human, here.Watch: It's Not About The Nail Follow us on social media! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

 In this episode, my guest Dr. Greg Bottaro of the CatholicPsych Institute shares with us the most important thing he wants us to remember about borderline personality dynamics, the things that Catholics and non-Catholics most often misunderstand about borderline presentations, and his takeaways about borderline "personalities."  We then open the floor to these questions from our live audience: 1) How do you stay in relationship with someone who is threatening to harm themselves, you, or other family members?  2) Are anger and anxiety typical coping mechanisms for those with borderline characteristics? 3)  I think I may have borderline personality with a strong strain of self-hatred.  What is the role of concupiscence and wounds in borderline personality?  4) How would a Catholic parent with a spouse with Borderline Personality Disorder characteristics navigate teaching or picking up the pieces with young children who witness severe emotional dysregulation on a regular basis without undermining the spouse or triangulating?  5)  Someone brought to my awareness that they see BPD characteristics in me.  How do I approach true authentic healing so that I don't wound others, while not falling into the trap of getting a formal diagnosis to justify my actions or over-spiritualizing, trying to pray it away or just go to confession?  6) How do I help my young adult son who is married to someone I suspect has BPD characteristics who is now cutting off communication with us and who is not taking care of himself and who has said he is in turmoil when his wife, my daughter-in-law, who seems controlling and needing lots of "space"? 

Dr. Greg Bottaro, Founder and Director of the CatholicPsych Institute, unpacks what it means for us to "be the light" in today's world.At the CatholicPsych Institute, we're doing something new when it comes to therapy. In the Being Human Podcast, Dr. Greg Bottaro, Founder and Director of the CatholicPsych Institute, shares with you his vision for Catholic therapy and a revolutionary approach that is focused, finally, on what it means to be human.Register for SEEK24 here: https://seek.focus.org/

Welcome to Episode 136 of the Being Human Podcast:  How To Know If Your Anxiety Is More Spiritual or Emotional This week, Dr. Greg dives into an exploration of the interplay between our spiritual and emotional lives while breaking open how St. Ignatius of Loyola's rules of discernment can help us to distinguish between spiritual and non-spiritual anxiety!     Highlights from the episode:  Anxiety as a complex experience that requires a holistic approach; Distinguishing between symptoms of an anxiety disorder, anxiety about everyday life, and the anxiety of losing Jesus;  Using the discernment of spirits as proposed by St. Ignatius of Loyola as a  guide to knowing how to address anxiety; Spiritual vs. non-spiritual desolation and consolation and the importance of distinguishing between the two;  How non-spiritual factors can affect our spiritual life; Ruminations, incessant or intrusive thinking, and loss of sleep as symptoms of anxiety disorder; Distinguishing between the need for therapy versus a need to learn how to trust God more; Catholic mindfulness as a helpful way to reduce anxiety.    Resources mentioned or relevant: The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro; More on the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat;  Read You're No Angel, But Neither Am I (blog article);  Listen to Episode #128: Can I Just Pray It Away? (A Mentorship Message);  Listen to Episode #18: Should You Just “Pray More”?;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to access all of Dr. Greg's courses, including his Catholic Mindfulness 2: Discernment of Spirits course! Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn about IDDM (Mentorship), our new model of accompaniment; 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; Join the waitlist to be notified about our next Open House to learn more about the new CPMAP certification!   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 135 of the Being Human Podcast:  The Power of Mindful Awareness in Parenting & Relationships  This week, get another sneak peek into the daily communication that happens in Mentorship! In this episode, Dr. Greg offers a glimpse into how the practice of interior mindful awareness can have a powerful ripple effect, impacting how we interact with others and increasing our ability to connect with and be empathically present to them.    Highlights from the episode:  A psycho-educational excerpt from Dr. Greg's work in Mentorship;  The impact of practicing Mindfulness in the context of family life;  How principles at the core of Catholic mindfulness are the same as those at the core of healing family wounds, behavioral issues, and relationships between parents and children;  The importance of interior awareness and turning towards the present moment;  The layers of emotion that are packed into each moment; Why we cannot get away from relationship even in the deepest solitude;  How practicing mindfulness teaches us to be aware of and focused on the present moment, allowing for more control over ourselves and our reactions;  Freedom of choice as part of the dignity and power of being human;  Empathy as key for understanding another's interior life;  Our deep need to be understood and to know that we are seen; How parents teach children who they are by communicating love to them.   Resources mentioned or relevant: The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Greg Bottaro; Sign up for the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat; Blog articles about Catholic mindfulness: Why Catholic Mindfulness?  Do Not Be Anxious About the Things of Your Life  The Catholic Guide to Mindfulness, or, Coffee, Satan's Drink; Catholic Mindfulness 2: Discernment of Spirits Course  Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn about IDDM (Mentorship), our new model of accompaniment; 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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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! Join the waitlist to be notified about our next Open House to learn more about the new CPMAP certification!   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 134 of the Being Human Podcast:  Catholic Mindfulness: Why It's Not Only Okay But Encouraged for Catholics to Practice  “Isn't mindfulness Buddhist? Is it okay for Catholics to practice?” This week, we're publishing a snippet from a CPMAP lecture in which Dr. Greg answers these questions and more! In this episode, he breaks open a definition of mindfulness while exploring its history, compatibility with Catholic teaching, and the many psychological and spiritual benefits of incorporating it into one's life.   Discussed in the episode:  Mindfulness as developmental in that a new and deeper experience is available each consecutive time one moves through the material; History, development, and benefits of the 8-week mindfulness protocol;  A definition of mindfulness and exploration of present moment awareness;  How the seeds of Catholic mindfulness were planted while Dr. Greg was discerning with the Franciscan friars; Catholic mindfulness as a fruit of the integration of psychology and Catholic spirituality; Mindfulness as a practical way to bring our minds into a place of trustful surrender to God; Compatibility of mindfulness with Catholic teachings;  Comparison of Buddhist and Christian perspectives on unity and individuality. Resources mentioned or relevant: The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Greg Bottaro; More about the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat; Blog articles about Catholic mindfulness: Do Not Be Anxious About the Things of Your Life  The Catholic Guide to Mindfulness, or, Coffee, Satan's Drink;  Watch Mindfulness and Catholic Mystical Tradition (short YouTube video); Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn about IDDM (Mentorship), our new model of accompaniment; 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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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! Join the waitlist to be notified about our next Open House to learn more about the new CPMAP certification!   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!  

Wanna hear some great content around the topic of failure & adversity? How to get out of your head and find success? How bout this.... Understanding that time doesn't matter in your day-to-day schedule. Today's podcast guest is Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, who is the director of the CatholicPsych Institute and the CatholicPsych Academy. Before getting his doctorate, he spent four years living as a Franciscan friar, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis. He ultimately discerned a call to pursue family life. After leaving NYC as a friar, Dr. Bottaro returned as a psychologist. His aim is fundamentally the same - to serve. We had a blast recording this video podcast. Enjoy all of the awesome sauce inside.

Welcome to Episode 128 of the Being Human Podcast:  Can I Just Pray It Away? (A Mentorship Message) Is it possible to “pray away” the difficulties in our life? This week, Dr. Greg opens up the archives to share audio from a Mentorship** message addressing this question. In the episode, he offers insight on how we can best approach suffering using principles from St. Ignatius of Loyola's discernment of spirits.   **For those new to Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM or “Mentorship”), our model offers daily accompaniment through the exchange of private, voice-recorded messages shared between you and a trained Mentor. This message from Dr. Greg to his client is shared with permission.    Discussed in the episode:  Distinguishing between spiritual and non-spiritual desolation;   The importance of initiating small changes to improve non-spiritual desolation; Looking for moments when change can be made vs. waiting for change to happen;  How ruminations add weight to our burdens and increase suffering;   A reminder that change does not happen overnight; Noticing the reaction of the different parts within ourselves.     Resources mentioned or relevant: Interested in IDDM (Mentorship)? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to learn more and discuss how we can support you! Discover more about how IDDM (Mentorship) works;  One Simple Way to Deal With Feeling Overwhelmed blog article;  Read The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro;  More on Healing Through Catholic Mindfulness on the blog;   Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more; 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;  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! Join the waitlist to be notified about our next Open House to learn more about the new CPMAP certification!   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!  

On a very special episode of Roar Like the Lamb, Paola is drinking Bailey's and you better believe it's hilarious. But the real point this week is to talk about the power of having our Catholic faith really imbue everything we do. Catholic culture is real and how beautiful when we allow our faith to have space in every facet of our lives. What God Is Not Podcast with Mother Natalia The Being Human Podcast with Dr. Greg Bottaro

Welcome to Episode 113 of the Being Human Podcast: Surprising Sources of Pornography Problems, w/ Steve Pokorny In this episode, Steve Pokorny - author, speaker, and founder of Freedom Coaching - joins Dr. Greg for a conversation* exploring the goodness of human sexuality, the struggle with addiction to pornography, and the surprising ways that shame can block forward momentum in breaking the cycle of addiction to unchaste behaviors. They also offer hope for how those who struggle with these behaviors can begin to find healing and freedom. *Note: Mature content.    Discussed in this episode: Meet Steve Pokorny;  What contributes to the development of an addiction to pornography? The need to understand the purpose of our sexuality and importance of seeing ourselves as gift; Why pornography is ultimately an empty experience that leaves us wanting; Steve's personal experience of healing from an addiction to pornography; The role of coaching in helping to pinpoint the emotions surrounding unchaste behaviors so as to decrease compulsion;  The effect of pornography on the brain;  The role and cycle of shame and how it prevents forward momentum in healing from addiction; How non-use of our genitalia can be the most fruitful use of our humanity;  Our call to community and relationality in suffering.    Resources mentioned or relevant: Learn more about Freedom Coaching or apply to begin your journey to freedom (Use code: PsychFreedom to get your first meeting free);  Listen to The Redeemed Vision Podcast - Episode #30 w/ Dr. Greg Bottaro as guest;   Read Redeemed Vision: Setting the Blind Free From the Pornified Culture by Steve Pokorny;  See Theology of the Body 65-70 for more on Christ's nakedness as the fulfillment of human sexuality; The Beauty of Holiness and the Holiness of Beauty: Art, Sanctity, and the Truth of Catholicism by John Saward, and Beauty: What It Is & Why It Matters by John-Marc Miravalle;  Margaret Vasquez - Intensive Trauma Therapy resource;  The Catholic's Guide to Theophostic Prayer Ministry by Fr. David Tickerhoof, TOR;  Looking for help? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with our staff! Learn about IDDM (Mentorship), our new model of daily accompaniment;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more; Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Join the waitlist to find out more about the new CPMAP Certification.  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!  

We interview Dr. Greg Bottaro about what's really wrong with modern therapy and how the Theology, Philosophy, and Anthropology of Saint John Paul II can bring hope and healing to people. We end the discussion on the topic of Internal Family Systems approach ("parts work") and pick it up from there next week! Check out the links for more information!

Do you feel like there's a constant battle inside of your brain with the different thoughts and feelings you're having? Today I'm joined by Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, who is going to talk us through the internal dialogue of a CEO at different stages of business growth.Dr. Greg discusses how we have different parts of ourselves which each individually have their own feelings, and past experiences, and they can take lead or sit in the background and stay quiet at times.I share my struggles with being a Visionary and still wanting to be a Rainmaker and how Dr. Greg helped me through this in today's episode. We discuss what it feels like as a Visionary and being afraid of not being your true self, afraid to share your vision so as to not scare your team away and the struggles of believing you can do it faster as the Visionary but still knowing you need the help of your team. Dr. Greg walks us through how to navigate your mind as a Visionary and why it's not just about how we manage the stuff up on the surface but about realizing there's a lot of stuff under the surface, in our minds, too.Learn more about my guest:Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, is the director of the CatholicPsych Institute and the CatholicPsych Academy. He developed the Catholic Mindfulness online course. Before getting his doctorate, he spent four years living as a Franciscan friar, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis.Dr. Greg's Links:Website: https://www.catholicpsych.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CatholicPsych/Mentorship: https://iddmentor.com/openhouseConnect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/If you're ready to transition from full-time Marketer to full-time Founder of your own business apply for the Rainmaker Residency™: https://rainmakerresidency.com/How I Turn Your Team Member Into A Revenue Generating Rainmaker For Your Company, Take a look at my Fortune 5 Framework™ Syllabus for FREE! https://rainmakerresidency.com/optin-rrsSkip the formal recruiting process and learn how to source Rainmaker applicants that are already connected to you: https://rainmakerresidency.com/rainmaker-hiring-kitDelving deep into the tough topics we often face as scaling business owners that AREN'T talked about often, sign up to The Rainmaker Report: https://rainmakerresidency.com/rainmaker-reportIf you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Greg Bottaro, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, to discuss how men uniquely behave, communicate, and relate to those around us. We discuss how men and women are different and how both sexes can grow in holiness by learning how to understand and better communicate with each other. Dr. Greg gives us men the secret 5 steps plan to solve female problems. Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic Psychologist who started the CatholicPscyh Instituted 12 years ago. He has recently launched a new certificate to train people in Catholic integrated Accompaniment (Mentorship). He is married and enjoys living with his wife and 7 children. He lives and practices in Connecticut. CatholicPsych Institute - Click Here The Being Human Podcast - Click Here Dr. Greg's Instagram - Click Here

Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, is the director of the CatholicPsych Institute and the CatholicPsych Academy. He spent four years living as a Franciscan friar, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis before discerning a call to pursue marriage and family life. Jackie & Bobby talk with Dr. Bottaro about integrated psychology, understanding proper human anthropology, and stories of healing. Check out https://www.catholicpsych.com/ to learn more about the CatholicPsych Institute, the "Being Human" podcast, and more! -- Thank you so much for listening! Please check out our website for more podcasts, videos, and articles: https://jackieandbobby.com/ And if you would like to support the production costs of this podcast, please prayerfully consider donating to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby

The Greg Bottaro Interview with Matthew KellyNew York Times bestselling author Matthew Kelly interviews Dr. Greg Bottaro.Get Matthew's 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribeSubscribe to Matthew's YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKell...https://www.matthewkelly.comThe Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks.#MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion

When we do away with differences, we kill diversity, and when we kill diversity we eradicate complementarity. Without complementarity, we might as well just go through life alone.That certainly seems to be the way things are heading.A lot of people might be triggered at the thought of biological, physiological, and phenomenological differences between men and women, but this is certainly not a Catholic approach. In this podcast, we bring on Dr. Greg Bottaro of the CatholicPsych Institute to share how we can have better marriages, friendships, and relationships with our kids when we see and receive the beautiful complementarity of God creating and resurrecting us, male and female.GET THE DAILY SEVEN JOURNAL! This interactive journal will help you transform your life from the inside out by teaching you how to grow in gratitude, set healthy goals, and gain mastery over your thoughts.JOIN THE ACADEMY! Your online resource of classes, tools, and community to ramp up your growth and really change your life. Learn from the Metanoia Catholic coaches in webinars, live coaching calls, Lectio Divina, and more with your monthly membership.

Are you a woman struggling to manage stress and anxiety in your everyday life? Do you wonder how you can hold in balance both the struggle and the joys of life? In this podcast episode host Karen Doyle is joined by Dr Greg Bottaro from The Catholic Psyc Institute. Together they unpack how we can begin to manage stress and anxiety in our everyday life. And how practicing Catholic mindfulness and self compassion plays a crucial role in living lives of integration and wholeness. To learn more about Catholic Coaching for Catholic women https://choicez.clickfunnels.com/optin1652225340154 (CLICK HERE ) Find out more about the Catholic Women's Masterclasshttps://www.masterclass.geniusproject.co/god-is-calling-you51116959 ( HERE ) https://geniusproject.co/metanoia-journal-2/ (To purchase a copy of the Metanoia Catholic Journal if your live in Australia or New Zealand HERE) Visit The Catholic Psyc Institutehttps://www.catholicpsych.com/about-us/ ( here)

We finally arrive in San Francisco (for the first time at least!) Claire Herrick and I met when I first moved to SF in 2018. Shelby Simon (Visit #12) connected us and we became instant friends and this friendship has strengthened through many ups and downs! In this visit we recognized the similar qualities we admire in each other, and how that in itself can lead to comparison. We also get into our mutual love of healing and personal growth. This was an awesome visit with an amazing woman, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did!Resources:JPII Healing CenterUndone by Carrie Daunt44 Day Consecration to St. Joseph by Dr. Greg Bottaro and Jennifer SettleLife Giving Wounds - Healing retreat for Adult Children of DivorceIt's Not Your Fault - by Joey PontarelliStay connected!WebsiteInstagramthevisitpod@gmail.com

Padre Jay sits down with Dr. Greg Bottaro of Catholic Psych Institute

On episode seventy-four of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I talk with Dr. Greg Bottaro about the importance of keeping Catholicism and Psychology together. Biography:Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic Psychologist who directs the CatholicPsych Institute and developed Catholic Mindfulness. Before getting his doctorate, he spent four years living as a Franciscan Friar. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience helped him form a spirituality based on Abandonment to Divine Providence which he now applies to psychological principles in his practice.To learn more about Dr. Bottaro and his work, check out his work at https://www.catholicpsych.com/. Love what Dr. Bottaro had to say? Check out the Being Human Podcast.Thank you to our sponsors!Syndicate Strategies, a full-service marketing agency owned and operated by two Catholic business partners for over 25 years. Syndicate helps connect businesses to customers using the most current technology. They can help YOU create powerful, engaging websites and eCommerce stores that bring results. Find out what Syndicate can do for you at syndstrat.com/saints.Check out  The Catholic Company for all your Catholic merchandise needs! Use code "GOTTABESAINTSTODAY" for 15% off your next purchase!If you enjoyed this episode, please give provide a review and make sure to subscribe!Want to support Gotta Be Saints as a monthly sponsor? Join my support team so I can do more with this great ministry! Check me out on Patreon! 

In this episode, I lay out the whole mission and purpose of the Interior Integration for Catholics Podcast -- answering the six central questions so that you can make an informed decision about whether this podcast fits you and your needs.  Get the latest in my discernment about this podcast and the Resilient Catholics Community, where we are going.   Lead in:  [cue Sundancer music] Who, What, Where, When, Why and How -- those are the six questions we're addressing today about this podcast.   Why those questions?  It's all about fit.  It's all about being clear about the target audience for this podcast and whether or not you fit.  I'm putting all my cards on the table, total transparency, so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to engage with me or not.   So let's ask the questions.  Who is this Interior Integration for Catholics podcast for -- yes, it's for Catholics, but it's only for a small number of Catholics, maybe about 3700 Catholics in the world.  How did I get to that number -- stay with me for the calculations later in this episode.   What is this podcast all about -- what is the mission, what is the purpose of the podcast?   Where does this podcast focus?  Spoiler alert:  -- Deep inside you, but you'll have to stay tuned to find out more about that… When:  what is the new frequency and episode length for this podcast? Why:  Why should you listen?  I'm asking you for time, attention, concentration and effort -- why should you engage with this podcast at all?  I'll be fleshing out all the reasons How:  How do we make it all happen with you, for you and in you?   Find out the answer to all of these questions in this episode of Interior Integration for Catholics, number 84, The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the IIC Podcast [cue intro music] Intro: Welcome to the podcast Interior Integration for Catholics, thank you for being here with me, I am honored to be here with you, and today we are discussing you and me and us and this podcast.  We are going to get all relational as we often do here.  Because this is a relational podcast.  I'm not just a talking head in podcastlandia, I'm a real person, you're a real person and I'm into real relationships.   I am clinical psychological Peter Malinoski and you are listening to the Interior Integration for Catholics podcast -- the IIC podcast for short).   Interior Integration for Catholics is part of our broader outreach Souls and Hearts bringing the best of psychology grounded in a Catholic worldview to you and the rest of the English-speaking Catholic world through our website soulsandhearts.com.  Check that out, soulsandhearts.com for so many great resources that bring psychology and Catholicism together in a way that is faithful to the truths of our Faith.   Let's get into answering the questions -- the who, what, where, when, why, and how of this podcast.   Who is the IIC Podcast For?  It's for You.  Ideal listener If you have it all together, if you're sky high on life, if you continually leap from one pinnacle of natural excellence to an even higher summit of human greatness, bounding upward, always with grace and precision and a laser focus on perfection -- good for you. I'm happy for you and in awe of you.   But you don't need this podcast.   Let me put it this way.  This podcast is for the Catholic who admits he or she is hurting, struggling, a lost sheep, in need of help. This podcast is for you who are like me, who are very imperfect, wounded, harmed in various ways, who are confused and frustrated, who are weary, who are lonely, who are burdened in different ways.   It's for your parts. we are a unity but also a multiplicity.  We don't have a single, unified, homogenous, monolithic personality.   We have several or many parts, each one with its own personality.  This concept of parts of us is absolutely central to this podcast.  If this idea of parts does not appeal to you, you probably won't like these episodes.  I believe there were two major discoveries in psychology, one at the end of the 19th Century -- the discovery of the unconscious -- Freud popularized that.  And the other near the end of the 20th century -- the discovery of the multiplicity of self which Richard Schwartz popularized.   Definition of part:  Separate, independently operating personalities within us, each with own unique prominent needs, roles in our lives, emotions, body sensations, guiding beliefs and assumptions, typical thoughts, intentions, desires, attitudes, impulses, interpersonal style, and world view.  Each part also has an image of God and sense of identity, who you are.  Robert Falconer calls them insiders.  You can also think of them as separate modes of operating if that is helpful.   This podcast is especially for your inner outcasts, those parts of us that you reject -- inner lepers, inner tax collectors, inner Pharisees, inner critics, our inner prostitutes, the untouchables within us, our inner rebels, fugitives, inner vagabonds and bums, our inner abused children.  Our refugees, our inner imprisoned convicts the parts that don't get to see the light of day, the parts that may have never been loved by you or any other human being who walks the face of the earth.   As I've discussed in so many previous episodes, especially Episode 71: A New and Better Way of Understanding Myself and Others -- I firmly believe that the concept of a core self and these several or many parts helps us to make so much more sense of our experiences, helps to explain so much.  And as I laid out in Episode 73, Is IFS Really Catholic, I believe that with some modifications, IFS can be harmonized with our Catholic Faith.   St. Augustine, Confessions “My inner self was a house divided against itself.”  That's parts.   Romans 7:15  I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. It's not just about willpower Romans 7:18b  I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.  This isn't about willpower -- Paul had amazing willpower.  It's not about the intellect.  Its about those two discoveries in psychology -- the unconscious and the fact that we have parts.   Openness and receptivity to learning and growing. This podcast is for you, you, the one who deeply desires an intimate, personal relationship with God and with Mary, even if  you struggle with it You who want to be able to come to God our Spiritual Father and Mary our Spiritual Mother with childlike trust and complete confidence Overcoming your natural-level impediments  Anything that compromises our capacity to relate and love in the natural realm will compromise our capacity to relate and love God and Mary.  Period.  Full stop.   Invested in own human formation, and is motivated to grow Psychologically-minded  Embraces the multiplicity/unity aspects of the human person and wants to relate better with self internally.   Willing to tolerate some suffering -- it will cost you to really engage with these podcasts Attention and concentration  Experiential exercises   Wants to love self in a much more ordered way, overcoming shame, overcoming self-absorption Wants to love others in a much more ordered way Orthodox, practicing  Catholics Willing to sacrifice Let's do the numbers There are 70 million Catholics in the US, 13 million in Canada, 5 million in the UK, and 5 million in Australia. Adding in the Catholics of a few other countries, New Zealand and so on, we can round it to about 100 million English speaking Catholics in the entire world.   The Catholic Man Crisis Fact Sheet (pp. 36-41) and the Catholic marketing agency Fuzati both assert that only about 10% of Catholics are committed to their faith and practice it regularly by frequenting the sacraments, praying, and engaging in parish or other community life.  I think that's generous.  Sherry Weddell who does all kinds of work evangelizing in parishes says that 98% of Catholics have no other contact any with Catholic resources other than their parish.  Let's go with one tenth, though, one tenth are committed Catholics.  One tenth of 100 million leaves 10 million English speaking Catholics committed to the Faith and regularly practicing, taking their faith seriously.  Of those, how many really accept that the unconscious exists, and that it has a huge impact on our internal experience, that it affects us in major, unseen ways.  So many Catholics, especially devout Catholics get really uncomfortable with the power of the unconscious.  They don't want to go there.  They want to believe that most of their inner life is in their conscious awareness.  I'm going to estimate that only 30% of the 10 million English Speaking, practicing, serious Catholics are willing to really embrace the unconscious and its implications.  That leaves us with 3 million Catholics worldwide.   Now how many of those 3 million will accept that we have parts, these little personalities within us, how many will accept that we are both a multiplicity and a unity, how many will resonate?  I think about one third of those.  Parts really make many Catholic uncomfortable -- are you saying, Dr. Peter, that I'm like Sybil, with multiple personalities.  Yes I am.  That's exactly what I am saying.  I'm saying we're all like that, not so disconnected and dissociated as those who have been diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, now called Dissociative Identity Disorder, but that multiplicity is within us, we have parts within us.  So one third of 3 million leaves us with 1 million Catholics who might resonate with this podcast.   How many listen to podcasts at least on a monthly basis?  37% of US residents, according to podcasthosting.org's compilation of statistics.    We're down to 370,000.   How many are really committed to human formation?  That are not just looking at the spiritual life, but also at their natural human formation?  Those who really consider the natural realm.  It's not that many.  I figure maybe 10% of those Catholics, and again, that's being generous.  We're down to 37,000.  And how many of those 3700 will find this podcast -- that depends on you, how you spread the word. But let's say that over time, we get to 10%.  We're down to 3,700 potential listeners.  3700 potential listeners.  This is a niche podcast.   We are really a very small percentage of the Catholic population from 100 million to 3,700. We are getting about 4,000 downloads per month.  That's not that many, really.  And our most popular episode had just over 700 downloads total, all-time.   And a download doesn't mean a person actually listened to the podcast.  And some people download the same episode over and over again -- they listen multiple times.   For the last ten episodes that have been up for more than thirty days, we averaged 469 downloads each.  That's not that many!  Transistor.fm, my podcast host, estimates that we have 201 Subscribers, those who listen to each new episode within 24 hours of its release on platforms like Apple Podcast or Spotify.   So we are a niche market.  I'm looking for 3700 out of 100 million English speaking Catholics.  That's .0037 of one percent, or one in 27,000 Catholics.  That's how special you are.  Now maybe I'm underestimating the numbers here. I  hope I am.  You can let me know if you think I'm off base.   Just five days ago, I got this email from a listener and her words capture what I am looking for in those 3700 potential listeners. Here is what she said: First, I just want to share with you that your podcasts (and those of Dr Greg Bottaro) have been earth shattering for me, it's been an absolute revelation in the last 3 months and I can't thank you enough for delving into this 'crying need' to understand ourselves, the mysterious struggle to battle our interior world, and where God (or our image of Him) gets caught in the crossfire.  I realized while listening to several podcasts, they answer nearly everything I experienced for years without even realizing they have names...Until listening to the podcast I was never really open to psychology - I relied and trusted more on a well developed will power to always pull through. It's rather painful to think I could have saved myself a lot of needless angst had I learned about this earlier. I'm very knowledgeable about the Faith and I frequently help others in their own faith but my own issues are hard to combat...the podcast brought all this to the next level.  That is what I want for my listeners.  Real impact, the kind of impact that helps you change your lives.  That's what I am looking for, for you.   So those the qualities of my intended audience -- the who of the six questions This is for you who are a Faithful, orthodox, practicing Catholic -- you who are hurting, struggling, a lost sheep, in need of help.  And you who are invested in your own human formation, willing to accept the unconscious, willing to embrace your inner outcasts, all the parts of you that have been rejected by others, those who may never have been loved by you or your family or any other human being around you.   Openness and receptivity to learning and growing With a willingness to make sacrifices of time, attention, effort.   You who deeply desires an intimate, personal relationship with God and with Mary, even if  you struggle with it. You who want to overcome your natural-level impediments to approaching God our Spiritual Father and Mary our Spiritual Mother with childlike trust and complete confidence Anything that compromises our capacity to relate and love in the natural realm will compromise our capacity to relate and love God and Mary.  Period.  Full stop.   Wants to love self in a much more ordered way, overcoming shame, overcoming self-absorption Wants to love others in a much more ordered way Outer rings -- those who drop in, those who pass by and stay an hour or two with the podcast -- you are welcome. Seekers -- those who want information on a particular topic for themselves or for a loved one -- bipolar disorder, scrupulosity, shame, sexuality, trauma  Take what is helpful to you.   Me -- So we've talked about you, now let's talk about me, just briefly In this podcast, I will never ask you to do something I won't do myself.   I work on myself.  A lot.  Both in the natural realm and in the spiritual realm.  I check in with my parts five to seven times per day.   I have a human formation plan of life I have a spiritual plan of life and a spiritual director Charisms -- exploring these through the Catherine of Siena Institute -- online program Called and Gifted, siena.org, Sherry Wedell founded it decades ago -- impressed with her work.  Jenna Reimersma -- group work IFS grounded in Christianity.   Why am I telling you all this?   Nemo dat quod non habet  You can't give what you don't have.  I can't give you what I don't have.    Lots of discernment going on.  How to guide the podcast, how to guide Souls and Hearts.  I invest in that process of discernment for you.  For you.   Us together Conversation Hours -- every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 PM Eastern time.  317.567.9594.  I've taken lots of calls from my committed listeners.  Why?  Because I want to be with you, to be together with you in a deep way.  I want us to actually have a relationship.  I want to know what is going on in your lives.  That connection only makes this podcast better and more relevant to you.   Let's talk about me meeting you where you are at: Will I do that?  Depends on where you are at.  That brings us back to the target audience.  Those are the ones I am called to reach out to.  I'll meet them where there are at with this podcast.  Those for whom there really are not that many resources.   More than that, though I'll meet you where you are at, but I will call you to a higher level of human formation.  Anne Lamott in Traveling Mercies:  The secret it that God loves us exactly the way we are…and that he loves us too much to let us stay like this.   John the Baptist -- went out to the desert, inhospitable places -- the people came to him.   Jesus in John 6:  Discourse on the bread of life -- so many people left John 6:60  Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”   John 6:66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. He didn't chase them.  He didn't water anything down.  He let them make a choice.   Jesus with the Rich Young Man -- not meeting him where he was at -- calling him to a higher plane, to being one of the original disciples.  Matthew 19:20-22 The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. Jesus backpedal, did he reel it in, did he soften his position, did he run ahead of the rich young man and try to smooth out the hard road for him.  No he did not.  He addressed his disciples instead.  Let's pick up the narrative in verse 23.   23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  Ripple effect to others.   Now we are going to address the question of What  What is the IIC Podcast all about"  Your need for human formation grounded in a Catholic Anthropology without Apology Not giving up any of the Truths of the Catholic Faith, not surrendering on the smallest point of dogma or dogma, even when it's uncomfortable   Utilizing the best of what modern psychology has to offer Theory  Research  Clinical Experience  Drawing from all of that.   Topics/Themes  All centers around love.  That's the point  Receiving love From yourself  From others  From God, especially God as your primary Father, your Spiritual Father, to heal father wounds  From Mary, especially Mary as your primary Mother, your Spiritual Mother, to heal mother wounds.    Books My Ideal: Jesus Son of Mary, Fr. Emile Neubert  Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean Baptist Saint Jure and Saint Claude de la Columbiere   Our spiritual parents are more our parents than our earthly parents, our natural parents God knew that whatever deficits your parents had, whatever wounds they inflicted He had a plan to make up for that  Only allowed the bad things to happen in order to draw greater good from them  Listeners' testimonies -- would not trade their histories now.   Healing can happen on the natural realm, not just the spiritual realm Model of the Human person Multiplicity and Unity  Parts  Loving oneself.   where we take on the toughest topics, the most difficult and raw themes that many people want to avoid. Fulton J. Sheen  “The refusal to take sides on great moral issues is itself a decision. It is a silent acquiescence to evil. The Tragedy of our time is that those who still believe in honesty lack fire and conviction, while those who believe in dishonesty are full of passionate conviction.” Means we use Didactic portion -- a Lecture if you will.   Draws from Secular Sources   Catholic Sources Scripture  Catechism  Lives of Saints   More than two decades of my clinical experience as a Catholic psychologist -- integrating   Story -- dramatization   Literature Quotes  Poetry   Experiential Exercises   What is the goal?   Our Niche:  Solidifying and strengthening our human formation so it can serve as a foundation for a deep, intimate, relational intimacy with God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Mary our Mother  Spiritual Parents God our Spiritual Father  Mary our Spiritual Mother   Gaping hole of human formation -- human formation as the natural foundation for the spiritual life St. Thomas Aquinas -- Grace perfects nature.   Human formation just starting to be addressed in seminaries -- human formation emphasized there -- see IIC 63:  Human formation: the critical missing element.   A whole section is devoted to human formation in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document entitled "Program of Priestly Formation, Fifth Edition" which came out in 2006.  pages 29-42 Longest and most complete discussion of human formation I could find in an official church document  14 pages -- but no definition of human formation.   What this podcast is not about Not about priests, bishops, popes, spouses, friends, politicians, Catholic celebrities, not about anyone other than you and your internal world and your relationship with yourself, with God and with Mary your spiritual mother  Not about world peace -- it's about inner peace  It's not about current events -- it's about the events in your inner life, your interior life.   It's not about righting wrongs in our families and our neighborhoods, our parishes, our nation, our world -- it's about right wrongs within us.  That's our starting point, that's what gets neglected in our world.   It's not about social justice -- it's about inner justice, about you being just to you, in all your parts.   It's not about mercy to others -- it's about mercy to your own abandoned, needy, condemned, rejected parts.   It's not about evangelizing others -- it's about evangelizing yourself.   It's not about focusing on the problems of any other human being -- it's about you examining you and you connecting with you -- it's about knowing yourself, as Socrates commanded It's about removing the beam from your own eye as your Lord commanded, so you can see more clearly   This is not about being hip and fashionable in the Catholic world.  I'm not some sort of Catholic star or celebrity or social media influencer.  None of these podcast episodes are ever going to go viral on social media.  I'm not good at being hip or fashionable or one of the cool, popular Catholic media kids on the block.  Trying to be like that would make me look like I was trying to dance the Macarena while intoxicated at your cousin's wedding, and that is not a pretty picture.   We're maintaining the focus on you, especially on the hidden parts of you, where most people do not want to go.  There's a reason why we hide parts of ourselves from ourselves.  We want to bring the light. This is not selfishness.  This is not some kind of self-absorbed navel gazing in a psychological day spa where you have cucumber slices over your eyes and white cream on your face and I tell you how wonderful you are and lament with you about how terribly others treated you.  Engaging with this podcast is more like a boot camp that demands humility and courage and boldness and perseverance that the vast majority of people are not going to demonstrate.  If you really go inside you're going to find things you really don't like.  Things that scare you, things that disgust you, things that could upset you.   Freud 1933 the id is a chaos, a cauldron of seething excitement Bessel van der Kolk “As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.”   The Body Keeps the Score Emily Dickenson  One need not be a Chamber — to be Haunted —One need not be a House —The Brain has Corridors — surpassingMaterial Place — Far safer, of a Midnight MeetingExternal GhostThan its interior Confronting —That Cooler Host. Far safer, through an Abbey gallop,The Stones a'chase —Than Unarmed, one's a'self encounter —In lonesome Place — Ourself behind ourself, concealed —Should startle most —Assassin hid in our ApartmentBe Horror's least. The Body — borrows a Revolver —He bolts the Door —O'erlooking a superior spectre —Or More —   This is a hard road people -- really getting to know yourselves. St. Augustine said: “Humility is a virtue by which a man has a low opinion of himself because he knows himself well.”   And there's nothing so distracting as looking at other people -- attributing our difficulties to other people, pointing the finger at other people.   The London Times once sent out an inquiry to famous authors, asking the question, “What's wrong with the world today?” and Chesterton responded simply, “Dear Sir,  I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton.”  St Augustine  “This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”  Where -- let's tackle the where of this podcast Where is this podcast?   Simple asnwer -- it's on all the major podcast players-- Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Podcast, all of them.   It's also on our website:  Soulsandhearts.com/iic.   The more important question -- where in you does this podcast intend to reach?  Where will we work together?   We work in your heart.  Not just head knowledge -- not just intellectual material.  But in your heart.   Luke 10:27 Jesus answered “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Start with the heart -- in the body, in the natural realm.  Not with the soul.  With the heart.  With the seat of emotions, with the seat of relational experience.  Before the soul, even.  The heart.  Leading with the heart.  And Our Lord insists on the whole of us --all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, all your mind -- all of us.  All of our parts.  we start in your heart but we also will work with your mind and your soul and your body Feeding your mind with groundbreaking new conceptual material -- integrating IFS concepts with a Catholic worldview.   Another where question -- Where does the podcast fit in the broader Church -- where is our corner of the vineyard? I'm going to sum it up with this term -- Inner pre-evangelization.  This podcast's corner of the vineyard is human formation, specifically Inner pre-evangelization.  What do I mean by that?   Let's start with a Definition of Pre-evangelization from Fr. John Hardon's Catholic Dictionary:  Preparation of a person or people to receive the Gospel. The need for such preparation in the modern world arises from the massive neglect of God and things spiritual. "In the past," the Second Vatican Council explains, "it was the exception to repudiate God and religion to the point of abandoning them, and then only in individual cases; but nowadays it seems a matter of course to reject them as incompatible with scientific progress and a new kind of humanism" (Gaudium et Spes, 8). Through the media of social communication, this spirit of unbelief has permeated whole segments of society. Hence the need for predisposing people even to listen to the Gospel, especially in the once Christian affluent cultures of Euro-America.  USCCB National Directory on Catechesis reads as follows:  Pre-evangelization ordinarily builds on basic human needs, such as security, love, or acceptance, and shows how those basic human needs include a desire for God and his word.  Sherry Widdell:  Fruitful Discipleship, p. 63.  Direct pre-evangelization of individuals includes praying for others, building genuine friendships, fostering personal and spiritual trust, hospitality, the witness of your life and vocation, having threshold and spiritual conversations with individuals, asking thought-provoking questions to stimulate spiritual curiosity, and sharing the story what you've seen God do in your own life. So pre-evangelization is all about preparing a person or a community to be able to receive the Gospel. I argue that we need to pre-evangelize ourselves.  Even those of us faithful, practicing Catholics -- we need to go inside and work with our parts.   We don't want shifting natural foundations -- leads to rickety spiritual edifices that are likely to fall down.   I make the case that we have many parts who are separated, who are isolated, who have terrible, toxic God images, who may be terrified of God, raging at God, disappointed in God.  I make the case that we can't just bring God to them without some preliminary work on the natural realm.  This is what I am calling inner pre-evangelization.   Definition time with Dr. Peter.  Inner pre-evangelization is preparing your parts on the natural, human level through your love for them through bringing them into relationship with your core self so that they can better tolerate being loved by God and Mary and heal.  Then, in a much more integrated way, you can love God, Mary, your neighbor and yourself in a much more intimate, deep, full, and complete way.   I know from clinical experience that a client's exiled part often needs to experience the love from the client's core self before that part can be open to the love of God or love from others.   Love your neighbor as yourself.  Luke 10:27.  We need to love ourselves.  We need to love our parts.  As part of that love, we help our parts with human formation.   So where is our corner of the vineyard -- in your heart.  In your human heart, in the natural recesses, the hidden pockets of your heart.   When -- let's ask when.  Monthly Episodes, 60-90 minutes, they come out the first Monday of the Month.   Reducing frequency -- each episode takes 12-15 hours to produce.  That's a lot of time.  But there's another reason, and I'll address it at the end.   Why?  So you and I can walk this pilgrimage through this life to heaven   Life and Death seriousness about this.  Eternal consequences to how we address these human formation issues.   I want you to have Peace, joy, wellbeing. I want you to fulfill your destiny, accepting your identity as a beloved child of God and Mary, a cherished son or daughter of the Most High God and our Lady.   Finding freedom in that identity as a beloved child Responding in love. How Fulton Sheen 1978:  There is a third approach to an electronic audience which will be in the future. It will not always be the direct, nor even the indirect which I used. It is what might be called the ant biological. I do not use this word in the sense of the science of man's beginning. I merely mean it as the roots of the word imply – a study of man. The presentation of religion had been principally from God to man, but now it will be from man to God. It will not start with the order in the universe alluding to the existence of a Creator of the cosmos; it will start with the disorder inside of man himself. It will take all the findings of our psychological age and use them as a springboard for the presentation of Divine Truths.   I often wish that I were younger so that I might use this third approach which I have mentioned namely, starting with the unhappiness inside of the human heart. The audience is always there, the opportunities are ever present. There is need to take hold of tortured souls like Peter, agnostics like Thomas and mystics like John and lead them to tears, to their knees or to resting on His Sacred Heart.  How?  By working with your heart -- the unhappiness within your heart, the restlessness within your heart, the pain, the wounds, the trauma, the burdens that your parts carry.   The Resilient Catholics Community Not long after I started this podcast I started getting dozens of requests every month from listeners asking if I would be their individual therapist.  I've turned away hundreds of people, I don't have the bandwidth to take on so many.   But it led to the question -- How can I help?  How can I go beyond the podcast.  How can I do more?  There's a need here, there has got to be more than the one-way communication of the podcast.  More than just the occasional phone calls and emails.   And not all at once, not suddenly, but gradually it came to me.  We needed a community.  I had a deep sense that I was called to pull some of these 3700 potential listeners together and offer you something that went much deeper, much further, and something that brought us all together.  A community.  And so, last year, the Resilient Catholics Community came into being Who  Who is the Resilient Catholics Community for? It's for the minority of our potential 3700 adult listeners who really love this podcast who get this podcast.  This Podcast is a funnel  Who are so invested in their human formation that they are willing to spend time, money, effort on it  Who want to be with other like-minded Catholics on the journey  Who burn with a desire for a deep, intimate relationship with God and with Mary, a real human, personal connection  And who recognize they have some natural-level impediments to that deep relating  and  who are willing to make sacrifices in time, effort, money, humility and courage to grow in human formation and overcome natural-level impediments to being loved and to loving  Who want to become saints.   Who are willing to be pioneers at the cutting edge in this adventure of human formation.  Really at the tip of the spear, the first explorers of this human formation ground for laymen and laywomen.   Who am I in the RCC  First of all the RCC is My Tribe, my people, bringing together two groups into one First, faithful, orthodox, serious Catholics who are wounded and suffering and know it  And Second, who are psychologically minded (or at least want to be psychologically minded), who believe in the unconscious and who embrace the unity and multiplicity of the human person  And who want to see through the lens of a core self and parts.   I don't want to do this alone.   I've spent a lot of time in these last 84 episode, letting you get to know me, what I think and feel, and who I am as a person. Especially in episode 71 A New and Better Way of Understanding Myself and Others -- I described to you all my parts, all those that I know!   I stay in the natural realm -- preparing the way.  John the Baptist.  Arithmetic before algebra.   Not a spiritual director Not a priest I don't claim to understand how grace is moving in your soul   I don't see myself as a leader, as a shepherd.  I see myself more like an Old English Sheepdog Loud distinctive bark   Independent and Strong willed -- so I need your prayers to be small and humble and childlike and responsive to the touches of our Lord and our Lady.   Adaptable and intelligent, like to learn new things Faithful Good family dog Physically pretty big -- like me.   Sociable Protective Love having fun -- clowns, sense of humor.   What of the RCC The Initial Measures Kit -- which generates the Individual Results Sheet and the Personalized Human Formation Plan -- we've done several of these now, and our members are amazed at the results, how accurately we are in helping them identify their parts and how their parts relate to each other, and the why behind their parts' desires and impulses.   Weekly premium podcast, just for RCC community members -- Inner Connections will be starting soon  A complete course for working on your human formation   Daily check ins with your companion -- accountability and structure Weekly company meetings Office hours with me Conversation hours with me Special resources -- for example in my email communication with Derek Scott, he provided me with a trove of his extra resources on grief in a password protected section of his website that he said RCC members could have access to.  That is so cool.   All this for $99 per month.  And we make it financially possible for anyone who is a good fit for the RCC to join through write-offs and scholarships.  The fees are not the tail that wags the dog.   And there also is opportunities for some parts-based individual coaching as well.   Essentially, the What of the RCC is a pilgrimage together.   The When of the ITC   We will reopen in December for a limited number of new members.  It might 100 new members, we don't want to take on more than we can really be with and effectively work with.   Sign upon the waiting list now -- we already have 58 on the waiting list, go to soulsandhearts.com/rcc and register for the waiting list.  Later this week, I will be sending out the first email with extra resources to waiting list members, to give you a sample of some of the resources in the RCC.    Soulsandhearts.com/rcc to register.   The main reason I am reducing frequency of this podcast from weekly to monthly is so that I can spend more time with the RCC members.  It's that simple.  You RCC members are my people.  I have a very strong call to really invest in my connection with you, in my relationships with you.  I want to be with you on your journey of human formation, on your journey of inner pre-evangelization of your parts.  I want to be with you in this part of your work in the natural realm.   The podcast has already met some of its objectives Evergreen content  Giving you a huge sample of my content, my style and who I am to help you discern if you want to take the next step, which is joining the RCC   The Why of the RCC --  It's all about loving with your whole heart -- all of your being.  Getting over all the natural level issues that hold you back.   So sign up for the waiting list.  We'll go through our list from the earliest to the latest joining members, so your ranking matters if we have to limit enrollment.  Soulsandhearts.com/rcc.  Remember, you as a listener can call me on my cell any Tuesday or Thursday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.  I've set that time aside for you.  317.567.9594.  (repeat) or email me at crisis@soulsandhearts.com.  I want to mention another community for any of you listeners who are Catholic therapists or therapists in training -- If you are really interested in Internal Family System and you want to be with me and other Catholic therapists, working on your human formation with your colleagues, The Interior Therapist Community is for you.  We are finalizing new groups for the fall, so check out all our offerings at soulsandhearts.com/itc.  So tune in next month, on Monday, October 4, 2021 when we will begin our series on perfectionism and scrupulosity.  Several of you have asked me to address those topics, so I will.     Gerry Crete, the cofounder and CEO of Souls and Hearts has a special message for you Catholic men about his community, Catholic Journeymen.  Let's hear from Dr.Gerry:   Invocations of our Lady and St. John the Baptist.   Credit for the Lead in music which is titled Misty Meadow  by George Sundancer at Pixabay.   

In this episode, we talk about: The mystery of the human person;  The respect and reverence due to all persons;  The impact of mercy on our relationships with other persons and ourselves;  How to integrate objective truth with subjective, individual, unique experience;    Resources mentioned or relevant: Hosted by Lumen Vitae and the Power of Personhood;  Fr. Louis Merosne's work in Haiti;  Dr. Greg's new model of treatment - https://www.iddmentor.com;  The Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat;  Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph by Dr. Greg Bottaro and Jen Settle;  To find out how Dr. Greg's team can help you, click here.  To read the CatholicPsych blog, click here.  For resources from the CatholicPsych Institute, click here.  If there is a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address, please email your request to 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!    About Dr. Greg and the CatholicPsych Institute Dr. Bottaro is a clinical psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, a graduate school that integrates Catholic philosophy and theology with sound, empirically validated psychology. Before his degree, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived four years in the Bronx, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience helped him form a spirituality based on Abandonment to Divine Providence which he now applies to psychological principles in his practice. He learned from Fr. Benedict how to discern God's voice and live a life in service to others. Six years after leaving NYC as a friar he returned as a psychologist. The CatholicPsych Institute began there in 2012 and has since grown to 5 offices with 12 therapists serving clients around the globe. Dr. Bottaro now lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their six children. He actively avoids watching the news and spends his free time thinking up crazy new ideas on how to make the world a better place.

In this episode, we talk about: What we forget to talk about when it comes to St. Joseph;  The qualities of St. Joseph;  The importance of understanding the Incarnation for understanding St. Joseph;  The true Fatherhood of St. Joseph;   How Jesus developed in his humanity under the guidance of St. Joseph;  The true marriage of Joseph and Mary;  Our human need for a father and a mother;  What St. Joseph's fatherhood reveals about all fatherhood;    Resources mentioned or relevant: Dr. Greg's previous episode about St. Joseph;  Custos: Total Consecration Through Saint Joseph by Devin Schadt;  Dr. Greg's excitement over an incredible sculpture of the Holy Family at Benedictine College;  Dr. Greg's new model of treatment - https://www.iddmentor.com;  The Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat;  Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph by Dr. Greg Bottaro and Jen Settle;  To find out how Dr. Greg's team can help you, click here.  To read the CatholicPsych blog, click here.  For resources from the CatholicPsych Institute, click here.  If there is a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address, please email your request to 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 the second episode in Lumen Vitae's Power of Personhood series! In this episode, Brian, Fr. Louis Merosne, and Dr. Greg Bottaro get to delve into the human dignity that each one of us shares in being created and made in the image of God. As they begin to unpack the profound depths of the dignity we fundamentally share, the discussion goes into how to then use this understanding to live through the difficult and uncertain realities in life. As also touched upon in the prior episode, they take time to touch upon how this understanding of our Christian identity gives clarity in how we are to relate to one another! We would love to hear what you think about this episode! Please make sure to subscribe to the podcast and give us a rating if you enjoy the episode!

Ever wonder what kind of recommendations therapists make in the counseling room to their clients? I'm sharing 5 (plus a few more) books that I've recommended to clients and have found really helpful. I also throw in some of my personal favorites! These books will help you with communication, growing closer, sexual intimacy, and mental health....Check out the Catholic Couple's Love Adventure Challenge Facebook Group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/415775456368433

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Being Human Podcast: The Beginning   In this episode, we talk about: What “Being Human” means Dr. Greg Bottaro's personal journey to becoming a psychotherapist The conversation that is needed about a Catholic vision of psychotherapy   Resources mentioned or relevant: Dr. Peter Kreeft Franciscan University of Steubenville Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR Divine Mercy University (formerly Institute for the Psychological Sciences) Catholic Mindfulness   To be one of the first to find out what Dr. Greg is building up to, join us here!   Rate, review, and subscribe 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.

Dr. Greg Bottaro, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute in New York City, is our guest for this first episode of Follow to Lead. From working with the poor in the Bronx with the Franciscan Friars of Renewal to establishing the CatholicPsych Institute, Dr. Bottaro has committed his life to serving others. In today's interview we'll explore the influence Catholic Education played in Dr. Bottaro's life, talk about the mission of education during the stress-filled times we live in, and find out what advice and encouragement he might have for each of us personally and professionally.

“Mindfulness” is controversial, but should Catholics dismiss it? Dr. Greg Bottaro, author of The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time, explains the healing potentials, and the religious complications, associated with this movement. …

Understanding the full truth of the human person is an important step in providing healing. Dr. Greg Bottaro is the executive director and founder of the Catholic Psych Institute and the author of The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time. He shares how a fully Catholic view of the person leads to better outcomes. …

What if you could start an online course with zero competition in your niche? That's what Dr. Greg Bottaro has done, and it was so cool to speak with him and hear all about it. He also offered some great insights into starting online courses and how to find the niche that fits you best.... Read More

What if you could start an online course with zero competition in your niche? That's what Dr. Greg Bottaro has done, and it was so cool to speak with him and hear all about it. He also offered some great insights into starting online courses and how to find the niche that fits you best.... Read More