Who Are We, Really?
~This is a post written by guest blogger Sean Faulkner, LPC, a CatholicPsych Institute psychotherapist.
There are many ways that we try to define ourselves. We so often seek to determine our identity based on what we do, what we like, our vices, our personality type, our relationship status, our illnesses, and the list goes on.
But are we really just “the attorney” or “the foodie,” “the addict,” "the schizophrenic," or “the...
Meet Teresa Violette: Co-creator of Catholic Mindfulness for Students!
On Monday, my team and I re-launched our unique program Catholic Mindfulness for Students, so I thought it would be a good time to introduce everyone to the talented woman who helped make this program a reality!
Teresa Violette is one of our therapists at the CatholicPsych Institute and is a certified specialist in Catholic Mindfulness for schools. Her areas of expertise include parenting consultations and play therapy, adolescent and child issues, and family therapy.
A couple years ago,...
The Psychological Side of Scripture: Martha's Anxiety and Mine
~ Guest Blog Post by CatholicPsych Therapist Chantal Leger ~
Recently, as I was praying with the story of Martha and Mary in the Gospel of Luke, I received a beautiful reflection on our common tendency toward anxiousness. Now, let me begin by making it clear that I am not referring to any clinically diagnosed anxiety disorder, but rather to the natural human tendency to stress and overwhelm that we all feel.
In the Gospel, Martha and Mary are two sisters who respond to Jesus’ presence...
The Power of Empathy: Understanding Another as a Healing Force
~Written by guest blogger Sean Faulkner, CatholicPsych Institute psychotherapist.
There is little more hurtful than to not feel seen, known, or understood. Humans were made for connection, relationship, community, and love, so much so that when we are misunderstood, ignored, dismissed or dominated, the pain of those wounds go really deep. For one’s voice to be stifled or muted is an offense against one’s dignity, and thus a grave injustice. In contrast, the...
Just Mercy: Facing Racial Inequity & Answering the Call to Respect Life
~From Guest Blogger Dr. Emily Dowdell, CPI Psychologist~
The #BlackLivesMatter socio-political movement is a call to action. It is a cry to be seen, to be heard, and for an end to injustice. Movements like this rise from decades and generations of unacknowledged pain. It represents a call to recognize how our society and culture continues to perpetuate and support the violation of human dignity. It is a call to reform.
The desire to promote and educate others about their...
Introducing Kathryn Ann Casey!
HERE’S AN EXCERPT FROM HER WONDERFUL NEW BOOK, “JOURNEY IN LOVE, A CATHOLIC MOTHER’S PRAYERS AFTER PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS.”
The ultrasound was our first opportunity to see our child. The discovery of our baby’s sex was a glimpse into who this person is. Then came the day when the discovery told us not only that this was our son, but his journey would take us on a path we had never experienced before.
It began with a cleft lip/palate, then he was diagnosed...
My Soul Clings to You
~Psalm 63~
I’ve been sick for about two months. Really sick. A few times I thought I was getting better then got worse! Perhaps the hardest part has been that almost everyone around me has been sick too. I feel like I’ve been living in a field hospital where everyone is sick–including the doctors.
I’m a Catholic who cares deeply about our Church and its members, the Body of Christ and am hurting alongside those who have suffered abuse by “wolves in sheep...
5 Simple Ways to Feel Less Stressed Even if You're Doing a Lot
So many people tell me how hard practicing Catholic mindfulness appears to be before getting started. I get it, it seems that you’re too busy, you don’t have enough time, you’ll take care of yourself later, after you’ve gotten everything else done. Some areas of self-care like getting exercise or reading a good book may actually require the extra time- but Catholic mindfulness does not. There are simple ways to incorporate more awareness and connection with the...
5 Lessons for Bishops from a Married Man
To the Bishops of the Catholic Church Who Are Not Complicit in Scandalous Crimes,
(To the Bishops who did know about the scandals and coverups, I’m not ready to write to you yet. You belong in jail or least retired. Once you are there I may be ready to speak to you.) There are many good men though among the rest of you. I’ve met some of you and know you love Jesus and his Church. I hope and pray you are part of the coming purification and reformation of the Catholic...
5 Things to Do During the Church Crisis
The level of chaos and crisis in the church now is overwhelming, and it only promises to increase. I have been thinking, praying, and reading through a lot of what’s out there, and I want to provide a mini-series of thought on the matter. This consists of three posts:
5 Things To Know About the Crisis
5 Things To Do During the Crisis
5 Lessons for Bishops From a Married Man During the Church Crisis
With all the negativity and even the reality that there is little we can do in...
