~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...

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,...

~ 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...

~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...

~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...

In the encyclical put forth by Pope Francis back in 2013 titled On Faith (Lumen Fidei), he talks about faith as being a guiding light for us.  I remember reading it with my psychology lenses on, and had a few thoughts to share, especially as we now find ourselves in such dark times.

The introduction to the encyclical reminds us that Christ says, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” It is this distinction...

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...

~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...

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...