The Incarnation Should Blow Our Minds

Uncategorized Dec 22, 2020

Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Ph 2:5-8)

The reality of the Incarnation is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. If we don't stammer and stutter in its recitation, stumbling over ways to think about...

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Flourishing in the Face of Adversity

We're officially heading into the last couple weeks of 2020... and I'm thinking we're all feeling ready to put this stressful year to rest.

With Christmas approaching next week though, you may be feeling as if you can't rest just yet because of all that needs to be done to prepare for the holiday.

It's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives and the lives of those around us as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation: one of the most incredible events ever...

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Principles for Living a Happy Life (According to Pope Francis)

positive psychology Dec 14, 2020

As we near the end of what has been an unpredictable and difficult year for many, it's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives. In an interview from 2014, Pope Francis shared his list of 10 ways to find happiness; these guidelines are worth revisiting as we prepare for Christmas, the feast during which we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace into our world and our hearts. (These principles are based on a more...

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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...

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Meet Teresa Violette: Co-creator of Catholic Mindfulness for Students!

Uncategorized Sep 24, 2020

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,...

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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...

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Just Mercy: Facing Racial Inequity & Answering the Call to Respect Life

faith human dignity Jun 05, 2020

~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...

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The Darkness of Time and the Light of Faith

faith Mar 19, 2020

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...

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Introducing Kathryn Ann Casey!

parenting Mar 06, 2020

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...

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My Soul Clings to You

church crisis trauma Mar 05, 2020

~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...

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