Excerpt from Being Human Podcast Episode #123: Fake Science and Real Compassion

Although I don’t watch TV often, I recently had some downtime (which also doesn't happen very often!) and decided I wanted to veg out a bit. While perusing through the streaming channels for documentaries, I thought it might be interesting to find a show that would teach me how “the other side” thinks. 

I landed on a talk show hosted by Jon Stewart (who I think it’s safe to say...

Why is this relationship so draining? Do I just need to cut this person out of my life completely? 

I can't handle my [parent/child/boss/etc.] anymore! Every conversation we have ends in an argument! Should I stop communicating with them for good?

I get questions like this all the time from clients and friends alike. The questions aren't about just one kind of relationship either. From friendships to dating to parent/child relationships, the question of healthy boundaries pertains...

The month of March is designated in the U.S. as "Women's History Month" - a month-long celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of women.

Throughout her history, the Church has also celebrated the contributions  of many incredible, beautiful, passionate and holy women to our world. Coincidentally, it is during this month that we celebrate one of the greatest "accomplishments" by any woman ever. 

On March 25th, we celebrate a major feast day, the Solemnity of the...

Note: For those of you who aren't married, hang in there with me - some of this info can apply to any relationship.

Living out the sacrament of marriage in a peaceful, prosperous time can be challenging.

Living out that same sacrament during a time of pandemic, social unrest and economic uncertainty? The level of difficulty gets ratcheted up a few notches.

So how is your marriage doing?

Has the stress of the past year impacted your relationship? Have you grown in intimacy & friendship...

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, and while you're talking and sharing your opinion or thoughts, you can tell that they aren't really listening to you? They're jumping in at every little pause or opening, waiting to give advice or explain how you're wrong...

During emotionally charged conversations, maybe you've found yourself not listening and instead creating a case in your head for why the person you're conversing with is wrong (and noting all the...

~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...

~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...

There are so many lists of tips and tricks for dating, and so many opinions on what to look for in a spouse that I decided to boil everything down to one very simple idea. This comes after my many, many, um, months of living the married vocation, so it is clearly based on deep wisdom and experience. Actually it is based on philosophy, theology, and the hundreds of combined years of patients’ lives that have been shared with me in the therapy office, but my (18 months) of married life...

This month brings with it one of the most loved and hated days of the whole year- Valentine’s Day. Of course it is a Hallmark creation that most of society eats up hook, line, and sinker, but it is a real part of our society nonetheless. There are bound to be as many sales on roses and chocolates as lists of things to do for singles and reasons to not want a relationship. Valentine’s day can draw a stark dividing line between those in love and those in want.

While it is sad that...

I will admit, I did not watch the Grammy’s last night. However as I perused Facebook news for my daily 10-minute catch-up I found out about the Queen Latifah wedding event that took place on stage.

Included in these newsfeeds were scathing articles announcing (once again) the destruction of mankind as we know it. Other people saw this as a beautiful witness to the openness of humanity and love and wanted to throw it in the face of “extremists” who don’t agree. It is...