Being Human

Dr. Greg dives into a captivating conversation with leadership expert Alexandre Havard (calling in from Moscow!) about the '3 Spiritual Diseases'—rationalism, sentimentalism, and voluntarism—that could be influencing your life in hidden ways. Are you unknowingly living as a 'partial human being'? Tune in to learn how to avoid these traps - and discover what it takes to reclaim true wholeness.

Discussed in this episode:

• The 3 spiritual diseases plaguing our culture – and why they matter;
• How rationalism, sentimentalism, and voluntarism disconnect us from reality and human flourishing;
• How "partial human beings" are created by separating heart, mind, and will;
• How to recognize if you're living under the influence of Descartes, Rousseau, or Nietzsche;
• Why integration of heart, mind, and will is essential for true personal growth;
• The influence of philosophers like Descartes, Rousseau, and Nietzsche on modern ideologies;
• How gender ideology mirrors Nietzschean voluntarism;
• How rationalism disconnects people from reality by over-prioritizing intellect;
• The manipulation of sentimentalism in today's "I feel, therefore I am" culture;
• How voluntarism leads to a will-driven society, prone to ideological extremes;
• What it means to have an "integrated heart" in today's fractured world;
• Why understanding spiritual diseases can help identify and avoid ideological traps;
• Havard's process of categorizing historical philosophers as "destroyers" or "builders";
• Dostoevsky, Pascal, and Soloviev as examples of integrated thinkers who inspire wholeness;
• Alexandre's latest book, Seven Prophets, and its call to unity of the person.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Learn more about the Alex Havard's books, resources, and courses: www.alexhavard.com
  • Seven Prophets and the Culture War: Undoing the Philosophies of a World in Crisis
  • Free Hearts: The Power of Human Harmony
• 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 [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

Rate, review, and subscribe

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Bishop James Conley shares his raw and personal journey of battling anxiety and depression as a Church leader. He reveals the trap of "just try harder" and emphasizes that true healing comes only by breaking free from self-reliance. If you've ever felt the pressure to keep pushing through, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace authentic healing.

Discussed in this episode:

• Bishop James Conley's personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
• The surprising decision to take a leave of absence and publicly share his mental health struggles as a bishop;
• Recognizing the trap of "try harder" and the American mentality of "ungodly self-reliance;"
• Self-reliance deepening mental health struggles instead of relieving them;
• Breaking free of the messages of "man up," "work harder," and "toughen it out" which led to a loss of joy;
• The fears involved in admitting that "I can't fix myself;"
• How vulnerability and radical surrender became essential parts of his healing process;
• How relying on our own talents gets in the way of Christ working through us to do great things;
• The importance of a proper Catholic anthropology in addressing the modern mental health crisis;
• The impact of technology on children's mental health and the value of play-based learning;
• How parents, schools, and the Church can work together to support children's development;
• Bishop Conley's call for a radical renewal in education and healthcare grounded in Christ-centered principles.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Pastoral letters by Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln:
  • A Future with Hope (on mental health)
  • The Joy and Wonder of Catholic Education: Developing Authentically Catholic Schools
• Resources recommended by Bishop Conley:
  • Surrender Novena
  • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  • Catholic Medical Association
  • Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance
• Familiaris Consortio (The Christian Family in the Modern World)
• Ex Corde Ecclesiae (On Catholic Universities)
• 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 [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

Rate, review, and subscribe

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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.

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Do you know the limitations of St. Thomas Aquinas' "pre-microscope" view on gender, and how it is still influencing the Church today? In this special episode on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, Dr. Greg unpacks why JP2's teachings on gender, identity, and what it means to be human are exactly what the Church—and the world—needs right now.

Discussed in this episode:

• The limitations of Aquinas' "pre-microscope" view on gender and how it still influences erroneous views of gender roles;
• The "truth bomb" of JP2 that reshapes our understanding of gender, identity, and the dignity of the human person;
• The shift from a "pre-microscope" to "post-microscope" view of gender and why it matters;
• JP2's teachings as a foundational response to today's trans and gender identity confusion;
• Why mutual submission between men and women is essential to true equality;
• How Protestant approaches to gender often swing between extremes: complementarianism vs. egalitarianism;
• The Catholic response is a "both/and" approach in contrast to "either/or" pendulum swings;
• How JP2's insights into human dignity answer today's questions on gender and identity;
• Why Pope St. John Paul II is considered the most impactful Catholic psychologist of the 20th and 21st centuries;
• Why JP2's teachings serve as a lighthouse through today's "isms" and ideological shifts;
• Why understanding true human dignity is essential to addressing gender confusion.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• The Personalism of John Paul II by Dr. John Crosby
• Person and Act by Pope St. John Paul II
• Please share your feedback and questions: [email protected]
• Previous podcast series on the psychology of JP2:
  • Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal
  • Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience
  • Episode 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint
  • Episode 184: Secrets to Succeeding in Marriage
• Learn more about gender complementarity:
  • Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women
  • Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other
  • Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis
  • 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity?
• Mulieris Dignitatem – JP2's apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women
• Witness to Hope by George Weigel – An in-depth biography exploring John Paul II's life, influence, and vision
• Learn more about the Theology of the Body:
  • Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2)
  • Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West
  • TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert
  • Theology of the Body Institute
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

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In today's episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Louis Merosne dive into a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to live a holy life. They get real and vulnerable, peeling back layers on what it means to draw close to God—and what often holds us back.

Discussed in this episode:

• A new approach to the Being Human podcast;
• Bringing together psychological concepts with spiritual concepts through the lens of the liturgy;
• What the story of the Rich Young Man reveals about our relationship with God;
• How to identify what might be quietly holding you back from true holiness;
• Personal struggles Dr. Greg and Fr. Louis have faced on their spiritual journeys;
• The one thing that transforms faith from routine to radical;
• Why some well-intentioned habits may not bring us closer to God;
• The key challenge that every follower of Christ will face;
• Common misconceptions about holiness and spiritual growth;
• The essential thing needed to deepen your spiritual life and grow close to God;
• Applying the Gospel to real-life challenges and decisions;
• A fresh, vulnerable perspective on what it means to follow Christ authentically.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Readings for October 13, 2024 (Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time);
• Story of the Rich Young Man from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:17-30);
• More on how to train our brains to live out Abandonment to Divine Providence;
• More on our call to stay close to the poor as an essential part of following Christ;
• Support the mission of Fr. Louis Merosne in Haiti;
• Would you like to hear more episodes like this one? Let us know so we can create resources that serve you best. Email your feedback to Dr. Greg at [email protected] or to the CatholicPsych team at [email protected]
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

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 [email protected] - 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!

In today's episode, Dr. Greg interviews Jack Beers—an amazing husband, father, and graduate of the CPMAP program. They chat about his journey from being a leader in mass evangelization to following his true calling in mentorship. Jack opens up about how the CPMAP program brought him closer to God, strengthened his family connections, and made him even better at what he loves—helping others.

Discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Jack Beers and his background with Dynamic Catholic;
• Jack's journey from mass evangelization to personal mentorship;
• The transformative impact of the CPMAP certification on Jack's life;
• Insights into the challenges Jack faced during the CPMAP program;
• The dramatic shift from mass evangelization to one-on-one accompaniment;
• Jack's experience in becoming a better husband and father through CPMAP;
• Overcoming Cartesian Dualism through spiritual and psychological integration;
• Jack's favorite parts and key takeaways from the CPMAP program;
• The role of supervision and mentorship in Jack's growth as a mentor;
• How CPMAP deepened Jack's understanding of human dignity and personhood;
• The impact of the CPMAP program on Jack's professional and personal relationships;
• The significance of embracing vulnerability and openness in personal transformation;
• Jack's 6-week spiritual bootcamp, RISE, and his current work as a Certified Mentor.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Jack Beers to discuss your next best step;
• Check out Jack Beer's website for additional information and to sign up for RISE: https://www.thecatholicmentor.com/
• Connect with Jack Beers directly on LinkedIn or email ([email protected]);
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Mary Sutarik, a graduate of the CatholicPsych certification program. Mary shares her journey from being a FOCUS missionary on college campuses to becoming a certified Catholic Mentor. They discuss the challenges she faced and the transformation she experienced through the program — and her work to now bring that transformation to others.

Discussed in this episode:

• Mary's background as a FOCUS missionary and how it shaped her journey;
• The mental health struggles Mary faced while on mission;
• How Mary discovered CatholicPsych;
• The key role of Mentorship (IDDM) in Mary's healing process;
• Mary's decision to pursue certification in the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism;
• The challenges Mary faced during her certification training;
• Mary's insights for those struggling with mental health issues in ministry;
• The unique aspects of CPMAP compared to other mental health training options;
• How Mary now mentors others using the CatholicPsych model;
• The impact of CPMAP on Mary's personal and professional life;
• The future of Mary's work in mental health and ministry.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse
• Connect with Mary Sutarik directly on Instagram (@themoderncatholicmentor) or email ([email protected]);
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Mary Sutarik to discuss your next best step;
• Check out Mary's website for more information and resources: https://www.themoderncatholicmentor.com/
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

In today's episode, Dr. Greg interviews Bobby Angel about his experience of the CPMAP certification program and how it has transformed his ministry. They discuss Bobby's journey through the program, the personal growth he underwent, and his amazing work to support ministry leaders through retreats focused on rest and integration.

Discussed in this episode:

• The challenges faced by people in ministry roles;
• Bobby's initial skepticism about the CPMAP program;
• The personal growth Bobby experienced during the Certification process;
• Combining personal growth with a call to serve others;
• Bobby's retreat for ministers: a space for rest, integration, and ministering to ministers;
• How the CPMAP program isn't just about learning or material regurgitation; it's about transformation;
• Bobby's use of CPMAP principles in his retreat program;
• The impact of the CPMAP program on Bobby's ministry work;
• Bobby's vision for the future of his ministry.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Bobby Angel to discuss your next best step;
• Learn more about Bobby's personal story in episode 163: Leading from Weakness: Authenticity in Fatherhood
• Learn more about the REST Retreat, a retreat for frontline ministers, hosted by Bobby and Jackie Angel;
• Visit Jackie and Bobby's website for their books, podcast, blog, speaking engagements and more;
• Watch Jackie and Bobby on Ascension Presents;
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Julie Xistris, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her journey through the CPMAP certification program. Julie shares her struggles with integrating her Catholic faith into her therapy practice and how the CatholicPsych training program provided her with the tools and freedom to align her work with her vocation.

Discussed in this episode:

• The hidden struggles and pressures Catholic therapists face in a secular world;
• The challenges of integrating faith into licensed therapy, especially when restricted by insurance or documentation requirements;
• Julie's journey from self-doubt to newfound confidence in her vocation;
• Why traditional therapy methods weren't enough for her as a Catholic therapist;
• The lack of effective supervision in Julie's previous work experiences and how the CPMAP program provided life-changing guidance and support;
• The importance of a supportive community and intentional supervision within the CPMAP program;
• Julie's passion for helping families and faith-based individuals, inspired by her own experiences and challenges within both Catholic and Protestant communities;
• Julie's plan with another CPMAP graduate to work together on addressing family, faith, and financial wounds, particularly in underserved communities;
• How the CPMAP model continues to evolve based on the unique contributions of its graduates;
• Why the CPMAP certification was a game-changer for Julie's therapy practice.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Julie Xistris to discuss your next best step;
• Connect with Julie Xistris directly on Instagram (@jdx_mentorship) or email ([email protected]);
• 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 [email protected] - 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!

In today's episode, Dr. Greg begins a series highlighting the experiences of graduates from the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) certification program. He interviews Johnna Sullivan, one of the original pilot students, who shares her journey through the program and her current work as a Certified Mentor.

Discussed in this episode:

• Johnna's journey from missionary work to becoming a Certified Mentor;
• How CPMAP helped Johnna access and fulfill long-buried dreams;
• Johnna's struggle of balancing motherhood and personal dreams, and the gift of living inside God's will;
• How CPMAP turned Johnna's personal story of darkness into a light for others;
• Johnna's fears about workload and financial stability when starting CPMAP;
• How CPMAP helped Johnna confront deep-rooted grief and lost dreams;
• The surprising amount of internal and academic work required in CPMAP;
• Why the CPMAP program felt both safe and challenging for Johnna, and how it helped her take risks without fear of failure;
• The moment Johnna realized she wanted to pursue a professional career as a Certified Mentor;
• Why CPMAP offers a faster, more cost-effective path to a sustainable career;
• Johnna's financial journey and success after completing CPMAP.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Feeling called to help others? Sign up for our Open House event! https://catholicpsych.com/openhouse
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Johnna Sullivan to discuss your next best step;
• Learn more about Johnna's personal story in episode 162: Unveiling Grace: A Journey of Redemption and Mercy
• Connect with Johnna Sullivan directly for speaking engagements and additional resources: [email protected];
• 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 [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

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