"But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help."
~ Ecclesiastes 4:10

How do I know if I need therapy or spiritual direction?
Why doesn't my pastor offer more counsel in confession?
Do I need to talk to a priest or a therapist - or both?

In episode 56, Kenna welcomes Fr. Nathan LaLiberte to delve into the nuanced interplay between confession, therapy, and spiritual direction. Together, they distinguish between these different, but sometimes overlapping, practices of spiritual & mental healing. Fr. Nathan shares his experience as a confessor and spiritual director, and now in school for counseling as well. Listeners are invited to evaluate how they seek spiritual and emotional guidance for the sake of their wholeness. Join us for an honest and clarifying conversation that's sure to help you know where to turn for support!

Episode 56 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
21:54: Defining Therapy, Confession, & Spiritual Direction
28:48: From confession to spiritual direction
37:17: Parish life as primary spiritual direction
44:41: Directing change & the various styles of spiritual direction
53:25: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What experiences have you had with confession, spiritual direction, and/or therapy?
3. How do you understand the differences between therapy and spiritual direction?
4. When have you had a powerful experience of healing? Was it in confession, therapy, spiritual direction, or somewhere else?
5. Which of these types of healing would you benefit most from right now?

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.