“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
~ Blaise Pascal

Do the big, existential questions of life really matter?
Why is it so tempting to avoid the big questions?
How can I deal with the big questions in ways that I can process?

In Episode 63 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna engage with clinical counselor Alex Wallace to explore the big questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Should I be vulnerable with others? Alex emphasizes the necessity of vulnerability and community in addressing existential questions and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Drawing from personal experiences and Catholic teachings, he integrates faith with therapy, highlighting the crucial support therapists can provide in addressing deeper issues. The episode weaves humor with wisdom, referencing St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Lion King. Join the conversation to face the things that really matter.

Alex is Catholic, a husband and a father of four. He is also a Counselor with the Ruah Woods Institute and has twelve years of clinical experience, working to serve the needs of individuals in various settings, including private practice, community outpatient services, intensive youth rehabilitation, hospital chaplaincy, and collegiate sport performance. Alex holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with training supervision designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana.

Episode 63 Show Notes

The Ruah Woods Institute

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:02: The journey to becoming a Catholic therapist
23:32: Existential questions & mental health
29:27: Vulnerability & the Lion King
42:37: Practicing as an authentically Catholic therapist
51:05: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. In what ways does embracing vulnerability contribute to healing of mind & soul?
3. Why is community essential in the process of wholeness according to the discussion?
4. What big questions do you reflect on often? What big questions do you tend to avoid?
5. In what ways does the world push us away from the big questions of life? What impact does that have on us, psychologically & spiritually?

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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.