The Self as Mediator

In this special episode taken from a recent Catholic Journeymen web meeting, Dr. Gerry discusses types of sexual brokenness and how they are rooted in attachment wounds. He provides an activity to re-align our imagination to the truths of our faith that we are to be a gift of self in mutually giving relationships.

Dr. Gerry explores the themes of suffering and joy in the readings of the 26th-29th Sundays in ordinary time. We must develop 'wisdom of the heart' in order to break free of attachments. Dr. Gerry discusses how our fantasies involve power struggles which despite distortion reveal our true needs. It is in caring for others that leads to joy and gladness. It is in meeting the deeper need that we can break the power struggle inherent in our fantasies. Dr. Gerry walks us through accepting what we really need: goodness, consolation, comfort and connection.

Why do we have unfruitful debates with non-Catholics (and some Catholics) on controversial topics? Dr. Gerry explores the difference between a philosophical worldview based on objective truth compared to a postmodern de-constructivist worldview that is common today. In order to have a productive discussion or debate with someone with a different position, especially big topics today such as abortion or trans issues, one must be clear and open about one's philosophical position. Dr. Gerry advocates being honest about one's philosophical worldview and speaking from the heart with the qualities that St. James mentions that make up wisdom; these include being peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy, and having good fruits. We need to approach these discussions with humility not just to win an argument. If we've done this and we're still persecuted, we can rely on God's presence without disgrace. These principles apply all the more within families where family members disagree on important and heated topics.

We all have inner conflicts as we have parts that are polarized. In the readings Isaiah speaks about the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the mute singing The psalm speaks of the wicked compared to the fatherless and the widows. St. James tells us not to show partiality for the rich over the poor. And Jesus heals a mute person. How can we break the inner conflicts inside of ourselves? Dr. Gerry describes his own personal journey of recognizing that his "bad boy" part was really hurt and sad, but was in conflict with a strong righteous protector part. Dr. Gerry then shares his experience of bringing this hurting part to communion. 

Dr. Gerry is back! And this week he discusses the readings from the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time and the dynamic between following God's commandments and the heart. Jesus says that evil thoughts come from the heart. But he also says that the word of truth is planted in the heart. This leads Dr. Gerry into a discussion of the "self" and the "heart/nous" and then to a discussion of "parts" (influenced by Dr. Peter's favorite type of therapy, Internal Family Systems). Dr. Gerry then provides a 30 minute clip from his introduction to "parts work" taken from his recent Catholic Journeymen web meeting. Lots to learn this week!

Dr. Gerry focuses on St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians as he contrasts the biblical message with secular individualism and a great deal of modern psychology's focus on self-actualization. Instead, we learn that true peace comes through cultivating the virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience, and in the end love.

Dr. Gerry explores the Sunday readings (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time) and discusses how to find deeper levels of inner peace by confronting enmity. Dr. Gerry discusses the way Christ makes Jews and Gentiles into a "new person" and how we can confront our own "shadow" and insecure parts.

Dr. Gerry discusses depression and negative cognitions (lies) that we tell ourselves. Dr. Gerry compares depression to the sin of acedia which is a resistance to the demands of love, and a burden. Like the woman who touched Jesus' cloak, or Jairus, we can heal from this affliction through faith and courage. Dr. Gerry also brings in the important words from the Book of Wisdom and Psalm 30 to understand our true identity and receive God's help and healing.

Dr. Gerry hosts Be with the Word from a dorm at Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). He explores how God is transcendent and calms the seas in our own souls. Dr. Gerry shares some of the things he's learned from Philosophy professors at Franciscan. Dr. Gerry applies the Catholic teaching that the rational soul is the form of the body to the teaching of St. Paul that we have a new identity as new creations in Christ. As a new creation we want our soul that knows and trusts in God to be in alignment with our bodies which sometimes is triggered by fear. Dr. Gerry explores how the Fall and reinforced by trauma creates a disconnect between body and soul. New therapies that are somatic (body-based) align better with Catholic philosophy. 

Dr. Gerry celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ as he links the Sunday readings and the story of sacrifice in Exodus and Christ's sacrifice to developmental psychology. Dr. Gerry also explores what it means to be a 'good' parent and what it means to allow the truths of the faith to truly register in our hearts (not just our cognitions). 

Dr. Crete continues to explore personality as he discusses the Myers-Briggs personality indicator and the Greek Temperaments. He zooms in on the difference between Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) and how this difference can cause conflict in marriage. Dr. Gerry brings in the Sunday readings and how the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including generosity, self control and patience, can help as couples learn to accept themselves and each other for their differences. 

Dr. Gerry begins a new mini-series "From Ascension to Assumption" where he explores getting to know oneself. Every week he will look at personality tests and models and how to understand our true selves. This week, the 7th Sunday of Easter and the Ascension, Dr. Crete explores the difference between Introversion and Extroversion based on the Myers-Briggs index. He also explores God's call to love one another in order to remain in Him. Dr. Gerry applies St. Paul's words about receiving a Spirit of wisdom and having the eyes of your hearts enlightened to everyday life. Dr. Gerry also discusses the virtue of humility and how this connects with the true self. 

Dr. Gerry explores the difference between love as described in the readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter and Codependency. Gerry explains how true love is connected to self-giving when it is an expression of one's identity. Codependency involves people-pleasing and needing to be affirmed by others in order to find an identity. 

Dr. Gerry reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter and walks you through a path for stopping scrupulosity and obsessive thinking. He draws on the interplay between the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex as we move from fear and shame to awareness, repentance, and receiving comfort from our great Advocate. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the readings for the Second Sunday of Easter where he discusses what it means that Christ is "begotten in water and blood". He brings in some insight from Bessel Van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score and discusses the connection between spirit/mind and body in the healing of trauma. Dr. Crete also suggests that we can allow our own sufferings, challenges, and hardships to be transformed through faith into something that brings meaning and changes lives for good. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the biblical path to overcoming dissociation, surviving suffering, and not being overwhelmed by shame. We are called to name and express emotion and recall our true identity. 

Dr. Gerry reflects on the Sunday Readings (Fifth Sunday of Lent) and discusses how God establishes secure attachment with us (in Jeremiah) and then asks us to die to self. Dr. Gerry discusses what it means to learn from suffering and how service allows us to love. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the readings from the Third Sunday of Lent and continues his discussion of "dissociation" as he describes the "window of tolerance" and what happens emotionally when we go outside of it. Dr. Gerry discusses the difference between normal feelings such as anger and sinful reactions such as rage, wrath, and vengeance. 

Dr. Gerry discusses the readings from the Third Sunday of Lent and continues his discussion of "dissociation" as he describes the "window of tolerance" and what happens emotionally when we go outside of it. Dr. Gerry discusses the difference between normal feelings such as anger and sinful reactions such as rage, wrath, and vengeance. 

A mouthful, eh? Dr. Gerry continues his Lenten series on dissociation and discusses the parasympathetic nervous system which is how we experience safety. Dr. Gerry discusses the Abraham and Isaac sacrifice story and explains how God wants a new covenant based on safety, trust, and connection. God also reverses the ancient notions of life and death through Christ whose true nature is revealed to three apostles at the Transfiguration.

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings from a psychological and family-oriented perspective. Although the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many people struggle with higher levels of depression, grief, loneliness, and stress. Some people also experience seasonal affective disorder – and all this and a global pandemic as well! Dr. Gerry integrates the best advice from the mental health community with the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. 

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” Isaiah 61

Dr. Gerry describes the importance of “doing less” and setting realistic expectations. 

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Gerry provides practical suggestions to turn this season into an internal spiritual pilgrimage by increasing meditation, practicing mindfulness (watchfulness), loving others, and receiving comfort from God and His saints. 

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” 1 Thessalonians 5

“In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Gerry discusses what it means to be a leper in the Hebrew world and how Christ is the bridge from sickness to health, and from death to life. He then discusses how St. Paul's attitude of pleasing "everyone in every way" is in fact not codependency. 

Dr. Gerry focuses on the book of Jonah and the call to love and reach out to people with whom we dislike or disagree. God has a message here despite our political, social, and religious views that he wants repentance and goodness for all.

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday Readings and how to improve recovery from addictions or problematic behaviors by approaching ourselves differently. 

Dr. Crete provides a strategy based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to break through relationship conflicts and unhealthy patterns.

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings from a psychological and family-oriented perspective. Although the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many people struggle with higher levels of depression, grief, loneliness, and stress. Some people also experience seasonal affective disorder – and all this and a global pandemic as well! Dr. Gerry integrates the best advice from the mental health community with the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. 

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” Isaiah 61

Dr. Gerry describes the importance of “doing less” and setting realistic expectations. 

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Gerry provides practical suggestions to turn this season into an internal spiritual pilgrimage by increasing meditation, practicing mindfulness (watchfulness), loving others, and receiving comfort from God and His saints. 

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” 1 Thessalonians 5

“In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

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Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings from a psychological and family-oriented perspective. Although the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many people struggle with higher levels of depression, grief, loneliness, and stress. Some people also experience seasonal affective disorder – and all this and a global pandemic as well! Dr. Gerry integrates the best advice from the mental health community with the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. 

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” Isaiah 61

Dr. Gerry describes the importance of “doing less” and setting realistic expectations. 

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Gerry provides practical suggestions to turn this season into an internal spiritual pilgrimage by increasing meditation, practicing mindfulness (watchfulness), loving others, and receiving comfort from God and His saints. 

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” 1 Thessalonians 5

“In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Gerry discusses the Sunday readings from a psychological and family-oriented perspective. Dr. Gerry meets with Mac Barron who is the author of “Clueless in Galilee” and co-host of the long running “Catholic in a Small Town” podcast. Dr. Gerry and Mac discuss their reaction to the commercialization and consumerism of Christmas and the loss of the true spirit of the Advent season. They discuss how a family can make Advent more meaningful and doable.

“Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.” Psalm 85

Dr. Gerry and Mac discuss remaining joyful and being intentional, penitential, and reverential this Advent season. Dr. Gerry explores the parts of us that do not want to be repentant, and how to address our parts that need self-soothing. Dr. Gerry brings up attending to our pain during the holiday season rather than escaping with problem behaviors. Attending to our own pain can help us to be truly repentant and relate better with our loved ones.

“Conduct[ing] yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” 2 Peter

You can see Mac's podcast here: https://catholicinasmalltown.wordpress.com

As we begin the Advent season of waiting on Christ, Dr. Gerry and Thomas Clements discuss “Learning to Wait: The First Step in Overcoming Addiction”. Thomas is the founder of Zenith Ministries and has a graduate degree in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville. Thomas shares his Seven Steps in dealing with addiction which include: 1) Put others first, 2) Run to something else, 3) Repeat the opposite action as often as possible, 4) Accountability, 5) Fasting, 6) Prayer, and 7) the sacramental life.

Dr. Gerry and Thomas discuss how to overcome the narcissism of addiction by facing the often difficult (and even terrifying) task of surrendering to God and reaching out to others for help. We must often wait and be watchful. Thomas provides practical strategies for addressing the gaping hole left behind from an addiction. Dr. Gerry discusses how our addictions reveal what we really need, and he explains how we need secure attachment with God and others to feel safe.

“Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming” (Mark 13)

Thomas discusses how to see people as subjects instead of objectifying them, and Dr. Gerry brings up the topic of conditioning and how to “rewire” the brain. Addiction robs us of our sense that we have any choice, but activities like fasting, prayer, and receiving the sacraments allow us to slow down and receive the love, mercy, and a renewed relationship with God which leads us to choose a new path and receive further graces of love, strength, healing.

“Yet, O Lord, you are our father: we are the clay and you the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” (Isaiah 63)

Dr. Gerry mentions Our Lady of the Inexhaustible Cup and how Christ provides Living Water. Dr. Gerry explains how addictions begin when a behavior soothes deep pain that we would prefer to avoid. Dr. Gerry and Thomas also discuss how to wait when it feels intolerable. Dr. Gerry discusses “stillness” or “hesychasm” – cultivating a spirit of slowing down, waiting, and sitting with and ing to the pain. It is important not to spiritualize problems but seek meaningful forms of accompaniment. Our current culture makes it difficult to wait. Dr. Gerry also alludes to the need for boundaries when engaging with a loved one with an addiction.

Learn more about Thomas Clements and Zenith Ministries here:

www.zenithministries.com
470-253-0802
Twitter- @tweetzenith
Instagram- @zenithministries
Facebook-/welcometozenithministries

Listen to Zenith's latest podcast at https://zenithministries.com/podcast-series/