A Narcissist in the Family
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by Maria De Bruyn, M.A., LMHCA
In the book, The Brothers Karamazov, we see the influence of a narcissistic dad, who is concerned mainly with power, lust, and money, and how it affects his children. Although his other brothers all have narcissistic tendencies, one of his children, Alyosha, seemed to have escaped the curse of narcissism. At a funeral for a young boy who had previously been bullied by other boys, Alyosha gives the boys this wise...
Trauma and Healing: Forgiveness is Not Required
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by Dr. Andrew Dobo
Clients of trauma therapists often say things like, "Everyone says I just need to forgive him and move on" or "You can't keep holding a grudge, forgive and forget." Well-meaning family, friends, priests, and ministers encourage them to just forgive them, and everything will be just fine.
In reality, we need a more sophisticated understanding of the horrific experiences that the victims endured and the role forgiveness may or may...
Thought Labeling Helps Us Slow Down
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by Daniel Johnson, M.A., Associate M.F.T.
Have you ever had a thought and wondered, “Where did that come from?” or feel something and say to yourself, “What’s all that about?” Many Catholics who struggle with scrupulosity will quickly conclude that they are guilty of sin because of the content of their thoughts. Those who struggle with anger or lust often find themselves overcome by their emotions without ever pausing...
Is Discernment Ever Over? Answering the Call
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by John J. Vizza, MDIV, MCL, JCL, MS
Discernment, especially in Catholic circles, is often the term most applied when one is in vocational discernment as if, after one has decided which course of life to take, all other discernment ceases. Discernment, however, should also apply prior to making any big decision in life: buying a house, moving to a new state, changing jobs or even changing qualities or characteristics about oneself.
Today, now more...
Why a Catholic Therapist?
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by Thomas Pfister, LPC, CSAC, NCC
When compared with the number of non-religious therapists, very few Catholic therapists are practicing today. Therefore, the question arises for every individual contemplating entering therapy. “Why should I take the time and energy required to find a Catholic therapist?”
This is admittedly a very practical question. Perhaps more Catholics have asked a similar question when it comes to...
How Do You Know When You Need Counseling?
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by Bridget Hannahan, Ph.D.
Seeking mental health care is an important decision involving an investment of time and money. Looking at our weaknesses and seeking help to meet our personal goals requires courage, humility, and fortitude. As Catholics, we believe that “the road that leads to life is narrow, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
Psychotherapy is often depicted in the media as endless talking about problems with...
Understanding Justice and Justification
by Eric Gudan, Psy. D.
The issue of justice is again in the news. As society continues to pursue justice within our cities and communities, it’s important to have a firm grasp of not only how seeking justice is both a personal and a societal endeavor, but also the differences between Christian and secular understanding of the concept.
Define Justice
Unfortunately, justice is one of those words that can be used to serve a particular agenda, which can lead to anger and selfishness as well...
Making Spiritual and Social Communions
by Irene Rowland MS,NCC,LPC
For those who are used to regular church attendance and frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, it is troubling to not be currently able to physically partake in this sacrament. In some parishes, in-person Masses have resumed although there are many restrictions. For those who fall into the vulnerable category, because of age or health, the wait to return continues.
Spiritual Communion has been in place in the Catholic Church long before the coronavirus arrived....
Four Signs of an Addiction and Three Steps to Break Free
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By Gerry Crete, PhD
We live in an “addictive society.” People are addicted to their phones, to video games, to sex, to alcohol, to weed, to work, and the list goes on. However, Catholics may wonder what the difference is between simply a bad habit or vice and an actual addiction.
St. Thomas Aquinas defines vice (or a bad habit) as a behavior contrary to virtue and therefore contrary to reason and order. A bad habit is an...
The Psychology of Money in the Sacrament of Marriage
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
The divorce rate remains high in modern America and conflicts about money are common among many couples--and Catholics are no exception. If conflict about finances, or anything else for that matter, continues for an extended period of time without understanding or compromise, the couple may lose their desire to faithfully love one another. This can lead to unnecessarily suffering or even a civil end to a sacramental marriage.
It’s important to step back and...