The Role of Free Will in Addictive Behavior
Take me to "Restoring Your Marriage After Pornography"
By Gerry Crete, PhD
Addiction to any number of substances or behaviors is common in today’s modern society. According to the Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction.
Some addictions are easy to spot because they have some kind of negative effect on a person’s life. If you’re an alcoholic, you may have received DUIs, lost a job, or damaged relationships. The gambling addict may lose his...
Are You for Real?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
By Ruth O’Neil
If you’re a parent, you may be familiar with the classic story of The Velveteen Rabbit. The story addresses the important question of what it means to be “real” in the context of a tale about playthings in a child’s nursery. Throughout the work, “real” is described as a coveted state of being, something all playthings wanted to become, and a stuffed rabbit’s own journey to becoming a...
How Maintaining Relationships Through Disagreements Prepares Us For Heaven
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Helping a Loved One in Distress"
by Eric Gudan, PsyD
Disagreements are part of our fallen human nature and original sin. It’s perfectly natural to want others to agree with us, especially those closest to us. When others hold the same point of view, it makes us feel better about our thoughts, decisions and actions. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, having others affirm what we believe often feeds our prideful desires.
Most of us see...
What’s the Past Got To Do With It?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
by Jennifer Madere, MA, EMDRIA-AC
Focus on the present moment… Just put the past behind you… Do the next right thing…
Coping skills, building virtue, and time management may reduce chaos, reduce anxiety, and improve our functioning and relationships. But what if you feel that old feeling or fall into that old pattern, and find yourself in the same song-and-dance… again…?!
How about your view toward the...
Smart Parenting in the Smartphone Era: Part II Using Resources
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
As we discussed in last week’s blog, the dangers that our children face when utilizing modern technology are serious and complex. As parents, we all have an obligation to protect our kids from the tech that can be addictive, degrading, or unsafe. Parental controls and other resources can help parents take advantage of the benefits of modern technology while protecting kids from harmful tech. The dangers are changing everyday, so parents need to stay...
Smart Parenting in the Smartphone Era Part I: Know the Risks
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
Many Catholic parents have decided to give their children computers, smartphones and tablets for a variety of reasons. While nearly all schools in this country, including Catholic ones, have embraced the belief that technology aids learning, most parents are not fully aware of the dangers that unsupervised internet usage creates.
Every day, kids and teens seemed to be glued to their smartphones and devices. Although most parents have a general concern about internet...
Can Catholics Practice Mindfulness?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
By Matthew McCall, Psy.D.
During the last five years or so, a practice called mindfulness has become incredibly popular across much of the Western world. You’ve probably heard of mindfulness, and perhaps have had a friend, family member, or health care professional recommend it.
As a faithful Catholic, you may wonder if mindfulness is simply a beneficial exercise for the brain or a more worrisome and forbidden entryway into a Buddhist form of...
The Power of a Word
by Ruth O'Neil
Like a brand-new journal, January represents a fresh start or a clean slate. It’s a great time to reflect on what’s going well and what needs work--and to make changes if necessary.
One way to give your new year a jump start is to choose a word that can help define or refine your direction. This word will be the theme or motto for the coming year. It can act as your compass, leading and guiding you in the direction of personal and spiritual growth. Claiming a...
What to Say to an Abuse Victim
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Helping a Loved One in Distress"
By Maribel Laguna, LPC-S
If you have the privilege of becoming the confidante of an abuse victim, you may not know what to do or say when you first learn about the abuse. Although many people may stumble over inappropriate or awkward responses, these are all far better than silence. It is easy to be silent out of shock or fear, but remember the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II, “Be not afraid!” Instead, pray for...
Changing Yourself First To Help Your Children
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Helping a Loved One in Distress"
by Eric Gudan, PsyD
It’s human nature to point the finger at someone else. When something goes wrong, it’s always someone else’s fault. Parents who are watching children grow up often attribute bad behavior to others: disobedient classmates, an inept teacher, a bad TV role model.
As Catholic parents, we want our children to choose good, grow in virtue, and be holy. We know that living according to God’s...