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Being Human

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  2. Episode 195: Live from Australia: Bridging Faith and Psychology

Episode 195: Live from Australia: Bridging Faith and Psychology

Oct 8, 2024

In this special live-recorded episode from Australia, Dr. Greg and his guests explore the rich intersection of faith and mental health. Joined by spiritual director Katherine Stone, MGL, and CatholicPsych’s International Programs Director, Shawn van der Linden, the discussion weaves together personal stories, cultural insights, and thoughtful audience questions. Tune in to hear what Americans and Australians can learn from each other and gain a fresh perspective on faith’s role in mental health.

Discussed in this episode:

  • Dr. Greg Bottaro’s eye-opening experiences on his whirlwind three-week tour across Australia;
  • Surprising cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia when it comes to mental health and faith;
  • What Australians can teach us about staying anchored in faith in a secular society;
  • Personal stories of accompanying others through journeys of anxiety, doubt, and growth;
  • Katherine’s unique insights on the overlap of faith and mental health in spiritual direction;
  • Mental distress issues that Katherine sees come up often in spiritual direction;
  • Different ways scrupulosity manifests itself in the lives of dedicated Catholics;
  • Why the spiritual dimension of the person needs to be front and center for any Catholic utilizing mental health services;
  • Being created in God’s image means our core orientation is towards goodness and growth, despite any suffering or mental health challenges;
  • Relationships “clear the path” for us to rediscover our goodness and move toward wholeness;
  • Relationships in accompaniment provide individuals with a genuine sense of being deeply loved;
  • The ultimate goal of the healing relationship is to guide us toward a deeper, more profound relationship with God;
  • Why a deep understanding of Catholic anthropology matters in therapy;
  • Those providing accompaniment—whether in therapy, mentorship, or spiritual direction—need support, too;
  • The importance of having a support system and avoiding burnout by staying anchored;
  • The “one foot on shore, one foot in the water” approach: balancing immersion in others’ experiences with personal grounding;
  • Utilizing "parts work" to explore the various aspects of a person's identity, including the parts that hold anxiety or fear;
  • Acknowledging and welcoming these anxious parts is essential, rather than fighting against them;
  • Love and acceptance of each part of oneself facilitate a path toward greater wholeness and peace;
  • Why faith and psychology aren’t in opposition—and how they powerfully work together.

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

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