153. Understanding Identity and Personhood Through a Catholic Lens with Dr. Greg Bottaro

I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the Catholic Psych Institute. We delve into the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of gender dysphoria, and explore the importance of compassion in addressing these sensitive issues. Dr. Bottaro emphasizes the need for a blueprint for understanding the human person, which he believes is rooted in Catholic teachings. For a deep dive into this blueprint check out our other conversation in episode 152.

We discuss how the Catholic vision of the human person can inform our approach to mental health and well-being. Dr. Bottaro shares insights on the unity of body and spirit, and how this understanding can help individuals who feel at odds with their identity. We also touch on the historical role of the Catholic Church in preserving knowledge and culture, and how this legacy can guide contemporary discussions about ethics and psychology.

Throughout our conversation, we aim to explore critical questions: How can we approach those struggling with their identity with both compassion and truth? What does it mean to have a healthy understanding of personhood? And how can the principles of Catholicism provide a framework for healing and thriving in today's complex world? Join us as we navigate these profound topics and seek to understand the intersection of faith, reason, and mental health.

Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."

Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.

In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.

He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children.

 00:00 Start

[00:00:10] Compassion in identity struggles.

[00:05:37] Civilization saved by Catholic Church.

[00:10:03] Resurrection and its implications.

[00:12:33] Eucharistic miracles and their significance.

[00:19:40] Catholicism and Human Understanding.

[00:22:12] Faith versus science paradox.

[00:26:22] The ideal human person.

[00:30:29] Fatherlessness and its impact.

[00:34:02] Compassion in conservative approaches.

[00:37:03] Spiritual identity and personhood.

[00:40:18] Identity and body connection.

[00:45:00] Complexities of therapeutic relationships.

[00:49:39] Eternal communion with divinity.

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

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