Interior Integration for Catholics 174 Richard Schwartz and IFS Meet St. Thomas Aquinas
Sep 15, 2025
Dr. Eric Goudin, a Catholic psychologist, and Dr. Anthony Flood, a Thomistic philosopher, delve into the fascinating interplay between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophy. They tackle the complexities of the inmost self, roles of affections, and how self-love lays the foundation for healthy relationships. The discussion also covers the reality of parts in a person and the importance of integrating, rather than excluding, these components to achieve psychological wholeness. Their insights reveal a profound connection between modern therapy and medieval thought.
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Self-Relation Shapes Relation To Others
- How we relate to ourselves predicts how we relate to others and forms the basis for true friendship.
- Proper self-love enables right love of others and deeper union, echoing both IFS and Aquinas.
Heart As Highest Spiritual Operation
- Aquinas locates the innermost self in the heart as the highest operation of intellect and will, including affections.
- The soul's interior dwelling is the natural site where one encounters God, but it is not identical to the Holy Spirit.
Contemplation Recollects The Self
- Contemplation recollects the soul by clearing sensory desires and passions to raise the mind to higher truths.
- Recollection enables dwelling with oneself and accessing the innermost self.
