A continuation of our series on the psychology of Pope John Paul II. In this episode, Dr. Greg discusses JP2’s blueprint of the human person and how it is the answer to all the problems we face today. When it comes to transforming our culture, this is the lead domino that will knock over every other domino.

Discussed in this episode:

• What it means to have a blueprint of the human person
• Every moment of our humanity is impacted by the teachings of Pope John Paul II (JP2)
• JP2 answers the questions of contemporary man 
• For therapists and psychologists, the practical implications of having a blueprint of the human person
• Why JP2 is the most important psychologist of the last 200 years (more important than Freud, Brene Brown, Jordan Peterson, and literally any other)
• Catholic therapists have to be experts of consciousness
• The proper understanding of the terms “self realization” and “self actualization”
• The difference between self knowledge and self awareness
• How addiction limits human freedom 
• The philosophy of JP2 as the most effective approach to a contemporary understanding of the human person
• JP2’s work uniquely marries together two philosophical systems: Thomistic Philosophy and Phenomenology
• Why the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas alone is not enough to convert most people today
• Ways to join the mission to bring the psychology of JP2 to mainstream society

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

• Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)
• Person and Act by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)
• Writings, speeches, and encyclicals of Pope St. John Paul II
• Setting the Stage: Early Plays of St. John Paul II  
• Series on the psychology of JP2 on the Being Human podcast:
  • Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal
  • Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience
• Gaudium et Spes
• Theology of the Body:
  • Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2)
  • Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West
  • TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert
  • Theology of the Body Institute 
• Please share your feedback and questions (drgreg@catholicpsych.com) and share this podcast episode with Catholic mental health professionals
• If you are a Catholic mental health professional, join the waiting list for Fellowship, a practical way to deeply connect the dots between your identity as a therapist and a Catholic
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you
• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism
• Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych
• Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available
• Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more
• Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more!
• Follow: 
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych 
  • Instagram: @catholicpsych 
  • X: @CatholicPsych

Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!

Rate, review, and subscribe

Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.

Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.

For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!

If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!