Interior Integration for Catholics

Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explores the intersection of Vatican II and inner psychological integration. He discusses the concept of conscience as a central, innate guide amidst life's fragmentation caused by sin. The conversation delves into how parts work can foster harmony within, likening it to a jazz band improvising for unity. Gerry shares insights on St. Maximilian Kolbe's profound embodiment of inner unity in the face of adversity and affirms the compatibility of psychology with Catholic teachings, emphasizing the importance of self-mastery and charity toward one's inner conflicts.

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.

How do we love with the three loves in the two Great Commandments?  And what are the relationships among love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self?  Join Catholic philosopher Anthony Flood and Catholic psychologist Eric Gudan as we explore love in Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas.  We address flourishing, friendship, virtues, interior integration, inner unity, union with others, trauma, healing, selfishness, humility, magnanimity, where to find truth, and so much more, all through a Thomistic lens.  Join us!   For the full video experience with all our visuals, graphics, and for conversation and sharing in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here:  www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics

Join Dr. Peter Martin, an IFS-trained psychologist, Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. Christian Amalu, a scholar bridging research and clinical practice. They delve into the intersection of Internal Family Systems and Catholicism, addressing whether God is a safe figure for healing. The guests explore how different parts can hold varied images of God, discuss the complexities of self-love amidst internal conflicts, and tackle the implications of parts on morality. Insightful perspectives await!

Dr. Anthony T. Flood, a philosophy professor specializing in Thomistic love and self-governance, joins clinical psychologist Dr. Eric Goudin for an enlightening discussion. They explore Socrates' and Plato's insights on self-examination, the interplay of the soul's parts, and the five forms of governance that parallel aspects of personal identity. From understanding tyranny's impact on the soul to the virtues necessary for flourishing, the conversation weaves ancient wisdom with modern psychological insights, promoting a harmonious inner life.

Q: What can St. Bonaventure teach us about our inner life? A: More than you might imagine. Writing in the 13th century, St. Bonaventure emphasized the importance of the heart, of our emotions and our desires. He prized love and relationality – starting with the relationships among the three Persons of the Trinity, that God is both a unity and a multiplicity. He also emphasized the faculty of memory in addition to the intellect and the will as part of his tripartite model of soul, which opens the door to the modern concept of the unconscious, with parts existing outside of our awareness. Join Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Christian Amalu, and Dr. Peter Malinoski as we “nerd out” on St. Bonaventure, connecting him back to St. Francis of Assisi, St. Maximus, and other Catholic experts on metaphysics in a way that’s accessible, conversational, inspirational, and fun.   For the full video experience with all of Dr. Gerry's expressive gestures, all our visuals, graphics, and for conversation and sharing in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here:  www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics

Join licensed therapist Jerry Crete and Dr. Christian Amalu as they dive into the timeless wisdom of St. Maximus the Confessor. They explore fascinating ideas like how we are microcosms reflecting the cosmos and the role of love in human transformation. Discover the connection between internal virtues and ascetic practices that can lead to genuine change. The discussion also touches on harmonizing modern therapy with Catholic tradition, making ancient insights relevant for today's challenges.

You can think of St. Augustine’s heart as an “open book” titled “Confessions.” In this episode, we go deep into his restless heart, sharing with you how well his clear, detailed, and nuanced descriptions of his inner experience reflect Internal Family Systems and parts work so well. As St. Augustine describes his “divided heart” and “conflicting wills” and the stages of his conversion, Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Chrisian Amalu, and Dr. Peter Malinoski show how this translates into IFS terms. And Dr. Christian provides an Augustinian experiential exercise. Join us to see how St. Augustine wisdom connects with and informs Catholic parts work.  If you are a Catholic who wants to jumpstart getting to know and love your own parts, check out the Resilient Catholics Community at https://members.soulsandhearts.com/rcc

What can the Early Church Fathers teach us about our inner worlds, the complexity of our psyches?  Actually, very much, if we are willing to listen.  Join Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Christian Amalu and me for a highlight tour of what these Early Church Fathers offer us in understanding and loving ourselves, God, and others:  St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Irenaeus, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John of Damascus.  We particularly focused in on St. Evagrius discussing the “Christ-self” and the “legion of other selves” within each person. We explore how the Early Church Fathers bring in allegory, metaphor, symbol, and typology to capture more readily the richness, variety, complexity, and beauty of the inner life than we moderns generally do.  Dr. Gerry closes with a brief prayer reflection.   For the full video experience with visuals, graphics, and for discussion in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here:  www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics

Peter Martin, a Nebraska psychologist and IFS therapist, Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage therapist and founder of Transfiguration Counseling, and Christian Amalu, a postdoctoral fellow in clinical psychology, engage in a deep conversation about harmonizing Internal Family Systems with Catholic teachings. They discuss how Scripture supports IFS concepts and the potential for inner harmony. They highlight the importance of self-love through Jesus’ parables and emphasize embracing complexity and marginalized voices in faith communities.