Interior Integration for Catholics

You need to love yourself properly to love others in an ordered way. How can we understand St. Thomas Aquinas' insistence on us governing our passions from an IFS perspective in a way that loves our passionate parts?  How can we be detached from worldly goods?  Do saints get blended with their parts?  Are there benefits to some kinds of blending with parts?  How can we frame the Theology of the Body to resonate more with women's concerns?  How can we consider both errors of commission vs. errors of omission in parts work? What about the importance of mercy, the centrality of love, the requirement of interior integration in for human formation through an Internal Family Systems lens, grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person?  Join Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Peter Martin, and Dr. Peter Malinoski take these questions and more in this episode with a live audience.  

In this enlightening discussion, Christopher West, a prominent Theology of the Body scholar, teams up with Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist. The duo explores how Internal Family Systems (IFS) deepens the understanding of eros and integrates the teachings of St. John Paul II. They discuss the journey of healing from trauma, the significance of tenderness in marriage, and how chastity can unify fragmented selves. The conversation beautifully ties the concepts of love, liturgy, and internal growth, inviting listeners to embrace their wounded parts.

Dr. Jerry Crete is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-founder of Souls and Hearts, while Elizabeth Galanti is a certified IFS therapist integrating therapy with Catholic formation. They discuss how the Catechism serves as a foundation for parts work, emphasizing inner unity and self-mastery. Topics include the impact of chastity on fragmentation, therapeutic compassion, and the journey of self-governance. The conversation also touches on the effects of trauma and the notion of 'no bad parts' from a Catholic perspective, offering hope and tools for personal growth.

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.