Interior Integration for Catholics

Christopher West has recently embraced IFS and parts work because of Dr. Gerry Crete’s book, Litanies of the Heart.  Dr. West shares the impact of IFS in his life, seeing it as a “missing piece,” a key to internalizing and living out the powerful message of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.  In this episode, Dr. West, Dr. Gerry, and Dr. Peter invite you into their rollicking, wide ranging, and deep conversation about “marrying” TOB and IFS -- and how the TOB/IFS union brings guidance and light in redeeming eros, healing from trauma, growing in interior integration, living chastely, and loving our parts that experience lustful desires and impulses.   For the full video experience with Beth West's painting of eros, the crumpled painting analogy, and all our visuals, gestures, and graphics, and for conversation and sharing in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here:  www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics

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.

Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. Christian Amalu, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in Internal Family Systems, dive into the profound insights of St. Augustine's *Confessions*. They explore Augustine's 'divided heart' and how it aligns with parts work, discussing the balance of intellect and heartfelt conversion. Listeners learn about the struggle with conflicting wills, transformative grief, and the importance of delight over duty in spiritual journeys. An experiential exercise invites reflection on one's restless parts, promoting integration and grace.