

Interior Integration for Catholics
Peter T. Malinoski, Ph.D.
The mission of this podcast is the formation of your heart in love and for love, Together, we shore up the natural, human foundation for your spiritual formation as a Catholic. St. Thomas Aquinas asserts that without this inner unity, without this interior integration, without ordered self-love, you cannot enter loving union with God, your Blessed Mother, or your neighbor. Informed by Internal Family Systems approaches and grounded firmly in a Catholic understanding of the human person, this podcast brings you the best information, the illuminating stories, and the experiential exercises you need to become more whole in the natural realm. This restored human formation then frees you to better live out the three loves in the two Great Commandments – loving God, your neighbor, and yourself. Check out the Resilient Catholics Community which grew up around this podcast at https://www.soulsandhearts.com/rcc.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 29min
168 Restless Hearts: St. Augustine and Catholic Parts Work
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.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 23min
167 Early Church Fathers and Catholic Parts Work
Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. Christian Amalu, a postdoctoral fellow focused on trauma and attachment, delve into the Early Church Fathers and their insights into the human psyche. They explore St. Evagrius’ concept of the 'Christ-self' versus a 'legion of other selves' and discuss how allegory and metaphor illuminate our inner complexity. By connecting Greek and Hebrew philosophies, they highlight the Fathers as pioneers in integrating faith and psychology, offering practical prayer techniques for inner integration.

May 19, 2025 • 1h 32min
166 Can IFS and Parts Work Be Catholic? Listening to Scripture
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.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
165 Your Questions About IFS and Catholicism Answered
Join David Edwards, an IFS therapist and founder of St. Joseph Counseling, Bridget Adams, a trained IFS coach, and Marion Moreland, a level three certified IFS therapist, as they tackle the integration of Internal Family Systems therapy with Catholicism. They discuss the critical role of self-awareness in healing, the impact of legacy burdens, and the significance of compassion in personal growth. Tune in for insights on navigating emotional turmoil, enhancing prayer life, and embracing one's internal parts to foster genuine connections.

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 42min
164 What are Internal Systems in Catholic Parts Work?
John David Edwards, an IFS therapist and founder of St. Joseph Counseling, dives into the complexities of internal systems and their connection to our identities as Catholics. He discusses how understanding our internal parts and their relationships can foster personal growth and love. Using analogies from jazz bands and rowing teams, he emphasizes collaboration and trust in relationships, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfection and spontaneity for deeper connections. This insightful conversation illuminates the path to healing within ourselves and our communities.

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 21min
163 You Are One and Many: Unity, Multiplicity, and Internal Systems
In this discussion with Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Transfiguration Counseling, listeners explore the complex nature of identity as a cohesive system. They delve into how understanding our interconnectedness can enhance our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. The conversation critiques modern individualism and reclaims the importance of belonging within communities, emphasizing communal spirituality through practices like baptism and Eucharist. Insights into internal systems and their impact on external relationships are also highlighted.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 17min
162 Your Body and Your Parts
In this insightful discussion, Marion Moreland, a chronic pain navigator and clinical counselor, joins Jennifer Maher, a certified traumatologist, to explore the profound mind-body connection. They reveal how our bodies retain memories of trauma that our minds may have forgotten. The duo shares personal healing journeys, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and self-acceptance. They also discuss the impact of maternal experiences on future generations and the transformative power of touch in overcoming trauma, offering listeners a path to listen to their bodies for deeper self-discovery.

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 28min
161 Integrity: That You Be One Inside
Explore the six integrity needs crucial for holistic growth, from survival to mission. Discover how childhood experiences shape our sense of self-worth and agency. Delve into the intrinsic value of dignity and the impact of perfectionism. Unpack the challenges faced by Catholic leaders in maintaining personal integrity against societal pressures. Engage in experiential exercises that promote emotional awareness and authentic expression, helping you connect deeply with your inner self.

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
160 Your Parts Have These Six Attachment Needs
Peter Martin, a psychologist and expert in attachment theory, joins Marion Moreland, a certified Internal Family Systems therapist, to dive deep into the six essential attachment needs we all share: safety, recognition, love, and more. They discuss how our internal parts experience these needs and the varying attachment styles that manifest within us. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics in fostering emotional stability and healthy relationships. Listeners are also guided through an experiential exercise to connect with their inner selves.

14 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 34min
159 Who Are My Parts and Why Do They Battle Within Me?
Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Transfiguration Counseling, teams up with Bridget Adams, an IFS-trained coach, to explore the internal conflicts we all face. They dive into the concept of 'parts' within us that influence our actions and thoughts, detailing how these internal voices can lead to struggles with addictions and behaviors we dislike. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating these parts for emotional balance, healing, and ultimately, a deeper connection with God and others.


