Interior Integration for Catholics

Dr. Gerry Crete, author of Litanies of the Heart, discusses how he integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Catholicism, providing healing for post-traumatic stress and anxiety. He shares stories and vignettes that connect with everyone, not just therapists. The book explores the concept of parts work and how it is compatible with our Catholic faith. They also discuss the challenges of finding a publishing house and the significance of a drawing depicting the human person in understanding metaphysics.

In this episode, my guest, licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Gerry Crete and I discuss how best to engage with borderline dynamics within your family. People with “borderline personalities” have surprisingly intense internal experiences that are rarely handled well by the people around them. Dr. Gerry suggests avoiding both expressing too much frustration and invalidation.  Instead, he recommends trying to view situations from their perspective and looking for the kernel of truth in their reactions. Acceptance of borderline emotions and perspectives can create the opening a person needs to engage more collaboratively.   Learn how to avoid one little dangerous word and use another, much better little word in conversation with those with borderline traits.  Dr. Gerry also responds to these questions (among others) from our live audience: 1) How do you deal with blazing rage and other extreme emotions? 2) How do you navigate narcissism and borderline within a marriage and the battle between the integrity needs of both? 3) How do you learn to love people with borderline tendencies? 4) Where is the balance between sacrificial love and self-care? 5) Will people with borderline ever be capable of developing an awareness of other people’s feelings and perspectives? 6) What is the healing and forgiveness process between a mother with borderline and her daughter? 7) How do you deal with the guilt, shame, and anxiety caused by borderline? 8) How do you stop the cycle of borderline tendencies from being passed from parent to child?

In this episode we explore in detail how Internal Family Systems can help with borderline dynamics.  We review the definitions of the innermost self and parts, the six attachment and six integrity needs, and we discuss the three major reasons why clients with BPD have been bruised and wounded by mental health professionals.  I review the seven tenets of Therapist-Focused Consultation (TFC) and then we walk with Tina from episode 127 as she begins IFS informed therapy, and how that therapy invites and includes all her parts, without the need for grounding exercises that suppress her exiles and firefighters.  This episode may be particularly helpful to Catholic therapists and counselors to not be afraid of or destabilized by those clients with borderline dynamics.  

This podcast explores the concept of emotional switching in individuals with borderline personality dynamics and discusses the struggles of establishing a coherent sense of self. It delves into the concept of internal family systems (IFS) and the roles of exiles, managers, and firefighters within a person's system. The criteria for borderline personality disorder is explored through an IFS lens, highlighting patterns of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. The podcast also announces an upcoming event discussing borderline personality dynamics and the reopening of applications for the resident Catholics community.

Dr. Greg Bottaro, Psychologist at the CatholicPsych Institute, shares insights on borderline personality dynamics. Topics include staying in relationship with someone threatening harm, anger and anxiety as coping mechanisms, concupiscence and wounds in borderline personality, navigating parenting with a spouse with Borderline Personality Disorder, approaching true healing without over-spiritualizing, and helping a young adult son married to someone with BPD characteristics.

Explore the internal experience and origins of borderline personality disorder, the diagnostic criteria and symptoms, genetic vulnerability and impact of early attachment issues on BPD. Discover different types of BPD and treatment approaches. Also, understand the challenges faced by family members caring for a loved one with BPD and the positive outlook of recovery over time.

In this special edition, I invite you to an experiential exercise to connect in a loving way with your parts who are  in any distress or suffering with the armed conflict between Hamas and Israel and the humanitarian tragedies that conflict has brought.  I do this experiential exercise along with you, working with my Adventurer part who has been burdened with fear and anxiety, especially around the conflict broadening out regionally in the Middle East and beyond.  Parts also have an opportunity, with your innermost self to question and challenge God about what is happening.  

Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses relating with narcissistic family members. Topics include setting boundaries, understanding positive intentions, communicating limits, distinguishing advocacy from oversensitivity, and the impact of narcissism on family dynamics. The podcast also explores radical acceptance, IFS therapy, and the differences between narcissists and sociopaths/psychopaths in empathy.

This podcast explores the insidious tactics of gaslighting, including manipulation of reality, the impact on relationships, and gaslighting in the story of Adam and Eve. It discusses gaslighting tactics and red flags in relationships, as well as the motives and consequences for gaslighters. The podcast also addresses finding strength and support in Catholic marriage when facing gaslighting and emotional abuse.

In this podcast, the hosts explore narcissism in a compassionate way. They address questions about narcissism and the dynamics of relationships involving borderline personality disorder and narcissistic tendencies. The episode includes an experiential exercise to connect with narcissistic parts and discusses the importance of self-love and fulfillment. It also explores the harmful effects of narcissism, navigating parenting challenges, and promoting understanding and compassion for narcissistic traits.