In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Greg explores the rising influence of artificial intelligence in therapy and why no machine, no matter how advanced, can truly replicate what it means to be human. Drawing from Pope St. John Paul II’s theology of the person, he explains the irreplaceable dignity of real human connection - and why healing, growth, and love can only happen in relationship with another person. Whether you're fascinated by tech, worried about where it's all headed, or just craving a deeper understanding of what makes us human, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of our unique identity and mission.   Key Topics: The fundamental difference between knowing about a person and truly knowing them The irreplaceable role of human relationship in healing and growth Why Catholic psychology insists on the sacredness of the human person How technology often reflects our cultural misunderstanding of what it means to be human How AI lacks the one thing essential for real therapy: love   Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 4:55 - The Church’s View on Technology 9:30 - AI in Mental Health & Therapy 11:30 - Introducing 4 Human-Only Traits (Overview) 12:47 - Horizontal Transcendence (Relationality) 15:16 - False Relationships with AI 21:05 - Part 1 Conclusion 21:49 - Recap of Part 1 (Horizontal Transcendence) 24:45 - Vertical Transcendence Learn More: CatholicPsych Podcast Page – Browse past episodes and search transcripts by topic, including previous discussions on AI and spirituality. CatholicPsych Mentorship – Learn more about accompaniment services rooted in Catholic anthropology. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What makes therapy Catholic—and is it really just adding a rosary to the session? In this unique episode, Dr. Greg is the one answering the questions, sitting down with college student Lucina Frank who’s wrestling with how to bring her faith into the world of psychology. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on why CatholicPsych’s approach feels so different—because it is—and how it responds to the deep hunger for healing that actually honors both our humanity and our faith. Whether you’ve been skeptical, searching, or simply curious, you’ll walk away seeing therapy—and the Church’s role in it—through a whole new lens.   Key Topics: Why “just adding prayer” isn’t what makes therapy Catholic The real difference between faith-informed and faith-integrated therapy How a Catholic understanding of suffering changes the entire therapeutic goal What St. John Paul II’s personalism offers that secular psychology can’t How CatholicPsych is meeting a deeper need in the Church—and why it matters The danger of over-spiritualizing therapy (and how to avoid it)   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:07 – From Divorce to Vocation: Dr. Greg’s Journey to Becoming a Therapist 09:05 – What’s the Therapeutic Approach at CatholicPsych? 13:15 – Leading Clients Toward True Human Flourishing 17:00 – Therapy Isn’t About Erasing Suffering 21:32 – Faith-Informed vs. Faith-Integrated Therapy 28:54 – Do Catholic Therapists Just Add a Rosary to the Sessions? 32:19 – Where Does Spiritual Direction Fit in Therapy? 41:12 – Why St. Thomas Aquinas Still Matters in Modern Psychology 46:22 – What St. Thomas Got Wrong about Gender Learn More: CatholicPsych’s model of daily accompaniment: Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship  Spiritual Passages by Fr. Benedict Groeschel Discernment of Spirits course by Dr. Greg Bottaro Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Mulieris Dignitatem by Pope John Paul II Related Episode: Ep. 197: Correcting Aquinas: JP2’s Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment     Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What happens when someone outside the faith asks for your honest take on one of today’s most controversial issues? In this episode, Dr. Greg shares a conversation with secular therapist and podcast host Stephanie Winn, who came with real curiosity: What does Catholic psychology say about gender ideology? Even without sharing the same faith background, Stephanie engages deeply—and the result is a rich dialogue that offers clarity, compassion, and truth.   Key Topics: How to speak about gender truthfully and compassionately Why Catholic anthropology offers clarity in a confused culture The psychological roots of gender confusion and identity struggles The difference between repression and integration in Catholic psychology A merciful, hopeful vision of healing for those struggling with gender and identity wounds   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Why a Secular Therapist Wanted a Catholic Take 08:00 – Can Faith, Reason, and Science Really Work Together? 19:35 – Making the Leap of Faith When Understanding Falls Short 25:35 – The Scandal of Psychology: No Answer to “What Is a Person?” 29:58 – Fractured Identity: Dr. Greg Reflects on His Parents’ Divorce 31:16 – Stephanie Reflects: I Didn’t Know My Struggles Were from a Father Wound 35:13 – Lack of Compassion Is Missing from Religious Approaches 38:42 – Using the Blueprint to Help Those Suffering with Gender Issues 46:44 – Digging into the Causes of Gender Identity Struggles   Learn More: Check out You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Winn LMFT For the second half of this conversation, listen to Ep. 218: A Conversation with a Secular Therapist: Unveiling the Blueprint of the Human Person Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation to learn more about the daily accompaniment of Mentorship. Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment. Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What happens when a Catholic psychologist and a secular therapist sit down for a conversation? In this compelling discussion, Stephanie Winn (host of You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist) and Dr. Greg explore the intersection of faith and psychology, offering a bridge between faith and reason. Together, they unpack how a relational understanding of the person can lead to healing and wholeness in a culture grappling with identity and meaning.   Key Topics: The five relational marks that shape human identity How relationships form, wound, and ultimately heal us The significance of objective truth, goodness, and beauty in psychology The Catholic understanding of atonement, healing, and personal growth A fresh, merciful perspective on purgatory and the communion of saints   Learn More: Check out You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Winn LMFT Previous episodes unpacking the blueprint of the human person: Ep. 2: The Human Blueprint Ep. 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint We’d love to hear your feedback! Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation. Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment.   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

You’ve heard of the 5 Love Languages—now meet the 5 Anxiety Languages! In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Greg Bottaro introduces a groundbreaking way to understand anxiety: The 5 Anxiety Languages. Just like understanding love languages helps us express love, your Anxiety Language reveals how you instinctively process stress, uncertainty, and fear. Which anxiety language do you speak? Tune in to find out.   Key Topics: Why anxiety feels different for everyone—and why that matters. The 5 Anxiety Languages explained: Reactive, Activated, Minimizing, Withdrawing, and Impulsive. How these Anxiety Languages show up in your day-to-day life. Why Jesus’ command to “be not afraid” isn’t just a spiritual ideal—it’s psychologically practical. How understanding anxiety as a “language” can help you break unhealthy patterns. Faith-based, practical steps to navigate anxiety and find peace.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Everybody has some level of anxiety 03:02 – Anxiety is not what you think 05:54 – The 5 Anxiety Languages: What’s your predominant language? 07:18 – Reactive Quick-tempered, snappy, stressed-out under pressure. 12:02 – Activated: Always “on,” overachieving, constantly in motion. 14:34 – Minimizing: Saying “I’m fine” even when the house is on fire. 17:27 – Withdrawing: Avoidance, procrastination, or retreating inward. 22:02 – Impulsive: Jumping from thing to thing, seeking distraction (and the ADHD overlap). 24:53 – Review and Close   Learn More: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicPsychInstitute Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro’s mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. Daily Catholic Accompaniment – CatholicPsych’s approach combines faith and psychology, offering personalized mentorship to transform your daily challenges. Blog article: Is Mindfulness safe for Catholics to practice? Coming soon: “What Is Your Predominant Anxiety Language?” Quiz We’d love to hear your feedback! Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com. Need help transforming anxiety into peace? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation.   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

We all had bad parenting in some way—but now what? No parent is perfect, and childhood wounds don’t just disappear when we grow up. Whether you struggled with criticism, emotional neglect, control, or a lack of support, those experiences shape your self-worth, relationships, and faith. In this episode, Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro explains how faith and psychology help rewire false beliefs, break destructive patterns, and heal childhood wounds. Key Topics: How bad parenting affects adult relationships & self-worth. The difference between healing and “just forgiving”. How to honor parents while setting healthy boundaries. Rewiring false beliefs about your identity through faith. How to break the cycle and parent differently.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:21 – How bad parenting impacts children’s sense of identity 07:00 – Breaking the cycle: Understanding toxic family patterns 11:55 – How faith rewires false beliefs about your identity 13:44 – Learning self-stewardship and true self-care 17:12 – Correcting distortions of value learned from bad parenting 18:47 – Final encouragement to self-stewardship   Learn More: Episode 215: When Are Parents Toxic? with Noelle Mering Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro’s mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. Need support navigating a difficult family relationship? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation.   Follow Us on Socials:  Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Noelle Mering, a Catholic theologian and author, joins Dr. Greg Bottaro to delve into the complexities of toxic family relationships. They discuss how to honor parents while establishing healthy boundaries, raising questions about the implications of the 'No Contact' movement. The conversation tackles the psychological impacts of family dynamics, the necessity of forgiveness without enabling harm, and the balance between cultural pressures and faith. They explore the path to healing amidst familial conflict, blending faith with psychological insight.

Feeling overwhelmed by endless scrolling? Discover how a faith-based digital detox can help you reclaim peace of mind. In today's hyperconnected world, our minds are constantly bombarded by notifications, newsfeeds, and endless scrolling. But is social media helping us—or hurting us? Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with Darrell Miller of MAX Studios to explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of digital overload. Together, they discuss why social media fuels anxiety and comparison, and how faith-based mindfulness can help us unplug and reconnect with real life. Key Topics: The hidden mental health costs of digital overload How dopamine addiction keeps us glued to our screens Why social media fuels anxiety, comparison, and loneliness How faith & mindfulness offer a Catholic alternative to secular digital detox trends Practical steps to set healthier tech boundaries—without missing out Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 07:30 – How Social Media Affects Mental Health 12:48 – Faith & Mental Well-being 14:25 - Helping Children with Anxiety 21:30 – Social Media Causing Loneliness 35:50 – A Catholic Digital Detox Plan Learn More: MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, creating innovative digital content. Duc In Altum Schools – Supporting Catholic educators and fostering faith-based education. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – A book exploring the impact of social media and digital culture on mental health. Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier – A book examining modern therapy trends and their effects on mental well-being. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A book on trauma, stress, and how the body holds psychological distress. Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro’s mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology. The Church and the Internet  – Vatican document on the internet and technology use. Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Think faith and mental health don’t mix? Think again. In an interview with Oscar Rivera on Ave Spotlight, Dr. Greg breaks down the biggest myths about psychology and Catholicism. Are faith and psychology at odds? Where do we draw the line between normal emotions and real mental health struggles?  Can prayer cure anxiety? Is therapy un-Catholic? How do you beat seasonal depression? Tune in for a fresh perspective on faith and mental well-being! Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between faith and mental health; Why Catholicism and psychology are not at odds; How the Catholic Church has studied the human person for centuries; Why anxiety and depression don’t mean you lack faith; How Jesus, Mary, and the saints experienced human emotions; The biggest myths about mental health in the Catholic community; When to seek professional mental health support; How to tell if you’ve crossed a threshold into needing professional help; Practical steps to combat seasonal depression; The power of relationships and community in mental well-being; How prayer and gratitude affect mental well-being; How the CatholicPsych Institute is changing the mental health conversation; A personal story of Dr. Greg’s first encounter with Jesus; Encouragement for anyone struggling with mental health today. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Listen to more episodes of Ave Spotlight with Oscar Rivera Follow Ave Maria Press & Oscar on Social Media: @AveMariaPress @OscarTwoten Need help? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your spiritual life—doing all the right things but still not feeling closer to God—this episode is for you. Dr. Greg explores the layers of distraction that keep us from deeper prayer, and how to quiet the noise of our own narratives and hear God's voice in the stillness.  Discussed in this episode: Why doing all the right things in your spiritual life doesn’t always lead to feeling closer to God; How interior noise and distraction can block us from hearing God's voice; Understanding the layers of inner narratives that shape your perception of God; Why silence in prayer can feel uncomfortable—and how to move through it; The role of self-awareness in spiritual growth; St. John Paul II’s concept of “incommunicability” and what it means for your interior life; How to discern between your own thoughts and God’s voice; How God speaks in ways we don’t expect—and how to recognize His presence; The importance of patience in deepening prayer and overcoming distractions; How to redirect thoughts that pull you away from prayer; What to do when God’s only response seems to be silence; How past wounds and false narratives can affect your ability to hear God; Practical ways to apply Catholic mindfulness in your daily spiritual practice. Resources mentioned or relevant:  Learn more about Catholic daily accompaniment: Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship; Grow in self-awareness and freedom through the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat; Once you clear away the noise and listen to God's voice in the silence, learn how to how to understand what God is saying to you through the Discernment of Spirits; Need help? Schedule a free consultation to to explore how working with a Mentor can help you move forward;  Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism; Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych  Instagram: @catholicpsych  X: @CatholicPsych Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you! Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!