What’s one thing you know now that would have saved your younger self a lot of pain? View all responses I can’t think in terms of saving myself a lot of pain. Life for most people involves happy days, difficult days, and mundane days. I never had any serious mental health issues, but I would […]
Mental Health Tips
Getting really into catholicism, the faith I was brought up in, I wish I knew that like science therapy and faith go hand in hand.
I wish I knew that so that when my ex started saying stuff like “volunteering is enough…” and that he’s now neurostable or neurotypical or whatever after going to therapy for 3 weeks is utter rubbish because one cannot heal deep rooted issues (regardless of what it is) in 3 weeks. It’s utter Bull – 🐂
Really it is.
I mean this is the reason why I spontaneously decided to create this blog because I wanted to share things like this
I can’t blame the younger me for not knowing, she simply did not have the knowledge. But you…
I hope if you’re ever faced with a situation like I was that my experience saves you from pain 🫶
I mean, and I will be delving deeper into it, but this is what I found so far about the role of therapy in catholicism:
Catholicism views therapy and mental health care as valuable and complimentary tools that support human dignity and healing, operating under the principle that “grace builds nature.”
The Holistic View of the Person
Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Church understands human beings holistically – integrating the physical, physiological, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions
Cooperating with Grace
Psychological health is like a well-tuned car; while divine grace (through prayer and sacraments) fuels spiritual life, a healthy natural mind and body are needed to make full progress
Not a replacement
Psychotherapy and counselling address emotional, mental, and behavioural health, whereas the sacraments (like Confession) and prayer offer spiritual forgiveness, grace, and eternal peace. They do not replace one another
Therapy Vs. Spiritual Direction
Therapy: Handled by licensed clinical professionals focusing on mental wellbeing, processing trauma, anxiety, relationships, and emotional healing
Spiritual Direction: Handled by a priest, deacon, or a trained spiritual director focusing on prayer, discernment, and a person’s direct relationship with God
Working together: The two often work hand-in-hand for example, therapy can untangle deep-seated trauma or anxiety that might otherwise make prayer difficult
The Church as a Field Hospital
Pope Francis etc -> the church should act as a “field hospital” where psychological and emotional wounds are safely tended alongside spiritual ones
Male loneliness epidemic.
This is especially important. We need to create a space where boys and men can discuss and work through their emotions: trauma too.
Cornell 7, well the 50 to be exact.
And in my own experience I’ve learnt and seen the damage it can cause if they weren’t given that space.
If you’re a man reading this, I invite you to reflect:
What are some painful memories from your childhood that still affect you today?
More to come on this topic soon 🔜
Leave a Reply