The Catholic Therapist

Many Catholics wonder if they need a Catholic therapist, and if so, how to find one. In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Adam Cross shares why trust is essential in any therapy relationship, what makes Catholic therapy unique, and where to look for faithful resources. Drawing from his clinical practice and Catholic tradition, Adam explains the importance of Catholic anthropology in healing, why faith matters in therapy, and how to discern if a therapist is a good fit for your needs. Topics covered: Do you need a Catholic therapist? Why any therapy is better than none, and when faith becomes essential. Trust and fit in therapy, why the relationship itself is part of healing. Catholic anthropology, what it means to view healing through a Catholic lens. Resources for finding Catholic therapists, including CatholicTherapist.com, the Catholic Psychotherapist Association, and the Catholic Therapy Center. The role of the Holy Spirit in the healing journey. How to use online tools and directories to connect with the right therapist. Tune in for a hopeful and practical conversation on faith, psychology, and taking the next step toward healing. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with therapy because it can feel abstract, secular, or even at odds with the faith. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Dr. Tim White to explore how “parts work,” nervous system regulation, and Catholic spirituality can come together for real healing. Drawing from Catholic tradition and clinical insight, they share practical ways to notice your body, pray with your emotions, and invite Christ into the places that feel most fractured. Topics covered: Why Catholics sometimes resist therapy and how to integrate faith with psychology Body, mind, and soul, how what affects one touches the others “Parts work” explained in plain language, protectors, exiles, firefighters, and the Self Prayer, breath, and the nervous system, calming stress through faith and science Internal discipleship, what self leadership means in a Catholic lens Addiction, shame, and wounded parts, how to partner with them for redemption Why this inner work changes relationships, confidence, and daily discipleship Tune in for a hopeful conversation on faith, psychology, and the path from stress and fear toward peace, healing, and deeper communion with God. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Catholic psychology is growing, but many seminarians and formators still wrestle with how therapy fits into vocation and discernment. In this episode, licensed therapist Adam Cross is joined by Dr. Anthony Isacco, professor and program director at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, to discuss the launch of a new Catholic clinical psychology program and the deeper role of trust in priestly formation. Together, they explore how psychology, faith, and formation can come together to build healthier priests and more confident discerners. From confidentiality questions to obedience, from human formation to spiritual growth, this conversation sheds light on what’s often hidden behind seminary walls. Topics covered: The rise of Catholic psychology programs and why they matter Online vs in-person training for Catholic therapists Human formation in seminary: why maturity, relationships, and self-knowledge are essential Confidentiality and transparency: how seminarians can approach therapy with trust Obedience and discernment: why trust is harder than celibacy for many seminarians The role of attachment and vulnerability in priestly formation How therapy can serve seminarians, priests, and the Church at large Tune in for a candid, hopeful conversation about integrating Catholic faith with psychology, and how trust in therapy can shape healthier vocations and a stronger Church. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people get stuck in discernment because fear can disguise itself as prudence. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Emmaus Townsend to explore how faith and therapy together can bring clarity and peace when choosing a vocation. Drawing from Catholic tradition and clinical insight, they share practical ways to hear God, calm anxiety, and move forward with confidence. Topics covered: Fear vs prudence, how anxiety can sound holy and how to test the fruit, peace or pressure. Consolation and desolation, simple checks and common mistakes in discernment. Scrupulosity and overchecking, why they derail decisions and what to do instead. Discernment rhythms, prayer, silence, Scripture, sacraments, and spiritual direction. When to wait and when to act, practical steps to decide with peace. Vocations in real life, marriage, priesthood, religious life, and single life. Listening to your body and nervous system to steady worry and make a clear choice. Tune in for a hopeful conversation on faith, psychology, and the path from paralysis to peace in vocation decisions. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people struggle with perfectionism because they don’t realize how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by his colleagues, Colby and Joshua, to explore how understanding your inner critic can lead to profound freedom and self-compassion. Drawing from their own experiences and professional insights, they share how integrating faith with psychological models like Internal Family Systems (IFS) brings hope and healing. Topics covered: The surprising link between perfectionism and procrastination. How to view your inner critic as a protector part that is trying to help you. Practical strategies for calming your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed. The connection between the seven core wounds and the Sacraments. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on faith, psychology, and the journey from perfectionism to peace. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with endless doubt and checking—not because they lack faith, but because they carry deep confusion and fear about certainty. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how scrupulosity distorts our understanding of knowledge, sin, and spiritual peace, often turning natural questions into sources of overwhelming anxiety and compulsive behavior. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the inner conflict between needing to know for certain and learning to trust in uncertainty, sharing compassionate, practical tools for navigating scrupulosity without losing your peace—or your sanity. Discover practical insights into: Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health, offering hope to those who feel caught in cycles of checking, confession, and confusion. Whether you're battling scrupulosity, supporting someone who is, or working in Catholic mental health, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you don't have to have all the answers to be loved by God. For more information or questions, visit catholictherapycenter.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with sexual shame—not because they lack faith, but because they carry deep confusion and fear about desire. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how scrupulosity distorts our understanding of sexuality, pleasure, and morality, often turning natural human experience into a source of guilt and anxiety. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the inner conflict between faith and desire and shares compassionate, practical tools for navigating scrupulosity without losing your peace—or your humanity. Discover practical insights into: • Why scrupulosity creates fear around sexual desire • The difference between lust and attraction • How anxiety and shame disrupt spiritual clarity • What integrated healing looks like—body, mind, and soul Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health, offering hope to those who feel caught in cycles of guilt and confusion. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people long for healing, but few realise how deep the journey must go. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Kolbe Young and Joshua Hernandez for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to move from suffering to healing. Drawing from personal experience, Catholic spirituality, and clinical insight, they discuss how true healing often requires us to get our hands dirty — facing wounds, walking with others, and embracing the messiness of growth through grace. Discover powerful insights into: Why emotional healing can’t happen without spiritual transformation How community and vulnerability open the door to deeper recovery What it means to “let the Gospel rewire your brain” The surprising way grace works through imperfection and effort Tune in for a compassionate, Christ-centered discussion that invites you to meet God in the very places you feel broken. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people feel stuck—not because they lack motivation, but because they’re waiting for things to be “just right.” In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how perfectionism often hides behind procrastination, and why the pressure to get everything right can keep us from starting at all. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the psychological roots of perfectionism and shares compassionate, practical tools for moving forward — even when things feel messy or incomplete. Discover practical insights into: Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health in a way that brings hope to those who feel stuck. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people struggle to find healing because they don’t see how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapists Adam Cross, Kolbe Young, and Joshua Hernandez dive into the powerful intersection of trauma recovery and the Catholic faith. They share personal stories, professional insights, and practical approaches to healing from a trauma-informed, faith-centered perspective. Discover practical insights into: The importance of integrating faith and mental health care How trauma affects the body, mind, and soul The role of community and spiritual support in the healing journey Practical ways to move forward when feeling stuck Tune in for a hopeful and heartfelt conversation that blends professional therapy with the transformative power of faith. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people struggle with anxiety because they don’t realize how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Danielle Enriquez, LMFT #152199, to explore how embracing acceptance can transform how we navigate anxiety. Drawing from her own experiences and professional insights, Danielle shares how integrating faith into therapy brings hope and healing. Topics covered: How acceptance can lead to joyful living Integrating Catholic faith into mental wellness Practical strategies for managing anxiety The role of community and spirituality in coping Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on faith, acceptance, and the journey to peace. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people overlook how deeply the Gospel can transform mental health and emotional well-being. In this episode, Catholic therapists Adam Cross, Kolbe Young, and Joshua Hernandez explore how embracing the Gospel rewires our brains, merging faith, psychology, and neuroscience. Discover practical insights into: • How faith-based practices literally change our neurological pathways • The unique benefits of Catholic therapy compared to secular approaches • Real-life examples of healing through Gospel-centered mental health care • Cultivating emotional and spiritual growth by internalizing Gospel truths Tune in for an inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between faith and psychology. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people struggle to find true healing because they don’t realize how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapists Adam Cross, Kobe Young, and Josh Fernandez explore the intersection of faith and psychology, sharing how a Catholic perspective shapes their approach to therapy and mental wellness. Topics covered: Tune in for a powerful discussion on healing, identity, and the role of faith in therapy. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628 Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)

Many people unknowingly settle for less in relationships because they don’t realize their true worth. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores the core of Theology of the Body, revealing why you are worth dying for and how this truth should shape your view of love, marriage, and sexuality. Topics covered: Tune in for an insightful discussion that will challenge the way you think about relationships and help you embrace your God-given worth. Have questions? Please visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628​ Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)

Have you ever thought about becoming a Catholic therapist? What does the journey entail, and how do faith and therapy intersect? In this episode, Adam Cross (#116623), speaks with Joshua Hernandez, a trainee therapist completing his Master’s in Counseling. They discuss: If you’ve ever considered Catholic therapy as a vocation, this episode is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links: Catholic Therapy CenterDivine Mercy UniversityBook: Be Healed by Bob Schutz 📩 Got questions? Reach out via catholictherapycenter.com 📢 Subscribe & Share! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review to help others discover faith-based mental health resources! #CatholicTherapy #MentalHealth #FaithAndHealing #CatholicPsychology #ChristianCounseling

In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#116623) Adam Cross sits down with Catholic therapist Michael Gasferro to discuss how to guide children in discovering their identity in Christ. Together, they explore the intersection of faith and psychology, offering practical tools to help kids build a strong foundation rooted in their God-given dignity. Topics include the unity of body and soul, overcoming cultural challenges, and fostering healthy relationships that support spiritual and emotional growth. With insights from Catholic theology and therapeutic practice, this conversation dives into strategies for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about helping the next generation grow in faith and resilience. Key Topics Covered: 💡 Subscribe to hear more conversations on faith, therapy, and personal growth. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would benefit! #IdentityInChrist #CatholicPodcast #ParentingTips #FaithAndPsychology #Healing

Exploring Healing and Embodiment: Theology, Neurobiology, and Integration Join Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#116623) Adam Cross and graduate student/therapist trainee Kolbe Young in an insightful discussion about healing, embodiment, and the integration of body, mind, and soul. Drawing from Theology of the Body, interpersonal neurobiology, and their personal experiences, they explore how physical practices like surfing and mindfulness foster mental and emotional healing. Learn how trauma research, relational connections, and intentional movement enhance spiritual and therapeutic practices. Discover the profound connection between body and soul through the lens of Catholic theology, practical therapeutic techniques, and unique insights into embodiment. Topics include anxiety, dissociation, if yoga is okay for use by Catholics, and the role of physical awareness in mental health and spiritual growth. Whether you're curious about integrating faith with therapy or seeking practical steps to deepen healing, this conversation offers something for everyone. Have questions? Please visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628​ Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the simple yet incredibly powerful idea of “feeling all the feels.” It’s a journey of truly acknowledging our emotions—no matter how heavy, uncomfortable, or even overwhelming they might be. I share stories from my sessions and the importance of slowing down to connect with our bodies and emotions. It’s about giving ourselves the space to feel grief, sadness, or even anger and realizing that healing begins when we’re present with ourselves. It may sound simple, but the impact can be life-changing. And guess what? God is right there with us in the midst of it, inviting us into a deeper relationship of self-love and understanding. Have questions? Please visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628​ Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)

In this episode, I’ll share why having a therapist who truly understands and honors your Catholic faith can be so meaningful. After all, our faith isn’t just a small part of our lives—it shapes who we are in the deepest way possible. But, I also get that finding a Catholic therapist isn’t always easy, especially if you live in a small state or a remote area. So, I’ll talk about practical ways to navigate that, including working with secular therapists when needed and when to be extra mindful. Plus, I'll be sharing some exciting news. Have questions? Please visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628​ Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)

In this episode, we explore how to love and support those struggling with mental health, whether they are family members or close friends. We discuss the importance of seeking to understand their experiences and challenges before offering advice or solutions. Have questions? Please visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #89628​ Supervised by Esther C. Bleuel, M.A. MFT, MDR (31181)