The relationship between psychology and Catholicism has been a complicated one, dating back to the time of Freud, said Maribel Laguna, board president of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. “But … we have made many efforts to heal that division,” she said, introducing theories that more adequately describe Catholic anthropology of the human person, which helps build a foundation for sound psychological practice integrated with Catholic teaching.
An adequate anthropology refers to how therapists can work with clients to integrate mind, spirit and body, Laguna said. “When we look at the person as a whole, our understanding of their dignity is sort of elevated,” she said.
Maribel Laguna
The association is holding its national conference for mental health professionals and students in Minneapolis this year, from April 28-30. The theme will be “grace transforms nature.” In the midst of a pandemic and now world conflict, Laguna said therapists need to go back to the foundation of what it means to be Catholic and what it means to be a psychotherapist.
Laguna talked about the association, its conference and community, with “Practicing Catholic” host Patrick Conley for a show debuting 9 p.m. March 25 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM. The show also airs at 1 p.m. March 26 and 2 p.m. March 27.
“In our work with clients on a day-to-day basis, we see the need for the integration of Catholic teaching and evidence-based psychological practice,” Laguna said. “Clients are really hungry to learn how to integrate their faith in their healing journey.”
Recent psychological studies show the effectiveness of religious practice in helping clients heal from psychological disorders, Laguna said. As one example, she cited research done on hope, specifically through the realm of positive psychology, and said, “they’ve found that people who are religiously affiliated have more hope.”
In addition to the association’s membership of Catholic psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers and others trained in mental health, another branch includes spiritual directors, Laguna said. The conference will be a fit for any professional looking to understand the integration of mental health practice and spirituality, she said.
The association plans to launch its first professional journal in 2023, she said.
To learn more, visit catholicpsychotherapy.org.
To register for the conference, visit archspm.org/events and search for “Grace Transforms Nature.”
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes interviews with Father Jonathan Kelly, who provides pointers on fraternal connection; and
Allison Spies, archives manager for the archdiocese, and Sister Carolyn Puccio, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet and delegate for consecrated life in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, who discuss contributions religious sisters have made in the archdiocese.
Listen to all of the interviews after they have aired at:
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