Being Human Dr. Gregory Bottaro

In this episode, Dr. Gerry Crete explores parts theory through the fascinating lens of Marvel superheroes, The Lord of the Rings, Scripture, and the saints. A master at leading people into their interior life, Dr. Gerry leads an experiential activity to connect the dots between parts work and inner peace.
Discussed in this episode: 
What parts theory is (parts work, IFS, Internal Family Systems, Ego State Therapy) How parts theory helps deepen our spiritual life Within each human person, there is a multiplicity Marvel’s “Avengers” movie as a portrayal of integration We relate to the characters in the “Avengers” movie because in them we see something of ourselves Parts work through the lens of The Lord of the Rings and the characters of Middle-earth A guided experiential activity to make parts work practical and personal What blending is and how unblending with parts gives access to our deep spiritual center Insights of parts work from the writings of the saints and from Scripture The sad reality that most people loathe themselves and how that limits love for others The goal in therapeutic work is to experience inner harmony (when our parts are unburdened and integrated) Resources mentioned or relevant: 
Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing our Parts by Dr. Gerry Crete Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism CatholicPsych’s annual Summit of Integration Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Sign up for Being Human, 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 us on Instagram: @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!
 
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Welcome to Episode 178 of the Being Human Podcast: The Last 70 Years in Psychology: Personal Reflections with Dr. Paul Vitz
In this episode, Dr. Paul Vitz reflects on the last 70 years of psychology, from psychoanalysis to the emergence of humanistic psychology, interpersonal psychology, family therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapy, forgiveness therapy, positive therapy, and narrative psychotherapy. Dr. Vitz shares valuable insights for the future of psychology and mental health professionals today. 
Discussed in this episode:
The fascinating development of psychology across seven decades Why Dr. Paul Vitz became known in the 1960’s for criticizing humanistic psychology The important contributions and pitfalls of new kinds of psychology as they emerged through the decades The impact of positive psychology after 100 years of negative psychology (psychology of our pathologies)  The three theological premises for the Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person The three vocations of each and every human person  Psychology through the decades as an intelligent search for the truth about the person, and our gratitude to those who have brought psychology to its current state The challenges facing mental health professionals today Encouragement to the “troops on the ground” to do to secular psychology what St. Thomas Aquinas did to secular philosophy Hope and optimism for the future of psychology Resources mentioned or relevant: 
Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Dr. Paul Vitz A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person: Integration with Psychology and Mental Health Practice Learn more about our Certification program: CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism  Sign up for the annual Summit of Integration Need help? Schedule a free consultation with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Sign up for Being Human, 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 us on Instagram: @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!

Welcome to Episode 177 of the Being Human Podcast: The Mystery of the Human Person with Dr. Peter Kreeft
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Peter Kreeft, a convert to Roman Catholicism, and the author of over eighty books on Christian philosophy, theology and apologetics. Together they explore various topics such as psychology, philosophy, modern therapy, and the integration of spirituality. They talk about how modern societal challenges impact our understanding of human identity. Their discussion also addresses the importance of prioritizing truth and reason over feelings, the distinction between the mask people wear and the true person behind the mask, the balance between intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and the need for suffering in one's spiritual journey.
 
Discussed in this episode:
Understanding the concept of personalism and its potential to enhance our understanding of the human self and our relationship with God
Exploring the mystical and indefinable aspects of the human person and reflections on the self as an image of God and the inherent mysteries in defining the self
A discussion on modern societal challenges such as the rise of the experience machine, the increasing power of artificial intelligence, and the struggle to maintain human connection in an age of digital distractions
How the rise of pop psychology and modern therapy techniques have shifted societal values, perceptions of authority and family relationships
Reflections on the importance of acknowledging humanity in various psychological diagnoses
An emphasis on the importance of suffering and how it deepens our understanding of compassion and connection with others
Insights from John Paul II and others on the pursuit of truth and fulfillment, and how this impacts our understanding of the human self
 
Resources mentioned or relevant: 
Know more about Dr. Peter Kreeft and his works
Bad Therapy: Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier
Episode 173 - Unmasking Disintegration: Examining the APA’s Stance on Gender Identity
Episode 174 - Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth About Bad Therapy


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Learn more about our CPMAP Certification!
Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be;
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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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 us on Instagram: @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!

Welcome to Episode 176 of the Being Human Podcast: Human Suffering and Healing: A Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Paul Vitz, Dr. Gerry Crete and Mother Natalia
In this episode, Dr. Greg had a great conversation with Dr. Paul Vitz, his professor from the Institute for Psychological Sciences, Mother Natalia from Christ the Bridegroom Monastery, and Dr. Gerry Crete, the author of Litanies of the Heart. Their discussion highlighted the deep interconnection between psychological and spiritual healing. They also critiqued contemporary psychology and cultural trends, challenging the dangers of individualism while promoting the importance of community and connection. By drawing parallels with Jesus' suffering on the cross, they reflected on the significance of relationships and compassion in navigating life's complexities.
 
Discussed in the episode:
A discussion on the significance of integrating psychology and faith to purify and strengthen one’s understanding of human suffering
Reflections on how suffering can serve as a common denominator that connects us all - how it brings us together, and how it provides us a path to deeper understanding of the human person
Recognizing the beauty of how wounded healers are capable of sharing a unique perspective from their own experiences of suffering and healing, and how through this, they are able to provide genuine support and guidance to others
Understanding the impact and dangers of today’s cultural emphasis on autonomy, and how this often leads people to isolation and anxiety
An exploration on how today’s culture teaches us to avoid the discomfort of “suffering with” others, resorting to quick fixes when it comes to healing and transformation
Insights on how one’s personal relationship with God and relationship with others is essential in the healing process, and how it is through this can one experience true freedom, healing and transformation 
 
Resources mentioned or relevant: 
You’re invited to CatholicPsych’s first-ever live event to celebrate the beauty and power of integration! Sign up for the Summit of Integration here
Learn more about our Certification program (CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism)!
 
Dr. Gerry Crete’s Book, “Litanies of the Heart
Dr. Paul Vitz’s Book, “Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship”
Mother Natalia’s Podcast at “Pints With Aquinas”
Therapy of Spiritual Illnesses by Jean-Claude Larchet
Episode #174: Healing or Harm? (discussion of Abigail Shrier’s book Bad Therapy)
 
Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you;
Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be;
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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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 us on Instagram: @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!
 
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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.
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Welcome to Episode 175 of the Being Human Podcast: Rethinking Formation: Preparing Priests for the Future with Father Sam Kachuba
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg had a conversation with Father Sam Kachuba, a pastor, a podcaster and one of our Partner Mentors at CatholicPsych. They share insights on priesthood formation and the significance of CatholicPsych’s Certification Program’s Capstone Project. They explore the differences between traditional academic programs and hands-on Certification. They also talk about the challenges that priests encounter, and their need for proper support and mentorship to guide them in their personal growth and healing, self-awareness, and emotional readiness. They emphasize the importance of providing priests with comprehensive formation programs that can develop their skills in pastoral ministry, spiritual direction and mental health support.
 
Discussed in the episode:
Father Sam’s witnessing on his personal experiences with CatholicPsych’s Certification Program and how it has impacted his personal growth and various aspects of his pastoral work as a priest
Exploring the gaps and challenges faced by new priests especially in their first assignments, the lack of formation and foundation among priests of today, and the difficulties priests face 
Understanding the importance of proper mentorship, consistent guidance and a solid human formation in the life of seminarians and priests, and how these can have powerful impact on the effectiveness of pastoral and ministry work
Navigating the significant shifts in the Church since 2001 and their impact on seminarians and priests
Insights into the four pillars of seminary formation—human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral—and how they're essential for a well-rounded formation
 
Resources mentioned or relevant: 
Summit of Integration: CatholicPsych’s live event to celebrate the beauty and power of integration! 
Learn more about our Certification Program (CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism)!

Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; 
Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be;
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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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 us on Instagram: @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!

Welcome to Episode 174 of the Being Human Podcast: Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth About Bad Therapy
In this podcast episode, Dr. Greg delves into the controversial book, “Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up” by Abigail Shrier, which critiques modern psychotherapeutic practice, and exposes the dangers and ineffectiveness of current mental health trends. He talks about how mainstream psychology lacks integration of spiritual dimensions, and how this often leads to misguided treatments. He also discussed today's lack of certainty when it comes to mental health diagnoses and how current therapeutic interventions can worsen conditions. 
 
Discussed in the episode:
Understanding how secular psychology often overlooks the spiritual aspect of human life, leading to incomplete diagnoses and treatments
A discussion on the concept of iatrogenesis and how misdiagnosis and incorrect interventions in therapy, and the lack of certainty in mental health practices, can lead to more harm than good
An exploration on the 10 principles of bad therapy discussed by Abigail Shrier in her book, and how these principles highlight the dangers of neglecting the holistic nature of human beings
A critique on the prevailing authority and weight assigned to therapists' judgments and diagnoses, emphasizing the need for greater humility and awareness in mental health practices
A reflection on the fundamental human longing for spiritual fulfillment and its relevance to psychological distress
An emphasis on the unpopular truth that only a holistic approach to therapy, grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person, can provide deeper insights, more effective treatments strategies, leading individuals towards true healing and flourishing
 
Resources mentioned or relevant: 
Bad Therapy: Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier
Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Dr. Paul C. Vitz
You’re invited to CatholicPsych’s first-ever live event to celebrate the beauty and power of integration! Sign up for the Summit of Integration here
Learn more about our Certification program (CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism)!



Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you;
Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be;
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, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, 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 us on Instagram: @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!