Ask A Catholic Therapist Dr. Matthew Breuninger

Should you go out for a glass of wine with the ladies? Take that fishing weekend with the guys? Buy yourself that coffee and bag that you've always wanted? Get a massage? 

The answer is maybe. Self-care is about recognizing that you are a creature made of mind (psychology), body, and spirit. That means that to care for yourself you must attend to each of these areas so that you can function to the best of your ability within your vocation. 

Often we confuse self-care with treating ourself. Self-care doesn't always feel good; isn't always immediately enjoyable or easy. It is, however, what we need. So, maybe I don't need the latte, but actually need to exercise or take time to journal. Or, maybe I need that latte or a massage (because I've been neglecting my body). It depends. The point is, self-care is not just about doing what feels good or is enjoyable, but it's about doing what helps you finely tune the instrument (that's you!) that God is using to bring salt, light, and leaven to the world.

Jesus wants us to us to trust Him, but sometimes trust is hard. Sometimes our own wounds and hurts make it difficult to trust our Lord. As Jesus invites us deeper into trust, he allows our old walls and self-sufficiencies to come crumbling down. This can be so painful, but it's a real mercy because we are being drawn into a deeper trust in Him.

Sr. Faustina, author of the Litany of Humility and Sister of Life, describes how she came to write the Litany and discusses the importance of trusting our Lord.

Purchase Sister Faustina's book here: https://stpaulcenter.com/product/jesus-i-trust-in-you-a-30-day-personal-retreat-with-the-litany-of-trust/

In this episode we interview Dr. Irene Alexander, a moral theologian and relationship coach. Dr. Alexander and I discuss:

 How to deal with the pain caused by a spouse's sexual sin.
 -How to foster intimacy and emotional connection when you've been hurt by your spouses impurity.
 -The different desires men and women have and how failing to communicate openly about these desires can cause problems.

Check out Dr. Alexander's relationship coaching program: https://adoredforlife.com

 We discuss 10 common thought errors (or cognitive distortions) that cause us problems. These errors prevent us from seeing the world accurately and cause us to respond in disproportionate or irrational ways.

In this episode we discuss cognitive-behavioral therapy. We examine what it is, how it works, and why it works.

In this episode, Dr. B discusses how you might determine whether it's time to find a new therapist. I cover evaluating your relationship with the therapist as well as your progress.