Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete

Elijah Institute
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health

What if trauma isn't the end of the story — but the doorway to deeper healing? Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is an Elijah Institute podcast exploring transformation after trauma through the integration of evidence-based psychotherapy and a living relationship with God. Going beyond symptom management, each episode asks a deeper question: What does it mean to heal as a whole person — mind, body, and soul? Hosted by Dr. Gerry Crete, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical counselor, trauma specialist, and author, the podcast weaves together trauma-informed psychotherapy with the ancient wisdom and practices of the Christian tradition. Each episode examines how trauma impacts attachment, identity, relationships, and our capacity for trust — especially our trust in God — and how restoring these foundations becomes the ground for genuine post-traumatic growth. Created for therapists, counselors, psychologists, chaplains, clergy, pastoral and school counselors, and other helping professionals, the podcast also welcomes anyone drawn to the intersection of trauma, faith, and meaning. Rooted in a Christian understanding of the human person — where each life holds inherent dignity, relational depth, and the capacity for healing — the content is offered with compassion and clarity that invites listeners from any background into thoughtful reflection and integration. This is a podcast for those who believe trauma does not have the final word — and that deep healing takes root in relationship: with ourselves, with others, and with God. Brought to you by the Elijah Institute. If you're a therapist, counselor, chaplain, or pastoral leader looking to deepen your practice, explore our online continuing education in whole-person, spiritually integrated care at Elijah-Institute.org.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Integrating Faith and Mental Health in Parish Care (with Dr. Dorothy Goulart)

    Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete.Ep, 9 with Dr. Dorothy GoulartIntegrating Faith and Mental Health in Parish CareThis episode focuses on the practical gap between a parish noticing someone is struggling and actually knowing where to send them for help. Dr. Gerry Crete talks with Dr. Dorothy Goulart about the Elijah Institute’s certification program, the role of Catholic faith in clinical work, and the new Accompanied Network being piloted to connect parishes with mental health and support resources.We discuss why trust, competence, and ethical integration matter when faith and therapy meet, and how a parish can become a real point of coordination instead of just a place where people are prayed for and left without next steps. Key topicsDr. Dorothy Goulart’s background as a licensed independent clinical social worker who also teaches graduate social work studentsThe Elijah Institute certification program and how it helps clinicians integrate Catholic faith and mental health practice ethicallyThe Accompanied Network as a parish-based referral and care coordination modelWhy trust and vetting matter when parishes refer people to therapists, psychiatrists, and other support servicesThe challenge of finding specific providers, especially Catholic clinicians with particular demographic or specialty needsMoral injury and moral questions in trauma work, especially in military and combat settingsWhy spiritual competence can improve care even for non-Catholic clinicians working with Catholic clientsThe importance of meeting clients where they are and letting their faith tradition inform the clinical conversationparish care, mental health, faith integration, Catholic counseling, referral network, moral injury spiritual assessment, clinical competence, trust, pastoral care Elijah Institute  Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is presented by the Elijah Institute.  Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.

  2. Jul 28

    Healing After Trauma: Building Long-term Support Systems in Catholic Communities

    Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete Episode 8 with Rebecca Brubaker, founder of the Elijah Institute.  Healing After Trauma: Building Long-term Support Systems in Catholic Communities In this episode, Dr. Gerry Crete and Elijah Institute founder Rebecca Brubaker discuss the long-term support needed after traumatic events, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and community care. Rebecca shares her firsthand experience responding to the 2025 church shooting in Minneapolis and explores how faith-based mental health initiatives can foster healing and resilience.   The emotional journey of grief and trauma over timeThe role of the church and community in crisis response and ongoing careThe setting up of the Elijah Institute to train clinicians in spiritually integrated psychotherapyPractical resources activated after the 2025 Minneapolis church shootingThe significance of faith, moral, and spiritual dimensions in mental health treatmentEvidence supporting the effectiveness of faith-integrated mental health careDeveloping programs for youth mental health in Catholic schoolsThe importance of accessible care pathways for families in crisis Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Response to the Minneapolis church shooting 02:28 - The Elijah Institute’s mission to train clinicians in faith-based psychotherapy 04:03 - The importance of spiritual support in trauma recovery 05:01 - Practical support organizations involved in crisis intervention 06:20 - Building a care network grounded in Catholic faith 07:16 - Trauma and healing in families with adopted or special needs children 08:23 - The need for longer-term, continuous support systems 10:02 - The growing need for high-quality, spiritually integrated therapists 11:20 - Personal stories of trauma and faith's role in healing 12:31 - Challenges in finding Catholic mental health care 13:00 - The formation of Elijah Institute to fill this gap 14:22 - The potential for global impact beyond Catholic communities 15:10 - Developing effective training programs for clinicians 16:10 - Addressing mental health needs in the Catholic population 17:08 - Evidence that faith-based therapy enhances healing 18:20 - Integrating different dimensions of faith in therapy 19:12 - The universality of spiritual needs across faith backgrounds 20:32 - Research on flourishing and the role of religion in well-being 21:37 - Promoting wellness and active engagement in faith communities 23:32 - Moving beyond trauma healing toward living abundantly 24:16 - The importance of meaning, purpose, and community support 26:50 - The Elijah Institute's programs for clinicians and faith leaders 27:06 - Opportunities for training and credentialing in spiritually integrated psychotherapy 29:23 - The call for clinicians to serve Catholic families 36:44 - Reflection on biblical foundations of community care 37:04 - The vision for a more supported and loving church community 37:32 - Final encouragement for clinicians and families to seek integrated healing 38:21 - Closing thoughts: supporting families and seeking help when neededResources & Links: Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.   Elijah Institute

  3. Jul 14

    The Examen (part 2 with Dr. Thomas Plante)

    In part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Thomas Plante, we continue to explore the Examen, a five-step daily prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Examen invites us to reflect on the day with God by noticing gratitude, reviewing our thoughts and emotions, acknowledging where healing or forgiveness is needed, and choosing one small step toward greater love and purpose. This simple 15-minute practice can help deepen spiritual connection while also supporting emotional awareness, hope, meaning, and mental health. Featured Resources The Elijah Institute offers a downloadable Examen card along with two research papers exploring the psychological benefits of Examen-based practices: “A Clinical Trial of the Examen and Mindfulness Within a Secular Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program” Christopher M. Buenrostro and Thomas G. Plante, Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 2024.“A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Psychological Benefits of a Daily Examen-Based Practice” Thomas G. Plante, David B. Feldman, Jacqueline Ge, and Anthony Cortese, Journal of Religion and Health, 2025.Download the Examen card and research papers here: https://elijah-institute.org/white-papers-and-research Elijah Institute  Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is presented by the Elijah Institute.  Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.   examen, Jesuit spirituality, mindfulness, trauma healing, spiritual practices, mental health, research, therapy, religious integration, post traumatic growth key  topics The examen prayer and its elements Research findings on the examen's effectiveness Adaptations for diverse populations Comparison with mindfulness and secular practices The role of imagery and visualization in healing Christian distinctives in spiritual practices Music and other sensory elements in spirituality Implications for trauma and addiction treatment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Examine and Its Impact 02:04 The Role of Gratitude in Therapy 09:03 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth 12:01 Acceptance and Suffering in Healing 18:07 The Influence of Saints and Spiritual Models 22:47 Personal Journey and Embracing Faith 31:32 Integrating Faith and Evidence in Therapy

  4. Jun 30

    The Examen: A 5-Step Daily Prayer for Peace, Clarity, and Connection

    In Episode 7 of Post-Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Thomas Plante introduces the Examen, a five-step daily prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Examen invites us to reflect on the day with God by noticing gratitude, reviewing our thoughts and emotions, acknowledging where healing or forgiveness is needed, and choosing one small step toward greater love and purpose. This simple 15-minute practice can help deepen spiritual connection while also supporting emotional awareness, hope, meaning, and mental health. Featured Resources The Elijah Institute offers a downloadable Examen card along with two research papers exploring the psychological benefits of Examen-based practices: “A Clinical Trial of the Examen and Mindfulness Within a Secular Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program” Christopher M. Buenrostro and Thomas G. Plante, Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 2024.“A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Psychological Benefits of a Daily Examen-Based Practice” Thomas G. Plante, David B. Feldman, Jacqueline Ge, and Anthony Cortese, Journal of Religion and Health, 2025.Download the Examen card and research papers here: https://elijah-institute.org/white-papers-and-research Elijah Institute  Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is presented by the Elijah Institute.  Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.   examen, Jesuit spirituality, mindfulness, trauma healing, spiritual practices, mental health, research, therapy, religious integration, post traumatic growth key  topics The examen prayer and its elements Research findings on the examen's effectiveness Adaptations for diverse populations Comparison with mindfulness and secular practices The role of imagery and visualization in healing Christian distinctives in spiritual practices Music and other sensory elements in spirituality Implications for trauma and addiction treatment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Post Traumatic Growth 01:36 Exploring the Examen: A 500-Year-Old Prayer 05:18 The Five Steps of the Examen Prayer 10:21 Research Findings on the Examen vs. Mindfulness 12:21 Imagining Tomorrow: Visualization in Recovery 16:18 The Power of Experiential Prayer 22:16 Christianity's Unique Approach to Suffering 25:52 Researching Sacred vs. Secular Music 30:02 Integrating Music and Spirituality in Therapy 34:24 Conclusion and Next Steps in Therapy

  5. Jun 16

    From Addiction to Freedom: The Power of Faith and 12 Steps with Scott Weeman

    This episode explores the intersection of faith, recovery, and mental health through the inspiring story of Scott Weemann, founder of Catholics in Recovery. Discover how the 12 Steps and the Sacraments can work together as pathways to healing and spiritual growth. Recovery, Faith, 12 Steps, Sacraments, Addiction, Catholic Church, Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Growth, Spirituality, Healing Key Topics The intersection of faith and recovery The role of 12 Steps and Sacraments in healing Trauma and addiction connection The importance of community and acceptance Practical steps for spiritual growth and reconciliation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Addiction and Recovery 01:04 The Role of Faith in Recovery 08:22 Understanding Trauma and Addiction 19:20 The Importance of Community and Acceptance 24:30 Post-Traumatic Growth and Recovery 30:35 Integrating Mental Health and 12-Step Programs 40:56 Transformative Power of Recovery 44:50 Final Thoughts and Resources Resources Catholics in Recovery - https://catholicinrecovery.com The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments (Book) - https://www.avemariapress.com/products/the-twelve-steps-and-the-sacraments Scott Weemann's Book - https://www.avemariapress.com/products/catholic-in-recovery-workbook

  6. Jun 2

    A Father, a Daughter, and the Cost of Chronic Illness

    In this episode of Post-Traumatic Growth, Dr. Gerry Crete sits down with theologian and counseling student Dr. Donald Wallenfang and his daughter Ellen. Ellen, now a 25-year-old singer-songwriter, shares her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 15, her years-long struggle with diabulimia, and the road through residential treatment to healing.  Main Topics: Ellen's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the shame and identity disruption it producedDiabulimia: how insulin manipulation became a form of disordered eatingThe moment Ellen chose to seek treatment—and what made that possibleHow chronic illness strained the father-daughter relationship and what family therapy revealedIntegrating faith and professional mental health care without collapsing one into the other Chapters: 00:00: Welcome and Introduction02:26: Ellen's Story: Diagnosis and Identity08:46: Diabulimia and Insulin Manipulation11:10: Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help15:40: Faith as an Undercurrent of Peace17:56: Advice for Young People Struggling19:27: What Treatment Actually Looked Like26:05: A Father's Perspective30:48: Resentment, Resistance, and Family Therapy44:34: What Therapists and Parents Should Know Resources Mentioned: The Elijah Institute: https://elijah-institute.org/988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/National Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/ Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios: https://saintkolbestudios.com/

  7. May 19

    The Theology of Listening with Dr. Donald Wallenfang

    In this episode of Post-Traumatic Growth, Dr. Gerry Crete sits down with Dr. Donald Wallenfang—Secular Carmelite, theologian, professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and father of six—to explore what the Church owes young people in a post-pandemic world. Drawing on the political theology of Johann Baptist Metz and the Carmelite contemplative tradition, Dr. Wallenfang makes the case that narrative, memory, and solidarity are the foundations of genuine accompaniment. Main Topics: The post-pandemic mental health crisis among youth and why advice alone is not enoughDr. Wallenfang's journey from youth ministry to theology to clinical psychologyJohann Baptist Metz's political theology and the concept of "dangerous memories"How narrative and storytelling connect young people's suffering to Christ's passionCarmelite contemplative spirituality as a foundation for pastoral and clinical presence Chapters: 00:00: Welcome and Introduction02:11: Adoption, Vocation, and the Path to Theology05:27: Youth Ministry and Pastoral Accompaniment09:19: Encountering Youth Trauma in Suburbia16:26: Trauma, Empathy, and the Limits of the Minister19:39: Safety Before Vulnerability21:03: Johann Baptist Metz and Dangerous Memories24:16: Narrative, Memory, and Dangerous Stories31:07: Carmelite Contemplation and Full Presence36:25: Advice for Parish Leaders and Youth Ministers Resources Mentioned: The Elijah Institute: https://elijah-institute.org/Roots: Catholic Youth Evangelization in a Post-Pandemic World: https://www.amazon.com/Roots-Catholic-Evangelization-Post-Pandemic-Perspectives/dp/1666732184The Mendicant Philosopher: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMendicantPhilosopherCatholic Therapists: https://catholictherapists.com/ Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios: https://saintkolbestudios.com/

  8. May 5

    Finding Christ in Chronic Illness w/ Cameron Fradd

    In this episode of Post-Traumatic Growth, Dr. Gerry Crete sits down with Cameron Fradd—host of Among the Lilies podcast and wife of Matt Fradd—to discuss her eight-year journey with chronic illness and the unexpected spiritual and emotional growth it has produced. Cameron shares how suffering has deepened her prayer life, shaped her children's empathy, and drawn her closer to Christ rather than further away. Main Topics: Cameron's journey with chronic illness and how it reshaped her sense of identityThe invisible nature of chronic illness and the experience of feeling unseenHow suffering deepened rather than damaged her relationship with GodThe impact of chronic illness on marriage and motherhoodIntegrating faith and healing without using spirituality to bypass pain Chapters: 00:01: Welcome and Introduction00:30: Cameron's Health Journey and Chronic Illness02:04: Accepting a New Normal04:04: Discovering the Mind-Body Connection06:10: A Profound Encounter10:56: The Invisible Suffering of Chronic Illness12:42: Speaking at SEEK Through the Pain16:58: How Suffering Deepened Cameron's Prayer Life20:36: The Impact on Marriage and Motherhood26:57: Growing in Empathy as a Family28:24: Redemptive Suffering and Human Flourishing38:49: What Therapists Should Know Resources Mentioned: Hallow App: https://hallow.com/Among the Lilies podcast with Cameron Fradd: https://www.cameronfradd.com/Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry Crete: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/litanies-of-the-heart/The Elijah Institute: https://elijah-institute.org/ Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios: https://saintkolbestudios.com/

  9. Apr 21

    God Doesn't Hate Me After All w/ Greg Willits

    In this episode of Post-Traumatic Growth, Dr. Gerry Crete sits down with Greg Willits—author, Catholic media pioneer, and co-founder of Rosary Army—to discuss his journey through complex trauma, PTSD, and the healing he's found through therapy, the sacraments, and the writings of St. Louis de Montfort. Greg shares his story with remarkable vulnerability, tracing how his deepest wounds became the foundation for his most meaningful work. Main Topics: Greg's experience of complex trauma, PTSD diagnosis, and the road to healingHow sharing your story publicly reduces its power over youThe role of the Sacrament of Reconciliation alongside professional therapySt. Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom and its connection to trauma healingFinding meaning and identity beyond earning your value Chapters: 00:04: Welcome and Introduction02:02: Greg's History in Catholic Media03:23: The 2017 Workplace Crisis and PTSD Diagnosis09:41: Writing God Doesn't Hate Me After All17:50: Learning to Forgive Yourself20:10: The Confession That Changed Everything24:39: St. Louis de Montfort and Trauma Healing28:17: Praying Across Time for Your Wounded Self34:20: Narrative Therapy and the Hero's Journey48:37: The Importance of Catholic-Integrated Therapy53:55: Finding Meaning Beyond Earning Your Value Resources Mentioned: God Doesn't Hate Me After All by Greg Willits: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all/Rosary Army: https://rosaryarmy.com/The Love of Eternal Wisdom by St. Louis de Montfort: https://catholicbookpublishing.com/products/the-love-of-eternal-wisdom-redThe Elijah Institute: https://elijah-institute.org/ Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios: https://saintkolbestudios.com/

  10. Apr 7

    What If Your Wound Is the Way Forward?

    In this inaugural episode of Post-Traumatic Growth, Dr. Gerry Crete—licensed marriage and family therapist and trauma specialist—introduces the podcast and its mission: to walk alongside those who have experienced trauma and discover what it means to grow through it. Dr. Crete shares his own story as a survivor of childhood abuse and unpacks the Christian vision of suffering as a source of meaning, resilience, and transformation. If you've experienced something that shattered your sense of safety, your faith, or your understanding of yourself—this podcast was made for you. Too often, conversations about trauma stop at survival. We're told to cope, to manage, to just get through. But what if there's something beyond getting through? What if the very wounds that brought you to your knees hold the seeds of a deeper, more grounded life than you had before? That's the question at the heart of Post-Traumatic Growth. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and his own journey from crisis to flourishing, Dr. Crete introduces the Arc of Healing—a framework that maps the path from Crisis through Languishing, Surviving, and Thriving toward Flourishing. He also introduces the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual-Moral model, a whole-person approach to healing that honors the complexity of what it means to be human: body, mind, relationships, soul, and conscience. This isn't a podcast that spiritualizes away your pain or reduces your suffering to a clinical diagnosis. It's a space where evidence-based psychotherapy and the rich tradition of Christian wisdom meet—where the science of trauma and the mystery of redemption are allowed to speak to each other honestly. Whether you're a clinician looking for a deeper framework for your practice, a pastoral leader walking with people in pain, or someone in the middle of your own healing journey, Dr. Crete invites you to begin here. Not with answers, but with the one question that changes everything: What if growth doesn't happen in spite of your suffering—but through it?

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What if trauma isn't the end of the story — but the doorway to deeper healing? Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is an Elijah Institute podcast exploring transformation after trauma through the integration of evidence-based psychotherapy and a living relationship with God. Going beyond symptom management, each episode asks a deeper question: What does it mean to heal as a whole person — mind, body, and soul? Hosted by Dr. Gerry Crete, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical counselor, trauma specialist, and author, the podcast weaves together trauma-informed psychotherapy with the ancient wisdom and practices of the Christian tradition. Each episode examines how trauma impacts attachment, identity, relationships, and our capacity for trust — especially our trust in God — and how restoring these foundations becomes the ground for genuine post-traumatic growth. Created for therapists, counselors, psychologists, chaplains, clergy, pastoral and school counselors, and other helping professionals, the podcast also welcomes anyone drawn to the intersection of trauma, faith, and meaning. Rooted in a Christian understanding of the human person — where each life holds inherent dignity, relational depth, and the capacity for healing — the content is offered with compassion and clarity that invites listeners from any background into thoughtful reflection and integration. This is a podcast for those who believe trauma does not have the final word — and that deep healing takes root in relationship: with ourselves, with others, and with God. Brought to you by the Elijah Institute. If you're a therapist, counselor, chaplain, or pastoral leader looking to deepen your practice, explore our online continuing education in whole-person, spiritually integrated care at Elijah-Institute.org.

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