Church Scandal: Abuse of Authority

Eight Catholic therapists discuss possible solutions to the church scandals. Although all agree that honesty and communication are important, the level of disclosure and how each individual case is handled must be discerned carefully. The therapists share some well-handled examples where priests leave for treatment of a mental health issue and then return to the church family with a willingness to share his story and healing. They discuss the need for a formal way to encourage human formation on a regular basis.

Eight Catholic therapists discuss the lack of human formation of our bishops and priests today, and other boundary violations that can result. It's critical for bishops and priests to be at an above-average level of mental health to cope with all the disorder in the modern world. Priests, pastors and bishops can easily be overwhelmed with an immense level of responsibilities, and often, they do not have the support and relationships they need to cope effectively. These human needs must be addressed both during the formation process and throughout their vocations.

Eight Catholic therapists share awkward, often humorous, moments they have encountered in their practices for a lighter episode of Fly on the Wall. They discuss how the small Catholic world often leads to uncomfortable encounters between clients, family members, a common parish community, and even other clients. Listen in as they share a few funny memories from their careers.

Eight Catholic therapists invite you to listen to a round-table discussion about how the current church scandal has affected their clients, their practices, and themselves. They discuss a wide range of emotional experiences including anger at the church, guilt of being Catholic and fear for the victims as well as relief for the scandal being out in the open and hope for future healing. They recognize the long road ahead, encouraging one another and others dealing with the repercussions, to work with and support one soul at a time, whether that be a victim, priest, or layperson. Although the scandal has brought to light issues that must be dealt with, it also reinforces the desperate need for better human and spiritual formation and the strengthening of families to repair surrounding societal problems.

Six Catholic therapists invite you to listen to a round-table discussion about what it's like maintaining a good life foundation while helping patients in the Catholic therapy environment.

Six Catholic therapists invite you to listen to a round-table discussion about what it means for a clinician to have healthy boundaries with his or her clients. Learn how client-therapy boundaries are ultimately about creating a safe and healing environment for the client. Listen to a discussion about physical touch, varying client needs, and interactions outside of therapy sessions.

 Have you ever wondered what Catholic psychotherapists talk about outside of their sessions? Every first Friday, beginning on December 6, Souls and Hearts will bring together several seasoned Catholic clinicians in an open, spontaneous, free-ranging and fascinating discussion about psychology and the Faith. Come be a fly on the wall and peek in as Catholic therapists share experiences and opinions, debate one another, and dive deep into important issues where psychology and Catholicism meet.