- Envisions the individual not as a victim but as a person capable of forgiving, loving, and moving on.
- Overcomes hatred and bitterness
- A Psychology that is Unique because it
- Rediscovers the alliance with its philosophical and theological foundations
- Applies the best techniques that science has to offer within a proper understanding of the human person and the human family.
- Understands the nature and destiny of the human person
- Seeks to cultivate virtue as an antidote to disorder and self-absorption
- Sees marriage as a gift worth fighting for and does everything possible to make the marriage healthy and whole
Envisions the individual not as a victim but as a person capable of forgiving, loving, and moving on.
Clients come to therapy with burdens that weigh them down. They seek help because they can no longer continue to survive as they have been with the heaviness that rests upon them. They come with hurts, confusion, and pain. In most cases, they are victims – of disorder, of abuse, of families that didn’t know how to love them. But those that take the step of seeking for help are not only victims, they are survivors! While it is important that they tell their story and mourn the ways in which they have been wronged, healing takes place in the realization that they are not bound by these things. Rather, as people with profound worth and dignity in the eyes of a loving God, they can begin to move beyond what has been done to them and toward a hope for healing.
Society frequently assigns the role of “victim” as the fundamental identity of the person, which not only provides a primarily negative identity for them, but focuses their attention inward, on themselves, in a helpless sort of way. Being a “victim” is also often used as an excuse to lessen the person’s moral responsibility:
“I can do whatever I want; you cannot hold me responsible, because, after all, I am a victim.” While not denying the negative influences and the events that come into play in the person’s life, IPS strives to put these sentiments into a perspective of the whole, that each person is a beautiful mix of peaks and valleys and even these negative experiences do not define who they are. It is rather what they choose to do with them that matters.
A psychology grounded in Catholic teaching can help clients to look outside themselves for a deeper healing. Knowledge of the power of forgiveness to help not only the one who did wrong, but also the one who was wronged, will help the therapist guide clients to methods that will lead to their improvement. Our society needs to be transformed from those who are victims, to those who proudly call themselves survivors.
Clients come to therapy with burdens that weigh them down. They seek help because they can no longer continue to survive as they have been with the heaviness that rests upon them. They come with hurts, confusion, and pain. In most cases, they are victims – of disorder, of abuse, of families that didn’t know how to love them. But those that take the step of seeking for help are not only victims, they are survivors! While it is important that they tell their story and mourn the ways in which they have been wronged, healing takes place in the realization that they are not bound by these things. Rather, as people with profound worth and dignity in the eyes of a loving God, they can begin to move beyond what has been done to them and toward a hope for healing.
Society frequently assigns the role of “victim” as the fundamental identity of the person, which not only provides a primarily negative identity for them, but focuses their attention inward, on themselves, in a helpless sort of way. Being a “victim” is also often used as an excuse to lessen the person’s moral responsibility:
“I can do whatever I want; you cannot hold me responsible, because, after all, I am a victim.” While not denying the negative influences and the events that come into play in the person’s life, IPS strives to put these sentiments into a perspective of the whole, that each person is a beautiful mix of peaks and valleys and even these negative experiences do not define who they are. It is rather what they choose to do with them that matters.
A psychology grounded in Catholic teaching can help clients to look outside themselves for a deeper healing. Knowledge of the power of forgiveness to help not only the one who did wrong, but also the one who was wronged, will help the therapist guide clients to methods that will lead to their improvement. Our society needs to be transformed from those who are victims, to those who proudly call themselves survivors.
Overcomes hatred and bitterness
Some of the greatest causes for division among individuals, among families, and among nations, are hatred and bitterness. Though the causes for these sentiments vary, the outcomes are the same: destruction. In a world where these emotions can dominate, psychology must not enable them or even tolerate them. On the contrary, it must fight against them, and caution against even their subtle manifestations. Many clients come to therapy harboring hatred and bitterness. Often times these feelings become an identity for them and give them a sense of strength and control over their problems. Although their anger is often justified, it is never helpful to continue fostering these feelings. Though they are expressed as hatred and bitterness, these emotions often hide other emotions that are more difficult to deal with; namely, hurt and suffering. In an effort to mask their pain, clients remain trapped within a world of anger. This world, though easier to exist in, does not bring the healing they seek. It is only through genuine forgiveness of persons who have wronged them and an honest acknowledgement of the unjust situations in their lives, that will help them to move beyond the unhappiness that binds them. Letting go of hatred and bitterness is not merely obtained by avoidance or denial of feelings. It involves work and a true conversion of heart. A therapy based on Catholic principles is equipped to help clients with this work. A therapist who recognizes the harm that comes to those who harbor resentment and the healing that comes to those who move beyond their anger, will be able to direct their clients away from harm and toward a healing process that will benefit not only those who hurt them, but clients themselves.
Some of the greatest causes for division among individuals, among families, and among nations, are hatred and bitterness. Though the causes for these sentiments vary, the outcomes are the same: destruction. In a world where these emotions can dominate, psychology must not enable them or even tolerate them. On the contrary, it must fight against them, and caution against even their subtle manifestations. Many clients come to therapy harboring hatred and bitterness. Often times these feelings become an identity for them and give them a sense of strength and control over their problems. Although their anger is often justified, it is never helpful to continue fostering these feelings. Though they are expressed as hatred and bitterness, these emotions often hide other emotions that are more difficult to deal with; namely, hurt and suffering. In an effort to mask their pain, clients remain trapped within a world of anger. This world, though easier to exist in, does not bring the healing they seek. It is only through genuine forgiveness of persons who have wronged them and an honest acknowledgement of the unjust situations in their lives, that will help them to move beyond the unhappiness that binds them. Letting go of hatred and bitterness is not merely obtained by avoidance or denial of feelings. It involves work and a true conversion of heart. A therapy based on Catholic principles is equipped to help clients with this work. A therapist who recognizes the harm that comes to those who harbor resentment and the healing that comes to those who move beyond their anger, will be able to direct their clients away from harm and toward a healing process that will benefit not only those who hurt them, but clients themselves.
A Psychology that is Unique because it strives not simply to alleviate symptoms of psychopathology, but to assist the client in flourishing as an individual, as a spouse, and as a parent.
Although therapy to date has done much to help clients diminish the effects of disorder in their lives, it is important to take a step beyond this accomplishment. Therapists must not only help clients to deal with the results of psychopathology, but should aid them in reaching their full potential. A psychology that aims to do this does not view the client as an “object to be fixed”, rather it recognizes the client as a person with profound value. This “person” then, who sits before the therapist, is viewed with dignity – someone who has great potential within him.
The manifestation of psychopathology in one’s life is like a fever. It is not the reason one feels badly, but an indication that something deeper is taking place. Psychologists need to do more than treat clients’ fevers (disorders). They must be able to peer deeper into their souls so that they may see the roots of their illness, and aid them not only to a “lack of pain”, but towards a healthy flourishing.
Although therapy to date has done much to help clients diminish the effects of disorder in their lives, it is important to take a step beyond this accomplishment. Therapists must not only help clients to deal with the results of psychopathology, but should aid them in reaching their full potential. A psychology that aims to do this does not view the client as an “object to be fixed”, rather it recognizes the client as a person with profound value. This “person” then, who sits before the therapist, is viewed with dignity – someone who has great potential within him.
The manifestation of psychopathology in one’s life is like a fever. It is not the reason one feels badly, but an indication that something deeper is taking place. Psychologists need to do more than treat clients’ fevers (disorders). They must be able to peer deeper into their souls so that they may see the roots of their illness, and aid them not only to a “lack of pain”, but towards a healthy flourishing.
Overcomes hatred and bitterness
Some of the greatest causes for division among individuals, among families, and among nations, are hatred and bitterness. Though the causes for these sentiments vary, the outcomes are the same: destruction. In a world where these emotions can dominate, psychology must not enable them or even tolerate them. On the contrary, it must fight against them, and caution against even their subtle manifestations. Many clients come to therapy harboring hatred and bitterness. Often times these feelings become an identity for them and give them a sense of strength and control over their problems. Although their anger is often justified, it is never helpful to continue fostering these feelings. Though they are expressed as hatred and bitterness, these emotions often hide other emotions that are more difficult to deal with; namely, hurt and suffering. In an effort to mask their pain, clients remain trapped within a world of anger. This world, though easier to exist in, does not bring the healing they seek. It is only through genuine forgiveness of persons who have wronged them and an honest acknowledgement of the unjust situations in their lives, that will help them to move beyond the unhappiness that binds them. Letting go of hatred and bitterness is not merely obtained by avoidance or denial of feelings. It involves work and a true conversion of heart. A therapy based on Catholic principles is equipped to help clients with this work. A therapist who recognizes the harm that comes to those who harbor resentment and the healing that comes to those who move beyond their anger, will be able to direct their clients away from harm and toward a healing process that will benefit not only those who hurt them, but clients themselves.
Some of the greatest causes for division among individuals, among families, and among nations, are hatred and bitterness. Though the causes for these sentiments vary, the outcomes are the same: destruction. In a world where these emotions can dominate, psychology must not enable them or even tolerate them. On the contrary, it must fight against them, and caution against even their subtle manifestations. Many clients come to therapy harboring hatred and bitterness. Often times these feelings become an identity for them and give them a sense of strength and control over their problems. Although their anger is often justified, it is never helpful to continue fostering these feelings. Though they are expressed as hatred and bitterness, these emotions often hide other emotions that are more difficult to deal with; namely, hurt and suffering. In an effort to mask their pain, clients remain trapped within a world of anger. This world, though easier to exist in, does not bring the healing they seek. It is only through genuine forgiveness of persons who have wronged them and an honest acknowledgement of the unjust situations in their lives, that will help them to move beyond the unhappiness that binds them. Letting go of hatred and bitterness is not merely obtained by avoidance or denial of feelings. It involves work and a true conversion of heart. A therapy based on Catholic principles is equipped to help clients with this work. A therapist who recognizes the harm that comes to those who harbor resentment and the healing that comes to those who move beyond their anger, will be able to direct their clients away from harm and toward a healing process that will benefit not only those who hurt them, but clients themselves.
Applies the best techniques that science has to offer within a proper understanding of the human person and the human family.
The Institute for the Psychological Sciences does not exist in order to reinvent the entire discipline of psychology. IPS, however, was created in an effort to enrich the already established and effective methods of psychology with a clear understanding of who the science serves. In order to best help clients, we must first know who they are. The Catholic faith helps us to recognize these critical points and to grasp the foundations upon which the psychology of the person rests.
A chemist would never work with elements until he understood their composition and nature. Just as a lack of knowledge of these things could lead to a dangerous situation, advising clients in critical issues without considering precisely who we are advising, could bring harm. What is needed is an earnest recognition of what it means to be persons, particularly persons with limitations. This insight will allow therapists to help clients discover themselves within a context. When we understand who they are, we can better understand what their needs are for taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle.
The Institute for the Psychological Sciences does not exist in order to reinvent the entire discipline of psychology. IPS, however, was created in an effort to enrich the already established and effective methods of psychology with a clear understanding of who the science serves. In order to best help clients, we must first know who they are. The Catholic faith helps us to recognize these critical points and to grasp the foundations upon which the psychology of the person rests.
A chemist would never work with elements until he understood their composition and nature. Just as a lack of knowledge of these things could lead to a dangerous situation, advising clients in critical issues without considering precisely who we are advising, could bring harm. What is needed is an earnest recognition of what it means to be persons, particularly persons with limitations. This insight will allow therapists to help clients discover themselves within a context. When we understand who they are, we can better understand what their needs are for taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle.
Understands the nature and destiny of the human person
Every therapeutic method has an underlying theory on the nature of the human person, whether it is explicitly stated or not. Beneath the technique there are basic assumptions about who the human person is, his fundamental goodness or evil, his capacities and faculties, or the most important driving force in his life. IPS operates from a Catholic vision of the human person.
The most basic Catholic understanding of human nature can be summarized in three elements. The human person is created in the image and likeness of God, is profoundly affected by original sin, and is given a hope of redemption in Christ. These three points explain the worth and the drama of each human life, and forgetting just one of them can create an imbalanced and a skewed vision of the person.
The fundamental dignity of the person lies in his creation in the image and likeness of God, which means that he is primarily good. It is easy to reduce the person to a mental disorder, or treat him as a problem to be solved. Yet he is primarily a human person, individual and unique, with a plan and meaning for his life that comes from God. When people lose sight of this, they can lose the sense of their identity and direction in life. Thus the therapist reminds him, by actions more than words, of his profound worth amidst everything else that may command his attention.
Original sin left its mark on the human person, and thus there will always be a tendency to fall into ignorance or malice. While this does not override the fundamental goodness of the person, it has realistic consequences which cannot be denied. To deny the ability of the person to be swayed towards evil is to abandon him to danger without warning. The therapist has a realistic view of the temptations and deviations that challenge every human person, so as to more effectively aid the person in circumventing them.
In Christ, there is a hope for all mankind, that we can rise above our present circumstances and live for a greater ideal. There is a hope that we can overcome any obstacles and find happiness and meaning. Christ’s life gives us an understanding of suffering that makes it more tolerable. In his life, clients can find a pathway by which to find peace, happiness, and eternal life. The Catholic therapist recognizes that all people are called to this destiny, to eternal happiness, and that we must do everything to aid them and do nothing to hamper them in following this goal.
Every therapeutic method has an underlying theory on the nature of the human person, whether it is explicitly stated or not. Beneath the technique there are basic assumptions about who the human person is, his fundamental goodness or evil, his capacities and faculties, or the most important driving force in his life. IPS operates from a Catholic vision of the human person.
The most basic Catholic understanding of human nature can be summarized in three elements. The human person is created in the image and likeness of God, is profoundly affected by original sin, and is given a hope of redemption in Christ. These three points explain the worth and the drama of each human life, and forgetting just one of them can create an imbalanced and a skewed vision of the person.
The fundamental dignity of the person lies in his creation in the image and likeness of God, which means that he is primarily good. It is easy to reduce the person to a mental disorder, or treat him as a problem to be solved. Yet he is primarily a human person, individual and unique, with a plan and meaning for his life that comes from God. When people lose sight of this, they can lose the sense of their identity and direction in life. Thus the therapist reminds him, by actions more than words, of his profound worth amidst everything else that may command his attention.
Original sin left its mark on the human person, and thus there will always be a tendency to fall into ignorance or malice. While this does not override the fundamental goodness of the person, it has realistic consequences which cannot be denied. To deny the ability of the person to be swayed towards evil is to abandon him to danger without warning. The therapist has a realistic view of the temptations and deviations that challenge every human person, so as to more effectively aid the person in circumventing them.
In Christ, there is a hope for all mankind, that we can rise above our present circumstances and live for a greater ideal. There is a hope that we can overcome any obstacles and find happiness and meaning. Christ’s life gives us an understanding of suffering that makes it more tolerable. In his life, clients can find a pathway by which to find peace, happiness, and eternal life. The Catholic therapist recognizes that all people are called to this destiny, to eternal happiness, and that we must do everything to aid them and do nothing to hamper them in following this goal.
Seeks to cultivate virtue as an antidote to disorder and self-absorption
The trend of positive psychology has refocused attention on character strengths and virtues as the natural antidote to mental disorder. Just as one fights a shadow by bringing in a light, so does positive psychology attempt to bring in virtues in order to fill certain psychological gaps in a person. It is the nature of virtue to expand and provide interior strength to the person in a way that is not predictable or quantifiable. Yet scientific data affirms the effectiveness of character strengths and virtues in promoting resilience and mental health.
While not endorsing the virtues as an absolute and isolated answer to mental disorder, IPS recognizes the value of these means in partnership with other methods. The Catholic Faith offers a rich tradition in virtue, both in definition and in methods of development. It has much to offer to psychology in helping the individual to flourish in all areas, including that of mental health.
Psychology is naturally oriented towards the interior life of the person, and encourages the practice of introspection. In itself, this practice creates the danger of amplified self-absorption which is ultimately harmful to the person. IPS recognizes the importance of emphasizing selflessness, or generous self-giving, as a real means to grow and attain mental health alongside the therapeutic work of introspection. It also distinguishes between introspection as a dialogue with oneself and interior life as an internal dialogue with God. While one leads to self-absorption, the other leads to fulfillment.
The trend of positive psychology has refocused attention on character strengths and virtues as the natural antidote to mental disorder. Just as one fights a shadow by bringing in a light, so does positive psychology attempt to bring in virtues in order to fill certain psychological gaps in a person. It is the nature of virtue to expand and provide interior strength to the person in a way that is not predictable or quantifiable. Yet scientific data affirms the effectiveness of character strengths and virtues in promoting resilience and mental health.
While not endorsing the virtues as an absolute and isolated answer to mental disorder, IPS recognizes the value of these means in partnership with other methods. The Catholic Faith offers a rich tradition in virtue, both in definition and in methods of development. It has much to offer to psychology in helping the individual to flourish in all areas, including that of mental health.
Psychology is naturally oriented towards the interior life of the person, and encourages the practice of introspection. In itself, this practice creates the danger of amplified self-absorption which is ultimately harmful to the person. IPS recognizes the importance of emphasizing selflessness, or generous self-giving, as a real means to grow and attain mental health alongside the therapeutic work of introspection. It also distinguishes between introspection as a dialogue with oneself and interior life as an internal dialogue with God. While one leads to self-absorption, the other leads to fulfillment.
Sees marriage as a gift worth fighting for and does everything possible to make the marriage healthy and whole
Often in today’s society, marriage is a concept that is being redefined and a gift that is being rejected. A person might go to therapy to “find himself”, and conclude by leaving his spouse. It is not uncommon for a person to self-actualize himself right out of his marriage.
IPS recognizes that marriage is a fundamental part of the individual spouse’s reality, which shapes his being and vocation. Once the person is married, he becomes part of a unique family system of interpersonal relationships. Everything he does and chooses will have a profound effect on others, and must be taken into account with reference to them. He has a responsibility towards them that goes beyond mere obligation, for it defines his own ultimate happiness. If the person married in truth and freedom, then to step outside of this is to leave the truth of what one is. For this reason, even when difficulties arise that make the family situation seem unbearable, the Catholic psychologist remembers the fundamental value of preserving the marriage and working towards the goal of healing the relationship. This applies to individual therapy as well as couples therapy.
There are very few things that people find worth fighting for today. Indifference is more in fashion, and yet there is a desire in people to encounter those values in life which one would live and die for. The Catholic Church gives the beautiful vision of what marriage is meant to be, and offers the practical means to achieve this goal. Psychology offers theories to further understand the drama and conflicts couples may face, and the means to resolve these differences. United in the same goal, Catholic psychology offers the married person a realistic path towards holiness, a journey with another person towards ultimate happiness and flourishing.
Often in today’s society, marriage is a concept that is being redefined and a gift that is being rejected. A person might go to therapy to “find himself”, and conclude by leaving his spouse. It is not uncommon for a person to self-actualize himself right out of his marriage.
IPS recognizes that marriage is a fundamental part of the individual spouse’s reality, which shapes his being and vocation. Once the person is married, he becomes part of a unique family system of interpersonal relationships. Everything he does and chooses will have a profound effect on others, and must be taken into account with reference to them. He has a responsibility towards them that goes beyond mere obligation, for it defines his own ultimate happiness. If the person married in truth and freedom, then to step outside of this is to leave the truth of what one is. For this reason, even when difficulties arise that make the family situation seem unbearable, the Catholic psychologist remembers the fundamental value of preserving the marriage and working towards the goal of healing the relationship. This applies to individual therapy as well as couples therapy.
There are very few things that people find worth fighting for today. Indifference is more in fashion, and yet there is a desire in people to encounter those values in life which one would live and die for. The Catholic Church gives the beautiful vision of what marriage is meant to be, and offers the practical means to achieve this goal. Psychology offers theories to further understand the drama and conflicts couples may face, and the means to resolve these differences. United in the same goal, Catholic psychology offers the married person a realistic path towards holiness, a journey with another person towards ultimate happiness and flourishing.