To Restore all Things in Christ, shapes my outlook on my life's mission
Now entering his second year in the clinical doctoral program, Dane Weber talks about what influenced him to study psychology, what insights he’s gained through his course of studies at IPS, and what he hopes to accomplish upon completing his doctorate.
Dane, what were some of the early influences that shaped your decision to study psychology?
I’ve always wanted to change the world. Some of my younger plans involved video-taping Santa Claus or building an under-sea empire. As a teenager, I set up a website entitled “Truth.” I thought that with one, well-documented and rigorous forum for discussion, I could get everyone to agree on what was really true (I was just a little naive).
My desire to change the world only grew stronger while studying philosophy at Christendom College. I am proud of my alma mater’s motto, taken from Pope Saint Pius X: Instaurare Omnia in Christo. That motto, to restore all things in Christ, now shapes my outlook on my life’s mission. I am studying at IPS in order to restore in Christ both individuals in need and the field of psychology as a whole.
My parents raised me as a Roman Catholic, and took the task of teaching me the faith as a personal responsibility. Matters of theology, philosophy, and politics were not reserved to CCD or text-books, but were frequently discussed at meal times. Understanding and defending the faith was particularly important to me because my non-Catholic friends and relatives would question me about my religion.
Catholicism is central to my world-view and my identity. IPS, where the Catholic faith informs the study of and training in psychology, is a terrific fit for me. I am extremely happy to be able to integrate everything I know and love from the beginning of carrying out this calling.
The practice of clinical psychology really is a calling. Attending IPS has involved its share of suffering and sacrifices, and I have been guaranteed further sacrifices throughout my future career. The good I hope to do, and have already seen accomplished, makes it all worthwhile. I have been amazed to discover the extent and the depth of the suffering all around me. Simply mentioning that I am studying psychology elicits confessions of need and requests for help for others. I have a sincere desire to help them, and it pains me to see their distress. Attaining virtue and growing close to God is what our lives are really about, and disorders and distress can stand in the way.
I do not wish only to alleviate immediate distress, however. I still want to change the world. The light of the Catholic faith can illuminate psychology. At IPS, we are engaged in shining that light, and working to understand how psychology looks when integrated with Catholic truths.
What are your plans after graduating from the doctoral program at IPS?
Long after I have graduated from IPS, I intend to carry on the work by studying, writing, and teaching. I also hope to use my expertise and authority as a psychologist to combat what Pope John Paul II called “structures of sin.” I want not only to repair damage that has been done, but to work to restore in Christ the situations and social structures that lead to the damage.
Dane, thank you for sharing your story with us.