Parenting with A Catholic View of the Child

By Dr. Natalie Brei, Ph.D.

The Catholic view of the human person is that there are several distinct qualities, given by our Creator, that really set us apart and make us ‘who we are’ as humans. This is detailed in a document and related text called ‘A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person’ (Vitz, Nordling, & Titus, 2020). It is a beautiful way of viewing a person, and I would like to show how we can look through this lens to get a sense of how God views a child, which can then help us out a lot as parents or adults who are in charge of caring for children/teens. Mainly, this way of appreciating the person is by first recognizing that Man is created, fallen, and redeemed – we may be familiar with this teaching. We are made for communion with God, but by our own free will fall into sin and separation. However, Jesus was sent to rescue us from the eternal consequences of sin. Through the sacraments we are reconciled again and again. The same cycle applies to children and the separation and restoration of relationships within the family.

So, ‘Created-Fallen-Redeemed’ can be viewed in terms of parenting children. First, children are created by God: created with dignity from the first moments, made to flourish, often baptized as an infant and then infused with gifts that will grow and flourish as well when nurtured, and made to enter into the community of the family. But they fall into disobedience. Like Adam and Eve, they doubt their parents’ goodness and their rules. There is rebellion and separation. BUT, children are redeemed within the family through loving correction of behavior as parents work to teach virtues (faith, hope, love, patience, self-control, etc). This includes discipline and positive and negative consequences. That is this small-scale cycle of recreation, falling into sin, and being redeemed.

There are some additional qualities within this model of the human person that we can apply to children to help them flourish, as part of the Catholic family’s quest to “build the domestic church: these are the calls to Personal Unity and Vocation. Each person is made for Personal Unity: From an early age, children can start to learn the connection between body/soul and wholeness. Parents can strive to spend one-on-one time with children, making space for child-focused activities that help a child discover his or her special gifts and how each part of him or herself integrates into a whole, unique person. Additionally, a child is Fulfilled through Vocation. Parents and those in similar roles can demonstrate to children that they have a purpose in their world, that they are called to work + service, modeled and taught by caregivers. Parents can allow for exploration of many interests and protect quiet time for children to think, to reflect on: What do I like to do? Why?

The next set of qualities through this Catholic view of the child involve their Virtue and their Interpersonal Nature. First, children are Fulfilled in Virtue . It takes a lot of time, effort, and patience on the part of parents to help children develop good habits. Growing in virtue takes structure and discipline (think of ‘discipline’ as ‘forming disciples’). Parents and other role models can use their attention – which is like gold to children – to emphasize the importance of Christian values like mercy, love of neighbor/enemy, and forgiveness. Through attention (think genuine praise and affirmation!), adults can show children exactly what will lead to happiness and fulfillment. On top of that, children are Interpersonal. How often do adults belittle children or make their needs feel silly or annoying? Children must be acknowledged as receptive and relational, which in practical terms means that adults can start to practice taking a child’s thoughts and feelings seriously, no matter how trivial. Their thoughts and feelings deserve more consideration than we often give.

Children think and feel differently than adults, so we have to understand their cognitive and perceptive qualities as well when trying to parent through a Catholic lens. All children have this Sensory-Perceptual-Cognitive quality: they sense, feel, and think about their world, of course, but their perception will depend on their developmental level. We must allow space for where they are, not expecting them to be at a place they are incapable of reaching yet! At younger ages, they have the most capacity to learn from direct cause-and-effect, practice and more practice, and gentle correction. Younger children are concrete thinkers, so the strategies that change our adult behavior do not work for them! This might involve some extra one-on-one time when the adult just strives to be quiet and see how the child thinks and feels.

Sometimes we set very high expectations without thinking of the cognitive level of a child – their naturally shorter attention span, or their need for fun and play in their learning. I say these things are reasons for behavior, not excuses for behavior. It doesn’t mean we cannot follow through with discipline, but instead that we should strive (however imperfectly) to take an attitude of love and teaching FIRST.

Next, remember that children are Emotional. They fly into tantrums, and then they snap back to equilibrium like nothing happened. They can grow in self-understanding with an adult’s patient understanding. A child’s emotions are inherently good and from God, but children need help learning regulation. If a child isn’t showing an emotion regulation skills, this is because they haven’t yet learned those skills yet. We can note that the behavior was poor but the child is not bad – they were created for good.

In addition, children do have the capacity to reason and to choose, to use their free will. Children are Rational, but remember to respect their stage of cognitive development. It is not advisable to ‘talk through’ a poor behavior in the moment, but parents can certainly take advantage of calm, peaceful opportunities to help their children grow in rationality. Parents can incorporate questions like “What Would Jesus Do” and teachings of  “love your neighbor” in daily life. They can overtly label instances of forgiveness, following the saints’ examples, or humble service.

Finally, children are Volitional and Free. They have free will too, and they exert it! Their autonomy can be acknowledged and respected when appropriate. Children can be given choices and responsibility – and consequences! Parenting like God means striving for both justice AND mercy. We can teach forgiveness alongside reasonable consequences – for example, making up for wrong actions. Adults can emphasize that they are truly rooting for their child’s goodness to come through. Saying things like “I WANT you to be able to… (play/go to friend’s house, etc.) but you chose to do XXX” are better than “Well, now you can’t go because you broke a rule.”

 The main takeaway here is that taking some time to understand how God created us as human persons can help us respect and nurture these gifts present in children as well. Emphasizing the relationship with a child first, with expectations for behavior and learning second, can help adults to simplify rules and prioritize love and delight in a child’s inherently good qualities.

Uncovering the Hidden Work of Catholic Psychologists in the U.S.

By Tim White, PLMHP, M.Psy.

Before I began studying psychology, I knew very little about the hidden work of Catholic psychologists. Perhaps out of a sense of humility or maybe due to a tendency of psychologists to be somewhat private, many of us may only have contact with this mysterious world through our own therapy or an occasional book. It may come as a surprise to discover the hidden and saintly work that this conscientious group of people is up to. Universities are being established, books are being written, distinctly Catholic interventions are being developed, associations are being formed, and clinical sites are buzzing like a hive of honey bees at work. The Holy Spirit is moving potently in the world of Catholic psychology and I believe that the fruits of this movement will become more and more evident in the coming years. God is unleashing a new recapitulation of the Gospel in our times through this unlikely field of study. Something good is about to happen!

Divine Mercy University

Psychology is considered one of the three “wisdom traditions” in the Church. The other two are philosophy and theology. If philosophy is the “handmaiden of theology” then psychology is the “handmaiden of philosophy.” In no other place is this relationship more evident than at Divine Mercy University (DMU). Established in 1997, this graduate program for psychology, counseling, and spiritual direction strives to integrate all three wisdom traditions. If you are considering a graduate degree in one of these areas and want to make your faith part of your work, DMU is great for this. The graduates who are coming out of this program are exceptional practitioners. Seek them out for therapy, assessment, or speaking engagements because they will deliver. DMU offers a viable alternative to overly secular psychology programs, but maintains the difficult standard of being a true place of the dialogue of ideas. In addition to its training programs, DMU boasts a psychological trauma center and robust research department. DMU has recently established research partnerships with McLean (of Harvard University) and several other universities around the world including the University of Navarra in Spain. So far, DMU’s greatest contribution has probably been the publication of a book called “The Catholic Christian Metamodel of the Human Person.”

The Catholic Christian Metamodel of the Human Person

“The Catholic Christian Metamodel of the Human Person” (CCMMP) by Vitz, Titus, and Nordling (2020) attempts to integrate a psychological, philosophical, and theological anthropology into one sweeping volume. This book was years in the making and took an army of geniuses. If you want one book to sum up a Catholic understanding of what it means to be human, read this. It is advanced but readable. The CCMMP articulates what it means to be a human person through eleven “premises” or qualities. The CCMMP states that a person is: 1) created, 2) fallen, 3) redeemed, 4) a body-soul unity (a whole), 5) fulfilled through vocations, 6) fulfilled in virtue, 7) interpersonally relational, 8) sensory-perceptual-cognitive, 9) emotional, 10) rational, and 11) volitional and free. One big take away in my reading of the CCMMP is the idea of the person as a “resonating laminate.” A what?! A resonating laminate. The idea that we have various layers (laminate) that must harmonize (resonate) for us to be the best version of ourselves. For example, our emotions, thoughts, and actions must align internally, and then they must align with those of our spouse, in order to have a flourishing marriage. Personally, it’s going to take me years to unpack the implications of this book. Most Catholic psychologists I know are still trying to unpack it all. A lot of work needs to be done to translate the CCMMP into helpful and distinctly Catholic therapeutic interventions.

Distinctly Catholic Interventions

Some Catholic psychologists are leading the way when it comes to helpful and distinctly Catholic therapeutic interventions. These are people who seem to embody the theoretical integration in the CCMMP. Dr. Conrad Baars and Dr. Anna Terruwe stand out in my mind first. Baars was a concentration camp survivor-turned psychotherapist. He and Dr. Terruwe co-developed a therapy method based on St. Thomas Aquinas. One of their main theses was that many people go emotionally unaffirmed by others and that healing can come from “healing and feeling your emotions.” 

One rising star is Dr. Greg Bottaro, who developed “Catholic Mindfulness.” Dr. Bottaro has a thriving practice with multiple locations, a podcast, and a million other projects going on. His attempt to integrate the Catholic faith and the eastern practice of mindfulness is a brilliant answer to a modern movement.

Dr. Bob Schuchts has come to my attention recently as a powerful presence integrating charismatic healing ministry with counseling. He has published a number of deeply personal books that have been impactful to many. He leads healing retreats around the country that several people I know have greatly benefited from.

I am a little biased, but I have to mention two psychologists who are quietly rocking it: Dr. Peter Martin and Dr. Peter Malinoski. These two Peters are among many Catholics who are developing a faith integrated approach to Internal Family Systems. Internal Family Systems is a secular approach to therapy that sees the internal world as a system of attachment, conflict, and a sort of interpersonal network. Dr. Malinoski’s podcast and “Interior Therapist Community” are wonderful ways to learn about this unique approach to healing. Dr. Martin has taken another step by developing “Internal Evangelization Therapy” in which spiritual figures enter the internal community of the person and heal our wounded parts. It’s hard to describe the work these two are currently doing because it is so groundbreaking and creative. I would encourage anyone to look into it more and keep an open mind as you do so.

Dr. Andrew Sodergren is another humble powerhouse. A university professor turned clinical practitioner, part of Dr. Sodergren’s work focuses on a Catholic approach to transgenderism and sexuality and other hot topics. I recently heard him deliver a keynote lecture at the Catholic Psychotherapy Association conference in San Diego. Drawing from mainstream empirical research, he gave one of the best explanations of a devoted Catholic understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues I have ever heard–and I’ve heard a lot of good explanations. I did not think it was possible to maintain the balance between compassion and Church teaching while using mainstream scientific research, but he did it. I hope he publishes a book soon, because I think it would be groundbreaking.

Catholic Psychotherapy Association

Speaking of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA), this quiet organization is where all the Catholic therapists like to get together and share ideas to improve things. This national (international?) organization was co-founded by a psychologist in Lincoln, NE: Dr. Kathy Benes, among others. Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center was also founded by Dr. Benes and our clinic has continued to maintain a close relationship to the CPA. Dr. Peter Martin served on the CPA Board from 2013 to 2016. 

Just last year the CPA launched a scientific journal called “Integratus,” meaning “Integration” in Latin. It might not make sense why this journal is a big deal, but I cannot stress enough how big this is. Integratus finally gives Catholic psychology researchers an international voice in the scientific community. We are off the metaphorical scientific bench and back on the court!

As I write this article, I just returned last night from the Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference in San Diego. I have attended the American Psychological Association’s conference before, but I can assure you that the energy level at the CPA conference is way higher than the APA’s. Imagine Catholic clinicians from around the country (and the world to some degree) all networking and exchanging ideas in a power packed two day conference. This year’s topic was on the Catholic response to gender ideology and boy were there some interesting conversations! Each day begins with the Rosary and Mass and then it is off to the races with topics on the feminine genius, Reintegration Therapy, healing from pornography addiction, seminary formation, or a whole host of other topics. I was delighted to attend with my coworkers here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center

I would be remiss if I did not expose the hidden work of my own place of employment. Most people know that IHMCC provides psychological services that are faith integrated and that we offer therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Fewer people may know that we offer psychological assessment for vocations (seminarians, religious, deacons) and that we conduct other assessments including cognitive, ADHD, self-knowledge, and behavior assessments. But a lesser known fact is that IHMCC is a national leader when it comes to training new psychologists such as myself. To date, IHMCC is the only clinic that is Catholic faith-integrated and approved by the American Psychological Association to train pre-doctoral interns. St. Raphael’s in Denver is expected to follow our lead soon, though. Accepting trainees allows IHMCC to provide outreach to organizations in the area. Interns join the other clinical staff to provide services to a Catholic elementary and grade school, high school, college, seminary, and womens’ shelter. Clinicians also offer speaking engagements locally and sometimes nationally. There is a reason I moved halfway across the continent to work here.

Other Noteworthy Catholic Clinical Sites

There are countless other noteworthy Catholic clinical sites across the country and around the world, but I want to name two examples. If you get curious or are looking for one in your area I recommend going to https://www.catholictherapists.com/  which is a website where you can find devout Catholic therapists in your area. The site offers detailed information about the therapist, what insurance they take, the level of fidelity to Church teaching, and what they help with.

One example is the Saint John Vianney Center which is a hospital that offers in-patient therapy and assessment for priests, religious, and seminarians. Another quiet organization, this site has been in operation for 77 years. Residents are treated for anything from addiction, to depression, to anxiety and beyond. 

Another exceptional example is the St. Luke Center. This site offers outpatient therapy and assessment for priests, religious, and seminarians and boasts three locations around the country. I received my vocational assessment from the St. Luke Center in Louisville, KY twice: once when I entered college seminary and once when I transitioned to major seminary. The professionalism and accuracy of the assessments they offered me helped inspire me to become a psychologist. 

Areas for Further Development for Catholic Psychologists

Based on the current trends I am seeing and the amazing work described above, I see several possible developments in the hidden world of Catholic Psychology. I think (and hope) that practitioners will become more engaged with popular Catholic media. Catholic clinicians and intellectuals have a wealth of wisdom to share and it would be a loss to keep it under a bushel basket. As Catholic psychologists become more confident, the bushel baskets will inevitably be removed. I also look forward to the continuing development of more distinctly Catholic interventions. Thanks to psychologists responding to St. John Paul II’s exhortation to further develop the psychological sciences, the theoretical research is nearing an inflection point where truly useful interventions can now be developed and disseminated. And not a moment too late! I think there is good evidence to suggest that (once again in history) the Catholic church will be called to preserve the progress of civilization against the collapse of morals. As psychology specifically, and the scientific method generally, falls under greater attack, my hope is that we as a Church can preserve both–just as the monks of the Middle Ages preserved Roman progress against devastation during the Dark Ages. God willing and the creek don’t rise, we can do better than preserve these gifts–God willing we can advance them! God willing, we can catch civilization as it falls or even prevent it from falling. But we need more workers in the vineyard: more devote psychologists, more accredited training programs, more priests, more religious, more married folks, more holiness-minded single folks. Or a few ultra-mega-saints; take your pick. Get the Catholic church off the scientific bench and back on the field! It’s time to shine! Something good really is about to happen.

–Tim White, PLMHP, M.Psy.

What is Image Transformation Therapy?

By Ann Peters Miller, M.S., LMHP

Image Transformation Therapy was developed by Robert Miller Ph.D. He created this therapy after working with soldiers returning from deployment.  He realized that the pain and terror they experienced during deployment generated images in their memories that kept them prisoners to the past events, so the event itself was not causing the problems per se, but the images that were created in their minds instead.

Trauma therapy is an essential service to offer at a counseling center . Studies show that roughly 70% of the population will experience a traumatic event in their life. Learning about trauma informed therapy has helped me understand that having the client recount a traumatic memory only re-traumatizes them.  Image Transformation Therapy enables the client to work on the trauma they experienced without having to share the painful details. This memory may be causing them difficulties in their current life.   This relatively new therapy that I have been using has shown to be very helpful in relieving pain and fear. It utilizes new processing techniques, and a different understanding of psychological dynamics. The treatment is easier and faster than other therapies that are often very difficult to resolve. 

The premise is that “pain and fear underlie all emotions such as guilt and shame.”  A simple breathing/visualization protocol is used to clear out these memories. This approach doesn’t require you to experience the feelings of pain, fear, guilt and shame. These can be gently and easily released using this method of therapy. And these intense feelings do not have to be experienced to be released. 

The goal is to eliminate the pain and terror (fear) by using a breathing and visualization technique. Then the image is deconstructed. 

Image transformation therapy can be used to process negative cognitions as well. Cognitions such as “I’m stupid,” I’m inferior,” and “Nobody likes me.” It can also be used for chronic pain, OCD, addictions, anxiety, depression, phobias, and traumatic events, etc. 

The client is instructed to give the feeling a color. You might think that is odd, but we give color to many things, such as Rhythm and Blues, baby blues, seeing red when you are angry, green with envy, and Kenny Rogers sang about the Coward of the County, “folks just called him yellow.” 

The result is that there is much less resistance from the client, no feelings of flooding or dissociation. Even the most traumatic memories can be easily and quickly released.

Here’s an example: let’s say you have to give a speech the next day. This might cause you to be a little anxious.

 Can you notice the sensation of anxiety in your body? 

 What color is the sensation of the anxiety? - now just think about the color. 

Where is that color located in your body?

Now visualize that color as being composed of tiny little particles.

Now visualize that you are breathing directly into the particles of color into the part of the body in which you are feeling the sensation. Then breathe the tiny particles of color directly out the pores of your skin in that area.

We then go through different parts of the body releasing the particles. After doing the entire release process the client will feel much more calm. 

This form of therapy can be used easily with children as well.  Children can be asked to give a color to a feeling, draw a picture of the feeling and then rip the piece of paper up. 

If you are interested in learning more, please contact our office at 402-489-1834 or speak to your current provider.

7 Steps to Fortify Your Communication as a Couple

A Catholic Psychological Approach to Couples’ Conflict Management and Communication

by Tim White, M.Psy., PLMHP

In a lot of ways, the cards are stacked against families and couples right now. Couples are under incredible stress. We now have intergenerational divorce where two, or three, or even four generations have experienced divorce. Maybe even in your family. We have a situation where stress is extremely high and no one necessarily taught us how to manage that in a relationship (Felt, 2017). The Catholic faith and God’s Word tell us to be patient, to forgive, to love—but no one asked Jesus how to do that scientifically.

Perhaps this story sounds familiar: A guy or gal meet and fall in love—they are super excited about how ideal their relationship is going to be. Soon they are married and everything is great. Then one day—wham! Out of nowhere they are arguing, feeling misunderstood, and the problems are piling up everywhere. Their relationship has spiraled into a cascade of relational dissolution (Gottman & Silver, 2015) and they don’t know how to stop it.

It is worth looking at the couples around you and asking, “Were conflict management skills modeled for me?” If the answer is no, you might want to think about counseling. Your marriage does not have to be in crisis to go to counseling. If there are lots of relationships in distress around you, you might want to fortify your relationship. We aren’t living in a time where it’s easy to get along—just look around. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Counseling is one thing that can help.

There is a lot about a skilled approach to communication that lines up with the Catholic virtues: Faith, Hope, Love, Temperance, Justice, Prudence, and Courage. The following seven things can help fortify your communication against the divisive spirit of the age:

1. Examine the Hindering Factors to Communication: What are the barriers to me being able to communicate with my spouse? What hinders us from communicating with each other clearly? Do your emotions become flooded? Are you angry before you even start talking? Is the timing right? Have we been stuck in a negative pattern for a long time? When would your partner want to have a discussion? Are there any pre-conditions that need to be established for me to feel safe to have a conversation with my spouse? What does my partner need to feel safe?

2. Build Skills: Build the skills you need to overcome these barriers. Practice these skills with a friend or coworker first until you get comfortable. If you can master these, you’re chances of enhancing and fortifying your relationship increase.

3. Establish a Time-Out Signal (Guerney, 2003): Make sure you have a “Time Out” signal, if you need some emotional space—it is okay to stop the conversation and come back to it later.

4. Empathic Skill (Guerney, 2003): The whole goal of this skill is to put your thoughts and opinions on hold until you are able to articulate exactly how the other person is thinking and feeling. Empathy corresponds to the virtues of love and understanding. You have to stop thinking and feeling your own thoughts and feelings until your partner could say, “You understand.” It’s St. Francis’s prayer, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Your first goal in every argument is not to convince your partner that you are right—it is to convince her that you can put her argument in your own words.

5. Expressive Skill (Guerney, 2003): Next, you express your thoughts and feelings, and make it easy to receive. Speak subjectively. Instead of saying, “You are wrong.” Say, “I think you are wrong.” Be clear that what you are expressing is your opinion and that you are open to discovering the truth together. Try to start your sentences with “I.” Make sure your partner can explain your view, too. The skill of expressing takes the virtues of courage and commitment.

6. Discussion/Negotiation Skill (Guerney, 2003): With this skill you want to take turns empathizing and expressing. You want to make the topic as narrow as possible—try to stay on track. AND at the same time, connect as deeply as you can emotionally. When both of you feel better understood, brainstorm as many good ideas and crazy ideas as possible. Don’t rule anything out yet. Couples often skip this step, and miss out on exciting opportunities. Who knows what amazing thing will happen?! Discussion uses the virtues of patience and imagination.

7. Problem/Conflict Resolution Skill (Guerney, 2003): Once you’ve both brainstormed as many ideas as you can, pick one to try for a week or two. You can try a different one next week if the first one doesn’t work out. Be super concrete about how you will implement it. Write down the how, what, when, where, why and who. Think of all the exceptions that might arise. This skill uses the virtues of prudence and hope.

You can build a relationship that is a masterpiece. With fortification against the spirit of relational stress so rampant in our times, you have the ability to create a ripple effect of strong relationships across generations. Of course it will feel like swimming upstream, but who knows how good your relationship could get—even better than it was on your wedding day? Who knows what beautiful reality could spring from a psychologically integrated, God-centered relationship.

Beyond your partner, imagine how different life could be if strong relationship skills were universal. Imagine how different many work places, churches, and schools would be. I’ve only brushed the surface of the skills you could develop, but I think that if you adopt the methods I have described, you will see a difference pretty quickly. Remember, most people were never taught these skills—you can be a light to others by showing them empathy, expressing yourself skillfully, and solving problems collaboratively.

There is a huge project going on in the Catholic psychology world to find the scientific mechanisms behind the things we’ve believed for millennia. Catholic psychologists are trying to imitate what St. Paul did with the Greek philosophers, or what St. Thomas Aquinas did with the Summa Theologiae (Davies, 2014). We want to integrate science and faith to make it easier for people to be holy. More information about the Catholic psychology integration project here: https://divinemercy.edu/department-integrative-studies/catholic-christian-meta-model-of-the-person-ccmmp/

In closing, for example, there is a program that, in my (unaffiliated) opinion, is especially helpful for dating, engaged, and even married couples. This infographic is mind-blowingly impressive and says more than I can in one article. Go to https://witnesstolove.org/about-witness-to-love/programs-2/ if you are preparing for marriage and think this resource could be helpful.

Know of my prayers for your continued growth in holiness and relationship with others, especially romantic others. Tim White

References

Davies, B. (2014). Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiae: a guide and commentary. Oxford University Press.

Felt, E. (2017). The Relationship Between Emerging Adulthood and Communication Patterns. Walden University ScholarWorks: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5091&context=dissertations

Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work. Harmony.

Guerney, B. (2003). Relationship Enhancement: Couple/marital/family Therapist's Manual. IDEALS, Incorporated.

Johnson, S. (2008). Hold me tight: Seven conversations for a lifetime of love. Little, Brown Spark.

Vitz, P. C., Nordling, W. J., & Titus, C. S. (2019). A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person. Divine Mercy University.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/international-stress-awareness-week-mental-health/

TIMOTHY W WHITE, MPSY, PLMHP

Tim White's education has focused on an integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and psychology. He received his Master of Science degree from Divine Mercy University in Northern Virginia in 2020. He also holds a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Theology from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities from The Pontifical College Josephinum. Tim is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska. He is serving as a psychological intern for 2022 to 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center (IHMCC).

Tim is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) at Divine Mercy University. He has previously worked for Catholic Charities Family Services in Fredericksburg, VA, in community mental health and school counseling settings. Prior to working in mental health, Tim was a farmer and then a Catholic seminarian.

Tim enjoys working with all ages and has experience working with children from K to 8th grade, couples, families, women, men, and older adults. Tim believes in forming a warm, easy-mannered, professional relationship with his clients that creates space for healing and growth.

One of Tim’s current research interests is couple’s conflict management and communication from a Catholic psychological perspective.