The Catholic Therapist

Can Theology of the Body actually deepen shame rather than heal it? And what does JP2's vision for the human person have to say about pornography addiction, scrupulosity, and the cycle of counterfeit love? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down again with Dr. Anthony Isacco, Program Director of the MS in Clinical Psychology program at St. Mary's University of Minnesota, to explore what happens when Theology of the Body meets the clinical realities of sexual shame and addiction. Topics covered: How scrupulosity can turn sexuality into a source of shame rather than a gift Pornography addiction, age of first exposure, and understanding the shame cycle it creates JP2's insight that arousal is a physiological response to something good, and how that reframes guilt The concept of "use" from Love and Responsibility, objectification, and human dignity Viewing addiction as a cry for what is missing rather than simply a behaviour to stop Internal Family Systems, parts work, and how Catholic moral theology fits alongside it Dopamine research and why persevering toward virtue matters more than achieving perfection How St. Mary's University of Minnesota trains the next generation of Catholic clinicians with a full anthropological foundation Theology of the Body applied to exercise, fasting, medication, and trauma healing There is real freedom in knowing your body is not the enemy. This episode brings that truth home through both the wisdom of JP2 and decades of clinical experience. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Do you ever wonder if God is actually speaking to you, or if you're just making it up? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623), explores how every baptized Catholic has the ability to hear God's voice through the power of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from his experience in Encounter School Ministry and years of integrating faith with therapy, Adam challenges the belief that God is distant or silent. He shares practical wisdom on cultivating daily listening prayer, discerning God's voice from other influences, and responding to the Father's heart for your personal healing. Topics covered: Your baptismal identity as priest, prophet, and king What prophetic ministry really means for everyday Catholics Practical steps to listen for God's voice daily How to discern what you're hearing through peace and good fruit Common obstacles that prevent us from hearing God Why God speaks directly to our wounds and healing journey Whether you're new to listening prayer or have struggled to hear God clearly, this episode offers hope-filled encouragement that your Heavenly Father wants to speak to you right now. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

What should you really expect when you walk into a therapist's office for the first time? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) explores the heart of what therapy offers with fellow clinician Katelyn Smedley, LMFT (#99805) Katelyn shares her approach to working with women and families, emphasizing that the most important thing clients should leave with after their first session is hope. Katelyn Smedley, LMFT Email: [email protected] Phone: (805) 914-8253 Currently accepting new clients Fully virtual therapy sessions Specializes in women and families. Catholic Therapy Center Website: catholictherapycenter.com This conversation goes deeper than typical therapy discussions. Katelyn explains how Catholic therapy invites people to discover their true identity as beloved children of God, moving beyond merely surviving trauma to experiencing true resurrection and freedom. From practical tools like the "size of problem" scale to the profound difference between Catholic and secular mindfulness, this episode offers both encouragement and concrete guidance for anyone considering therapy. Topics covered: Why hope is the foundation of the therapeutic journey Setting realistic expectations for what therapy can (and can't) do The Catholic understanding of identity and healing How resurrection theology transforms our approach to trauma Practical tools for managing overwhelming expectations The difference between surviving and thriving What makes Catholic mindfulness uniquely powerful If you're wondering whether therapy is right for you or what makes Catholic counseling different, this conversation will give you clarity and hope. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Can you be grateful while grieving? Should you even try? In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Adam Cross tackles one of the most challenging tensions in Catholic spiritual life: how to honor our grief while maintaining gratitude for God's goodness. Drawing on Scripture, theological insights from Father Raniero Cantalamessa and Dr. Shan Tobin, and his clinical experience, Adam explores: Why "just be grateful" advice can feel dismissive (even when well-intentioned) The biblical story of St. Paul singing hymns in prison How God became man to suffer with us, not just console us from a distance The connection between Mary's trust and her joy Practical ways to hold space for both grief and gratitude in your own life and with others This isn't about dismissing pain or forcing positivity. It's about recognizing that grief and gratitude aren't mutually exclusive but can exist together as we wait for God's resurrection in our lives. Key Quote: "The opposite of sin is not virtue, but praise. The opposite of sin is remembering that God is goodness." Referenced Resources: "Big God Little Devil" by Dr. Shan Tobin Father Raniero Cantalamessa (Preacher to the Papal Household) Sister Miriam James on Mary's fiat Whether you're navigating your own season of grief or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers theological depth and practical wisdom for honoring both the weight of suffering and the hope of the Gospel. About Adam Cross: Adam Cross is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California, specializing in Catholic therapy and integrating faith with mental health treatment. Connect with Adam: Website: www.adamcrosslmft.com Instagram: @adamcrosslmft

What's it really like to sit across from a Catholic therapist who specializes in shame, addiction, and anxiety? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623), sits down with Luis Lopez, AMFT (#147456) one of the clinicians at the Catholic Therapy Center, to explore what happens inside the therapy room when faith meets clinical practice. Topics covered: Creating a safe space where honesty can actually happen Why shame makes us lie (even to our therapists) How attachment wounds impact our ability to trust and connect The purpose of suffering in both healing and spiritual growth Why therapy isn't about being comfortable all the time How mental health work prepares us for sainthood If you've ever wondered whether therapy could help you grow not just mentally but spiritually, this conversation will give you hope that healing is possible, and holiness is within reach. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Do you ever take yourself too seriously when it comes to healing? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623), explores how humor can be a powerful healing tool in therapy and spiritual growth. Drawing on GK Chesterton's wisdom and the reminder that seriousness is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit, Adam explains why taking ourselves lightly (while not taking sin lightly) creates space for genuine transformation. He unpacks the mystery of suffering, the limits of intellectual understanding, and why childlike levity helps us trust God more deeply in our brokenness. Topics covered: Why humor belongs in the therapeutic process The difference between dismissing pain and laughing through it How taking ourselves lightly reflects childlike trust in God Why suffering is a mystery beyond full comprehension The role of laughter in building trust with your therapist How God's mercy makes our sin "not too special" Healing doesn't always look serious. Sometimes the most profound growth happens when we remember we're children of God and trust that our struggles aren't too much for Him. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

What does Catholic therapy actually look like? And how does faith integration work when clients come from different backgrounds or beliefs? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623), sits down with colleague Kolbe Young, APCC, a holistic trauma therapist at the Catholic Therapy Center. Together they unpack what makes Catholic therapy unique, how it serves people across all walks of life, and why working with the body is essential to emotional and psychological healing. Topics covered: Why Kolbe chose to become a Catholic therapist How Catholic integration adapts to each client's needs The difference between therapy, spiritual direction, and confession What happens in a typical Catholic therapy session Understanding trauma through a body-based (somatic) lens Practical grounding techniques for everyday life The Catholic understanding of dignity, suffering, and healing Whether you're curious about Catholic therapy or actively seeking a therapist, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and an invitation to take one small step toward healing. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Do you approach confession with anxiety, feeling like you're about to be judged and condemned? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) unpacks how to heal an unhealthy, fear-based approach to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Drawing on insights from Father Jacques Philippe and reflecting on God's justice as restoration (not punishment), Adam helps listeners understand confession as a return to spousal love rather than a trip to the principal's office. Topics covered: Why confession often feels like judgment instead of mercy Understanding God's justice as restoration, not retribution The spousal love context between Christ and the Church Why God's forgiveness is available immediately when we sin How to avoid the lie that "nothing matters until I get to confession" Staying focused on God's mercy instead of our own weakness This is an invitation to approach the sacrament with peace, freedom, and trust in the Father's love. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Many Catholics wonder whether online therapy can truly offer the same healing as meeting face-to-face. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) explores the question: Does telehealth therapy really work? Drawing from his own clinical experience, Adam breaks down the pros and cons of telehealth and in-person therapy, how both approaches serve the human person, and what it means to encounter Christ in the digital age of counseling. Topics covered: • Why telehealth became essential after COVID and how it changed therapy • The spiritual and relational power of being physically present • Accessibility and opportunity—how telehealth expands Catholic therapy • What research says about the effectiveness of online sessions • When in-person therapy is better for children and teens • How trust, honesty, and fit matter more than format • Finding faithful Catholic therapists, wherever you live • Why healing begins in vulnerability, not proximity Tune in for a thoughtful and encouraging reflection on how faith and technology can work together for healing—showing that grace can reach us anywhere, even through a screen. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Many Catholics hesitate to begin therapy because it can feel clinical, impersonal, or disconnected from faith. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Danielle Enriquez, LMFT #152199, for a candid conversation about what Catholic therapy really looks like in practice. Together, they explore how clinical tools and Catholic spirituality unite to bring authentic healing rooted in Christ. Topics covered: • Why Catholic integration in therapy matters and how it protects faith and conscience • Danielle’s personal story of anxiety, healing, and her call to become a therapist • What to expect in your first sessions and why healing can feel harder before it feels better • How tools like CBT, Internal Family Systems, and the Empty Chair can deepen healing • Anxiety, scrupulosity, and perfectionism—finding freedom through grace • “Progress, not perfection,” how faith reframes growth and recovery • Why identity as God’s beloved is the foundation of lasting peace Tune in for a hopeful, faith-filled conversation on what it means to encounter Christ in therapy—where psychology meets prayer, and wounded hearts discover they are seen, loved, and capable. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Many Catholics wonder if they need a Catholic therapist, and if so, how to find one. In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Adam Cross shares why trust is essential in any therapy relationship, what makes Catholic therapy unique, and where to look for faithful resources. Drawing from his clinical practice and Catholic tradition, Adam explains the importance of Catholic anthropology in healing, why faith matters in therapy, and how to discern if a therapist is a good fit for your needs. Topics covered: Do you need a Catholic therapist? Why any therapy is better than none, and when faith becomes essential. Trust and fit in therapy, why the relationship itself is part of healing. Catholic anthropology, what it means to view healing through a Catholic lens. Resources for finding Catholic therapists, including CatholicTherapist.com, the Catholic Psychotherapist Association, and the Catholic Therapy Center. The role of the Holy Spirit in the healing journey. How to use online tools and directories to connect with the right therapist. Tune in for a hopeful and practical conversation on faith, psychology, and taking the next step toward healing. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with therapy because it can feel abstract, secular, or even at odds with the faith. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Dr. Tim White to explore how “parts work,” nervous system regulation, and Catholic spirituality can come together for real healing. Drawing from Catholic tradition and clinical insight, they share practical ways to notice your body, pray with your emotions, and invite Christ into the places that feel most fractured. Topics covered: Why Catholics sometimes resist therapy and how to integrate faith with psychology Body, mind, and soul, how what affects one touches the others “Parts work” explained in plain language, protectors, exiles, firefighters, and the Self Prayer, breath, and the nervous system, calming stress through faith and science Internal discipleship, what self leadership means in a Catholic lens Addiction, shame, and wounded parts, how to partner with them for redemption Why this inner work changes relationships, confidence, and daily discipleship Tune in for a hopeful conversation on faith, psychology, and the path from stress and fear toward peace, healing, and deeper communion with God. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Catholic psychology is growing, but many seminarians and formators still wrestle with how therapy fits into vocation and discernment. In this episode, licensed therapist Adam Cross is joined by Dr. Anthony Isacco, professor and program director at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, to discuss the launch of a new Catholic clinical psychology program and the deeper role of trust in priestly formation. Together, they explore how psychology, faith, and formation can come together to build healthier priests and more confident discerners. From confidentiality questions to obedience, from human formation to spiritual growth, this conversation sheds light on what’s often hidden behind seminary walls. Topics covered: The rise of Catholic psychology programs and why they matter Online vs in-person training for Catholic therapists Human formation in seminary: why maturity, relationships, and self-knowledge are essential Confidentiality and transparency: how seminarians can approach therapy with trust Obedience and discernment: why trust is harder than celibacy for many seminarians The role of attachment and vulnerability in priestly formation How therapy can serve seminarians, priests, and the Church at large Tune in for a candid, hopeful conversation about integrating Catholic faith with psychology, and how trust in therapy can shape healthier vocations and a stronger Church. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people get stuck in discernment because fear can disguise itself as prudence. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Emmaus Townsend to explore how faith and therapy together can bring clarity and peace when choosing a vocation. Drawing from Catholic tradition and clinical insight, they share practical ways to hear God, calm anxiety, and move forward with confidence. Topics covered: Fear vs prudence, how anxiety can sound holy and how to test the fruit, peace or pressure. Consolation and desolation, simple checks and common mistakes in discernment. Scrupulosity and overchecking, why they derail decisions and what to do instead. Discernment rhythms, prayer, silence, Scripture, sacraments, and spiritual direction. When to wait and when to act, practical steps to decide with peace. Vocations in real life, marriage, priesthood, religious life, and single life. Listening to your body and nervous system to steady worry and make a clear choice. Tune in for a hopeful conversation on faith, psychology, and the path from paralysis to peace in vocation decisions. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people struggle with perfectionism because they don’t realize how faith and therapy can work together. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by his colleagues, Colby and Joshua, to explore how understanding your inner critic can lead to profound freedom and self-compassion. Drawing from their own experiences and professional insights, they share how integrating faith with psychological models like Internal Family Systems (IFS) brings hope and healing. Topics covered: The surprising link between perfectionism and procrastination. How to view your inner critic as a protector part that is trying to help you. Practical strategies for calming your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed. The connection between the seven core wounds and the Sacraments. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on faith, psychology, and the journey from perfectionism to peace. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with endless doubt and checking—not because they lack faith, but because they carry deep confusion and fear about certainty. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how scrupulosity distorts our understanding of knowledge, sin, and spiritual peace, often turning natural questions into sources of overwhelming anxiety and compulsive behavior. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the inner conflict between needing to know for certain and learning to trust in uncertainty, sharing compassionate, practical tools for navigating scrupulosity without losing your peace—or your sanity. Discover practical insights into: Why scrupulosity creates the desperate need for certainty The difference between healthy examination of conscience and compulsive checking How anxiety and doubt disrupt spiritual clarity What integrated healing looks like—mind, body, and soul How to sit with discomfort and uncertainty while growing in faith Why God sees your struggle even when you don't have all the answers Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health, offering hope to those who feel caught in cycles of checking, confession, and confusion. Whether you're battling scrupulosity, supporting someone who is, or working in Catholic mental health, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you don't have to have all the answers to be loved by God. For more information or questions, visit catholictherapycenter.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many Catholics struggle with sexual shame—not because they lack faith, but because they carry deep confusion and fear about desire. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how scrupulosity distorts our understanding of sexuality, pleasure, and morality, often turning natural human experience into a source of guilt and anxiety. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the inner conflict between faith and desire and shares compassionate, practical tools for navigating scrupulosity without losing your peace—or your humanity. Discover practical insights into: • Why scrupulosity creates fear around sexual desire • The difference between lust and attraction • How anxiety and shame disrupt spiritual clarity • What integrated healing looks like—body, mind, and soul Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health, offering hope to those who feel caught in cycles of guilt and confusion. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people long for healing, but few realise how deep the journey must go. In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross is joined by Kolbe Young and Joshua Hernandez for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to move from suffering to healing. Drawing from personal experience, Catholic spirituality, and clinical insight, they discuss how true healing often requires us to get our hands dirty — facing wounds, walking with others, and embracing the messiness of growth through grace. Discover powerful insights into: Why emotional healing can’t happen without spiritual transformation How community and vulnerability open the door to deeper recovery What it means to “let the Gospel rewire your brain” The surprising way grace works through imperfection and effort Tune in for a compassionate, Christ-centered discussion that invites you to meet God in the very places you feel broken. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623

Many people feel stuck—not because they lack motivation, but because they’re waiting for things to be “just right.” In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross explores how perfectionism often hides behind procrastination, and why the pressure to get everything right can keep us from starting at all. Drawing from both clinical experience and Catholic spirituality, Adam breaks down the psychological roots of perfectionism and shares compassionate, practical tools for moving forward — even when things feel messy or incomplete. Discover practical insights into: Why perfectionism leads to procrastination The inner critic and fear of failure How grace and self-compassion create momentum The balance between personal standards and spiritual growth Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering conversation that blends faith and mental health in a way that brings hope to those who feel stuck. For more information or questions, visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross LMFT #116623