Church Scandals: Approaching Solutions

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 how they maintain a healthy foundation personally to better serve their clients.

They discuss the toll that therapy can take on them personally and what they do from a self-care perspective to maintain the ability to carry that burden day after day. 

Listen to their thoughts about the role of prayer, how they grow in humility in not having all the answers, and how their faith helps them understand the role and purpose of suffering that they see in their clients' lives.

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.

Six Catholic therapists invite you to listen to a round-table discussion about what it means for a clinician to love a client. They discuss both agape, the willing of the greatest good for another, as well as eros, or the desire to be in relationship. In a candid discussion, they talk about personal, prayerful preparation before sessions as well as how they walk with their clients in their suffering as Simon of Cyrene walked with Jesus.