Priest & Therapist Partnership: The Better Way to Heal

I’ve heard about a phenomenon in which people replace their priest with a therapist. Instead of receiving the sacraments and spiritual guidance from a priest, some people are turning to psychologists instead. This is ill-advised. Only a priest can perform the fullness of priestly functions, and there’s no substitute for the healing power of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation. However, this phenomenon does shed light on a problem we face in society. I’ve had the privilege of being brought into parish situations where I’m available to meet with parishioners who are struggling. What I’ve experienced is remarkable. At parishes throughout America and around the world, people are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, addiction, and even schizophrenia. On the surface, none of these problems appear to be present week in and week out at the parish. But beneath the surface, they’re there. These people absolutely need the sacraments and the parish environment. At the same time, they need something more: clinical support that can only be provided by a therapist. Our society tends to polarize, with some people believing that these parishioners only need a priest and others believing that they only need a therapist. Society tries to place priests and therapists at odds, in an oppositional relationship. In response, I’ve been blessed to informally partner with priests throughout the United States. There’s a better way. I have priests who send me parishioners for help with important mental-health issues that they aren’t trained to address. Then I refer my clients to priests for the sacramental and spiritual support they need. To be clear, the sacraments are essential for healing, and only God heals. In my personal experience, I was blessed with Father Frank during my healing journey. He was a priest in Chicago who was both a priest and a therapist. He introduced me to a healing process that is sacred and set apart for God. This process should never be at odds with parishes and the sacraments. I know he’s in heaven, celebrating what I’ve found with priests here on earth. This path of partnership is the better way. The devil loves to divide, but we love to work together. Today, we will do what Satan won’t, so that tomorrow we will do what Satan can’t. May the Mother of the Catholic Church pray for us. Amen.