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