In this episode, Dr. Gerry Crete speaks with Dr. Anthony Isacco about the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the Catholic faith. They explore how faith-integrated clinical work can support human flourishing, better therapeutic outcomes, and a deeper understanding of the whole person.

Key Topics

• Why faith integration matters in clinical psychology
• The importance of seeing each person with dignity and worth
• How Catholic anthropology shapes therapy and training
• The role of cultural humility in working with Catholic clients
• Why vocational psychology and calling matter for human flourishing
• How forgiveness supports healing, repair, and growth

Dr. Isacco explains how the Elijah Institute and the program at St. Mary’s University is training clinical psychologists to integrate Catholic faith with evidence-based practice. He emphasizes that this is about a holistic view of the human person. The hosts discuss how therapy changes when clinicians see clients not as diagnoses or problems to solve, but as persons with inherent worth, meaning, and capacity for healing. Dr. Isacco argues that religion and spirituality are essential parts of cultural competence and that therapists should approach them with curiosity, respect, and humility. The episode closes with a reflection on forgiveness and relationship repair as essential parts of healing. Rather than defaulting to detachment or cutoff, they discuss the value of working toward reconciliation where appropriate, including self-forgiveness and divine forgiveness.

About the Guest

Dr. Anthony Isacco is a licensed psychologist, professor, researcher, and expert in the integration of psychology, spirituality, and the Catholic faith. He serves as program director and head of clinical research for the Catholic Faith Integrated Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program at St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.

Elijah Institute

Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is presented by the Elijah Institute. Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.

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