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The Catholic Therapist

Adam Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#116623), writer, and speaker who is passionate about helping people experience healing and freedom rooted in their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. He is the founder of the Catholic Therapy Center — a group practice dedicated to a holistic Catholic approach to healing the human person through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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#150
September 22 · 11 min
Who's Really Steering Your Healing? A Catholic Therapist Explains
Who's really driving your healing, you, or your anxiety? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) explores a pattern he sees often in the therapy room: clients whose anxiety or OCD quietly takes charge of the healing process, driven by a fear that anything less than total control means they won't be okay. Topics covered: The "listing compulsion" and the fear behind needing to share everything The anxious "healing manager" part of us that tries to steer therapy Why forcing healing becomes an obstacle to it The afraid-of-the-dark analogy for working with anxious parts of ourselves Dialoguing with anxiety through imagination, and the powers of the soul Trusting God's presence in each step of the healing process Real healing doesn't require you to manage it alone. It asks for peace, trust, and a willingness to let someone else, including the Holy Spirit, help steer. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#149
September 15 · 12 min
Does Trusting God Make You Complacent With Sin? A Catholic Therapist Explains
Does trusting God's mercy mean you'll just get complacent with sin? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) unpacks a fear he sees constantly in the therapy room, especially with clients struggling with scrupulosity and OCD: that leaning into God's mercy means letting themselves off the hook. Topics covered: The fear that trusting God's mercy leads to complacency Scrupulosity, OCD, and trust issues with ourselves The two false extremes: self-reliance and mercy without relationship The good thief on the cross and salvation as gift, not merit Rebuilding self-trust after squandering God's mercy in the past Peace, not fear, as the real sign of the Holy Spirit's conviction A daily prayer practice from Fr. Timothy Gallagher The answer isn't more willpower or more excuses. It's relationship: a daily, minute-by-minute leaning into a God who is present, who loves you, and who will bring you peace. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#148
September 1 · 44 min
Fear of God vs. Anxiety: Finding the Healthy Balance
Is it possible to fear God and trust him at the same time? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down with Dr. Anthony Isacco, licensed psychologist and Director of Training for the PsyD program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, for his third appearance on the show. Together they untangle one of the most common, and most misunderstood, tensions in the spiritual life: the fear of the Lord. Topics covered: Healthy fear versus anxiety and scrupulosity Why so many Catholics struggle to admit they have a good relationship with God Pope Leo's teaching on human dignity as unearned, not achieved Discipline as an expression of a father's love, not rejection Parts work, Internal Family Systems, and integrating psychology with Catholic spirituality Practical tools for working through fear: thought records, perspective-taking, and the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity Whatever your relationship with fear looks like right now, this conversation offers a path back to trust, and a reminder that God is a father, not a master. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#147
July 30 · 10 min
Catholic Therapist Reacts to Obsession: Consent, Sin & Free Will
What if the scariest part of a horror movie isn't the monster, but the isolation? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) reviews the horror film "Obsession" and unpacks what it reveals about consent, codependency, and what it truly means to love. Topics covered: The Twilight Zone episode that echoes Obsession's premise Why no character in the film is fully consenting to what happens to them Consent, free will, and mortal sin in Catholic moral theology Codependency vs. real love Becoming free to give ourselves as a gift The devil's lie that God doesn't care Even in suffering, we are never without choice, support, or God's presence. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT
#145
July 27 · 11 min
Why Contemplation is Healing
Why does slowing down feel so unsafe, even when we know it's good for us? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) unpacks why contemplative prayer isn't just a spiritual discipline, it's a genuine tool for psychological healing. Drawing on a recent conversation with Dr. Tim White of St. Mary's University and patterns he sees constantly in his clinical work, Adam explains why clients with anxiety, OCD, and scrupulosity often struggle most to be still, and why that stillness is exactly where healing begins. Topics covered: Lectio Divina and Ignatian prayer as contemplative practices Contemplation as receiving, not analyzing Bringing God into ordinary daily moments Catholic contemplation versus secular mindfulness Fr. Jacques Philippe on God's unwavering presence Becoming childlike again as a path to healing Slowing down isn't unproductive. It might be the very thing you need most. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#146
July 23 · 3 min
Introducing Renew: A Community for Catholic Therapists
Catholic therapists need support too. In this episode, Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) and founder of the Catholic Therapy Center, introduces Renew: a new bi-weekly online group for Catholic therapists built on prayer, community, and shared clinical experience, rooted in the Holy Spirit and Catholic anthropology. Topics covered: The hunger for community among Catholic clinicians What Renew offers: prayer, consultation, and support Why Catholic therapists need other Catholic therapists How to join, launching August 2026 Learn more and sign up at catholictherapycenter.com. Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#144
July 21 · 8 min
Your Drive to Grow Might Be Preventing It
What if the way you're trying to grow is actually keeping you stuck? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) unpacks a pattern he sees constantly in his clinical work: clients who want to be better, more disciplined, more spiritually mature, but who are driven by an internal critic instead of love. That fear-based motivation, he explains, often leads to burnout, numbing, and avoidance instead of real change. Topics covered: The internal critic and where it comes from Fear-based growth versus peace-based growth Why doom scrolling and numbing out happen The "how" and "why" behind our goals 1 Corinthians 4 and the judgments of others Resting in being already loved by God You don't have to earn your worth to grow. You already have it, and that changes how you pursue every goal. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#143
June 30 · 47 min
Leisure Is Worship — The Catholic Case for Rest ft. Dr. Tim White
What if the grind isn't the path to freedom — it's the thing keeping you from it? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down with Dr. Tim White — psychology professor, researcher, and self-proclaimed workaholic — to explore what it actually means to rest in a culture that has forgotten how. Drawing on the theology of the 8th day of creation, Joseph Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of Culture, and the latest research in psychology and blue zone longevity, Adam and Tim make the case that leisure isn't a reward you earn through hard work. It's the foundation everything else is built on — including worship. Topics covered: • Why "work will set you free" is a lie from Auschwitz to Silicon Valley • The Genesis story and what was lost — and restored — through Christ • What real rest looks like (hint: it's not Netflix or a beach vacation) • Flow states, play, and why winners in sports look completely incoherent • Mindfulness with God as a secure attachment figure • "The opposite of sin is not virtue but praise" — and what that means practically • Blue zones, enjoyment, and why leisure-centred living actually helps you live longer • Practical steps for stepping out of the productivity trap and into Sabbath rest If you've been burning the candle at both ends and wondering why you still feel empty, this conversation is for you. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#142
June 9 · 40 min
Can't Stop Overthinking? A Catholic Therapist's Guide to Journaling
Have you ever wanted to journal but didn't know where to start — or tried and gave up because it felt too rigid, too vulnerable, or just not for you? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down with Amber from the Catholic Counseling Institute to unpack the surprising depth of journaling as a tool for mental health and spiritual growth. From the neuroscience of narrative storytelling to inner child check-ins, morning pages to sketchbooks, this conversation covers journaling in all its forms — with warmth, humor, and real clinical insight. Topics covered: • The neuroscience of narrative and why journaling releases serotonin • Adam's simple emotional check-in method: sad, mad, glad, afraid • Free-association morning pages, sketchbooks, and non-word journaling • The Catholic history of journaling from early Church Fathers to modern saints • How to journal about trauma safely — without retraumatizing yourself • Inner child and parts work journaling for deeper self-awareness • AI and journaling: a thoughtful caution with practical guidance • A summer challenge to build a daily check-in habit Whether you're brand new to journaling or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers something for everyone seeking a more honest, compassionate relationship with themselves. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#141
May 25 · 1 hr 3 min
Your Intrusive Thoughts Don't Define You: The Truth About Catholic OCD
What if the religious doubt, the obsessive confessing, the fear of receiving communion — isn't a sign of weak faith, but actually reveals how deeply you love God? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) joins Amber from the Catholic Counseling Institute for a wide-ranging conversation on scrupulosity — one of the most painful and misunderstood struggles in Catholic life. Together they unpack the clinical reality that scrupulosity is rooted in anxiety and OCD, not poor faith — and they share what actually helps people heal, from ERP therapy and parts work, to the role of medication, spiritual direction, and a healthy God image. Topics covered: What scrupulosity is (and isn't) — theologically and clinically Intrusive thoughts: the difference between temptation and desire The lifeboat analogy: when coping strategies become obstacles ERP for scrupulosity: sitting with uncertainty instead of seeking certainty Reassurance seeking — and what families can say instead SSRIs, GeneSight testing, and the Church's view on medication Nervous system regulation and experiencing God's peace Healing is possible. This conversation is proof. Have questions? Visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#140
May 18 · 8 min
Why Do Catholics Struggle to Speak Up? The Theology of Assertiveness
Have you ever stayed silent when you knew you should speak up - and then spent the rest of the day wondering why? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) explores the theology of assertiveness, unpacking why so many of us struggle to voice our needs, name our feelings, or hold our ground - and what our faith actually has to say about all of it. Drawing on the intersection of psychology and Catholic spirituality, Adam reflects on how fear of rejection and abandonment quietly drives passivity, how self-dismissal often has deep roots in our personal histories, and why the call to "Be Not Afraid" applies directly to our relationships and our inner life. He also offers practical tools - including I-statements and the invitation to healing work - for anyone who wants to grow in honest, charitable communication. Topics covered: Assertiveness as the intersection of truth and charity What we're really afraid of when we stay silent How past experiences of dismissal shape present passivity Inviting Christ into places of fear and self-silencing I-statements and speaking truth without blame Recognizing your needs as God-given Your voice matters. This episode is an invitation to believe that. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#139
May 7 · 9 min
Catholic Therapist Explains the Holy Spirit's Role in Healing
What does it actually look like when the Holy Spirit shows up in a therapy session? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) unpacks the role of the Holy Spirit in Catholic therapy - and why God's answer to your healing is always yes. Adam shares how the Catholic Therapy Center approaches healing from a holistic foundation: body, mind, and soul. Whether it's client-led prayer, trauma processing through EMDR with Christ as a safe person, or simply trusting that the Holy Spirit is working even when he isn't named out loud - every session is rooted in the belief that God is actively working for your healing. Topics covered: Why the Holy Spirit is always active in healing - explicitly or not How faith is integrated in a client-led, respectful way Using EMDR alongside Catholic prayer and imagery Catholic anthropology and what it means to be fully human Why God wants you to take real steps in your healing Therapy as accompaniment on the road to healing God doesn't just want you to carry your cross - he wants to heal you through it. Take that step. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
#138
February 24 · 48 min
Your Body Isn't the Enemy: Theology of the Body, Shame & Sexual Freedom
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
#137
February 17 · 13 min
Yep, You Can Hear God's Voice Today!
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
#136
February 3 · 32 min
Finding Hope and Healing Through Catholic Therapy: An Interview with Katelyn Smedley
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: katelyn.lmft@gmail.com 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
#135
January 20 · 10 min
Gratitude with Grief: Holding Both in Catholic Life
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
#134
January 5 · 36 min
Therapy Where Faith Meets Healing with Luis Lopez
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
#133
Dec 23, 2025 · 8 min
Taking Yourself Too Seriously? Why Levity Matters in Healing
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
#132
Dec 2, 2025 · 38 min
Catholic Therapy Explained: Body, Mind, and Soul Integration ft. Kolbe Young
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
#131
Nov 24, 2025 · 9 min
How to Heal Your Approach to Confession (Stop the Anxiety)
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

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