Parts Work and the Catholic Church

Parts work is a therapy intervention that is gaining popularity worldwide because it is highly effective in minimizing trauma responses, respects the dignity and experiences of the human person, and encourages active participation of the client in the healing process.

Parts work is being supported by many Catholic organizations because it aligns with the most fundamental beliefs of our Church:

1. the belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every individual

2. the belief that we are complex individuals, with many diverse parts

3. the belief that God has designed the human person with resilience, creativity, and agency to overcome great hardships and survive difficult circumstances

4. the conviction that healing, freedom and restoration are God's intention for all His children

All "parts" are good; all "parts" are welcome.

If the idea of "parts work" sounds strange, suspicious or threatening, I encourage you to do a bit of research. There are many well respected Catholic therapists who have recognized the value of a parts work approach.

Bob Schuchts is the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida. He has written several books, including Be Healed, A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life, and has been offering weekend or week long healing events, such as Healing the Whole Person, and retreats specifically for the healing of priests and religious. He, along with Jake Khym, host a weekly podcast called "Restore the Glory". They dedicated three episodes, February 28, March 13 and 27, 2024 to interviewing three different Catholic therapists who have written about and used parts work in their own practices.

One of the interviews mentioned above is with Gerry Crete PhD, the co-founder of Souls and Hearts, whose goal is "to bring Catholicism and psychology together and provide resources for people". He is the author of the book Litanies of the Heart, Relieving Post-Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts. Dr. Crete integrates trauma treatment with rich biblical and Christian traditions. "Dr. Gerry guides you in identifying and understanding past wounds to achieve healing and experience lasting freedom."

Co-founder of Souls and Hearts, Peter Malinoski, PhD hosts a podcast called Interior Integration for Catholics and the majority of the 178+ podcasts discuss parts work as a viable option for working through a wide range of psychological issues, from anxiety, anger, sexual addiction, self love, perfectionism, OCD, and much more.

In three previous articles, I discussed the elements and key ideas of Parts Work and shared some of my own experiences with using parts work interventions personally and how this has brought healing to my own life. I have been amazed by the insights, relief from pain and triggers, and freedom that my clients have experienced as we utilize parts work interventions. I hope to continue to share how this mode of therapy can bring deep healing, freedom, insight and a greater alignment of Self to God's designs and truths which ultimately leads to deep peace and an abundance of joy!

If you would like to experience parts work in your own healing journey, I would be honored to assist you.