Healing Hearts with Dr. Gerry Crete

Episode 146, Healing Hearts with Dr. Gerry Crete

Happy Easter! Today’s conversation is with Dr. Gerry Crete, a seasoned Catholic professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, who brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed EMDR, Ego State Therapy, clinical hypnosis, and emotionally focused therapy into his therapeutic approach, particularly beneficial for those grappling with addictions and PTSD.

“Litanies of the Heart”

Dr. Crete is also the author of the new book, "Litanies of the Heart," a profound work available through Sophia Institute (https://sophiainstitute.com/product/l..., where he shares his journey as a "wounded healer." The book was strongly recommended by Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, who has also been a guest on our show.

Personal Journey and Insights

Drawing from his own struggles, including the painful experience of paternal abuse, Dr. Crete delves into the depths of human suffering with empathy and insight. His book explores the concept of the wounded healer and how personal healing can transform one into a compassionate counselor. "Litanies of the Heart" delves into attachment theory, detailing the original litanies of the heart—those of independence, anxious/preoccupied style, and fearful hearts.

Integration of Faith and Psychology

Central to Dr. Crete's therapeutic philosophy is the Internal Family Systems model, which likens the human psyche to a family with various parts. He emphasizes the compatibility of this approach with Catholic teachings, aiming to integrate wounded parts into a cohesive whole, fostering inner peace and healing. Through his book, he explores the concept of the inmost self as inherently good, presenting the 8 C's and 5 P's as characteristics of this "best self."

Healing and Wholeness

Dr. Crete illuminates the journey of healing, addressing exiled parts—wounded aspects of the self that therapy seeks to bring into consciousness and heal. He discusses the roles of manager and firefighter parts in maintaining internal unity, inspired by his mentorship under a guiding priest who helped him recognize his inherent worth as a child of God.

Don’t miss this incredible conversation with Dr. Crete as he shares the importance of this counseling approach and its potential impact among those looking for the healing touch of God’s mercy.