The Catholic Couch
The Catholic Couch is the official podcast of the Catholic Counseling Institute, where Catholic faith and psychological science meet real life. Hosted by licensed Catholic therapist Amber Pilkington, this podcast explores the intersection of theology, mental health, and human relationships.
Each episode offers practical tools, grounded in Church teaching and peer-reviewed research, on topics like marriage, boundaries, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, parenting, trauma, forgiveness, and healing.
This is not therapy. This is faithful, formative support—so you can grow in clarity, peace, and purpose.
Pull up a seat. There's a place here for you.
The Catholic Couch
What Submission Is (And Is Definitely Not)
In this episode, we untangle one of the most misused and misunderstood words in Catholic marriage: submission.
- What Ephesians 5 really says (and why it’s often quoted out of context)
- What mutual submission means from a Catholic theological and psychological lens
- The difference between virtue and erasure
- How wounds, wiring, and personality shape how we hear the word “submission”
- A breakdown of Pope St. John Paul II’s insights on love, reciprocity, and dignity
- Why boundaries are not a rejection of Catholic teaching—but a fulfillment of it
- When “spiritualizing” suffering becomes a trap
- Carmen, Emily, and Teresa return with lived examples of how submission gets twisted—and how to heal it
- A journaling prompt to help you reframe your history with this word
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling, spiritual direction, or medical advice. While I’m a licensed Catholic therapist, I am not your therapist—and listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship.If you’re experiencing significant distress, please reach out to a licensed mental health provider in your area, your parish priest, or a trusted support resource. If you're in crisis, contact 988 or your local emergency services.The Catholic Counseling Institute exists to support women with resources that integrate faith and psychological insight. We’re here to walk with you, but we are not a crisis line or emergency care provider.