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
Did St. Ignatius Invent Therapy?
Saint Ignatius of Loyola didn’t just change the Church—he may have accidentally invented a foundational practice in modern therapy. In this episode, Amber Pilkington breaks down how his method of discernment, emotional tracking, and truth-based reframing reflects key principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
This episode covers:
- The story of Ignatius’s conversion and cannonball moment
- How the Examen reflects modern “thought logs”
- What CBT teaches about metacognition, reframing, and emotional regulation
- A modern reframe of common Catholic mom thoughts (with Scripture)
- How neuroscience affirms Ignatius’s practices
- A simple 2-minute nightly practice for thought renewal
Listener Practice Challenge:
Write down one consoling thought and one desolating thought each night. Ask:
- Where did this come from?
- What would Jesus say in response?
Free Resource: The Catholic Woman’s Thought Tracker — download at yourwebsite.com/ignatius
Next Week: St. Catherine of Siena & the Psychology of Assertiveness
Citations
- Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Majeres, K. (n.d.). CatholicPsych Institute. https://www.catholicpsych.com
- America Magazine. (2021, July 27). Was St. Ignatius the first cognitive behavioral therapist?https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/07/27/st-ignatius-loyola-therapy-241154
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992). §1776–1789 (Conscience); §1813 (Virtues).
- Holy Bible. Lamentations 3:23; John 8:11; Romans 12:2 (NABRE).
- Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown Publishing. [On emotional naming and amygdala regulation]
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.