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
"Righteous Anger: Embracing Emotions with Faith"
Understanding and Integrating Holy Anger in Our Lives
This episode explores the concept of holy anger, using Jesus' cleansing of the temple as a case study. Starting with a prayer, it delves into the emotions behind anger, contrasting righteous anger with sinful rage, and discusses how Jesus' actions in the temple demonstrate controlled and purposeful anger. The script covers theological perspectives, references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, psychological insights, and practical steps for managing anger productively. It emphasizes the difference between feeling anger and acting destructively, promoting emotional regulation and integration as part of spiritual and personal growth. The episode concludes with a prayer for wisdom in handling anger and living in alignment with Christian virtues.
00:00 Opening Prayer and Invocation
01:13 Introduction and Overview
02:14 Context of Jesus Cleansing the Temple
05:37 Exploring Righteous Anger
08:06 Understanding Emotions and the Mood Meter
14:47 The Lie That Anger is Sinful
19:27 Consequences of Suppressing Emotions
21:44 Understanding Anger and Boundaries
22:20 The Problem with Venting
22:47 Techniques for Regulation
23:02 HeartMath and Biofeedback
23:59 Spiritual Integration of Emotions
25:16 The Role of Anger in Values and Justice
28:28 Neurobiological Insights on Anger
30:28 Regulation and Emotional Maturity
35:21 Practical Skills for Managing Anger
36:17 The HEART Framework
39:39 Final Thoughts and Prayer
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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.