2016 Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference Program

CPA 2016
CATHOLIC PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 14-16, 2016 • Marriot Austin North • Austin, TX
e
The Face of
MERCY:
The Healing Path of Catholic Psychotherapy
www.catholicpsychotherapy.org

2
Mary’s Advocates
Strengthening marriage.
Eliminating forced no-fault divorce.
Supporting those who have been unjustly abandoned.
Bishop Michael Sheridan, of Colorado Springs, says, “The most
overused and misused canon in the judgment of the validity of a
marriage by the tribunals of the United States is canon 1095 §2.”
When is the Marriage Null,
Guide to the Grounds for Annulment
for Pastors, Counselors and Lay
Faithful, gives thorough explanations
of the most common grounds
for nullity and lists criteria that anyone
can use to understand whether
a ground is applicable in a particular
case. Fifty-three pages are dedicated
to Canon 1095, relevant to
those who suffer a psychological
impediment.
Publisher Ignatius Press
The Gift of Self, A Spiritual
Companion for Separated and
Divorced Faithful to the Sacrament
of Marriage, traces emotions and
impact that one experiences after
the other spouse withdraws from
the marital life. The author offers a
path to peace and truth.
ª The USCCB featured The
Gift of Self as the June 2014
book of the month on their
Marriage Resource Center.
ª Marriage Vows Renewal
published by the Pontifical
Council of the Family.
Publisher Mary’s Advocates
SeparatedFaithful.org

3
CPA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016
April 14-16, 2016 l Austin, TX
e
The Face of
MERCY:
The Healing Path
of Catholic Psychotherapy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Spiritual Bouquet ................................................................................................... Pg. 4
Welcome letter from Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez
Bishop of Austin .................................................................................................... Pg. 5
Welcome letter from Sue Baars, CPA President ................................................... Pg. 6
Marriot Austin North Floor Map .............................................................................. Pg. 8
Conference Schedule ............................................................................................ Pg. 11
Presenters’ Biographies ........................................................................................ Pg. 13
Benefactors, donors, advertisers, and volunteers.................................................. Pg. 34

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SPIRITUAL BOUQUET
A Spiritual Bouquet is a group of prayers gathered together for a
particular intention. The idea is that each prayer is like a flower and
that the group is like a bouquet mystically offered as a gift to God. CPA
members, colleagues and friends have offered these acts of good works
for the intentions of our supporting Catholic Bishops and the success of
the 2016 CPA Conference.
CPA Board Members
CPA Members
CPA Friends
Most Reverend
Joe S. Vásquez
Bishop of the Diocese
of Austin
60
Divine Mercy
Chaplets
22
Daily/Weekly
Fasting
59
Masses
17
Adoration/
Holy Hours
2
Stations of
the Cross
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia
Vicar General
for the Diocese of Austin
and Moderator of the Curia
54
Rosaries
6
Spiritual Works
of Mercy

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The Diocese of Austin is honored to be chosen as the site for the 5th Annual
Conference of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. These few days are a
wonderful opportunity for you to study, pray and experience fellowship with your
colleagues from around the country.
As mental health practitioners your work is essential and important to our Church
life and mission, and I thank you for all you do. Be encouraged by these words
of Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, “Every human
being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their
lives. Jesus offered his precious blood on the cross for that person. Appearances
notwithstanding, every person is immensely holy and deserves our love.
Consequently, if I can help at least one person to have a better life, that already
justifies the offering of my life.”
I pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to guide you and give you strength in
your profession and ministry whom God entrusts to your care. Wishing you God’s
blessings, I am
Sincerely in Christ,

6
Greetings and Welcome! April 14-16, 2016
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2016 Catholic Psychotherapy Association
conference in Austin, Texas. We are very grateful to have been invited by Bishop
Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin, who will celebrate our opening Mass at
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Thursday, April 14 at 5:30 PM. We are
deeply appreciative of his support and presence with us.
Following Pope Francis’ pronouncement of this great Jubilee Year of Mercy, this
year’s conference theme is, “The Face of Mercy: The Healing Path of Catholic
Psychotherapy.” We chose this theme because of its great significance for our
times, and because it so deeply speaks to our vocation as Catholic therapists.
Along with our clients, we are almost continuously affronted by the myriad
distortions of post-Christian modernity, which now depicts the human person
in ever degrading ways, and offers only more and more chaos, confusion,
disconnection and fear. Therefore, the process of going deeper with the Master
is especially important for each of us as therapists. Finding a community of fellow
Catholics who share the same vision and hope can help strengthen each of us
for the journey of life, as well as deepening our professional abilities to bring relief
and healing.
In these dark times we can be easily distracted from the message of
the Gospel, if we do not stay close to its Truth, given to us by the Magisterium of
the Church. The Sacraments, in particular Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist,
remain our antidote for our own sinfulness, and a near remedy for our need for the
healing touch of God. They heal and strengthen us – and this is so important for
us who have been called in a unique way to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
To be a Catholic psychotherapist is a particularly beautiful opportunity not just to
facilitate healing, but to offer the truth of the Gospel to those who may have never
heard it at all, or perhaps have never heard about God as a loving Father. Your
own experience of the merciful, tender love of God has formed you into a new
person, and you in turn can offer hope and peace to those to whom you minister,
as you live faithfully and mercifully. “What you have received, freely give.” (Matt.

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10:8) These opportunities to encourage others can be rare in some areas of our
lives, but in the context of Catholic psychotherapy, your own experience of the
love of God may be the very well from which the Lord chooses to draw soothing
balm for wounded hearts. Your openness to His Merciful Heart working through
you is needed in our profession. So, drawing closer to the Divine Healer during
this conference can bring fruitfulness not only to you, but to many others, even
in your own practice.
Isolation in the mental health profession can be very difficult. In these
troubled times, we each need to be supported by and connected to others in
our field who profess the Catholic Faith. This is precisely why the CPA was
conceived in 2007. CPA conferences are a unique time of connection – with
the Sacraments, with new and old friends, with new ideas about therapy and
therapeutic techniques, with a deepening of your own Catholic spirituality. Along
with our desire to bring you excellence in continuing education that incorporates
a Catholic vision of the human person, we are confident that you will be
strengthened by your experience of this small but growing organization, which
is unique among professional organizations for mental health professionals.
Here you can celebrate and discuss the Faith with fellow therapists, and find a
deepening of your own faith as you grow as a therapist. Since it is our hope that
the CPA foster a communion of persons within our membership, we pray you will
find this time a source of inspiration and that you return home refreshed in your
love of Jesus Christ and renewed in His personal call to you as a therapist. If you
have not yet experienced a CPA conference, I believe you will be pleased both
by what you will learn and by those whom you meet.
Finally, we are glad you are here! The Board of the Catholic Psychotherapy
Association and I look forward to welcoming each of you, and pray that your
Easter journey – and this weekend – is blessed.
Welcome to the 2016 Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference in
beautiful Austin, Texas!
Sue Baars, MA
President, Catholic Psychotherapy Association

8
CPA Board Members
PRESIDENT
Suzanne Baars, MA, LPC
PRESIDENT ELECT
Carlos C. Gomez, Ph.D.
PAST PRESIDENT
Tom Spudic, Ph.D.
SECRETARY
Peter Martin, Psy.D.
BOARD MEMBERS
Valerie Conzett, Ed.D.
Gerald Crete, Ph.D.
Carol Lieser, Ph.D.
Kelly Morrow, Ph.D.
Chris Sperling, MA, LPC
TREASURER
Gregory S. Creed, Ph.D., LPC
MARRIOT AUSTIN NORTH, AUSTIN, TX
FLOOR PLAN

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
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Thursday, April 14, 2016
Pre-Conference Day of Reflection
All events today in La Frontera III
8:00 a.m.
Rosary
Pre-Conference Day
Ignatian Discernment and Counseling:
Spiritual and Psychological Processes
Working Together Toward Healing
Reverend Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Session 1
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Session 2
11:25 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Discussion Q & A
11:40 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on your own
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Session 3
1:45 p.m - 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Session 4 with Q & A
4:45-5:00 p.m.
Depart on own via Uber/taxi to
St. Vincent de Paul Church
9500 Neenah Ave., Austin, Texas
5:30 pm - Opening Mass
Celebrant: The Most Reverend
Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin
St. Vincent de Paul Church
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CPA Conference
Welcome Reception & Social
St. Vincent de Paul Church hall
8:00 p.m.
Return to Austin Marriott North on own
via Uber/taxi
Friday, April 15, 2016
Main Conference Day 1
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Atrium
CPA Conference Registration
7:30 a.m. La Frontera I, II, & III
Rosary
7:45 a.m. La Frontera IV
Daily Mass immediately after Rosary
8:45 a.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Welcome and Opening remarks
Suzanne Baars, CPA President
Plenary Session
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Listening with the Heart:
The Healing Power of Affirmation
Eileen Barbella, Ph.D., Suzanne Baars,
Allison Ricciardi
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break
Confessions (Boardroom area on first floor)
11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. La Frontera I, II, & III
Clinical Discernment: When Faith
and Trauma Intersect
Gerry Crete & Jennifer Madere
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch on your own
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Board Room (TBA)
Meeting for Private Practitioners
Host, Gerry Crete. (Lunch paid by attendee)
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. La Frontera III
Practical Applications
of Affirmation Therapy
Eileen Barbella, Ph.D., Suzanne Baars,
Allison Ricciardi
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. La Frontera I & II
The Clinician’s Contributions to Tribunal
Annulment Cases: Mercy and Justice
Frank Moncher, Ph.D.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Austin Room
Seminary Assessment Track. Part 1

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
11
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Break
Confessions
(Available in boardroom area on first floor)
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Forgiveness & Inner Healing:
A Psychotherapy of New Beginnings
Peter Martin, Psy.D.
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Austin Room
Seminary Assessment Track. Part 2
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Break
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Atrium Terrace
Social/Networking (cash bar available)
Silent auction begins
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. La Frontera IV, V, & VI
CPA Banquet
Keynote Address: Patrick Fagan, Ph.D.
The Kingdom of God is Within:
The Psychological Struggle
7:45 p.m. Silent auction ends
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Main Conference Day 2
7:30 a.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Rosary
8:00 a.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Morning Remarks
Suzanne Baars, CPA President
Plenary Session
8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Charity and Clarity: The Catholic Church,
Therapists and Individuals with
Same-Sex Attraction
Michael Horne, Psy.D & Reverend
Paul Check
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Break
Confession (boardroom area, first floor)
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. La Frontera I, II & III
Making Peace in the Family
Gregory Popcak, Ph.D.
11:45 a.m. - 1:45 pm La Frontera IV, V, & VI
CPA Luncheon: Psychotherapy and
Support Groups with Individuals with
Same– Sex Attraction: Decreasing
Psychological Symptoms and Increasing
a Sense of Fulfillment
Michael Horne, Psy.D. & Reverend
Paul Check
1:45p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break
Confessions (boardroom area, first floor)
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. La Frontera I & II
Helping Couples Cope with Infertility
Kelly Morrow, Ph.D.
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. La Frontera III
Catholic Mindfulness
Gregory Bottaro, Psy.D.
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Austin Room
Seminary Assessment Track. Part 3
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Break/Confession (boardroom area, first floor)
3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. La Frontera I & II
Panel Discussion for Students.
Working in the Catholic Psychotherapy
World: What’s It REALLY Like?
Christopher Sperling, Jennifer Madere,
Greg Bottaro, Peter Martin
3:45p.m. - 5:15 p.m. La Frontera III
The Phenomenology of Addiction,
the Prudential Care of Clients with
Substance-Use Disorders & the Gift
of Mercy
Dr. Lisa Petronis
3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Austin Room
Seminary Assessment Track. Part 4
5:30 pm - 6:30 p.m. La Frontera IV, V & VI
Anticipatory Mass
Celebrant: Reverend Paul Check
Closing remarks
Suzanne Baars, CPA President

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PRESENTERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
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PRE-CONFERENCE DAY
Reverend Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V.
Reverend Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979
as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community
dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to
the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. He obtained his doctorate
in 1983 from the Gregorian University. He has taught (St.
John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA; Our Lady of Grace Seminary
Residence, Boston, MA), assisted in formation work for twelve years, and served two
terms as provincial in his own community. He has dedicated many years to an extensive
ministry of retreats, spiritual direction, and teaching about the spiritual life. Fr. Gallagher
is the author of seven books (Crossroad) on the spiritual teaching of St. Ignatius of
Loyola and the life of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
CPA BANQUET KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Patrick Fagan, Ph.D.
Dr. Pat Fagan is the Director of the Marriage and Religion Research
Institute (MARRI), a project of Family Research Council.
Growing up in Ireland, Fagan taught grade school in Cork, was a
psychotherapist in Canada before moving, in 1985, from the clinical
world into public policy and discourse, at the Free Congress
Foundation under Paul Weyrich, in Congress on the staff of Senator Dan Coats of Indiana,
as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Family and Community Policy at HHS for President G.
H. Bush, followed by 13 years as the Senior Fellow in family and culture issues at the
Heritage Foundation.
CPA Conference Silent Auction
FRIDAY, APRIL 15 • 5:30 P.M. – 7:45 P.M.
Please take a moment to bid on one or more of the religious items donated for the
1st CPA Silent Auction. The items have been donated by Catholic families and
businesses in the Austin area. The silent auction is one of CPA’s few fund-raising
events; it supports the CPA Scholarship fund for Catholic seminarians and students
to attend future CPA Conferences.

14
Intuitus Group is a team of licensed professionals drawn
together by their common desire to support the dignity and
integration of the human person and human relationships. We
offer a variety of therapeutic and consulting services to
individuals, families, professional groups, schools, and faith
communities.
“Intuitus” is the Latin translation for contemplation. We strive to
apply a thoughtful approach to all that we do!
Left to Right: Christopher Lafitte, Lisa Murray, Britt Echtenkamp, Jennifer
Madere, Bishop Joe Vásquez, Michelle Browning, Tiffany Chambers, Chris
Sperling, Niki Montecillo. Not Pictured: Robert Turner. Photo taken during
blessing of our new office building by Bishop Vásquez. Photo credit: Jason Melero.
www.intuitus-group.com
1464 E. Whitestone Blvd. Ste. 2001 – Cedar Park, TX 78613

CPA LUNCHEON ADDRESS
Reverend Paul Check
15
Fr. Paul N. Check was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport,
CT in 1997. At the direction of Bishop Lori in 2002, he established
a Courage chapter in his diocese for which he continues to
serve as chaplain. He holds an STB from the Gregorian University
and an STL from the University of the Holy Cross, both in Rome.
He teaches fundamental moral theology and sexual and medical ethics to seminarians and
permanent deacon candidates in the Bridgeport Diocese.
Beginning in 1999, he has taught the two-week course in moral theology in the “Gift of
Faith” syllabus for Blessed Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. Father
Check graduated from Rice University, TX in 1981 with a BA in history. He served as an officer
in the US Marine Corps for nine years prior to entering the seminary. In 2008, he was
selected to succeed Fr John Harvey as the Executive Director of Courage International,
at the request of Fr Harvey and with the approval of Bishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan. He
spends much of his time traveling and making presentations to clergy about the Church’s
teaching about homosexuality and her pastoral response.
Clinical Mental
Health Counseling
Two-Year Master of Art’s Degree Program
NDevelops professionals who respect and
integrate human and Christian values
NCoursework and clinical internship lead to licensure
for a career in professional counseling
NOption for concentration in Christian counseling
For More Information and to Apply
Franciscan.edu/cmhc • GradAdmissions@franciscan.edu • 800-783-6220
An Equal Opportunity University
4.5x3.5C.indd 1
2/10/16 9:16 AM

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Suzanne Baars, M.A.
17
Suzanne Baars is a licensed professional counselor and marriage
and family therapist in Irving, Texas, where she operates
her private practice, In His Image Christian Counseling. Sue
has worked extensively in the field of counseling since 1986
in both hospital and outpatient settings, and focuses her work
on the integration of the Christian anthropology of St. Thomas
Aquinas with the treatment of a variety of emotional & spiritual
problems, among them Emotional Deprivation Disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder and scrupulosity. She is also a popular
presenter at Catholic conferences around the country, and has
been a frequent guest on EWTN’s Women of Grace. She often presents the work of her
late father, psychiatrist and author Conrad Baars, a pioneer in the field of Catholic psychology.
Sue cites the cultural erosion of the family as the root of the lack of affirmation
from which many people in our time suffer.
Some of Sue’s lecture series include: Made in His Image: Healing and Wholeness for
Living the Affirming Life (4 CD set), and The Abode of Love: Developing the Heart (10
CD set). She and a colleague edited a collection of Dr. Baars’ articles and monographs
related to the priesthood entitled, “I Will Give Them a New Heart: Reflections on the
Priesthood and the Renewal of the Church.”
Sue has been on the faculty of the Institute for Priestly Formation every summer since
2008, where she teaches diocesan seminarians. She is the President of the Catholic
Psychotherapy Association and is finishing a doctorate in Family Therapy from Texas
Woman’s University.
Dr. Greg Bottaro
Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic Psychologist and the Director of
the Catholicpsych Institute. He founded CPI in 2012 to provide
psychotherapy from an integrated Catholic anthropology locally
and worldwide through the online environment. CPI trains
license candidates from around the country in applying this anthropology
to clinical practice as well as producing research and
resources to add to the cultural conversation regarding human
dignity and a flourishing life.

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Since 1985, the National Center for Women’s Health has provided
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Some of the conditions treated include:
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Dr. Eileen Barbella
19
Dr. Eileen M. Raffaniello Barbella is a licensed psychologist with
formation as a spiritual director. After earning a Ph.D. in Educational
Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin, she developed a
graduate course in family interventions at the University of Cincinnati.
She also began to integrate her study and practice of Ignatian
Spirituality with her work as a psychologist.
She did this as a pastoral associate/ campus minister, as a co-director
of a diocesan training program for spiritual directors in Austin, as an adjunct professor at
St. Edward’s University and at Regis in Denver, as a systems consultant to churches (Catholic,
Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist) and religious congregations (Benedictine,
Carmelite, Norbertine, Redemptorist, Jesuit, Incarnate Word and Divine Providence),
and as a retreat and workshop leader.
Since 1990 her scientific study has focused on natural family systems (or “Bowen”) theory.
After fifteen years as a licensed psychologist in private practice, a sabbatical offered her
the opportunity to develop an innovative professional service - spiritual coaching. In 2001
Dr. Barbella returned to private practice as a psychologist and spiritual coach in Cleveland,
Texas. Since then she also supervised a team or therapists at a nursing home, served as
director of another formation program for spiritual directors, taught Pastoral Care and Guidance
to the seminarians at St. Mary’s, and continued to lead many retreats and days of
prayers in the dioceses of Austin and Beaumont and the Archdioceses of Galveston-Houston
and San Antonio. Presently, she is a working full time as psychologist for the Shalom Center,
a residential renewal and treatment center for priests and religious, in Splendora, Texas.
Dr. Gerry Ken Crete
Dr. Gerry Ken Crete earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and
Supervision with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from
the University of Georgia. He is licensed as a Professional Counselor
and Marriage and Family Therapist with additional certifications
in treating trauma and sexual addiction. He currently sees
clients at Holy Family Counseling Center in Duluth, Georgia and
is an AAMFT clinical fellow and supervisor. He is also an Assistant
Professor in the Mental Health Counseling Department at Argosy
University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Crete is committed to the integration of Catholic spiritualtiy with evidence based mental
health interventions. His research has focused on resilience of male survivors of childhood
trauma. He helps facilitate diocesan retreats for male survivors of childhood abuse in Atlanta
and he runs a therapy group for men with sexual addictions.

20
A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
ABOUT
NAZARETH
RETREAT
CENTER
Located in Grand Prairie behind the convent and home of the Sisters, the Nazareth Retreat Center is sponsored and operated
by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. We strive to welcome all in order that their spiritual lives might be enriched.
We welcome individuals, families and ministerial and school groups to come find rest and a family spirit in our retreat center.
WHAT
WE OFFER
Spiritual direction for individuals provided by the Sisters
Retreat and reflection opportunities guided and led by the Sisters
Formation for parish catechists, teachers, Eucharistic ministers, RCIA sponsors and altar servers provided by the Sisters
Hospitality and accommodations for individual and group retreats
Space rental for the meeting needs of parish based and non-parish based organizations
Space for school retreats and opportunities for service projects for students
OUR
MISSION
IN THE CHURCH
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth believe that it is in an environment of love that
persons come to the fullness of life. Because of this belief, we witness a family spirit among
ourselves and are dedicated to the moral and religious renewal of family life. We are
committed to creating communities of love and hope which celebrate the oneness of the
human family. Whether you join us as an individual, family, school group or ministry
group, we hope you leave enriched with the spirit of the Holy Family!
1814 Egyptian Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
www.nazarethretreats.org (469) 233 –5547 nazareth_retreat@yahoo.com
Our Accommodations
Over 25 acres of landscaped grounds
Two chapels and daily Mass
available
Overnight accommodations for up to
45 guests—private and double
occupancy with private bathrooms
Full food service available

Dr. Gerry Doran
21
Dr. Gerry Doran is clinical psychologist with many years experience
working within a varied private practice treating individuals, couples
and families. He is bi-lingual in Spanish and has a background in
pastoral ministry and has an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from a Roman
Catholic seminary. He has worked in various capacities as
a lay pastoral minister within the Catholic Church, first with a lay
missionary organization for eight years and then as a family life
minister in the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado for seven years.
For almost the past 20 years he has worked as a psychologist consultant for several dioceses
and religious communities in the U.S. offering specialized psychological services for
seminarians, deacons, priests and religious. He is currently the chair of the CPA seminary
assessment group that meets monthly and is co-chair with Dr. Carlos Gomez in organizing
this seminary assessment track at the CPA conference.
Dr. Carlos C. Gomez
Dr. Carlos C. Gomez is a bilingual licensed psychologist in private
practice at the Center for Human Formation in Miami, Florida.
His professional work is dedicated to the integration of faith and
psychological science focused on psychological consulting to programs
of clerical and religious formation.
Carlos has been a member of the CPA since 2010 and has served
on its Board of Directors since 2012. He has been elected to serve
as President of the association with this term starting in November 2016. He is the Chair of
the Nominating Committee and Past-Chair of the Seminary Assessment Task Force. He has
attended all four CPA National Conferences and is currently the Co-Chair of the Seminary
Assessment Track for the Austin Conference.
Dr. Gomez has a bachelors from Cornell University, a masters, specialist, and doctorate from
the Florida State University, and a fellowship from the University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He has taught psychology at the doctoral level and
previously worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Carlos has been married twelve years to his wife Holly. The Gomez’s are raising their five
children in Coral Gables, Florida.

22
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… and perhaps
an eternal effect: a baby!
Based on TOB 13:2-4; 16:3-19:6; 93:1-7; 117b:6. © Copyright 2014 by Monica Ashour. All rights reserved.
Responsible Parenthood
Number and Spacing of Children
Extreme:
Extreme:
We decide without God
“Just Cause”
God decides without us
Any contraception is right Couple decides with God
Even NFP is wrong
Violates human nature, using reason, prayer, and respect Violates human nature,
especially fertility
for God-given fertility
especially reason
Duty toward God, yourselves, kids (current and future),
society, the Church, and even humanity as a whole.
Physical Condition
Psychological Condition
Economic Condition
Social Condition
Based on TOB 121:2 & 125:3; Humanae Vitae 16; Gaudium et Spes 50. © Copyright 2014 by Monica Ashour. All rights reserved.
A Solid Marriage Is Built on Knowing Christ
Wife
Christ
Giving
Self
Selfish
Me
Christ
Giving
Self
Selfish
Me
Happy
“We”
Husband
Based on Eph 5:21 and TOB 89-90; TOB 128:3. © Copyright 2014 by Monica Ashour. All rights reserved.
TOBET4ENGAGED
A Christ-Centered Guide
to Happy Marriages
TOBET4ENGAGED
Sách Hướng Dẫn Chúa Kitô Là Trọng Tâm
Đưa Đến Hạnh Phúc Hôn Nhân
Thần Học Thân Xác
Chuẩn Bị
Sống Đời Hôn Nhân
Theology of the Body
Marriage Preparation
TOBET4ENGAGED
Preparación matrimonial
mediante la Teología del Cuerpo
Una guía centrada en Cristo
para un matrimonio feliz
TOBET’s popular Theology of the Body
Marriage Preparation workbook is 80+
pages complete with discussion questions
and dozens of dynamic and engaging
diagrams. Videos and Facilitator Resources
are also available.
Created by Monica A. Ashour, MTS; M Hum
The Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, Inc.
Biên soạn bởi Monica A. Ashour, MTS; M Hum
Nhóm Truyền Giáo Thần Học Thân Xác
Creado por Monica A. Ashour, MTS; M Hum
The Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, Inc.
Now available in
Spanish, English,
and Vietnamese
A N O U T R E A C H O F

Dr. Michael Horne
23
Dr. Michael Horne is Director of Clinical Services for Catholic
Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. He received his doctorate
in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological
Sciences (IPS) in 2009, where he specialized in child therapy
and wrote his doctoral dissertation on violent video games and
their impact on the player. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Dr.
Horne worked in television at KVR9 in Austin, Texas and Houston
PBS. Dr. Horne has experience working in several Catholic mental health clinics
including Catholic Social Services in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Alpha Omega Clinic in
Fairfax, Virginia. He has also had the opportunity to serve as a school counselor within
the Diocese of Arlington. Dr. Horne and his wife, Kara, live in Fredericksburg, Virginia
with their three children.
Dr. Christina Lynch
Dr. Lynch is a licensed clinical psychologist, founding Board
Member, Past President and current Advisor to the Board of the
Catholic Psychotherapy Association. She is Director of Psychological
Services at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in
Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Lynch serves as adjunct faculty for the Institute for Priestly
Formation in Omaha, Nebraska. She assists as an expert news
commentator for EWTN’s “Heroic Media” cable show and aids as an Advisor on the Spiritual
Development Advisory Council, for FOCUS. In addition, she serves as an Associate
Researcher in Psychology and Spirituality for the Sacred Story Institute, in Seattle, WA.
In 2015, Dr. Christina Lynch received the first “Distinguished Alumni Award” from her
alma mater, the Institute for Psychological Sciences (IPS) in Arlington, VA, where she
was awarded the first Doctoral degree offered by the school ten years earlier. The Distinguished
Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who has made significant contributions
to society and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy
of the excellence of the school.

24

Dr. Peter Martin
25
Dr. Peter Martin, a licensed psychologist, supervises pre-doctoral
psychology interns and master’s level clinicians and conducts
therapy at Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska.
He has a PsyD and MS in Clinical Psychology from The Institute
for the Psychological Sciences, a MA in Religious Studies from
Providence College, and a MS in Counseling Psychology from the
University of Kansas.
He has served on the Board of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association since 2013 and on
the Board of Witness to Love: Marriage Preparation Renewal Ministry since 2015.
In 2008, through CSS, Peter began and currently heads a clinical outreach site at the St.
Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For 2 years, he
provided counseling services to seminarians at the Institute for Priestly Formation summer
program in Omaha, Nebraska. His areas of interest include supervising therapists in faithintegrated
treatments of psychological disorders, in practicing Forgiveness Therapy, group
therapy, and depth therapy, and in studying God image, the psychology of belief and unbelief,
and the social scientific understanding of religious conversion. Peter and his wife, Larissa,
have been married for 4 years and have 2 children.
Jennifer Madere, M.A.
Jennifer Madere, MA, practices as a Licensed Professional
Counselor Supervisor with Intuitus Group in Cedar Park, Texas,
with a specialization in treating complex trauma and dissociative
disorders. She is an active member in the EMDR International
Association and the International Society for Study of Trauma
and Dissociation. As an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant,
she contributes to the education and formation of clinicians in
practicing EMDR Therapy. She has presented on the subjects of
assessing and treating complex trauma and dissociation locally and at EMDR International
Association conferences.

26
r e t r e a t c e n t e r
Diocese of Amarillo
2100 North Spring | Amarillo, TX 79107 | (806) 383-1811 | general@bdrc.org | www.bdrc.org

Dr. Frank Moncher
27
Dr. Frank Moncher received his Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology
from the University of South Carolina in 1992, following
which he spent several years on faculty of the Medical College of
Georgia. In 2000 he moved to the Washington, D.C. area to teach
at a graduate school of psychology which has a mission of integrating
the science of psychology in the context of the Catholic
Christian view of the human person.
He is licensed as a clinical psychologist in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Over the past
15 years he has consulted in diocesan marriage tribunals, and with religious orders and
dioceses to provide psychological evaluations of candidates for religious life.
Since 2010, Dr. Moncher has worked for the Diocese of Arlington and Catholic Charities
as a psychologist and consultant. Frank has published in journals and contributed to book
chapters on topics related to children, families, and religion. Frank and his wife Elizabeth
live in Alexandria, VA with their three children: Charlotte (2006), Joseph (2008) and Catherine
(2010).
Dr. Kelly Morrow
Dr. Kelly A. Morrow is a Catholic Psychologist who provides mental
health services at Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, Nebraska.
Her clientele include couples facing infertility, adults seeking faithbased
counseling, priests, religious, and individuals with acute
and chronic medical disorders. She also works with seminarians
attending the Institute for Priestly Formation and conducts psychological
evaluations for individuals interested in entering seminary
or religious communities. She is a consultant to the Tribunals
of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Diocese of Lincoln, and Diocese of Grand Island.
Dr. Morrow received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Health
Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She spent the first six years after
graduate school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she was a psychologist/consultant
for Cardiology, Pulmonary, Ob/Gyn, Pain Center, and the organ transplant
departments. Dr. Morrow has given presentations on topics from infertility to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus.

28
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Dr. Lisa Petronis
29
Dr. Lisa Petronis holds a Masters in Counseling with a specialty in
Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix and a
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate
Institute. Dr. Petronis is a licensed man·iage and family therapist.
Dr. Lisa Petronis has been practicing in the field of mental health
since 1995 in various settings. She successfully implemented and
managed intensive family programs at two dual diagnosis residential
treatment facilities before starting a private practice in 2002.
Dr. Lisa Petronis is a recognized expert in the areas of addictions with co-occurring disorders.
Dr. Petronis conducted the country’s first academic study in Clinical Psychology on the Lost
Boys from Sudan which produced groundbreaking knowledge regarding the experience of
trauma, resilience and spiritual life.In addition, she holds special training in depth psychology.
In addition to her work in private practice Dr. Petronis enjoys teaching which, most recently
has included psychology courses at John Paul the Great Catholic University. Dr. Lisa Petronis
has appeared as an expert psychotherapist on XETV/Fox, KOGO news radio, Catholic
Radio of San Diego, ABC/10 news, and Shalom World TV.
Allison Ricciardi, LMHC
Allison Ricciardi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New
York, and has been a therapist for the past 26 years. In 2001 she
founnded www.catholictherapists.com in response to a growing demand
for counseling that is faithful to the Magisterium and includes
prayer and spirituality. She is also Founder and Director of The
Raphael Remedy which offers counseling and life coaching from a
Catholic perspective.
Allison is a frequent guest on Relevant Radio and a writer for Roman Catholic Spiritual
Direction. Visit Allison’s blog at www.theraphaelremedy.com/blog as well as www.
Catholictherapists.com.

30
Congratulations to Sue Baars
for being selected as the next
CPA President!
MAY GOD BLESS AND GUIDE YOU AS YOU
CONTINUE TO SERVE THE CPA

Dr. Greg Popcak
31
Dr. Gregory Popcak (POP-chak) is the Founder and Executive
Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, an organization dedicated
to helping Catholics find faith-filled solutions to tough marriage,
family, and personal problems. The author of almost 20
popular books & programs integrating solid Catholic theology and
counseling psychology (including; For Better...FOREVER!, Holy
Sex!, Parenting with Grace, & Broken Gods: Hope, Healing and
the Seven Longings of the Human Heart), Dr. Popcak is an expert
on the practical applications of Pope John Paul the Great’s Theology of the Body.
Through the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he directs a group pastoral tele-counseling practice
that provides over 10,000 hours/year of ongoing pastoral psychotherapy services to
Catholic couples, individuals, and families around the world. Since 2001, he and his wife
and co-author, Lisa Popcak, have hosted several nationally-syndicated, call-in radio advice
programs including , More2Life Radio which currently airs on about 35 stations around
the US. They have also hosted two television series for EWTN (For Better...FOREVER! &
God Help Me!). In addition to hosting Faith on the Couch, a popular faith and psychology
blog on Patheos.com, Dr. Popcak’s articles appear regularly in periodicals such as Catholic
Digest, Family Foundations, Tender Tidings, Columbia, and others, and his work has
been featured on FoxNews, NPR’s Here and Now, the Los Angeles Times, Washington
Post, Ladies Home Journal, and The National Enquirer. - In addition to his ministry work,
Dr. Popcak serves on the adjunct faculty of both the undergraduate psychology and graduate
theology departments at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
In gratitude for outstanding service to the
Catholic Psychotherapy Association
Dr. Christina Lynch
President and Founding Member
Dr. Sandy McKay
President and Founding Member

32
Strengthen Catholic Marriages
at
www. MaritalHealing.com
Healing for Spouses who are:
Depressed or Addicted
Explore:
Webinars on Strengthening Marital Self -giving
Institute for Marital Healing
101 W. Elm Street, Suite 320
Conshohocken, PA 19428
Rick Fitzgibbons, M.D.
Peter C. Kleponis, Ph.D.
610-397-0960
www.PeterKleponis.com
and Associates
Welcome and Congratulations
to new CPA board members
Carol Lieser, Ph.D.
Valerie H. Conzett, D. Min., L.P.C.
Gerry Crete, Ph.D.

33
Christopher L. Sperling, M.A., LMFT
Chris is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the
state of Texas. Chris earned a B.A. in Psychology from Rhode Island
College and a M.A. in Counseling from St. Edwards University
in Austin, Tx. Additionally Chris has spent 90 hours of study at the
Theology of the Body Institute in Exeter, Penn, is an EMDR Trained
Therapist and a Prepare Enrich Seminar Director.
Chris is a founding member of the Intuitus Group, a gathering of
Catholic professionals who provide relational and mental health support to the local community.
A significant part of his private practice is devoted to Catholics who are struggling with
infidelity. Chris feels a special call to assist men in overcoming infidelity in the form of affairs,
pornography, cybersex addictions and same sex attraction (SSA). Chris’ call to couples is to
help them live out a healthy sexuality within the structure of a loving sacramental marriage.
Chris is a regular presenter for and around the Diocese of Austin on topics such as Communication
& Conflict Resolution, Marriage and Sexuality, Fidelity and the Purpose of Marriage.
Chris is married to Dr. Rebekah Sperling and they have just adopted their infant daughter
Elizabeth Rose.
A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Dr. Christina Lynch continues to follow her passion by providing consultative and
educational resources to create a working “tool box” for Bishops; priests; deacons;
seminarians and other administrators and personnel who serve in seminary formation.
For more information visit her website at:
www.drchristinalynch.com

34
www. jpcreativegroup.com

SPECIAL THANKS
35
AMDG Foundation
$10,000
CPA Member
$1,550
2016 Benefactors, Sponsors
ARK Financial
Wine donation for
Friday banquet
CPA Member
CPA Board Member
CPA Board Member
CatholicTherapists.com
Exhibit Vendors/Tables
• Courage
• The Baars Institute
• Catholictherapists.com
• Madonna Arts
• National Recording (NCRS)
• FOCCUS, INC/Center for
Family Life Formation-Omaha
• Witness to Love
• Catholic Social Workers National Association
• Shalom Center
• Divine Mercy University
• Integrity Restored
• Fr. Timothy Gallagher
• The Pastoral Solutions Institute
Advertisers
• FOCCUS, INC
Center for Family Life Formation-Omaha
• The Southdown Institute
• Mary’s Advocates
• Divine Mercy University
• Franciscan University of Steubenville
• Intuitus Group
• Pope Paul VI Institute
• Tabor Life
• Nazareth Retreat Center
• Institute for Marital Healing
• TOBET
• Madonna Arts
• Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center
• CatholicTherapists.com
• Marriage Ministry Resources
• The Baars Institute
Special thanks to…
Cecelia Gannon, Ellie Moser, Patty Cummings, Paula Palmer, Sue Cyr, Ann Simons,
Jennifer Madere, Britt Echtenkamp, Claire Miller, Maribel Laguna, Chris Sperling,
Carol Lieser, Michelle Browning, Matt McCall, Weston Finch, Katherine Ebler, David Kovacs

36
CONFERENCE NOTES

CONFERENCE NOTES
37

38
CATHOLIC PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
A special thank you to the
AMDG FOUNDATION
Your generosity helps to support the work
and mission of the CPA

39
Life TABOR
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Transforming lives through an approach that integrates
the theology of the body, Sacred Scripture and Eastern
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sacramental-liturgical worldview.
Retreats, workshops and study groups
14610 S Will Cook Rd - Homer Glen, IL 60491
taborlife@earthlink.net 708-645-0762
taborlife.org

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