Psychology & Recovery

The purpose of this presentation is to acquire the ability to identify, understand, and cope with difficult people in your life. These frustrating, demoralizing people appear immune to usual methods of dealing with them. Brother Sean covers the nature of coping, patterns of difficult behavior and identifying a difficult person. Once that person is identified, he demonstrates the method to deal with each personality. An excellent means of knowing oneself and others, especially necessary to enable one in relationship or leadership.

Fragmentation, crises of identity and meaning, touch the lives of each one of us. Yet the potential for growth and transformation inherent in life's struggles and breakdowns, evades most of us. Using the image of the compost heap, Sister Vilma opens with clarity, persuasiveness, and depth, the reality of God at work in human life crises. Dark times condition us for God and elicit a deeper faith, hope and love. They empower us to go beyond the horizon of limited finitude into communion with God. The life of the mystics illustrate this process, clearly seen in the life of Teresa of Avila.

This tape creatively brings together significant passages from Teresa's Life, Way, and Castle, which show her compost experience and ultimate transformation. The process of fragmentation to inner transformation is developed as a movement from tenuous self-possession to security in self-surrender. Here the self is not lost - rather, it finds its fullness both in God and in compassionate human solidarity. These insights are developed to show their meaning for our own troubled times.

By exploring the symbolism and language of desire in the Spiritual Canticle, this workshop develops a new interpretive framework for understanding John of the Cross' writings so that his teaching can actually function as a resource for self-understanding, for spiritual direction and for ministry. It will trace the developmental changes in desire, affectivity and self-understanding effected by the experience of God in prayer. In this context it will probe into intimacy with God and the connection between this intimacy and both our human relationships and our experience of our contemporary world. It will show how desire is progressively purified (Dark Night) and transformed, and therefore how the human person is affirmed and transfigured in Wisdom and Love. John of the Cross' Christology will be stressed in this workshop as will the relationship between mystical consciousness or communion with God and world transformation.

Do you feel lousy-- run down; been sleeping a lot lately and the days and weeks drag on without a good reason to get out of bed? There are no miracle cures for depression but important steps in overcoming the illness is a thorough understanding of the causes of depression and the positive steps which can aid us in getting well. Dr. Riley, in a clear, succinct presentation helps us define depression, name its conscious and unconscious causes and the physical, emotional and spiritual effects and gives suggestions for remedies, what we can do humanly, psychologically, and spiritually to assess ourselves and take creative beneficial action to becoming well.

The bottom line of forgiveness is refrainment from any revenge against another, but this is only the beginning of the forgiveness process. Extending total forgiveness demonstrates not how much you forgive but how much you love the person who offended you. Total forgiveness helps remove any remnant of resentment which may still remain. The cycle of reconciliation takes place when we ask pardon of another and the other gives us forgiveness. Thus reconciliation does not or cannot happen when, for example, the other is deceased or unwilling to be reconciled. This thought provoking audio-cassette program is meant to teach a process and also provide an experience of forgiving others completely, fully and totally.

Once again the practical vitality of Jung's psychology for the spiritual life is proven! Here we find marvelous ways to reform our lives by facing our shadows, i.e. the unpleasant parts of our personalities we all possess but so often deny, ignore or repress. We can be free and unleash an enormous amount of energy and creativity by gently reflecting on our shadow. This tape helps us deal with our "middlescene." It shows how we can overcome our lethargy, lack of animation and ill-defined restlessness. To do this we must explore the whole truth of who we are and become friends with our shadow. We can make the greatest contribution to peace and justice by making peace with ourselves.

Loss, bereavement, grief and mourning are among the most fundamental of human experiences. These experiences deeply affect peoples' lives. Dr. Carole Riley discusses the psychological and spiritual process of grieving after a major loss (divorce, miscarriage, loss of limb or health, death of a child, friend or mate, loss of job, etc.) and guides the grieving person to come in contact with their fears, grief and feelings. Affecting the person in grief as well as their caregivers are physical and emotional expressions of grief. Focusing on these normal human reactions are important to the healing process, as well as allowing us to recognize signs of abnormal, harmful and pathological grieving. This is the cassette program for those who are coming to grips with their own loss or grieving, as well as their caregivers. Also for group study and sharing, self help and discussion.

Dr. Riley draws upon her years of teaching at Duquesne University and her experience as a counselor and spiritual director to teach and encourage us to use anger Apositively.@ She defines anger quoting Kaplan, Fodor and others, describes its modes of expression and differentiates between being hurt vs. being angry. How do you creatively use anger? Sr. Riley covers this aspect in depth using many examples to clarify and bring the talk to an experiential level. The roots of anger: power, self-sufficiency, personal significance and perfection are defined and again she applies the theory to everyday living enabling the listener to apply the principles to her/his own healing. In the wholistic approach, Sr. Carole also treats the handling of anger in spiritual direction. She covers the distinction between counseling and spiritual direction: she gives examples of anger in religion, in the Bible and transference of anger. The conclusions are practical, creative approaches one can apply in becoming whole; the use of poetry, journaling, movement and fair fighting.

It is said that John the Apostle had only one thing to say to those who went to talk to him when he was a venerable centenarian: "Little children, love one another."

For many decades Fr. Maloney has given a message in word and print: We fail to love, sacrificing ourselves, and so the love of God is never made perfect in us. We know about God but we don't know God and so we neither get excited about him ourselves nor excite those we meet. Fr. Maloney maintains that somewhere along the line our religion became all "head" and no "heart" and so we have good people wanting to "go to heaven" when all the time the kingdom of God is within them. Who said Paradise is a place? It is an overwhelmingly loving Presence! Fr. Maloney says that an "intellectual" faith is not enough for our faithless age. If he is right, then these cassettes are the perfect corrective. A lifetime of prayer, reflection and experience is shared with us.

Although this program is geared for those directly involved with the young, every listener can benefit. The meditation techniques offered here are sensible and sensitive to our ever-changing needs on the great pilgrimage back to God. Primarily the program teaches how to use music to form children into healthy, balanced, and morally responsible individuals. From preschool through adolescence, Sr. Carole shows precisely the music needed to help the young overcome their fears and be convinced that they are loved by God and Family. After listening to this program, you will want to share it with others. It's a great gift idea. It gives not only food for thought but music for the soul.

Dr. Schuler, in these three sixty-minute talks, guides us to the fact that God calls us to be who we are and helps us to listen to and go inside ourselves to the part of our personality (unconscious/shadow) we have either denied or repressed. Utilizing Jungian psychology, Dr. Schuler shows how dreams are the kernel and meat of the messages from God and how they reveal our unconscious-- the underdeveloped primitive self. Dreams, though they usually comment on the previous day, have other deeper meanings that reveal many unconscious aspects of our personality. An excellent program for those who desire harmony and balance in order to find the God who calls them to wholeness.

This two cassette program is so good, so dynamic and so exceptional that Alba House Communications considers it "one of Father Groeschel's best..." This Lenten commemorative of the last hours of Jesus and his cross speaks eloquently, deeply and lovingly to the heart of human beings, like you and me, who suffer terribly from all kinds of physical pains, loneliness, the sadness of death, broken relationships, loss of friends and loved ones, terminal sickness, fear, emotional pain and yes, even the pangs of death.

Fr. Groeschel brings you into contact with the suffering Jesus and people's heavy-duty pain in that place on the depth of your being where you are that "being" without human name, but made, loved and known by God - a spirit called out of eternity...a spirit that will live into eternal life.

Not exclusively a Lenten program, but good for meditation and homily preparation or as a devotional. Helps place suffering in the perspective of Christ who suffers with us. Deals realistically with failure, pain , sickness, (terminal and other) and death.

In this program, Bishop Morneau expounds on the power of the narrative through four well-known poets: Gerard Manley Hopkins - Poet, Priest and Prophet; John Donne - Poet and Divine; George Herbert - One of God's Greatest Windows; and Emily Dickinson - Belle of Amherst and of many human hearts.

Good human stories go on repeating themselves and are the vehicles of inspiration and values, both secular and religious. They touch on the major events of life. Story narratives, as well as poetic narratives energize us and get us moving, shape our emotions, provide meaning, guide our education, strike us more deeply than thoughts and passions, shape us at our psychic level, trouble old uncertainties, shock us awake and basically get under our skin.

Excellent for the person interested in good literature and the one searching for life's deeper meanings. Good reflection material. Excellent for those interested in becoming a storyteller in general and also as a means of evangelizing and preaching. The literary and spiritual gusto will certainly last.

This incredibly comprehensive presentation on healing by Father John Mergenhagen is the result of over 20 years of study and personal experience in the healing ministries. These practical lessons on healing will certainly help you understand as well as apply faith-imaging in your own life and in the lives of others who, like you, are in the need of healing.

In a holistic way, the body-mind connection is dynamically woven, showing how negative and positive attitudes really do affect both health and healing. You will learn how to reverence the body and mind, by centering yourself in God's love; by living in the present moment; by developing healed attitudes toward suffering, death and grieving; and by developing a sense of humor as well as a health plan for preventive healing.

In these three revealing conferences, Dr. Schuler, a Jungian psychologist, counsels the mid-lifer suffering from the "crazies" on how to delight on those mid-life crazies. Rather than looking at the mid-life crazies as upsetting, embarrassing, and confusing, she shows how they can be interesting, challenging and even fascinating - a period of exceptional growth and vitality.

While reflecting on the dynamics of the mid-life crazies, Dr. Schuler gives soothing and helpful hints on how to make this period of life a comfortable "new birth" as the new balanced personality emerges. Its OK to be insecure and uncertain.

An excellent program for those who are confused by their own experience of the mid-life crazies as well as those who have to cope with such a person.

Men are searching for an authentic masculine and male spirituality - a spirituality that fits. One that allows the warrior and king in the human spirit to come forth in the service of the Lord, family, Church, country and self.

With one eye on God and another eye on one's self, Fr. Pable helps men deal with shame, guilt, and imperfection. There is a crack in every thing and person God has made. It is that crack that makes room for God. Men have to deal with what is known as their "father wound" - created by their own imperfect and incomplete relationship with their own fathers or sons. Fr. Pable gives sound advice on how to heal this father/son rift. The exercise in acknowledging and forgiving this "father wound" opens very powerful internal sources of spiritual and psychological energy.

An excellent program for any man searching for a genuine spirituality that works, and for those who preach to men or guide them spiritually.

iTAH312 - Three audio-cassettes - $26.95
To order call 1-800 533-2522
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This cassette program will help you explore the possible meaning and significance of your dreams and the dreams of others. Rev. Taylor focuses on empowering the individual and deepening their understanding of themselves through dream work. It is possible through dream work to change prematurely closed attitudes and mobilize creative impulses in both the individual and society. Excellent for anyone interested in growing through a better knowledge of their dreams. For anyone who wants to know themselves better and explore the psychospiritual meaning of their dreams.

The Enneagram has essentially to do with character and personality type. Fr. Maestri, the author of several cassette programs on the Enneagram, fuses the new interest in virtue ethics with the Enneagram's personality types.

Virtue ethics has recently enjoyed a revival, because society is experiencing a deep moral and spiritual crisis of meaning and truth. People are aware that a person needs moral guidance in one's life.

This cassette program on the Enneagram and virtue open one's eyes to a very dynamic process of growth in virtuous living. As a conclusion, the author presents an enlightening application to Jesus, who is the model for perfection of each Enneagram type; and the role of the Church in the character formation of a community. Included is a detailed outline and useful chart which clearly applies deadly sin/virtue/theological virtue/center/ beatitude to each personality type.

Enriching and enlightening to the Enneagram enthusiast and novice alike. Opens new avenues of growth through basic but essential insights into the human personality and virtue. An excellent step in spiritual and emotional growth.

In this very down-to-earth talk, Fr. Boyle uses his experience in working with gangs at the Dolores Mission, Los Angeles, as a springboard to present a Gospel-centered response to alienated youth. Our attitudes towards these kids determine how we think of them and ultimately the solutions we choose. Gang violence is a symptom of intense poverty, dysfunctional families, joblessness, boredom, despair, the disparity of schools, etc. It is the role of the community to envision a future for these kids. They are our sons and daughters, whether we brought them into the world or not. The kids from the gangs who have become successful have one thing in common-- a loving, caring adult who pays attention. This is what the Christian community is all about. Excellent for youth groups. Helps to sensitize adults to the human dimensions of current social problems.

This exceptional heart-warming program was specifically prepared for women by a woman in a language that only women would understand. Dr. Susan Muto speaks of the woman as one who has the gift of radiating Christ. Women have an innate receptivity for the sacred - to receive God into their very beings. They are extremely open to God's inspiration and direction. There is in women a special inclination for the pursuit of truth and the strength and courage to stand up for what they believe.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus radiated this warm quality and because of it had a great impact on the Church. Learn the five stages of radiating Christ so clearly illustrated by the Annunciation, Visitation, Incarnation, Presentation of Jesus and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Learn also the building blocks of a Christian woman's life and how to put them all together and revitalize your faith.

iTAH328 - Two audio-cassettes - $17.95
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In our culture weakness often means dependence, vulnerability, and powerlessness. In the Christian context weakness is at the very core of an understanding of God's love, and a recognition of the need for salvation. Only in acknowledging our weakness can we achieve the full power of the gifts of the Spirit within us. Nowhere is this better expressed that in the Beatitudes.

In this evocative audio-cassette series, Fr. Bonar guides us through a fresh examination of the Beatitudes and provides practical applications of these time-honored declarations of Jesus. With an innovative focus on the core message of these ancient yet timely blessings, we may develop a new sense of the Spirit guiding us to be reformed in the image and likeness of Jesus as Savior.

Effective ministry to persons who are troubled requires an understanding of the intricacies of human development. Speaking to a conference for priests, Msgr. Cusack looks with candor and insight into the complexities of human behavior from the viewpoint of priest-counselor, and invites the listener to judge how we may perceive others. We may speak through psychology, seeing others as problems to be solved. Or we may speak through theology, seeing people as mysteries to be discovered. In today's world, much is said about openness of dialogue, but seldom do we hear about the true expression of feelings. The priest must be able to help people express themselves through their feelings, realizing that God is most fully present in those who are weakest.

Realizing the uniqueness in individuals will allow the priest to relate with them in a truly human way. The priest must look at others from the perspective that they are not problems to be solved, but rather that each individual is a mystery to be discovered - an expression of the love of God.

Produced in collaboration with the National Institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

Living the truly integrated life requires of us that we know and understand our human weakness. Brokenness is a part of life because we are born into sin. But our brokenness is not just sin alone but those impediments in our lives that keep us from fully experiencing God's love, which is unceasing in spite of human failings.

In this penetrating reflection, Fr. Maloney leads us through the experiences of brokenness in all areas of life - in our daily existence, in the Church, and in our world. He guides us to an understanding of the effects our brokenness have on us and the community of humankind. And we encounter the Risen Lord who brings us to our own resurrections through death to sin and in the living presence in the Eucharist.

iTAH350 - Three audio-cassettes - $27.95
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In this presentation, originally delivered as a retreat focusing on the dynamics of spiritual direction, Sr. Carole Riley fosters an understanding of the spiritual direction process and facilitates discernment of the call to this ministry. Theological, psychological, and multicultural aspects are highlighted. The role of group, individual and self supervision is presented through case studies developed by participants. Practical implications are identified for both individual and group spiritual direction. A model of group spiritual direction is presented which will be helpful to hospice care workers, clergy, chaplains, RCIA participants, retreat centers, seminaries, and groups preparing for one-to-one direction, as well as for people in locations where fewer persons are skilled in the ministry of spiritual direction.

The series is both informational and formational. Parish resource centers, spiritual direction ministry programs and libraries will find this audio-cassette program invaluable. The ecumenical nature of the material allows for broad applications to a diverse audience.

iTAH355 5 hours of material on 4 audio-cassettes $34.95
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The pains of divorce and its aftermath can be devastating in many ways-- emotionally, physically, financially, and especially spiritually. Healing these pains can be a lengthy, consuming process which can be agonizing, lonely, and traumatic. During this period of devastation the wounded are in a very distinct need of the closeness of God and the grace to clearly evaluate their situations.

In this reflective, prayerful audio-cassette presentation, Sr. Carole Riley gently leads those broken by divorce through the stages of grief that are so much a part of separation, allowing the Spirit to bring healing through acceptance, forgiveness, and ultimately through a stronger union with God. As we come to grips with our pain we come to the realization that God is ready to bring healing to the deepest areas of our damaged lives, allowing us to again learn to love and be loved in the image of the creator God.

You shall be holy for I am holy. This charge from God first heard in Leviticus then echoed in the First Letter of Peter is a dynamic statement rich in guidance and promise. It reaffirms the teaching that we are to be a Godly people who live in imitation of Christ as the perfect example of the way to the Father. And as Christ is that example of holiness, we too must live our lives in a manner consistent with that paradigm. In this audio-cassette presentation, originally delivered as a retreat for Priests but valuable for everyone, Fr. Bonar challenges the listener to rediscover holiness in one's life. He leads us to recognize just what it means to be holy, what effect sin has on our lives, how and where to find God in Christ, and to make that ultimate journey toward a renewed sense of holiness, a sense of peace and love.

Msgr. Cusack presents the Lord's Invitation to live life fully - to gain a feeling of sacredness of environment, to embrace the challenge to discover the presence within each other. This human wholeness becomes an ideal which we choose, and reflects itself in an integrated balance of the cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects of our lives. We are able to transform fear into love, and to see others as mysteries to be discovered rather than as problems to be solved. Msgr. Cusack shows us how grace abounds when we allow the powerless to see in us the conviction that God is more in them that in ourselves. This precise formula for human wholeness allows us to bring God into the world through a thorough and effective witness.

Fr. Martin Padovani, a Divine Word Missionary and licensed therapist, combines psychology and religion in this audio cassette series, showing how scripture is really a book of psychology. He challenges the listener to respond to life, to develop an incarnational spirituality, and to answer the call to change issued through the Gospel. This three part series examines in depth what it means to become human, to become a spiritual person. Human wholeness is an image of incarnational spirituality, and demands that we reflect on and come to know healthy, human feelings to arrive at the sense of integration that is a reflection of Christ living in us. In this spirit of reflection we can come to know ourselves by understanding where we come from - seeing our development of self through nature and nurture. An effective, enlightening study of the integration of psychology and religion for the clinician or individual study.

A tragic consequence of an already painful and stress-filled situation is the consideration of children within the incidence of divorce. Communication, forgiveness, honesty and love become even more important when dealing with children during this process. Sr. Carole, in this three cassette presentation, deals with all of the important issues of separation and divorce, and how they impact upon the lives of the most vulnerable facets of the marital union. She presents responsible ways to effective communication and understanding of the situation, plus some major themes of the children's response. Included also are meaningful tips to keep the important lines of communication open in the future. Understanding the sense of loss and dealing with the life-long issues that remain after divorce allow spiritual growth and healing to replace the pain of separation and loss.

Depression can be a debilitating and painful condition that can impose upon its sufferers feelings of hopelessness, despair, and anger. Unmanaged, this condition can bring havoc into the lives of those who experience it. In this new audio-cassette program recorded recently at a depression workshop, Sr. Carole Riley, CDP, examines the causes and consequences, the facts and approaches to the treatment of depression in light of God's call to fully experience life. In this pastoral discussion, Sr. Carole leads the listener through a discussion of depression, the technique of personal assessment, how to face depression, and the Twelve Steps to Spiritual Management of depression. She balances the series of discussions with musical selections and poetry. Perfect as a learning and meditation tool for those who suffer depression and they who love them.

Ours is a sacramental Church. We partake of the glory of God made manifest in the world through the celebrations of the Church in ways visible and invisible. One great sacrament of healing is that of Reconciliation, which reflects the mutual desire between God and self of acknowledging the brokenness that we, by nature, endure. At the core of this celebration is the need to be fully aware of our necessity to be forgiven, as well as our requirement to forgive. Fr. Padovani reveals this intimate relationship to us in this reassuring and enlightening presentation. Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting. Forgiving doesn't always mean reconciliation. But forgiving is always necessary for healing. Forgiveness is a tripartite process: intellectual, emotional, and spiritual, which means choosing, working, and letting go.

There is a phenomenon in the contemporary Church which is evident by a species of longing or restlessness within the male element. This complex of stresses has become manifest by a need within the male population to seek an identity which integrates fully the spiritual aspect of life. Fr. Pable's audio-cassette program comes at a time when the need for male spiritual guidance seems most profound. For the male, contemporary culture is defined by the struggles for success and achievement, many times at the expense of a developing spirituality. Through the direction of Fr. Pable's uplifting talks, the listener can come to recognize the stresses which play a part in this search for a spiritual identity at odds with the terms of his culture. The search for wholeness is a search for the reintegration of life which embraces God comprehensively. This material is ideal for a private retreat, or for use in parish ministry.

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