Therapy and Catholic anthropology — is there a tension?

I have been in therapy for two years, which has been genuinely helpful for understanding patterns from my family of origin. My therapist is secular and there are moments where her frame and my Catholic understanding of the person come into genuine conflict — particularly around guilt, self-compassion, and the language of forgiveness. Has anyone navigated secular therapy as a serious Catholic? Have you found Catholic therapists and are they actually different?

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@misericordiaMar 20

I don't have experience with Catholic therapists, but I work at a Christian (Protestant) mental health center. I think it really matters to have a therapist who understands how your faith impacts your mental health and vice versa. That doesn't mean secular therapy won't help - of course it does! - but maybe you can explain matters of faith to your therapist or talk to a priest about things that also are faith-related.

@claire_2Apr 5

I am actually going to be a psychologist in a few months! I totally get the issue with secular therapy. The truth is the way you approach the person and the condition varies according to models and all is informed by your own beliefs as a therapist. So getting a Christian therapist is usually a good idea. Now all therapist should not judge you, all should adapt to you, none should impose their beliefs on you. So yes it is still worth it if you need it. And also gravity plays here, if you have light depression you might feel that gap more than if you're dealing with schizophrenia. In general though some therapy like ACT are more compatible with christian values as well. I hope it helps!