Stop Pressuring Me! How to Stand Strong in Face of Manipulation

June 6, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Peer pressure. We’ve all dealt with it throughout our lives, but does it still effect us as adults? Social Psychologists from SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Poland recreated the well-known Milgram Obedience Study (Milgram Shock Experiment) and discovered that the results were astoundingly similar to the results of the original experiment in 1963. Like the Milgram study, the participants of the current study were provided with 10 buttons. The participants were led to believe that each button... Read more

Pastoral Solutions Seeks Faithful, Catholic Therapists to Join Our Growing Practice.

May 29, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

The Pastoral Solutions Institute (www.CatholicCounselors.com) is looking for experienced, faithful, Catholic therapists to join our growing pastoral behavioral telehealth practice. Since 1999, Pastoral Solutions has provided pastoral counseling services to Catholic individuals, couples and families around the world via telephone and video-teleconference. Pastoral Solutions is a recognized leader in the effective and ethical integration of Catholic theology and spirituality with clinical practice. Our ideal candidate meets the following qualifications. -Current license for independent practice in counseling, clinical social work, or... Read more

The Pope, The APA, and “Born That Way.” What Science Really Says About Homosexuality

May 24, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

As you have most likely read, recent news outlets quote clerical sexual abuse survivor, Juan Carlos Cruz, saying that Pope Francis told him that his homosexuality “does not matter.” In Juan Carlos’ words, the Holy Father told him, “You know Juan Carlos, that does not matter. God made you like this. God loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you should love yourself and not worry about what people say.” What’s Said In the Vatican, Stays... Read more

Stay-At-Home Moms and Depression: 4 Things You Need To Know

May 23, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Being a stay-at-home parent is hard, but does it cause depression? A recent discussion at Peanut Butter and Grace raised this important issue. It turns out that there is more to this question than meets the eye. Survey Says… A 2012 Gallup poll found that 28% of stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) had been diagnosed with depression compared to 17% of employed moms (defined as mothers who have both a full or part time job and children under 18). Of course, this... Read more

Unleash the Spiritual Power of YOUR Marriage and Family!

May 1, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Do you know how to tap into the incredible spiritual power of your marriage and family life? The truth is, there is a treasure-trove of grace hidden in plain sight, just beneath the surface of all the things we tend to take for granted. Mundane tasks like raising a family, attending to your marriage, paying your bills, or caring for your home may not seem very exciting, but God has blessed even these simple tasks with the power to be... Read more

Prayer and the Reality of Distraction

April 9, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Guest post by Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D. Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute Spiritual Direction services If you’re anything like me, you’re easily distracted in prayer. I don’t think a day goes by when, praying the Divine Office, my mind doesn’t wander somewhere between the psalms and the reading. At times like these it’s not uncommon to become frustrated feeling that we’ve cheated God out of some essential prayer time. As a result, we can strongly identify with Hamlet’s King... Read more

Maintaining Your Marriage Connection

March 26, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

It’s easy to tell when someone is happy. People often express outward signs when they are feeling good, such as smiling, using an upbeat tone, or having a bounce in their step. But it can be harder to tell what someone is thinking when they are feeling down, tired, or upset. These emotions are often masked or do not come with as markedly definitive expressions. While you may think you know all of your partners’ “tell tale signs” of their... Read more

Maintaining Your Marriage Connection

March 26, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

A Crisis of Authority: Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later

March 20, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Guest post by Dave McClow, Pastoral Solutions Institute. In the spring of 1968, almost three years after the Second Vatican Council closed, hope was still high that artificial contraception would no longer be considered a mortal sin. Rumors circulated that the committee studying the matter would advise the Pope to lift the prohibition. Reputable moral theologians were also purporting a lifting of the ban. Certainly some confessors were advising couples based on these expectations, influencing some to contracept. Then on... Read more

Transform Your Relationship! New Online Resource Helps YOU Live The Catholic Vision of Love and Marriage

March 6, 2018 By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

There is more to marriage than meets that eye. That’s the message of this exciting new resource by the Pastoral Solutions Institute and the Diocese of Steubenville that promotes the Catholic Vision of Love and Marriage. The program employs a simple web-based format and runs like a DIY online couples’ retreat. Each of the 12 units in the course consists of a brief (7-9min), high quality video presentation, discussion questions, resources for independent study, and a simple 5 item quiz... Read more