Business Details
24 Years
experience
Integrating Catholic Values into Mental Health Therapy
Founded in 2002, the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) is a global interdisciplinary organization dedicated to integrating Catholic values into psychotherapy. Our mission focuses on restoring human dignity and strengthening Christian families through ethical mental health practices. We provide networking opportunities via regional networks, special interest groups, and a members-only listserv. CPA members contribute to continuing education programs, peer-reviewed journal publications, and annual conferences that explore the intersection of Catholic anthropology and psychological science. Our membership includes clinicians, academics, clergy, and students committed to advancing faith-based mental health solutions.The CPA promotes rigorous scholarship through its journal Integratus and hosts the annual conference to foster collaboration among professionals. We maintain strict ethical standards aligned with Catholic teachings, requiring members to demonstrate fidelity to Church doctrine. Our initiatives include training programs for clergy, research on trauma-informed care, and advocacy for virtue-based approaches to mental health. With a volunteer board of directors and partnerships like Holy Family Counseling Center, we serve as a trusted authority in Catholic psychotherapy. Our work emphasizes holistic healing, combining clinical expertise with spiritual formation to address contemporary mental health challenges.
Services
Continuing Education
Peer-Reviewed Journal
Annual Conferences
Networking Communities
Ethical Guidelines
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Catholic-integrated psychotherapy since 2002
- Our global network includes clinicians, academics, and clergy
- We offer APA-accredited continuing education programs
- Our journal Integratus publishes peer-reviewed faith-based research
- We maintain strict ethical standards aligned with Catholic teachings
What people say
Faith-integrated resources
Ethical standards
Scholarly network
Annual conferences
Peer-reviewed journal
Services
Continuing Education
Our continuing education programs provide mental health professionals with opportunities to expand their knowledge while maintaining Catholic ethical standards. These programs include webinars, conferences, and self-study courses designed to enhance clinical skills and deepen understanding of faith-integrated approaches. Participants gain practical tools for applying Catholic anthropology to contemporary mental health challenges while earning necessary professional credits.
Peer-Reviewed Journal
The Integratus journal serves as the official peer-reviewed publication of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. It features scholarly articles exploring the intersection of psychological science and Catholic theology, including research on virtue-based therapy approaches and trauma-informed care. This academic resource helps mental health professionals stay current with evidence-based practices that align with Catholic teachings while advancing the field of faith-integrated psychotherapy.
Annual Conferences
Our annual conferences bring together mental health professionals for three days of collaborative learning and networking. These events feature presentations on topics like virtue-based mental health models, Catholic approaches to contemporary psychological issues, and research findings from leading practitioners. Attendees gain practical insights they can immediately apply in their clinical practice while connecting with colleagues who share similar values.
Networking Communities
We offer multiple networking platforms including regional networks, special interest groups, and a members-only listserv. These communities enable mental health professionals to share best practices, seek consultation, and find mentorship opportunities. The networking resources help members build professional relationships while supporting each other in maintaining ethical standards aligned with Catholic teachings.
Ethical Guidelines
Our organization establishes clear ethical guidelines for members practicing Catholic-integrated psychotherapy. These standards help mental health professionals navigate complex ethical dilemmas while maintaining fidelity to Church teachings. The guidelines cover areas like confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical research practices, providing a framework for responsible practice in faith-based mental health care.
People
Shannon Mullen
President & Chair
Licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience in trauma and sexual addiction treatment. Director of Mosaic Psychological Services since 2010, specializing in forensic services and psychodynamic therapy. EMDR trained and certified sexual addiction therapist supervisor. Integrates Catholic theology into clinical practice through Internal Family Systems approach.
Ian Masson
President-Elect
Licensed professional counselor in Virginia with expertise in child-centered play therapy and relationship enhancement therapy. Former director of IPS Center at Divine Mercy University. Specializes in emotional regulation and behavioral concerns in children and family systems therapy. Emphasizes relationship-based healing approaches.
Dr. Andrew Sodergren
Webinar Chair
Director of Psychological Services at Ruah Woods Institute, specializing in Theology of the Body education. Holds doctorate in clinical psychology and masters in theology. Former faculty member at John Paul II Institute. Co-author on topics including gender ideology and forgiveness in marriage. Recipient of Clinical Excellence Award.
Sr. Elena Marie Piteo
Education Chair
Dominican Sister with PhD in Psychology from University of Adelaide. Former researcher on child development and mental health. Currently Assistant Professor of Psychology at Aquinas College. Director of Quality Enhancement Plan focusing on Catholic social emotional learning. Combines psychological research with Catholic educational principles.
Dr. Shane Gomes
Ethics Chair
Licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and associate professor at Belmont Abbey College. Specializes in addiction treatment and ethics. Former teacher of psychology courses on human sexuality and law and ethics. Combines clinical practice with parish ministry roles including lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Questions
What is the Catholic Psychotherapy Association's mission?
We promote psychological theory and mental health practice aligned with Catholic teachings, focusing on human dignity and family values through education, research, and professional networking.
How can I become a member?
Visit our website to complete the application process. Membership requires supporting Catholic teachings, particularly on marriage and family, and completing our formal application.
What professional benefits does CPA offer?
We provide continuing education credits, peer-reviewed journal access, annual conferences, networking communities, and ethical guidelines for Catholic-integrated mental health practice.
How does CPA support academic research?
Through our peer-reviewed journal Integratus and annual conference presentations, we promote scholarly work that combines psychological science with Catholic anthropology and theology.
What clinical training opportunities exist?
We offer webinars, home study courses, and conference workshops covering topics like virtue-based therapy, trauma treatment, and Catholic approaches to contemporary mental health issues.
How does CPA engage with the broader community?
We organize public lectures, publish accessible articles on mental health topics, and collaborate with counseling centers to promote faith-based mental health resources.
