DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRAYER CARD HERE: https://catholic-counseling-institute-2.kit.com/f5ff865d5a

In this powerful episode of The Catholic Couch, Catholic therapist Amber Pilkington responds to Pope Leo XIV’s June prayer intention—calling the global Church to compassion for those suffering with mental and emotional illness.

For too long, mental health has been taboo in Catholic circles. But now, the silence is breaking. Pope Leo’s bold prayer offers more than awareness—it offers hope, healing, and a sacred mission.

🎙️ In this episode:

What Pope Leo XIV actually said—and why it matters so deeply

Why so many Catholic women feel unseen in their mental health struggles

The theology of consolation and the Sacred Heart

The role of comparison, silence, and emotional disconnection

What you can do (even in small ways) to live out this call to compassion

Whether you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, postpartum, trauma, or burnout—or you love someone who does—this conversation will comfort, validate, and empower you.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? An fMRI study of social exclusion. Science, 302(5643), 290–292.

Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140.

Gustafson, H. T., Kheriaty, A., et al. (2023). Movement behaviors and mental health of Catholic priests in the Eastern United States. Journal of Religion and Health.

Lup, K., Trub, L., & Rosenthal, L. (2015). Instagram #instasad?: Exploring associations among Instagram use, depressive symptoms, negative social comparison, and strangers followed. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(5), 247–252.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Mental illness. In Mental Health Statistics. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health.

Pew Research Center. (2019). Religion’s relationship to happiness, civic engagement and health. Religion & Public Life.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Vogel, E. A., Rose, J. P., Roberts, L. R., & Eckles, K. (2014). Social comparison, social media, and self-esteem. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 33(3), 244–274.

What if the burnout you’re feeling isn’t a sign of failure—but an invitation to rethink what love actually looks like?

In this powerful opening episode, Catholic therapist Amber Pilkington unpacks one of the most requested topics she hears from Catholic women: boundaries in marriage. With warmth, humor, and deep compassion, Amber introduces us to three fictional couples who mirror real-life dynamics—Emily and Josh, Teresa and Mike, and Carmen and Leo—and invites us to explore what boundaries are (and what they’re not).

Together, we’ll challenge common spiritual misunderstandings, explore what the Catechism and Scripture really say, and learn why boundaries aren’t barriers to love—they’re the structure that makes love sustainable.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it okay to need help?” or “Am I allowed to ask for space?”—this episode will meet you where you are.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The true definition of a boundary (hint: not walls or ultimatums)
• Why emotional burnout doesn’t mean you’re doing marriage wrong
• What Jesus, the Catechism, and modern psychology say about personal limits
• How to take your first gentle step toward clarity, honesty, and connection

Resources mentioned:

• Matthew 5:37 – “Let your yes mean yes…”
• Catechism 1731 & 1782 – On freedom and conscience
• Cloud & Townsend (1992) Boundaries
• Maslach (2001), Figley (1995) – Research on burnout and compassion fatigue

Welcome to The Catholic Couch—the official podcast of the Catholic Counseling Institute.

Hosted by Catholic therapist, wife, and mom Amber Pilkington, this podcast brings together the wisdom of the Catholic Church and the clarity of modern psychology to offer real tools for real life—on the ground, in real time.

Whether you're navigating intrusive thoughts and scrupulosity, Catholic parenting, marriage, boundaries, burnout, or just trying to keep your peace at 7:14 p.m. when the pasta’s boiling over and the kids are yelling upstairs—this podcast is here to help.

In this short trailer, you’ll hear what to expect from future episodes, who this podcast is for, and why this might become your new favorite place to exhale, regroup, and be reminded that you’re not alone.

✨ What you'll walk away with after each episode:
– Faithful, compassionate support
– Psychology-informed tools grounded in Church teaching
– Scripts, reframes, and steps you can actually use in the middle of real life
– Encouragement without pressure

If you’ve ever wished there was a Catholic podcast that spoke to the mess and the meaning of daily life, The Catholic Couch is for you.

Because here, we don’t preach at you.
We sit with you.

🛋️ Hit subscribe to join us—
There will always be a place for you on The Catholic Couch.