Show Notes
What if the religious doubt, the obsessive confessing, the fear of receiving communion — isn't a sign of weak faith, but actually reveals how deeply you love God? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) joins Amber from the Catholic Counseling Institute for a wide-ranging conversation on scrupulosity — one of the most painful and misunderstood struggles in Catholic life. Together they unpack the clinical reality that scrupulosity is rooted in anxiety and OCD, not poor faith — and they share what actually helps people heal, from ERP therapy and parts work, to the role of medication, spiritual direction, and a healthy God image. Topics covered:
What scrupulosity is (and isn't) — theologically and clinically Intrusive thoughts: the difference between temptation and desire The lifeboat analogy: when coping strategies become obstacles ERP for scrupulosity: sitting with uncertainty instead of seeking certainty Reassurance seeking — and what families can say instead SSRIs, GeneSight testing, and the Church's view on medication Nervous system regulation and experiencing God's peace
Healing is possible. This conversation is proof. Have questions? Visit adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623
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