About Catholic Psychotherapy Training at Elijah Institute

Excerpts from an Interview with our Founder - Rebecca Brubaker

Why did you found the Elijah Institute?

I founded the Elijah Institute out of a deeply personal place. As an adoptive mother to three beautiful children who experienced early trauma, I saw firsthand the need for mental health care that could also honor the spiritual dimension of pain and healing. Over time, I met many therapists who wanted to serve their Catholic clients more effectively but didn’t know how to integrate faith into treatment in a way that was both ethical and clinically sound. Many even feared doing so. Yet current research shows that when clinicians are equipped to address a client’s faith, outcomes improve. The Elijah Institute was born to meet that need—to help therapists confidently and competently serve their Catholic clients in a way that supports the whole person while considering their mental health needs.

How does the Elijah Institute blend Catholic spirituality with proven methods of Psychotherapy?

We use what’s called a “whole-person” approach—drawing from evidence-based psychological practices while deeply respecting the truths of Catholic anthropology. That means we see each person not just as a set of symptoms, but as someone created in the image of God, with dignity, purpose, and a spiritual life. Our training helps clinicians understand when and how to integrate elements like prayer, sacraments, moral formation, and the wisdom of the saints into the therapeutic process, while still maintaining clinical excellence in psychotherapy integration.

How many Catholics struggle with mental health issues?

We know that about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental health challenges each year—and Catholics are no exception to that. In fact, many Catholics are quietly carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, trauma, or moral injury, unsure of where to turn for help that understands both their faith and their psychological needs. That’s why we’re here—to help close that gap in Catholic mental health support.

How does the Elijah Institute train mental health professionals in an authentically Catholic way? What methods do you use?

We offer a multi-level training program that includes online courses, small interactive cohorts, and practical case-based learning. Our methods are rooted in Catholic teaching, especially on the dignity of the human person and the importance of grace, but we also incorporate developmental psychology, trauma-informed care, and ethical clinical decision-making. We emphasize discernment, prayer, and humility alongside professional competencies. It’s a formation of the head, heart, and hands—all essential for effective Catholic mental health care.

Who are the instructors that work with the Institute?

We’re blessed to have an incredible faculty. Our instructors include licensed psychologists, theologians, trauma specialists, and even seminary professors. Many have experience working in Catholic healthcare or with religious communities, and all are deeply committed to the Church. Some of our most well-known contributors include Dr. Tom Plante from Stanford, Dr. Anthony Isacco of St. Mary's of Mn, Dr. Julia Sadusky, Dr. Gerry Crete, and Dr. Len Sperry, who has done pioneering work in spiritually integrated care.

Final Thoughts?

Just a word of encouragement. The world is hurting in so many ways, but Christ has not abandoned us. Healing is possible, and grace builds upon nature. If we can form more Catholic clinicians who are both faithful and excellent, we can be part of God’s answer to some of the deepest wounds of our time. Thank you for helping us share that hope today!

We believe that every person is made in the image of God and therefore has intrinsic dignity, worth, and purpose. Every client, student, and family member we serve deserves compassion, respect, and unconditional positive regard. 

At the Elijah Institute, we believe that healing is holistic. True restoration involves the unity of mind, body, and soul—and that the Catholic faith offers profound resources for whole-person healing, especially through Catholic mental health practices. 

We believe that families, parishes, and communities play a vital role in supporting mental health. When they are educated and empowered, they create conditions where individuals can flourish. 

We believe that faith integration in therapy must always be client-led, ethical, and respectful. Cultural humility means meeting each person where they are and honoring their freedom to choose how faith informs their healing journey. 

We believe in equipping clinicians with the highest standards of training, rooted in Catholic anthropology and evidence-based practice, so they can confidently serve both Catholic and non-Catholic clients with integrity, particularly through psychotherapy integration. 

We believe that prevention, early intervention, and ongoing care are all part of a continuum of support. Every person and family deserves access to resources that strengthen resilience and hope. 

We believe that collaboration—among clinicians, clergy, educators, and families—is essential for effective care. Healing is not done in isolation but through community. 

We believe in transparency, inclusion, and cultural competence. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards so that the trust placed in us is always honored. 

We believe that Catholic-integrated psychotherapy is not only possible but urgently needed, and that together we can form a new generation of clinicians who embody excellence, compassion, and faith for the healing of God’s people.