.png/:/rs=h:226,cg:true,m/qt=q:95){kind=logo}
Core Frameworks & Whole-Person Care
Paul C. Vitz (Author, Editor), Craig S. Titus (Author), William J. Nordling (Editor)
Paul C. Vitz (Author, Editor), Craig S. Titus (Author), William J. Nordling (Editor)
Paul C. Vitz (Author, Editor), Craig S. Titus (Author), William J. Nordling (Editor)
A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person
The Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the human person through an integrated Catholic lens. Drawing from psychology, theology, philosophy, neuroscience, virtue ethics, attachment theory, and spiritual formation, the model presents the person as embodied, relational, spiritual, and moral — created for communion, growth in virtue, healing, and human flourishing.
This work helps shape the conceptual foundation of the Elijah Institute’s BPSS-M (Biopsychosocial-Spiritual-Moral) framework by providing a shared language for understanding the dynamic relationship between the biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and moral dimensions of the person.
Key themes include:
- human dignity and identity
- attachment and relational development
- suffering, healing, and resilience
- virtue and moral formation
- spirituality and transcendence
- vocation, meaning, and purpose
- trauma, restoration, and reconciliation
- flourishing and whole-person integration
This framework supports interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, clergy, educators, ministry leaders, and care coordinators working toward ethical, spiritually informed, and authentically whole-person care.
Len Sperry, MD, PhD, DMin
Paul C. Vitz (Author, Editor), Craig S. Titus (Author), William J. Nordling (Editor)
Paul C. Vitz (Author, Editor), Craig S. Titus (Author), William J. Nordling (Editor)
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, New Edition
As the integration of spiritual concerns in psychotherapy continues to grow, this updated edition of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy offers clinicians a clear, practical guide for weaving the spiritual dimension into every stage of therapeutic work — from the first session to the last.
The book provides dedicated attention to assessment and case conceptualization, therapeutic intervention, outcome evaluation, termination, and cultural and ethical considerations. It also engages emerging developments at the intersection of spirituality, neuroscience, and moral injury, while grounding readers in a coherent, theory-based framework for understanding the human person in his or her full spiritual depth.
For clinicians formed by a Catholic Christian understanding of the person — one that sees every human being as created with inherent dignity, oriented toward God, and in need of healing at every level of being — this framework offers a meaningful bridge between faith-informed anthropology and evidence-based clinical practice.
What’s Included
- Foundations and history of spiritually integrated psychotherapy
- Spiritual development across the life span
- Spiritual dynamics, crises, and emergencies in clinical care
- The therapeutic relationship as a context for healing and integration
- Assessment and case conceptualization that attend to the spiritual dimension
- Spiritually integrated therapeutic interventions
- Termination, outcome evaluation, and continuity of care
- Cultural and ethical considerations for responsible clinical practice
- Emerging perspectives on spirituality, neuroscience, moral injury, and whole-person care
How This Fits with Elijah Institute Training
Elijah Institute includes Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy as a key text because it presents spiritual integration as part of the full therapeutic process, not simply as an added technique or isolated intervention.
Its structure closely reflects the way Elijah Institute trains clinicians: beginning with a clear understanding of the human person, then moving through assessment, case conceptualization, the therapeutic relationship, intervention, outcome evaluation, termination, and ethical care.
Elijah Institute builds on this foundation through a Catholic Christian understanding of the person and the BPSS-M whole-person model: biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and moral. Together, the text and the training help clinicians integrate spiritual and moral concerns responsibly, ethically, and clinically across the course of care.
This is an essential resource for clinicians seeking to practice with greater spiritual attentiveness, as well as students and trainees preparing to offer care that honors the whole person.
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Spiritually Informed Therapy
Spirituality is a central dimension of the human person, shaping identity, meaning, relationships, values, suffering, hope, and the search for transcendence. Within the Elijah Institute’s BPSS-M (Biopsychosocial-Spiritual-Moral) framework, spirituality is understood not as separate from mental health, but as deeply interconnected with biological, psychological, social, and moral functioning.
This volume brings together leading scholars and clinicians who demonstrate how therapists can ethically and competently integrate spiritual perspectives, assessment, and interventions into psychotherapy. Drawing from research, clinical experience, and diverse therapeutic settings, the book equips practitioners to provide spiritually informed, evidence-based care while honoring the dignity, beliefs, culture, and lived experiences of each client.
Through clinical guidance, case studies, and interdisciplinary insight, readers learn how spiritual beliefs, practices, relationships, and moral frameworks can influence both suffering and healing across a wide range of presenting concerns and populations.
The text reflects the Elijah Institute’s commitment to whole-person care by helping clinicians thoughtfully integrate spirituality into assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, resilience-building, and human flourishing.
Thomas Plante, PhD, ABPP
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Spiritually Informed Therapy bridges the best of clinical science with the enduring wisdom of faith and spirituality. Drawing from current research and centuries of spiritual tradition, this text offers a balanced, evidence-based framework for integrating spirituality into ethical and effective psychotherapy.
Through clear explanations and real-world examples, readers learn how to address spiritual concerns in therapy with respect, competence, and compassion. The book explores themes such as moral development, forgiveness, gratitude, mindfulness, and discernment—showing how these practices can support healing and growth for people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Accessible and practical, this text equips clinicians to bring depth, meaning, and hope to the therapeutic process.
Aligned with the Elijah Institute’s mission, Spiritually Informed Therapy helps therapists develop the skills and insight needed to practice whole-person care—integrating body, mind, and soul within evidence-based clinical practice.
Thomas Plante, PhD, ABPP
Dr. P. Scott Richards PhD (Editor), G. E. Kawika Allen (Editor), Daniel Judd (Editor)
Thomas Plante, PhD, ABPP
Living Better with Spirituality-Based Strategies That Work
is a practical companion to Spiritually Informed Therapy, offering hands-on tools for bringing faith and evidence-based principles into everyday life and clinical practice
Designed for therapists, students, and individuals alike, the workbook includes guided reflections, exercises, and case examples that help readers apply key insights from Catholic Jesuit spirituality—including seeing God in all things, caring for the whole person, practicing discernment, and using daily reflection to grow in peace and purpose.
Through real-world examples and simple strategies, readers learn how faith-based practices can strengthen emotional resilience, guide ethical decision-making, and support lasting healing.
An accessible, evidence-informed resource for anyone seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with practical skills for living well—aligned with the Elijah Institute’s mission to restore the whole person: body, mind, and soul
Ethics, Formation,
Len Sperry MD, Jon Sperry PhD, and Marina Bulvshtein; PhD
Len Sperry MD, Jon Sperry PhD, and Marina Bulvshtein; PhD
Len Sperry MD, Jon Sperry PhD, and Marina Bulvshtein; PhD
Living Better with Spirituality-Based Strategies That Work is a practical companion to Spiritually Informed Therapy, offering hands-on tools for bringing faith and evidence-based principles into everyday life and clinical practice
Designed for therapists, students, and individuals alike, the workbook includes guided reflections, exercises, and case examples that help readers apply key insights from Catholic Jesuit spirituality—including seeing God in all things, caring for the whole person, practicing discernment, and using daily reflection to grow in peace and purpose.
Through real-world examples and simple strategies, readers learn how faith-based practices can strengthen emotional resilience, guide ethical decision-making, and support lasting healing.
An accessible, evidence-informed resource for anyone seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with practical skills for living well—aligned with the Elijah Institute’s mission to restore the whole person: body, mind, and soul
Thomas Plante, PHD ABPP
Len Sperry MD, Jon Sperry PhD, and Marina Bulvshtein; PhD
Len Sperry MD, Jon Sperry PhD, and Marina Bulvshtein; PhD
Living Ethically in an Unethical World offers clear, practical guidance for making good moral choices in an increasingly complex world. Updated from its original 2004 edition, this book helps readers navigate everyday ethical challenges with confidence and integrity.
Blending psychological insight with timeless moral principles, the book introduces a simple, step-by-step framework for ethical decision-making and explores five core virtues: respect, responsibility, integrity, competence, and compassion. Each chapter includes self-reflection exercises and real-world examples to strengthen one’s “ethical muscle” and apply these values to daily life.
Accessible and engaging, this resource helps readers think critically, act courageously, and live in a way consistent with their faith and values.
Aligned with the Elijah Institute’s mission, Living Ethically in an Unethical World equips therapists, students, and leaders to make choices that promote wholeness, justice, and human dignity—essential elements of spiritually integrated care.
Trauma, Attachment & Human Formation
Anthony Isacco PhD Sonia Molloy PhD, Pierre Azzam MD,
Anthony Isacco PhD Sonia Molloy PhD, Pierre Azzam MD,
Anthony Isacco PhD Sonia Molloy PhD, Pierre Azzam MD,
The Handbook of the Psychology of Fatherhood explores fatherhood across the lifespan, synthesizing research on fathering, child development, and men’s health. It examines the impact of isolation, loss, trauma, and mental and physical well-being from the perinatal period onward. The book highlights positive fatherhood and masculinity while addressing diverse fathering experiences, including military, LGBTQ, and marginalized fathers. It also covers clinical assessment, community-based interventions, and policy recommendations to support fathers and families.
This handbook is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and graduate students in psychology, social work, public health, and related fields.
Len Sperry, MD
Anthony Isacco PhD Sonia Molloy PhD, Pierre Azzam MD,
Anthony Isacco PhD Sonia Molloy PhD, Pierre Azzam MD,
Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-5-TR Personality Disorders, 4th Edition
Effective pastoral care and counseling often means walking alongside people whose struggles run deep — including those living with personality disorders. This comprehensive, practical handbook equips mental health and ministry professionals with the knowledge and tools to do that work well.
Written for practitioners, this fully updated fourth edition covers evidence-based approaches to assessing and treating all ten DSM-5-TR personality disorders. Opening chapters survey the latest developments in diagnosis and case conceptualization, while subsequent chapters address each disorder in focused detail. Featured therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Treatment, Schema Therapy, Transference-Focused Psychotherapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment, and more. Throughout, rich case material brings key concepts to life and makes the content immediately applicable to real-world practice.
This handbook is an essential resource for:
- Licensed counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers
- Pastoral ministers and spiritual directors working in clinical or therapeutic contexts
- Graduate students in psychology, counseling, nursing, and social work
For those in Catholic ministry who understand the human person as both body and soul — and who take seriously the Church's vision of integral human flourishing — this resource offers indispensable clinical grounding for accompanying those in greatest need.
Gerry K. Crete, PhD
Donald Wallenfang (Editor) & John C. Cavadini (Editor),
Donald Wallenfang (Editor) & John C. Cavadini (Editor),
Litanies of the Heart
masterfully blends cutting-edge psychotherapeutic approaches with orthodox Catholic theology, offering a transformative journey of healing. The book sheds light on the wounded and fearful conditions of the heart, bringing them into God’s merciful love, and guides readers through prayers like the Litanies of the Wounded, Closed, and Fearful Hearts. It invites readers to embark on a lifelong journey of healing, gathering the divided and traumatized parts of the heart into wholeness and communion with God. A must-read for anyone seeking healing or assisting others on that path.
Donald Wallenfang (Editor) & John C. Cavadini (Editor),
Donald Wallenfang (Editor) & John C. Cavadini (Editor),
Donald Wallenfang (Editor) & John C. Cavadini (Editor),
Roots: Catholic Youth Evangelization in a Post-Pandemic World
How do we reach the next generation with the Gospel in a world that has changed so profoundly? Roots takes that question seriously — and offers a wealth of answers.
This timely volume brings together leading scholars from philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, pastoral ministry, medieval studies, and ecology to address one of the most urgent challenges facing the Church today: sharing the faith with young people in a postmodern, post-pandemic world.
Drawing on Pope Francis's 2019 apostolic exhortation Christus vivit, contributors explore a rich range of themes — beauty, belonging, hope, political theology, cultural analysis, vocational discernment, ecclesial strategy, and the history of Catholic youth ministry in the United States. Together, these interdisciplinary perspectives illuminate both the unique struggles young people face today and the deep resources the Catholic tradition offers in response.
Whether you are a pastor, youth minister, educator, or anyone invested in the Church's mission to the next generation, Roots will sharpen your thinking, deepen your understanding, and renew your vision for what Catholic youth evangelization can be.
Identity, Accompaniment & Pastoral Care
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Gender Identity and Faith: A Clinical Resource for the Whole Person
Navigating gender identity questions is among the most complex and sensitive work clinicians face today. For clients and families whose faith is central to their lives, many existing approaches leave them feeling caught between two worlds — as if honoring one dimension of their personhood requires compromising another.
Gender Identity and Faith by Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky offers mental health professionals a thoughtful, client-centered framework for holding this tension with care. Rather than steering clients toward a predetermined outcome, the book creates clinical space for genuine exploration — honoring both gender identity and religious identity as meaningful dimensions of the whole person.
Rooted in extensive research and clinical experience, this resource equips practitioners to:
- Accompany clients on their own journey toward congruence — without imposing a fixed endpoint
- Apply effective clinical postures, assessment tools, and therapeutic strategies
- Serve children, adolescents, and adults navigating this intersection
- Engage families with practical worksheets and guided prompts
Dr. Julia Sadusky serves on the Elijah Institute faculty, bringing this same commitment to spiritually integrated, person-centered care to her work with our community of practitioners.
Published through the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books series, which explores the relationship between Christian faith and the mental health and behavioral sciences.
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Emerging Sexual Identities: A Faithful and Compassionate Response for Today’s Youth
With 20.8% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+, according to a recent Gallup Poll, it is essential that those entrusted with the care of young people are prepared to respond with clarity, compassion, and fidelity to the Christian tradition. Emerging Sexual Identities, by Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Julia Sadusky, offers a thoughtful and faithful response to the complex landscape of adolescent sexual identity.
Grounded in clinical insight and deep pastoral sensitivity, this resource equips parents, pastors, educators, counselors, and youth leaders with the tools to walk alongside young people navigating questions of sexual orientation and identity. The authors explore how contemporary youth understand and express their sexual identities and present a new taxonomy that helps make sense of this shifting cultural terrain.
Rooted in Christian anthropology and informed by real-world ministry and clinical experience, this book places current trends in historical context and offers a hopeful, practical vision for accompaniment—one that upholds truth while extending grace.
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Mark Yarhouse PsyD & Julia Sadusky, PysD
Emerging Gender Identities
This book offers a thoughtful and compassionate Christian approach to understanding the growing complexity of gender identity concerns among adolescents and young adults. Drawing from clinical research, pastoral experience, and contemporary psychological understanding, Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky provide a nuanced framework for engaging gender-diverse youth with both truth and empathy.
Written for pastors, ministry leaders, parents, educators, counselors, and mental health professionals, the book helps readers distinguish between experiences such as gender dysphoria, identity development, belonging, and the broader social and cultural influences shaping today’s adolescents.
Grounded in a Christian understanding of the human person, the authors offer practical guidance for accompanying young people and families navigating questions of identity, faith, relationships, and community. Through clinical insight and pastoral sensitivity, the book equips readers to respond with compassion, wisdom, humility, and thoughtful discernment while engaging contemporary gender theory through the lens of Christian anthropology.
Aligned with the Elijah Institute’s commitment to whole-person care, this resource supports clinicians and ministry leaders seeking to walk alongside youth and families with integrity, relational presence, and respect for the complexity of the human experience.