Our Course of Study

Within psychology, specialization has produced enormous benefits, scientific breakthroughs, and advances in therapeutic techniques. But too often, it has come at the cost of proper contextualization of those powerful tools. Treating the whole person has to be articulated within a context that takes into account the psychological, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of each human being. This summer the Austin institute will offer a new course of study aimed at reunifying today's advanced psychological knowledge and techniques with the wisdom of centuries in the Catholic tradition.

Over the course of two intensive weeks, students will receive an introduction to Christian philosophical anthropology, habit formation and change, virtues and character formation, and the nature of the will. They will also consider how these philosophical and theological principles might be applied to contemporary issues in psychology and therapy, such as gender dysphoria, self-efficacy, “willpower,” positive psychology, human flourishing, marriage, and family life.

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The primary goal of this seminar is to give participants the tools they need to take a more integrated approach in their own therapeutic practice.