45 Grace Perfects Nature

AMDG. Today’s episode title comes from St. Thomas Aquinas by way of clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski, who joins us today along with registered clinical counselor Jody Garneau to discuss mental health and homeschooling. Dr. Peter and Jody speak from years of experience as both mental health practitioners and homeschool parents themselves—he, the father of seven children and she, the mother of four. Among today’s topics are human formation as foundation for spiritual formation, the importance of parents’ mental health when homeschooling, and how to broach the topic of mental health where there might be resistance or fear. Perfectionism and scrupulosity also come up, as does spiritual bypassing: the tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks. 

Jody’s practical tips for homeschool families are to prioritize: 

• Help forming feelings into words 
• Parts awareness  
• Scheduling quiet time 

• Grounding (simple enough for kids) 

Links mentioned and resources: 

• Souls & Hearts, Dr. Peter’s online outreach with Dr. Gerry Crete 
• Souls and Hearts courses and shows 
• Dr. Peter visits with Adam Cross, LMFT, on The Catholic Therapist’s episode The Roots of Scrupulosity. 

• Mrs. Elizabeth Hoxie, science department chair and creator of Kolbe’s health course, recently hosted a Facebook Live on the subject of mental health which featured psychologist Dr. Courtney Minerd and one of Mrs. Hoxie’s students. 

Have a question or suggestion for the Kolbecast team? Drop us a line at podcast@kolbe.org. Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast player for effortless episode delivery.