Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts - Paperback

by Gerry Crete (Author)

All of us are wounded and in need of healing. In these pages, Dr. Gerry Crete accompanies you on your journey to overcome anxiety and traumas, big or small. You will benefit from his "parts work" therapeutic approach to find inner harmony, greater life fulfillment, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

Through this specialized technique, you will experience growth, transformation, and ultimately, restoration. This book stands alone in its seamless integration of advanced trauma-based treatment with rich biblical and Christian traditions. Each chapter offers a concise, real-life vignette, an exploration of the psychology of the interior world, a Scripture study, reflection questions, a meditation, and practical ways to apply these life-changing methods. You will also find:

• The key virtue in inner transformation
• What is really meant by true self-love
• The way to begin to open yourself to God's grace and healing
• How your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health are interconnected
• Eight characteristics of the redeemed inmost self

Dr. Gerry guides you in identifying and understanding past wounds to achieve healing and experience lasting freedom. You will learn how to enter into your inmost self, created in the image and likeness of God. You will also learn how to develop the "eight Cs" to be calm, connected, compassionate, clear-thinking, curious, creative, courageous, and confident. Additionally, you will learn to foster the "five Ps" patience, persistence, perspective, playfulness, and presence.

As you rest in the spiritual center of your soul, you will learn to lay down your burdens and feelings of being overwhelmed. Above all, you will find how to truly experience God's love and learn to love Him and others fully.

The book includes three litanies: the Litany of the Closed Heart, the Litany of the Wounded Heart, and the Litany of the Fearful Heart. These litanies have been used by countless people to connect their inner parts with God's love and mercy. The goal of the litanies is to bring you into a closer relationship with God as you release your fears and anxieties.

We know that in God's embrace we can find safety and that God can heal all of our wounds with loving care," Dr. Gerry explains. "God truly knows us, sees us, and wants the very best for us. And God delights in watching us discover our true selves."

Author Biography

Dr. Gerry Crete has worked as an educator and mental health professional for more than thirty years. He has long been passionate about integrating principles of the Christian faith with effective mental health treatment and general wellness. Dr. Crete founded Transfiguration Counseling and Coaching, and his clinical specialties include the treatment of trauma, addictions, and anxiety disorders. He is also a former president of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, in which he has often presented on the integration of faith and psychology. Dr. Crete is a co-founder of an online mental health resource called Souls and Hearts, which provides mental health resources such as online communities, courses, podcasts, and blogs for Catholics. He hosted his own podcast, Be with the Word, and has been a recurring guest on Matt Fradd's podcast Pints with Aquinas. Dr. Crete has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops for various Catholic dioceses and has provided consultation for religious orders. He is a regular writer for Exodus 90 and has provided mental health meditations for the Hallow app.