FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 15, 2010

Catholic Psychotherapy Association Holds First Annual Conference

Atlanta – March 15, 2010 - Professional mental health practitioners formed a new association to promote the development of psychological theory and mental health practice encompassing a full understanding of the human person, family and society according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The organization consists of a wide range of Catholic mental health practitioners, academicians, theologians, clergy, religious, and other related fields from across the country.

Originating in Atlanta, the new association has been recognized as a Catholic organization by the Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta. “I believe there is need for an organization for Catholic professional mental health practitioners with a commitment to learn from each other as well as to offer encouragement, prayer, and support,” stated Archbishop Gregory.

Today the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) announces their First Annual Conference, “Catholic Approaches to Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice,” to be held on April 22 - 23, 2010, at Southern Catholic College located one hour and 15 minutes north of Atlanta in Dawsonville. William Nordling, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, will address “Catholic Approaches to Psychotherapy: A Definition and Implications for Practice” and Sue Baars, MA, LPC, LMT, LCDC, a frequent presenter on EWTN will speak on “A Therapeutic Application of St. Thomas Aquinas.” Other speakers include author Art Bennett, MA, LMFT, author of The Temperament God Gave You will be speaking on “How the Temperaments Can Help Clients Grow,” Phillip Scrofani, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, on “Taking Crisis Out of Midlife,” and Kathryn Benes, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, speaking on “Psychotherapy at the Service of the Church.” There will also be time for community and fellowship.

“With the inauguration of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, clinicians and scholars will have an opportunity to learn together about a Catholic anthropology which encompasses the spiritual as well as the psychological dimension of the person,” stated Ann Howe, PhD., founding Board member “It will help members to grow in their own faith and to discover ways of putting their faith into action in their professional lives.”

For more information and to register for the conference, go to the web site, www.catholicpsychotherapy.org