In this feature article published by The Catholic Weekly, Shawn van der Linden contributes to a nuanced exploration of Internal Family Systems therapy and its surprising resonance with Catholic anthropology. Drawing on his clinical work and leadership with the CatholicPsych Institute, Shawn helps articulate why IFS has proven so compelling for psychological healing, while also clarifying the theological boundaries necessary for its faithful and safe use within a Catholic framework. His reflections highlight how the model’s understanding of parts, trauma, and the true self aligns with the Christian vision of the human person as created good, relational, and oriented toward God.
Shawn also addresses the growing confusion surrounding IFS in online spaces, particularly where psychological concepts are blurred with spiritual speculation. He offers a clear and discerning distinction between psychological healing and spiritual warfare, affirming the importance of grounding therapeutic work in sound theology, sacramental life, and pastoral wisdom. The article reflects his broader commitment to integrating evidence based psychology with Catholic faith in a way that is clinically responsible, spiritually grounded, and deeply respectful of the complexity of the human person.