The Love that Heals: Trauma & PTSD with Hope Acquilano

07/15/24 • 45 min

Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine welcomes guest Hope Acquilano, a childhood sexual abuse survivor. Hope shares deeply moving testimony of trauma and healing, revealing her struggles with PTSD, flashbacks, and shame. She discusses the crucial role of trauma-informed therapy and EMDR in her recovery and God's presence in her journey. The episode emphasizes the importance of bringing trauma into the light for healing and to encourage survivors to seek help.
This episode is placed into the care of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of human trafficking abuse. St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us!
Links:

This episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major Seminary
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Study "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CLICK HERE

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

This episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major Seminary
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Study "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CLICK HERE

Previous Episode

God Is Working It Out: Bipolar Disorder with Christian Bentley

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Sister Josephine welcomes her first guest of Season 2, Christian Bentley, to discuss his experience living with bipolar disorder. Christian shares his journey through the highs and lows of the illness, his struggles with suicidal thoughts, and the stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self acceptance, faith, and the sacrament of confession in managing his condition. With personal anecdotes and profound wisdom, Christian offers hope and encouragement to others living with mental health challenges.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. To learn more, click here.
Links:

Christian Bentley's Instagram
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
From “Mean Girl” to Saint, the story of Hyacintha
Saints who confronted suicidal thoughts
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA. Help Catholic Charities serve your neighbors in need by joining us at www.WeAreThere.US.

Next Episode

Living in the Wound: Anxiety and Depression with Bishop James Conley

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, shares a deeply personal account of his struggle with anxiety and depression, largely triggered by the clergy abuse scandal. Bishop Conley recounts how his overwhelming responsibilities and traumatic events led to a profound psychological crisis, resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder. Seeking healing, he took a leave of absence, during which he received medical, psychological, and spiritual support. Throughout his journey, key relationships played a vital role in his recovery. Bishop Conley's testimony emphasizes the importance of reaching out, the power of community and relationships, and finding hope through faith, even in the darkest times.
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This episode references the Catholic Church clergy abuse scandal in general terms. Please listen with care.