Dr. Milo Milburn and Dr. Thomas Plante, co-editors of Integratus: The Journal of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, are proud to announce the recent winner of the Editors’ Choice Award: Dr. Cristina Emrich (pictured).
Her article, The Role of Psychoeducation and Christian Principles in Marriage and Family Counseling, was recently published in the June 2026 issue.
Dr. Emrich is a doctoral-level clinician, counselor educator at Liberty University, and psychotherapist specializing in marriage and family counseling, trauma-informed care, and faith-integrated psychotherapy. She has extensive experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy across diverse populations in both the United States and Romania. Her clinical and scholarly interests include emotional regulation, family systems, cultivating healthy thinking patterns, spiritual integration in counseling, and relational healing through evidence-based and Christian-informed approaches.
We thank for her important scholarship and for taking some time to answer questions about her article. We encourage everyone to read the full article.
Article Spotlight: A Brief Interview with the Author
(Author’s response in italics)
- I don’t think psychoeducation gets enough credit as a clinical intervention. Why is it important to offer couples and families faith-integrative psychoeducation?
Psychoeducation is very important because it not only teaches effective strategies for developing healthy marriages and families, but also helps individuals understand how people and relationships function. Instead of focusing only on what they need to do, it helps them understand why those changes are important. Understanding is a basic human need, and when people understand the reasons behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they are more likely to become motivated to make meaningful changes. This understanding helps remove barriers to change and encourages individuals to consistently apply healthy skills in their daily lives. As a result, psychoeducation increases both insight and the willingness to engage in the personal effort needed for lasting growth.
- What thoughts do you have for mental health practitioners that might think psychoeducation is too directive or prescriptive?
Psychoeducation is not overly directive or prescriptive because its purpose is not simply to tell people what to do. Instead, it focuses on helping individuals understand why certain behaviors, thoughts, or relationship patterns are more effective and how they can put them into practice. It explains the underlying processes behind healthy functioning and helps individuals recognize the likely consequences of different choices. Rather than giving instructions, psychoeducation presents well-explained alternatives, allowing people to make informed decisions based on a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the outcomes of their actions. If mental health practitioners only asked questions without providing psychoeducation, many clients would struggle to understand themselves, recognize the consequences of their choices, and develop the insight needed to make lasting changes.
- The article provides some good case studies to enhance clinical application. In your own clinical practice over the years, have you had any distinct experiences with couples or families that “inspired” your article?
Everything presented in my article is based on both my clinical experience and my efforts to better understand these concepts through ongoing research. I have witnessed how understanding their struggles helps individuals embrace meaningful change. I frequently hear from couples that learning about effective communication has helped them successfully apply these skills in their daily interactions. I have found that parents benefit from understanding how a child’s mind develops and why the words they choose are so important, as these messages become internalized and contribute to the child’s developing identity. I also integrate systemic concepts when working with individuals because, as they learn how to become healthier partners and better understand their role within relationships, they naturally begin applying these principles in their marriages and are often pleasantly surprised by the positive changes they experience.
- How can future research and scholarship advance from your article?
We live in a society that places a strong emphasis on autonomy, and counselors have an ethical responsibility to respect clients’ right to make their own decisions. Earlier counseling approaches often emphasized the counselor’s role in guiding clients toward constructive decisions, whereas many contemporary approaches place greater emphasis on validation, acceptance, and supporting clients where they are. While validation is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship, it should not become the sole focus of therapy if it prevents clients from making meaningful changes. Mental health professionals also have a responsibility to provide psychoeducation, helping clients understand evidence-based strategies that improve their relationships and overall well-being. As Jesus frequently taught through explanations, illustrations, and parables, understanding can empower people to make informed choices and pursue lasting personal growth.