Join Us for the 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Conference
Addressing the etiology, treatment, and healing.
The 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference, May 1, 2, & 3, will be a pivotal exploration of the intricate intersections between addiction, trauma, and mental health within the framework of Catholic anthropology. Centered on an integrative perspective that combines mental health sciences with Catholic thought, our focus for 2025 is to comprehensively address the profound impact of addiction and trauma on individuals and communities.
This conference seeks to deepen our understanding of the human struggle with addiction and the enduring effects of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit. By merging scientific research, clinical insights, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, we aim to provide mental health professionals with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of addiction and trauma. Our commitment is to empower Catholic mental health practitioners to address these challenges ethically and effectively by fostering resilience, offering hope, and guiding individuals toward authentic freedom and spiritual flourishing. We envision a future where the healing power of Catholic psychotherapy transforms lives, breaks the chains of addiction, and brings forth a renewed sense of freedom and wholeness.
Pilgrimage - Wednesday, April 30, 2024
We are excited to announce that the Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and former first chaplain of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, has offered to host a pilgrimage for the CPA. This will include a bus tour to the Shrine of Saint John Newman, the historic first church, St. Joseph’s, and the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. Please check back for more information and register for this event.
Day of Reflection Speaker
Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C.
Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., Ph.D., S.T.D., is Assistant Professor of Dogmatic and Moral Theology at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He serves as the general editor the Encylopedia of Catholic Theology (www.ect.org) as well as general editor of the “Thomist Tradition Book Series.” He has written for numerous academic and popular publications on the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Thomist Tradition.
Day of Reflection - Thursday, May 1, 2025
The Day of Reflection is a unique opportunity for attendees to step back from their daily routines and immerse themselves in spiritual and professional growth. This day is dedicated to prayer, meditation, and thoughtful discussions, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between faith and mental health practices.
The Spirituality of Self Gift: Living in Reality
Many people today identify themselves as being “spiritual” (even if not “religious”). This presentation will examine the relationship between spirituality and the gift of self in light of contemporary challenges to human flourishing. It will propose that only an authentic spirituality can facilitate a true gift of self. Moreover, an authentic spirituality originates from the fundamental orientation of human persons to know the truth and to love the good–that resides in the real order of things. Human persons can only know and love themselves if they also know and love others–in the reality that God has ordered in wisdom and love.
Plenary Speakers
Friday, May 2, 2025
Dr. Kevin Skinner, Ph.D., LMFT, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, EMDR
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Author
Dr. Kevin Skinner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has 30 years of experience in working with individuals and couples dealing with unwanted sexual behaviors. He has specialized in working with betrayed partner’s and has authored four books to help individuals and couples address sexual addiction and sexual betrayal.
Dr. Skinner is a faculty members for the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals.
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Dr. Matthew Breuninger, Psy.D.
Psychologist & Author
Dr. Matthew Breuninger is an associate professor of psychology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a research fellow with the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture as well as a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. He is the founder of the Wellspring Counseling and Coaching in Steubenville, Ohio.
Register for the 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Conference
Secure your spot at the 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Conference by registering early. The early bird registration starts December 15, 2024 and ends January 31, 2025. Standard registration is available until April 30, 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field. Register now to ensure your participation!
The opening Mass for the Catholic Psychotherapy Conference will take place on Thursday, May 1st, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and the Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and former first chaplain of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.
Conference Location
Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
The 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Conference will be held at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, located at 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Use link below for the CPA room block with discount provided.
The Marriott Philadelphia Downtown does not provide an airport shuttle to the hotel. However, you can take the train from the airport to the Jefferson Station. The link below provides more information. For those who are driving or staying at the hotel, the Marriott does have its own parking garage.
Exhibitors & Sponsors Opportunities
Partner with the Catholic Psychotherapy Association at our annual conference, where over 250 mental health professionals, clergy, religious, and affiliates gather to learn and network. Explore sponsor and exhibitor opportunities to showcase your products and services to a diverse audience. By partnering with us, you’ll enhance your visibility, build valuable connections, and support the integration of Catholic faith with psychological practice. Our sponsorship packages include benefits like advertising in conference materials and recognition in event promotions. Join us in fostering growth, collaboration, and healing within the Catholic psychotherapy community!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Call for Poster Presentations
Submit Your Poster for the 2025 Conference
We invite submissions for poster presentations at the 2025 Catholic Psychotherapy Conference. This is a unique opportunity to share your research, clinical practices, and innovative approaches with a diverse audience of professionals. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2024. Selected posters will be notified by January 1, 2025. Please ensure your submission adheres to APA guidelines.
We look forward to your contributions and fostering enriching discussions at the conference.
About the Conference
The Catholic Psychotherapy Conference is an annual gathering that brings together mental health professionals, therapists, students, and clergy who integrate Catholic faith with psychological practice. Attendees participate in workshops, keynote presentations, and panel discussions that explore topics like therapeutic techniques, spiritual growth, and ethical considerations from a Catholic perspective. The conference also offers networking opportunities, spiritual enrichment through Mass, prayer, and confession and a platform to share research and resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.
Quotes from Past Attendees
“The conference was a wonderful opportunity to be together with other Catholic therapists. The positive environment and collegiality were a great gift.”
“It is always a joy to be with my CPA family. I appreciated the great talks, the time built in to see a bit of the town and I enjoyed the River boat cruise. Loved getting Ethics CEUs and liked the time to talk and collaborate with colleagues in that session.”
“Great conference. Helpful to be among like-minded clinicians. Presentations were well-done and highly focused on actual clinical content, instead of primarily focusing on social/cultural issues.”
Useful Links
CPA Awards
Conference Resources
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- Hotel Room Block Link
- Exhibitor Registration
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Contact Us