(Program 14474)
Guests: Sandy McKay, Suzanne Baars, Carole Eskridge

Though the exact causes of mental disorders and mental illness are unknown, the historical record indicates that this malady of the human person has been with us from the earliest days of human history.

Once shrouded in mystery and fear, modern science has helped bring new light and insight to it. Perhaps one of the most beneficial advances in contemporary treatment involves a holistic approach to the healing process - one that includes a spiritual component as well as the educational, medical, interpersonal and nutritional aspects.

Two of our guests are well-acquainted with the gains that can be made when faith is part of the treatment dynamic. Suzanne Baars is a psychotherapist and founder of In His Image Counseling Services. Her father, the renowned Dr. Conrad Baars, was a pioneer of Catholic Christian psychology based on a Thomistic understanding of the human person and the emotions. Psychotherapist Sandra McKay, is founder and president of The Catholic Psychotherapy Association, a professional organization for Catholic psychotherapists whose goal is to infuse the Catholic vision of humanity, building on the best that psychology and Christ's ancient Church have to offer. Carol Esk'ridge is an amazingly gifted artist, who founded the Visionary Guild for Mentally Ill Artists. Diagnosed herself with a mental illness, Carole understands well the challenges, struggles and difficulties such conditions present for the individual. But she understands the triumphs as well. Her latest endeavor is to found The Academy of Internationally Enabled.