Articles & Insights
This collection of articles offers practical guidance, thoughtful reflection and research-informed insight on mental health, relationships and everyday life. Stories highlight the impact of St. Raphael Counseling and the experiences of the clients and communities we serve, while Tips of the Month provide helpful insights on mental and behavioral health. Research papers are included to help guide our profession and reflect our commitment to ethical, effective and whole-person care rooted in a faith-centered approach.
Stories
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St. Raphael Counseling Launches New Archdiocese-Approved Six-Week Marriage Preparation Program
St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is excited to introduce a new six-week Marriage Preparation Program designed to … Read more
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Parenting in the Digital Age
By Aby Garcia St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Have you ever felt the pressure to do something … Read more
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Tips for a Peaceful Holiday
By Michelle Connor Harris, Psy.D. Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Bring to mind your best … Read more
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Finding Grace in Grief
By Lisa Smith, MA St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities When we face the loss of someone we … Read more
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A Family Finds Healing Through St. Raphael Counseling
After struggling to find the right fit with other Catholic and Christian counselors, Christine Jensen was matched with a therapist … Read more
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Preparing for Heaven
By Lisa Smith, MA, LPCC Outpatient Therapist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Death is one of life’s … Read more
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Our Children in the Age of Screens
By Dr. Angela Wall Licensed Clinical & School Psychologist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities As parents and … Read more
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Can Catholics Take Psychiatric Medication?
By Dr. Albert Pace Clinical Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many Catholics worry about taking medication … Read more
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The Catholic Call to Care for Mind, Body and Soul
By Dr. Michelle Connor Harris, Psy.D. Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Holiness and mental health … Read more
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Building Friendships, Building Futures
At Catholic schools across Denver, one lesson stands out above all: relationships matter. Students aren’t just learning math, reading or … Read more
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Talking to Children About Violence: A Catholic Guide for Families and Educators
By Dr. Angela Wall, St. Raphael Counseling of Catholic Charities Denver Acts of violence, especially in schools, can leave children … Read more
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Catholic Therapy – is it for you?
Catholic Therapy – is it for you? Mark R Sanders, LPC, CAS St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities … Read more
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How to Have a Great School Year
How to Have a Great School Year By Kim Mack, LPC, St. Raphael Counseling The start of the school year … Read more
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Resisting the Stigma of Mental Illness
Dr. Michelle Connor Harris Clinical Director for St. Raphael Counseling. Imagine that you live in ancient Rome and you are … Read more
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Demystifying Autism
By Christina Bordeaux, PsyD Licensed Psychologist, St. Raphael Counseling Parenthood is full of joy, excitement and, let’s be honest, a … Read more
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Catholic Therapists’ Guide to Denver Dating
Dr. Michelle Connor-Harris and Mark Sanders St. Raphael Counseling If you’re a Catholic in your 20s, 30s or even … Read more
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Lenten Crowns: A Family Tradition of Growth and Grace
by: Lisa Smith, Therapist – St. Raphael Counseling “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and … Read more
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When Dating, Leave Room for the Holy Spirit
Dr. Michelle Connor-Harris and Mark Sanders If you’re a Catholic in your 20s, 30s or even 40s and feel called … Read more
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Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and the Catholic Perspective
By: Mark Sanders Substance Use: A Growing Concern Addiction to a wide range of substances remains a significant issue, not … Read more
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The Better New Year’s Resolution
The calendar is already turning from January to February, and chances are you’ve already made—and maybe abandoned—your New Year’s resolutions. … Read more
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Grief and Loss in the Holiday Season
Grief and Loss in the Holiday Season Allison Anyamele, Therapist at St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities The … Read more
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Staying Stress-Free During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of joy, connection and celebration—but they can also be stressful. Albert Pace of St. … Read more
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When Prayer Becomes Painfully Impossible
By Derek Rusnak St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many people would rather endure electric shocks than be … Read more
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Connection Over Correction By Jesure Eaton, St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities
As a parent, God calls you to raise your children in faith and guide them through appropriate correction. However, there … Read more
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On the wings of St. Michael and with help from St. Raphael Counseling: Rachel’s Journey from Tragedy to Triumph
Rachel never imagined she would find herself in a counseling office. “I didn’t know who needed to go to counseling … Read more
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St. Raphael Counseling Prepares Teachers to Deal with Tough Subjects
As summer break 2024 ended, teachers at Holy Family High School in Broomfield prepared classrooms, revised lesson plans and reviewed … Read more
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St. Raphael Counseling Expands Services to Support Mental Health in Catholic Schools
From a modest team of three school counselors in 2020, St. Raphael Counseling has quickly expanded its services within Catholic … Read more
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Is it the most wonderful time of the year?
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” is the timeless Christmas song by Andy Williams. It creates a beautiful … Read more
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St Raphael’s Volunteer Steps in to Help Schools Post Pandemic
Mental health is a hot topic in school systems across the country. To meet students where they’re at, St. Raphael … Read more
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Counseling team expands into more Catholic Schools across Colorado
COUNSELING TEAM HAS AMBITIOUS PLANS TO EXPAND INTO MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS St. Raphael Counseling’s robust and growing team has ambitious … Read more
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St. Raphael Counseling: Children, families and seasons of change
By Mark Sanders, MA St. Raphael Counseling Those of us who are blessed to be parents constantly face challenges while … Read more
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5 tips for managing back-to-school worries
As children are back in school and continuing to adjust to their new schedules, one of our experts from St. … Read more
TIP OF THE MONTH
This month’s mental health tip invites families to take a more intentional, faith-centered approach to technology use—especially for children. It encourages parents to start by modeling healthy habits, since kids often imitate what they see more than what they’re told. From there, it highlights the importance of creating space for real-life experiences like unstructured play, creativity and even small risks that help children build resilience, confidence and emotional strength.
It also reminds us that technology isn’t the enemy—but without guidance, it can easily take the place of meaningful connection and growth. By setting family-wide boundaries, encouraging prayer and fostering strong values, families can help children develop a healthier relationship with technology while staying grounded in faith. To dive deeper into these ideas and practical steps, click the link to read the full article.
TIP OF THE MONTH
This month’s mental health tip invites families to take a more intentional, faith-centered approach to technology use—especially for children. It encourages parents to start by modeling healthy habits, since kids often imitate what they see more than what they’re told. From there, it highlights the importance of creating space for real-life experiences like unstructured play, creativity and even small risks that help children build resilience, confidence and emotional strength.
It also reminds us that technology isn’t the enemy—but without guidance, it can easily take the place of meaningful connection and growth. By setting family-wide boundaries, encouraging prayer and fostering strong values, families can help children develop a healthier relationship with technology while staying grounded in faith. To dive deeper into these ideas and practical steps, click the link to read the full article.
Research Papers
Beyond Survival: The Lived Experiences of Care Professionals in a Sex Trafficking Recovery Home
One of our very own team members, Pedro Pablo from St. Raphael Counseling, recently co-authored an important research paper exploring the lived experiences of care professionals who support survivors of sex trafficking. His work, completed in partnership with Colorado Christian University, shines a light on the emotional realities, challenges and sources of strength for those serving in recovery home settings. Through interviews with 10 care professionals, the study identifies four major themes: the evolution of burnout and vicarious trauma, navigating cultural differences, the coping strategies staff rely on and the meaning and hope they draw from their work.