By Lisa Smith, MA, LPCC Outpatient Therapist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Death is one of life’s few certainties, yet one of the hardest realities to face. Even as people of faith who believe in eternal life, many of us struggle to confront our own mortality — or the thought of losing … Read more
By Dr. Angela Wall Licensed Clinical & School Psychologist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities As parents and grandparents of children in 2025, we face many unique challenges strikingly different from past generations. The one thing we do have in common is our love for our children and our faith in God. We … Read more
By Dr. Albert Pace Clinical Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many Catholics worry about taking medication for mental health concerns. This concern has only increased in recent years, as distrust of the pharmaceutical industry has grown. While the topic of psychiatric medication is very broad, there are several common concerns that … Read more
By Dr. Michelle Connor Harris, Psy.D. Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Holiness and mental health are not mutually exclusive — in fact, God meets us precisely in our struggles. Picture someone who is mentally ill. Who comes to mind? Did you picture the weather-worn man on the corner, holding a … Read more
At Catholic schools across Denver, one lesson stands out above all: relationships matter. Students aren’t just learning math, reading or art—they’re learning how to be part of a community, how to navigate challenges and how to care for one another.
“Positive connections have a profound impact on a child’s development,” says Liz Rahn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and school counselor at St. Raphael, Notre Dame and Blessed Sacrament schools. “Children learn by watching and imitating those around them, especially their peers.”
From the soccer field to the art studio, from youth groups to service projects, students have countless opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and communication. Even unstructured playtime with friends becomes a classroom for life skills—sharing, taking risks and understanding others’ perspectives.
In conversations with students, Liz hears the same message repeatedly: friendships matter. “They tell me their friends make them feel supported. They share stories of learning new skills, tackling tough problems or finding better ways to express their feelings,” she says.
Parents play a critical role, too. By encouraging participation in school activities, parish youth groups and peer play, families help children strengthen their social and emotional well-being. These connections lay the foundation for healthy, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.
Through friendships, teamwork and community engagement, St. Raphael Counseling helps students grow not only academically but socially and emotionally—learning lessons that will shape the rest of their lives.
About St. Raphael Counseling
St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. We also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, we make care accessible. St. Raphael Counseling
In addition, our St. Raphael school counseling program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. Last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the well-being of students at Catholic schools. St. Raphael Counseling
The heart of our school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. We prioritize holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement. Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills.
By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step. Our efforts have led to notable outcomes, including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children’s experiences.
By Dr. Angela Wall, St. Raphael Counseling of Catholic Charities Denver
Acts of violence, especially in schools, can leave children anxious and afraid. They may wonder if they or their loved ones are in danger. In these moments, children look to parents, teachers, and caregivers for reassurance. As people of faith, we are called to comfort our children, remind them of God’s loving presence, and guide them toward peace and hope.
1. Reassure Children of Their Safety
Tell children they are safe and remind them that God has placed caring adults—parents, teachers, and community helpers—in their lives to protect them. Even though the news may seem frightening, schools remain among the safest places for children.
2. Listen and Validate Their Feelings
Every feeling is acceptable after a tragedy. Let children express their worries through words, drawings, or play. Acknowledge their fears while also offering hope: violence is real, but many good people are working to make the world safer.
3. Make Time for Conversation
Allow their questions to guide you. Younger children need simple reassurance that home and school are safe, while older children may want to discuss causes of violence and solutions. Remind them that while adults carry the main responsibility for safety, students also help by reporting threats, following school guidelines, and treating others with respect.
4. Keep God in the Conversation
Pray with your children for victims of violence, for peace in our schools, and for hearts to be healed. Remind them that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and that God can bring good even out of terrible situations.
5. Review Safety and Support
Go over school and community safety measures. Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can go to if they ever feel unsafe.
6. Watch for Signs of Distress
Children may show anxiety through changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite. While most will recover with love and routine, some may need professional help—especially those with past trauma or special needs. Seek help early if you’re concerned.
7. Limit Media Exposure
Graphic images and constant news updates can heighten fear. Be mindful of what children hear in conversations and on social media. Instead, encourage family activities, prayer, and time outdoors.
8. Correct Misinformation
Children may hear rumors or stereotypes about violence. Gently correct misunderstandings and remind them that most people, including those with mental illness, are not dangerous. Stress that violence never solves problems.
9. Maintain Routine and Healthy Habits
Normal routines—meals, rest, schoolwork, play—offer security. Encourage activities that foster joy, connection, and gratitude.
10. Encourage Positive Action
Help others build resilience by inviting your children to pray, volunteer, or participate in school and parish efforts that promote prayer and peace. Small acts of love can make a big difference.
Key Points to Emphasize with Children
Schools are safe places where adults work hard to protect you.
Adults are responsible for safety, but children can help by speaking up when something feels wrong.
Violence is never God’s answer; we are called to resolve conflict peacefully.
Guns and weapons are dangerous—always tell an adult if you see one.
Staying close to family, friends and God gives us strength and peace.
Even though violence is difficult to understand, our Catholic faith reminds us that Christ is with us always, especially in times of fear. With prayer, love, and trust in God’s care, families and schools can help children feel secure and grow as instruments of peace.
Reference (National Association of School Psychologists)
St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver
When I began my career 25 years ago, one of the biggest obstacles was the stigma around seeking professional help. Many believed it was “weak” to ask for help, so they went without the support that could have made a difference. Catholics, in particular, often hesitated, unsure about working with a therapist who might not share their faith or worldview. The fear of being misunderstood, or worse, encouraged in directions contrary to their beliefs, kept many people from even considering counseling.
Wow! Times have changed. While stigma still exists in some circles, many people today are open to therapy—especially younger generations. For example, a recent dating app survey found that more than half of men and women value therapy, or openness to it, in a potential partner. This signals a cultural shift: seeking help is no longer viewed as weakness but as wisdom, strength and even a sign of emotional maturity. Across the Archdiocese of Denver, St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, now offers nearly 40 staff members to provide therapy from a Catholic perspective. For Catholics, this means they can receive high-quality professional care without having to set aside their faith.
Therapy can lead to better mental health, stronger coping skills, healthier relationships and deeper self-awareness. It can also help people adopt a more hopeful and grateful outlook. For instance, a young adult struggling with perfectionism may learn to recognize unhealthy thought patterns, shift toward self-compassion and experience new freedom in their relationships. A couple locked in constant arguments may discover new ways to listen and reconnect. A parent carrying grief from childhood trauma may finally process painful memories and find healing, which in turn affects how they raise their own children. Opening up can be difficult, especially about long-standing struggles, but the benefits usually far outweigh the challenges.
So who is therapy for? The short answer: everyone. At St Raphael Counseling, we see individuals, couples and families. Some come with diagnosed mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, others seek help with communication in relationships and many want a safe space to process life’s challenges or pursue personal growth. A newly married couple may come to learn how to start their life together with strong communication skills. A retiree may come to navigate the loss of identity after leaving the workforce. Teenagers often come to explore identity, anxiety or family conflicts. No matter the reason, therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to work toward growth.
What makes St. Raphael Counseling unique is that while our therapists are trained like secular professionals, we also approach clients’ concerns through a Catholic lens. A couple, for example, may feel more comfortable working with a therapist who understands the sacramental nature of marriage rather than one who might encourage divorce as the first option. Parents may feel more at ease knowing their therapist affirms Church teaching when working with their children. This integration of faith and therapy allows us to care for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.
Therapy is not the same as spiritual direction. A priest or deacon provides guidance in areas like prayer and faith formation, while a therapist focuses on mental and emotional well-being. Still, the two complement each other, working hand-in-hand to support the whole person. Someone seeing a spiritual director may be guided toward deeper prayer practices, while therapy can address the underlying anxiety or trauma that makes prayer difficult. Both roles are vital, but they serve in different ways.
Addictions are one area where this integration is especially powerful. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous emphasize reliance on a “higher power.” Many people try to fill what I call a “God-sized hole” with alcohol, drugs, gambling or pornography. Therapy, combined with faith and community support, can help them surrender control and find healing. I once worked with a client who had tried for years to stop drinking on his own but kept relapsing. When he began to integrate prayer, community accountability and therapy, he discovered that recovery wasn’t about willpower alone but about letting God and others walk with him.
I often think of the story of the woman who prayed for God to save her during a flood but refused help from rescuers. After she drowned, she asked God why He didn’t intervene. He replied, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter.” I see therapy the same way: a vessel through which God offers healing. It’s a privilege to witness clients discover new insights that transform their lives. Sometimes the transformation is dramatic, like overcoming an addiction, but often it’s subtle: a shift in perspective, a release of shame, a new sense of peace. Those moments, small or large, are sacred ground.
So, is therapy for you? There’s no set formula. Some people come for a few sessions, others stay for years. The key is finding value in the process, not just checking it off a list. Therapy works best when you bring real issues to the table, not just surface concerns. If you come with openness, honesty and a willingness to grow, you’re more likely to see results.
If you’re curious, I encourage you to try a session or two. It just might change your life. Therapy is not about labeling you as “broken,” but about helping you live more fully. God created us as whole beings—body, mind and spirit. When one area suffers, the others do too. Therapy can be one of the ways God restores balance, heals wounds and strengthens us for the journey.
About St. Raphael Counseling
St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, is the nation’s largest Catholic therapy practice. Our licensed professionals provide individual, couples, family and school-based counseling rooted in both sound psychological principles and the Catholic faith. With nearly 40 staff across multiple locations and telehealth options, we serve clients of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking hope, healing and growth. St. Raphael Counseling integrates faith with mental health treatment, offering compassionate care that supports the whole person—body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit straphaelcounseling.com or call 720-377-1359.
How to Have a Great School Year By Kim Mack, LPC, St. Raphael Counseling
The start of the school year offers Catholic families more than just a chance to aim for academic success—it’s an opportunity to grow in faith, character and community. A truly great school year nurtures the whole child—mind, body and soul. When the school experience is rooted in faith, children can flourish spiritually and emotionally while thriving academically and socially.
Here are six ways to help make this school year one of joy, purpose and growth:
1. Begin with Prayer
The best way to start both the school year and each school day is with prayer. Pray together as a family each morning, asking for God’s guidance, wisdom and peace. Encourage your child to pray before tests, during challenges and in moments of celebration. Prayer centers the day on what matters most and reminds children they are never alone.
Tip for Parents: Keep it simple. Say, “Jesus, walk with us today” or pray a decade of the Rosary before school. Let your child lead sometimes to foster ownership and connection.
2. Prioritize Virtues over Achievement
In a culture focused on competition and performance, Catholic parents are called to raise children with strong moral character. Show them that who they are matters more than what they achieve. Integrity, kindness and humility should be celebrated alongside school success.
Tip for Parents: At dinner or bedtime, reflect on virtues your child practiced—patience, honesty and generosity—and celebrate them as joyfully as you would grades or awards.
3. Stay Actively Involved—Body and Spirit
Your presence communicates love and support. Attend school events, talk with teachers and stay engaged in your child’s learning. Support their spiritual growth by attending Mass and getting involved in parish life together.
Tip for Parents: Put faith events on the family calendar just like school activities. Make Sunday Mass a priority and explore volunteer opportunities as a family.
4. Model a Growth Mindset Rooted in Faith
Children learn more from what you do than what you say. When setbacks come—a poor grade, a friendship challenge or a tough subject—demonstrate a faith-filled growth mindset. Remind them that God can use struggles to help us grow.
Tip for Parents: Encourage your child with Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Show how mistakes can be part of God’s plan for building virtue.
5. Balance is Holy
Overscheduling drains energy, focus and faith life. Protect time for rest, family meals, unstructured play and spiritual renewal.
Tip for Parents: Review extracurricular activities and ask, “Does this bring us closer to God or pull us away?” Sometimes saying no opens space for something more important.
6. Create a Culture of Service
Catholic education forms disciples who serve. Find consistent, simple ways to involve your child in acts of kindness—helping a neighbor, donating toys or sending cards to the elderly.
Tip for Parents: Pick a monthly family service project. Even small actions—collecting food for a pantry or baking for a neighbor—teach that faith is lived through service.
A great school year isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. When faith anchors your child’s day, academics, friendships and challenges are all shaped by God’s love. Your witness, presence and prayer can guide them toward not just a successful year but a holy and joyful one.
Let this year be filled with grace, growth and God’s presence in all things.
Dr. Michelle Connor Harris Clinical Director for St. Raphael Counseling. Imagine that you live in ancient Rome and you are feeling sad and hopeless. The Colosseum holds no appeal, you have no desire to see your friends, and you just want to sleep. Your physician diagnoses you with melancholia, known today as depression, which is … Read more
By Christina Bordeaux, PsyD Licensed Psychologist, St. Raphael Counseling Parenthood is full of joy, excitement and, let’s be honest, a few nerve-wracking moments. When it comes to our children, we all want to do what’s best for them. But if you’ve found yourself wondering whether your child might be on the autism spectrum, you’re not … Read more
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