Our Story
The Call
Pope John Paul II made an appeal for Catholic psychologists to work toward great integration between faith and psychology. Inspired by this call and the ever-growing need for mental health providers. I began studying psychology at Divine Mercy University. My journey to understand the human person more deeply began long before that. I learned much about the human person through my formation in seminary. Seminary provided an underlying way of understanding the human person through philosophy and theology. Psychology became the final “wisdom tradition” to solidify my understanding.
The Inadequacy of Secular Psychology
By the end of 11 years of higher education, several points were evident. First, psychology itself was inadequate for understanding the fullness of the person. When viewed in light of a philosophical and theological understanding of the person, many of the theories that clinicians rely upon in psychology were either incomplete or downright incorrect. The underlying assumptions of these theories rested on philosophical systems such as Marxism, postmodernism, atheism, or empiricism that had impoverished views of the goodness, dignity, and beauty of the human person. Although these theories contained offered many effective strategies, it was clear to me that God has more in mind for the field of psychology.
The Founding of PsychoGenesis
With mental health continuing to decline in the U.S., the deepening need for a faith-integrated psychology practice became increasingly evident. I felt called to join the emerging wave of Catholic faith-integrated psychologists making a difference. Drawing on over 2,000 years of wisdom in helping the human person, I founded PsychoGenesis Psychological Services. The mission of PsychoGenesis is to provide psychological growth through faith integration. The term PsychoGenesis refers to the beginning or origin of a psychological process. PsychoGenesis is psychologically and scientifically grounded and provides services that integrate the best psychological practices. PsychoGenesis is also grounded deeply in the Catholic faith.
The logo of PsychoGenesis is the tree of life which harkens to our common human origin in the Garden of Eden and simultaneously to the Cross of Jesus Christ. In the center of the logo is the body of Jesus crucified. Christ is the true healer and physician of the soul (in Greek: psyche) both in the spiritual sense of salvation and redemption, but also in the earthly sense as the architype of the Hero Who renews the city. Called to imitate Christ’s heroic example in our own life callings, the PsychoGenesis logo also represents the human nervous system. The top of the tree is a brain, the trunk is the central nervous system, and the roots are the periphery nervous system.
A Call to the Adventure of Therapy
In imitation of Christ’s passion, I invite you to embark on the heroic journey of mental health treatment. This journey can sometimes feel like Christ’s passion as powerful emotions are processed, relationships are mended, the brain is rewired, and the roots of original sin are confronted. The work of therapy is sometimes a difficult process that requires much of you. As someone who has been on the other side of the therapy chair as a client myself, I recognize how emotional and hard this work can be. That is why it is my goal as a therapist is to be radically open to my clients’ feedback, pace, and unique circumstances. I value my client’s experiences and feedback so much that I would much rather hear that I am missing the mark as a therapist and have my feelings hurt if necessary, than ever miss something important my clients need from me. Although I pale by comparison, I hope to be a wise guide like the wise guides of old.
Our Approach
The other important part of the PsychoGenesis logo is the Celtic weave. The roots and other features of the tree draw on the Celtic tradition of a woven tree. In pagan times, these woven trees referred to the pagan tree of life called Yggdrasil. Ancient European mythology held that this tree held the key to redemption, life, and communication with the “gods.” The tree was also under attack by a snake that gnawed at the roots of the tree in an attempt to destroy it. Christians were quick to recognize the messages in the pagan mythology as an implicit symbol of Christ and the cross. The idea of the Christmas tree comes from this mythology now purified by Christian tradition.
The approach of PsychoGenesis, thus, recognizes that we are interpersonal beings embedded within a rich and healing cultural context informed by faith. Whether or not your culture incorporates the above traditions, you are welcome at PsychoGenesis within your own cultural context and faith. We are unapologetically Catholic and we want you to be unapologetically yourself as well!
Group Therapy
Knowing that we are interpersonal beings and need social engagement and support to flourish, we place a heavy emphasis on group therapy. If you are like most people, you probably don’t like the idea of group therapy. That’s fair! At the same time, group therapy has many benefits. First, the social support gained through group therapy is unmatched. You shouldn’t have to take the journey of mental health alone. In what other context will you be able to share deeply about your particular crosses with peers whom you will not interact with in any other capacity? Its like a really good retreat where you connect deeply with the people around you and experience a profound sense of healing together. Second, group therapy is very affordable compared to individual therapy. You can gain all of the same skills, strategies, processing, support, and katharsis for 25% to 50% of the cost of individual therapy. Last, group therapy allows me to help more people in less time, without putting pressure on individuals to end therapy so others can “have the timeslot.” If you are curious about how group therapy might be the right fit for you, please feel free to reach out!
Theories and Faith Integration
As a therapist, I integrate several different psychological theories within the framework of faith including psychodynamic, interpersonal, attachment, polyvagal, internal family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy. To a lesser extent I draw on theories such as dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Rogerian therapy.
Conclusion
I love being a psychologist. I want to be a psychologist for the rest of my life. Having the privilege to accompany you on your journey of healing is incredibly meaningful and rewarding to me. I don’t come to work dreading the day, rather, I come to “work” – more like play to me – with an eager sense of expectation that I will be given the grace from God to help you. The grace to initiate a psychogenesis in your life. Who knows how good life could get?
About Tim
Tim White, Psy.D., M.A., is a licensed clinical psychologist who serves as the Field Placement Director and an Assistant Professor for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s online M.S. Clinical Psychology program. He works to expand faith integration to clinical psychology in theory, practice, and practicum placement. He works to find integration and flourish across the human experience for both students and therapy clients.
Dr. White believes in forming warm, easy-mannered, professional relationships that create space for healing, growth, and integration.
Dr. White founded PsychoGenesis Psychological Services, PLLC to provide psychological growth through faith-integration. He provides group therapy, individual therapy, consultation, speaking, workshops, and supervision.
Dr. White is an inpatient and outpatient contractor for the Saint John Vianney Center providing assessment and therapy.
Dr. White has provided therapy and assessment in community mental health, Catholic K-8 schools, and counseling for seminarians. He provided therapy as a Primary Therapist at the Saint John Vianney Center, an inpatient psychiatric facility for priests and religious. Other career and volunteer interests have included farming, formation as a Catholic seminarian, and martial arts instruction.
Dr. White’s education has focused on an integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and psychology. He received his Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Master of Science degrees from Divine Mercy University. He also holds a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Theology from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities from The Pontifical College Josephinum.
Areas of clinical interests include psycho-spiritual-vocational assessment, integration of the Catholic faith with the psychological sciences, communication and conflict management, theology of the body, and clergy and religious issues.
