As a Catholic therapist, my journey of walking with others through their struggles has always been deeply intertwined with my faith. Each day, I am reminded that my role isn’t just to offer therapeutic advice or strategies, but to be a witness to the love and compassion of Christ in the midst of human suffering and brokenness. Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a meet for members of Encourage, an apostolate for people with family members who experience same-sex attraction and/or gender discordance that offers support in the difficult task of loving and honoring the whole person.
The Call to Love Through Difference
As Catholics, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, but the difficulty often arises when the “neighbor” is different from us—whether in terms of their faith, values, lifestyle, or struggles. The members of Encourage are often living in situations where their family experiences or close relationships don’t always align with the Church’s teachings.
In leading this discussion, I shared with the group that we cannot shy away from the differences that exist between us. Instead, we are called to recognize and honor these differences, not as barriers but as opportunities for growth. To love through difference requires empathy and humility—acknowledging that we do not have all the answers and that the fullness of a person cannot be reduced to one part of their identity.
This theme was especially poignant during our conversation. Members shared how difficult it can be to live out their faith while struggling with feelings of alienation or not feeling fully understood by loved ones. I affirmed the importance of acknowledging those feelings of isolation and pain, but also reminded them that our faith offers a deeper connection—one rooted in the unconditional love of God. The Catholic vision of the human person calls us to anchor our identity in more than what we do, who we like, what other people think of us, or what we have.
The Challenge of Loving Through Suffering
Another key aspect of the discussion centered around the challenge of loving through suffering. As Catholics, we believe that suffering is not meaningless. In fact, it can be redemptive when united with Christ’s suffering on the cross. This teaching can be both a comfort and a challenge, especially for those facing long-term or difficult personal struggles.
Many of the members of Encourage shared their personal stories of suffering, whether related to loneliness, rejection, or the tension of trying to preserve complex relationships and uphold Church teaching.
I shared with them the truth that suffering, while incredibly difficult, is not something to shy away from or ignore. Instead, we are called to bring it to God in prayer, and to trust that He can transform our suffering into a means of grace. In my own life, I’ve experienced how suffering can draw us closer to God, teaching us humility, patience, and reliance on His strength. It’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not quick, but it is part of the spiritual journey.
Accompanying Others: A Ministry of Presence
Perhaps the most humbling part of being a therapist is the role of accompaniment—simply being present to someone in their pain and joy, without trying to “fix” them or offer quick answers. As Catholics, we believe in the importance of community and the call to bear one another’s burdens. Jesus himself modeled this ministry of accompaniment throughout His life, meeting people where they were and walking with them through their struggles, offering love, mercy, and hope.
During our discussion, we explored value of accompaniment, particularly when it comes to supporting one another. We are not meant to journey alone. Even if we cannot fully understand another person’s experience, we can offer our presence and our prayers. and our support.
This ministry of presence is something that transcends professional roles like mine as a therapist. It’s something all of us are called to as Catholics. Accompanying others doesn’t require perfect answers or solutions; it simply requires us to show up with an open heart, ready to listen and offer compassion.
The Power of Prayer and Community
We concluded the group in prayer, asking God to give us the grace to love through difference, to offer hope in suffering, and to accompany others with the same tenderness that Christ shows us.
As Catholics, we are not exempt from suffering. But we are never alone in it. We are called to accompany one another and, in doing so, to be witnesses to the transformative power of God’s love. In a world that often seems divided and broken, this message is one of profound hope—hope that through difference, suffering, and accompaniment, we can find healing, peace, and unity in Christ.
If you’re interested in exploring these themes further or are seeking support, I encourage you to reach out to organizations like Encourage, which offer a place for prayer, reflection, and community. We are all on this journey together, and we are called to walk with one another, loving through all the differences and challenges that life presents.