Scrupulosity isn’t just “Catholic guilt gone too far”—it’s a deeply painful form of OCD that can hijack your relationship with God. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Stephanie Muncy, CatholicPsych’s in-house expert (and someone who’s lived it), to unpack what scrupulosity really is, how it distorts the spiritual life, and why the path to healing might look very different than you think.

Key Topics:

• How scrupulosity is actually a debilitating form of OCD
• The scariest part of scrupulosity? It feels like it’s about God—but it’s really not
• Why obsessively going to confession or seeking reassurance only makes things worse
• The true root of scrupulosity isn’t spiritual failure—it’s unhealed anxiety
• How the need to “get it right” spiritually often masks a deeper wound
• Why you can’t “logic your way out” of OCD
• What healing actually looks like—and why it’s not about caring less
• Why even well-meaning spiritual advice can sometimes make things worse
• The most powerful thing you can offer someone suffering from scrupulosity

Learn More:

• Blog articles by Stephanie Muncy:
  • How to Settle Anxiety in the Heart and Mind of Someone with OCD
  • The Love that Sets Us Free: A Compassionate Path through OCD
• Previously on the Being Human Podcast:
  • Ep. #22: A Look at Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Scrupulosity
• Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat: An 8-week course that brings freedom from anxiety and depression by showing you how to live as if you really believe in a God who loves you.
• The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro: A practical guide to finding peace in the present moment through Catholic mindfulness.
• CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP): Catholic accompaniment training that truly integrates faith and science.
• Learn more about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work:
  • Ep. #160: Healing through Parts Work
  • Ep. #35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Parts?
• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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oes following God mean life will be free from suffering? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Greg reconnects with his longtime friend Stefanie Madden, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter to a rare neurological disorder. It’s an honest conversation about grief, faith, and the truth that God doesn't promise to take away suffering—but He does promise to be with us in the midst of it.

Key Topics:

• Stefanie's heartbreaking story of losing a child to a rare neurological condition
• Why the idea that “good Christians don’t suffer” is not only false—but harmful
• How grief and faith can coexist without canceling each other out
• How Stefanie learned to carry her pain with God, not apart from Him
• What does it really mean to say God is with us in suffering?
• Why Stefanie says she now feels free for the first time in years
• What a grieving mom wishes she’d done differently

Learn More:

• Baby Brian: A Pilgrim of Hope – Discover the full story of this incorrupt infant, view photos, and sign up for updates as his journey continues to unfold.
• Previously on Being Human:
  • Ep. 79: The Weight of Grief with Bri Edwards
• A Thousand Pounds – An award-winning book offering strength and hope for parents carrying the unimaginable weight of grief.
• Lach’s Legacy – Bri Edwards’ nonprofit ministry serving families who have experienced the loss of a child.
• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

What if the real challenge of screen-time isn’t about screens at all? In this episode, Dr. Greg and colleague Teresa Violette explore how digital distractions can interfere with the deeper needs of a child’s development. Instead of fear or guilt over screen use, discover the secret ingredient that helps parents raise confident, connected kids—even in a digital world.

Key Topics:

• Why simply limiting screen time isn’t the full solution—and what to focus on instead
• The deeper question every parent should ask: What are screens replacing in your child’s life?
• The overlooked power of parental attunement—and how it shapes your child’s development
• Why every child needs something different depending on their age, personality, and family dynamics
• Teresa’s honest, relatable story about summer survival and cutting back on TV at home
• How screen overuse can quietly erode creativity, connection, and emotional regulation
• Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how to parent with peace, even when things are messy

Learn More:

• Previous episodes with Teresa Violette:
  • Ep. #102: ADHD and Me
  • Ep. #62: Relationship Q&A with Married Therapists: An Interview with Dr. Bryan and Teresa Violette
• Blog: Show Me Your Face: Being Present with Your Children
• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment