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Always Hope

Always Hope

Written by: Dr. Mario Sacasa LMFT
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 Always Hope provides solutions to a better life that are anchored in faith and psychological science. Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT, brings his years of counseling experience to the table and welcomes experts and friends to tackle challenging topics related to dating, marriage, and uncertainty in life. Started in 2018, the show has garnered a worldwide audience and is one the best podcasts that blends Catholicism with mental health and personal development. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. For more information, visit drmariosacasa.com© 2025 Sacasa Solutions, LLC Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Ministry & Evangelism Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • 188. Why Forgiveness Feels Impossible For Most People with Dr. Robert Enright

    188. Why Forgiveness Feels Impossible For Most People with Dr. Robert Enright
    Jan 22 2026

    Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood—and emotionally challenging—parts of healing. In this episode, Dr. Mario sits down with Dr. Robert Enright, a pioneer in forgiveness research, to unpack what forgiveness truly is, what it is not, and why getting it wrong keeps so many people stuck in pain. Together, they explore forgiveness as a process rather than a feeling, how it differs from excusing or forgetting, and why it has profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact. Rooted in both clinical psychology and a Christian understanding of suffering and redemption, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful path toward freedom, healing, and unity in Christ.

    Professor Robert Enright is a licensed psychologist and holds the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science, Human Development Area, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has pioneered the scientific study of forgiveness, which now claims over 1,000 researchers worldwide. He teaches courses in moral development with an emphasis on the psychology of forgiveness. He is a popular speaker on the moral development of forgiveness, with his work appearing in such outlets as Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and ABC’s 20/20.

    Chapters:

    00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:06:22 - The Controversy and Challenges of Studying Forgiveness

    00:08:52 - Understanding Forgiveness in the Context of Christianity

    00:18:15 - The Importance of Distinguishing Forgiveness and Reconciliation

    00:22:10 - Introduction to Dr. Enright's Model of Forgiveness

    00:33:12 - The Role of Compassion and Suffering in Forgiveness

    00:34:18 - The Fulfillment of Forgiveness as a Moral Virtue

    00:37:30 - The Impact of Forgiveness on Psychological Health: Case Studies

    00:43:03 - The Process and Importance of Self-Forgiveness

    00:51:10 - The Role of Self-Forgiveness in Spiritual Warfare

    Forgiveness as Unity in Christ Book Link: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/forgiving-as-unity-with-christ/

    Salvifici Dolores John Paul II: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html

    Every Word Scripture Journal: https://everyword.press/products/on-every-word-scripture-journal

    ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

    🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

    Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

    To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

    Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

    www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

    Follow me on the socials:

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

    Full Courses:

    Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

    Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

    The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 187. Catholic Psychologist Explains Same-Sex Attraction Honestly with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    187. Catholic Psychologist Explains Same-Sex Attraction Honestly with Dr. Julia Sadusky
    Dec 19 2025
    What does faithfulness really look like for Catholics who experience same-sex attraction? In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, Dr. Julia Sadusky, a Catholic psychologist, joins us for an honest, compassionate, and deeply grounded conversation about faith, psychology, and human desire. Rather than offering quick fixes or unrealistic promises, this discussion explores how Catholics can move beyond shame, confusion, and false expectations — and toward a more peaceful, integrated life. We talk about: Why prayer isn’t a “fix” for every struggle — and why that doesn’t mean prayer has failedWhat psychology actually says about same-sex attractionThe difference between acceptance and approvalWhy chasing “change” can sometimes block real healingHow the Church quietly offers a much more hopeful vision than most people realize This conversation is especially for: Catholics navigating same-sex attractionParents trying to support a loved one faithfullyPriests, therapists, and ministry leadersAnyone tired of polarized or simplistic answers If you’ve ever felt caught between faith and lived experience, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and hope rooted in truth Julia Sadusky (PsyD, Regent University) is an author, speaker, and licensed psychologist. She owns Lux Counseling and Consulting in Littleton, CO., where she offers individual, family, and couples therapy in addition to consultations for individuals and families around sexuality and gender. She also serves as a ministry educator, offering trainings and consultations to counseling centers and faith-based institutions on sexuality, gender identity, mental health, trauma-informed care, and the intersection of sexuality, gender, and theology. Other areas of focus include work with those experiencing complex trauma and eating disorders. She can be reached at: https://www.juliasadusky.com Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:31 - Integrating Faith into Therapy00:06:33 - Navigating Sexuality and Gender Issues00:15:40 - Understanding and Accepting One's Own Story00:16:19 - Addressing the Expectations and Misconceptions00:27:44 - Exploring the Origins of Same-Sex Attraction00:30:49 - Exploring the Causes and Impacts of Opposite-Sex Attraction00:34:45 - The Role of Acceptance and Moving Forward00:47:17 - Addressing Mental Health Concerns within Non-Heterosexual Population00:53:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information Why I Don’t Do Reintegrative Therapy as a Catholic Therapist: https://youtu.be/_gZSRet4xR8?si=4fRS5EF327a9Uqho ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in 🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing. Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights! www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa Follow me on the socials: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa Full Courses: Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/ The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.
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    57 mins
  • 186. The Psychology of Hope: Moving Forward Through Uncertainty with Dr. Matthew Gallagher

    186. The Psychology of Hope: Moving Forward Through Uncertainty with Dr. Matthew Gallagher
    Dec 3 2025

    Most people think hope is just wishing for the best. It’s not. Today we explore the real psychology behind hope — how it works, why it matters, and how it can guide you through fear, failure, and uncertainty. We break down the evidence-based tools that help people set better goals, persevere through obstacles, and recover after trauma. A transformative episode for anyone navigating change or uncertainty. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or low on motivation, this episode will give you a clearer path forward.

    Dr. Matthew Gallagher is a professor of Clinical Psychology at the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics at the University of Houston. He is one of the leading researchers of the psychology of hope. His research interests include: Transdiagnostic treatments (e.g. the Unified Protocol) for PTSD and anxiety disorders, mechanisms of change of empirically supported treatments, and how positive thinking (e.g., hope, optimism, self-efficacy) promotes well-being and provides resilience to PTSD and other anxiety disorders. He can be reached at: mwgallagher@uh.edu

    Chapters:

    00:00:58 - Defining Hope

    00:16:07 - Understanding Hope as a Virtue

    00:17:30 - Different Conceptualizations of Hope

    00:28:47 - Encouraging Active Pursuit of Goals

    00:33:05 - Limitations of Viewing Hope Through Goals

    00:37:51 - Hope, Trauma, and Recovery

    00:51:14 - Incorporating Faith and Spirituality in Hope

    🕯️Let There Be Peace Advent Virtual Retreat: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

    ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

    🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

    Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

    To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

    Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights! www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

    Follow me on the socials:

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

    Full Courses:

    Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

    Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

    The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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