Episode 048 – Faith, Psychology, and the Hard Questions (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

The Church Podcast

• 32 min

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In this first part of a two-part conversation, Christopher sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist specializing in sexuality, gender, and faith. What unfolds is not a debate—but a deeply pastoral and thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology actually belong together. Julia shares her personal journey—from a theology of the body student at Ave Maria University to working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and Christian discipleship. She reflects on the formative influence of Mark Yarhouse, and how encountering real people with real questions reshaped her vocational path. Together, Christopher and Julia explore: Why Catholics don’t need to fear psychology How therapy and spiritual direction can complement one another What the Church actually does well in teaching about sexuality Why wrestling with Church teaching can be a sign of faith—not rebellion How youth ministers can respond when teens ask difficult questions The “iceberg principle” and why the real question is often beneath the surface This episode is especially helpful for ministry leaders who want to hold truth with confidence—but without defensiveness.