In the year 1202, a young Giovanni Bernardone, who we would come to know as St. Francis of Assisi, was captured in a conflict between Assisi and Perugia and held as a prisoner of war for about a year. This horrific experience as a prisoner of war changed Francis, and he likely ventured through life suffering from what we would now call PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
And yet, Francis undoubtedly became a “wounded healer” for others and the world. So, what about us? What brokenness do we carry? What traumas do our bodies hold? How can we move toward wholeness and healing and ultimately use our stories to become wounded healers for others? This episode’s guest is Richard B. Patterson, PhD, a clinical psychologist and trauma therapist practicing in El Paso, Texas. Two of the primary groups he has worked with in his career as a therapist are combat veterans and victims of clergy abuse. He is a regular contributor to St. Anthony Messenger and has a new piece in the July/August issue titled, “Turn to the Beatitudes.”
Disclaimer: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including historical and modern experiences of trauma, war, and sexual abuse, which may be triggering. If listening brings up difficult emotions, please reach out to a trusted therapist or contact a support resource like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-6264. We encourage prioritizing your well-being.
Show Notes
– Need resources to work through trauma? Visit ptsd.va.gov, a site that, as Patterson mentions, is not only for combat veterans but is helpful for anyone suffering from PTSD.
– Check out Patterson’s work in St. Anthony Messenger:“Turn to the Beatitudes” (July/August 2025) “A New Understanding of the Prayer of Saint Francis” (October 2025), “Wounded Healers” (April 2022), or “Broken Vessels” (March 2022). View more of his work with Franciscan Media here.
– Explore Patterson’s blog Psyche and Spirit and his books. Read his blog “The Catholic Church and Clergy Abuse: Impact on Faith.”
🔊 Listen on Spotify
🔊 Listen on Apple Podcasts