This short course opens a structured conversation between Catholic theology, pastoral practice and the mental health professions. It explores how spiritual, psychological and social dimensions of life contribute to healing and growth, while respecting the distinct aims, languages and responsibilities of pastoral ministry, spiritual direction, counselling, psychotherapy and psychiatry.
The programme proceeds from an integral view of human development: persons grow within relationships, communities, cultures and the wider environment, and in openness to God’s active presence in the world. It also takes seriously the insights of the psychological sciences into wellbeing, suffering, resilience and care.
The programme is intended primarily for mental health professionals and trainees, priests, religious, spiritual directors, chaplains, pastoral workers and lay ministers who accompany people experiencing emotional, relational or spiritual difficulty.
Target Audience Age: 18+
The course will take place on two Saturdays at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Programme – 10th October 2026
| Date | Time | Session |
| 10th October 2026 | 9:00am – 9:30am | Opening: why healing and growth need each other |
| 10th October 2026 | 9:30am – 10:15am | What do we mean by “soul” and “psyche”? |
| 10th October 2026 | 10:15am – 11:15am | The human person in Christian perspective: redemption and divinisation |
| 10th October 2026 | 11:15am 12:30pm | The human person in psychological perspectives: medical, relational, developmental and political lenses |
| 10th October 2026 | 12:30pm – 1:15pm | The human person in Malta today: contextual challenges |
| 10th October 2026 | 1:15pm 2:00pm | Distinguishing remits and forms of accompaniment |
Programme – 17th October 2026
| Date | Time | Session |
| 17th October 2026 | 9:00am – 10:00am | Afflictions of the soul: from the Desert Fathers to DSM-5-TR |
| 17th October 2026 | 10:00am – 11:15am | The soul’s growth: existential concern, conscience, freedom and grief |
| 17th October 2026 | 11:15am – 12:15pm | Points of tension: when spirituality blocks growth and when psychology harms |
| 17th October 2026 | 12:15pm – 1:00pm | Integration and next steps |
| 17th October 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Concluding dialogue |
This course has two exit certificate options:
- Certificate of Attendance
To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend 80% of course contact hours.
2. Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:
- attend 80% of course contact hours;
- a reflective essay
Language: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.
Digital: Participants must know how to access the internet and use office suites.
Previous courses / training: prior professional, clinical or ministerial formation.