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 failed
- What psychology actually says about same-sex attraction
- The difference between acceptance and approval
- Why chasing “change” can sometimes block real healing
- How the Church quietly offers a much more hopeful vision than most people realize
This conversation is especially for:
- Catholics navigating same-sex attraction
- Parents trying to support a loved one faithfully
- Priests, therapists, and ministry leaders
- Anyone 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 - Introduction
00:00:31 - Integrating Faith into Therapy
00:06:33 - Navigating Sexuality and Gender Issues
00:15:40 - Understanding and Accepting One's Own Story
00:16:19 - Addressing the Expectations and Misconceptions
00:27:44 - Exploring the Origins of Same-Sex Attraction
00:30:49 - Exploring the Causes and Impacts of Opposite-Sex Attraction
00:34:45 - The Role of Acceptance and Moving Forward
00:47:17 - Addressing Mental Health Concerns within Non-Heterosexual Population
00:53:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Why I Don’t Do Reintegrative Therapy as a Catholic Therapist: https://youtu.be/_gZSRet4xR8?si=4fRS5EF327a9Uqho
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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.