The Associazione di Psicologia Cattolica (APC), or Association of Catholic Psychology, is an Italian organization dedicated to integrating Catholic faith with the practice of psychology. Founded by psychologists Stefano Parenti and Roberto Marchesini, APC aims to bridge the gap between personal faith and professional life, promoting a seamless integration of spirituality and psychological practice.

Origins and Mission

The association originated from the shared vision of Parenti and Marchesini, who recognized the need to unify their Catholic faith with their psychological professions. They emphasized the importance of:

1. Recovering Tradition: Studying the Church's teachings on human nature over its two-millennia history.

2. Engaging with Contemporary Approaches: Critically evaluating modern psychological methodologies.

3. Developing a Catholic Psychotherapy: Formulating theoretical and practical frameworks that align with Catholic teachings.

APC is committed to fostering unity between personal faith —particularly faith in Jesus Christ in obedience to the Catholic Church— and the professional lives of Catholics working in psychological fields. The association promotes an integral psychology of the person, grounded in an anthropology consistent with the teachings of the Church's Magisterium, with particular reference to Thomistic philosophy and papal contributions on psychology.

Activities and Resources

APC offers various resources and activities to support its mission:

- Metanoeite Journal: A semi-annual publication providing educational and informative content to explore and share insights on Catholic psychology.

- Reading Recommendations: The association promotes selected books annually as part of a formative path for Catholic professionals.

- Study Groups: Opportunities for members to delve deeper into specific topics through collaborative discussions.

- Courses: APC organizes both basic and advanced courses on Integral Psychology of the Person, aiming to combine the Church's philosophical and theological traditions with contemporary practice.

- Events and Initiatives: Regular community evenings and advanced courses to deepen understanding of the Integral Psychology of the Person.

Membership and Collaboration

APC encourages professionals to join the association, offering benefits such as newsletters, dedicated training sessions, and access to the Metanoeite journal. The annual membership fee is €20.

The association collaborates with various organizations that share similar or synergistic objectives, including:

- Maturità Psicologica e Spirituale: A research group in Psychology and Spiritual Life at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

- Istituto Internazionale San Tommaso d’Aquino e San Giovanni della Croce: An institute promoting unified formation in theology, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality.

- Università Abat Oliba-CEU of Barcelona: Offers a psychology program centered on the study of Catholic tradition.

- EMCAPP (European Movement for Christian Anthropology Psychology and Psychiatry): A group of Christians across Europe publishing a biannual journal.

- Fundación CEyTEC: An Argentine foundation organizing courses on realist psychology and operating a clinical center.

- Asociación de Psicología Integral de la Persona: A Chilean association contributing significantly to the development of Catholic (Thomistic) clinical psychology.

- Catholic Psychotherapy Association: An American association of Catholic psychotherapists.

Symbolism and Patronage

APC's logo features a light green circle with a stylized fish and a curved cross. The light green represents hope and is associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. The fish symbolizes early Christianity, referencing Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. The association places itself under the protection and intercession of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and humanity.

In a nutshell, the Associazione di Psicologia Cattolica is dedicated to harmonizing Catholic faith with psychological practice, offering resources, courses, and a community for professionals seeking to integrate their spirituality with their profession.