Show Notes

Episode 63. Facing the Big Questions w/ Alex Wallace, LPCC

Episode 63. Facing the Big Questions w/ Alex Wallace, LPCC

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
~ Blaise Pascal

Do the big, existential questions of life really matter?
Why is it so tempting to avoid the big questions?
How can I deal with the big questions in ways that I can process?

In Episode 63 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna engage with clinical counselor Alex Wallace to explore the big questions: why am I here? What is my purpose? Should I be vulnerable with others? Alex emphasizes the necessity of vulnerability and community in overcoming existential questions and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Drawing from personal experiences and Catholic teachings, he integrates faith with therapy, highlighting the crucial support therapists can provide in addressing deeper issues. The episode weaves humor with wisdom, referencing St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Lion King. Join the conversation to face the things that really matter.

Alex is Catholic, a husband and a father of four. He is also a Counselor with the Ruah Woods Institute and has twelve years of clinical experience, working to serve the needs of individuals in various settings, including private practice, community outpatient services, intensive youth rehabilitation, hospital chaplaincy, and collegiate sport performance. Alex holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with training supervision designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana.

Show Notes

  • Learn more about the Ruah Woods Institute and Ruah Woods Psychological Services, including Alex Wallace’s page

  • Information on the McGrath Institute for Church Life’s Teaching Life & Human Dignity Symposium at the University of Notre Dame

  • “Man becomes an image of God not so much in the moment of solitude as in the moment of communion.”

    • St. John Paul II, Theology of the Body

  • “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

    • Blaise Pascal, Pensees

  • Humans have become accustomed to a “Rejection of Reflection” (accidentally coined by Pat)

Bad life advice from The Lion King 😂

Challenge By Choice

Practice a daily Examen at the end of each day

  1. Ask God for light

  2. Give thanks

  3. Review the day

  4. Face your shortcomings

  5. Look toward the day to come

A prayer card resource for the daily Examen

Reflection Questions

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?

  2. In what ways does embracing vulnerability contribute to healing of mind & soul?

  3. Why is community essential in the process of wholeness according to the discussion?

  4. What big questions do you reflect on often? What big questions do you tend to avoid?

  5. In what ways does the world push us away from the big questions of life? What impact does that have on us, psychologically & spiritually?