St. Dymphna's Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being

book

by Tommy Tighe, Ave Maria Press, IN, November 5, 2021

Description

This book offers congregations insight into mental health and wellness from a Catholic perspective. Author Tommy Tighe, a licensed marriage and family therapist, combines his professional expertise in mental health with Catholic spiritual teachings to provide practical advice based on his podcast, also called St. Dymphna’s Playbook. The book includes sections on depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and grief. Each chapter describes a mental health issue, offers practical coping skills, and shares perspectives from scriptures, saints, and spiritual figures.

Features

Chapter summaries
Resources section

Recommended Audience

Lay and clergy leaders, especially Roman Catholic congregations

Cost

Purchase as book, e-book or audio book

Practical Applications

Offer a book study that explores all or part of this book to promote mental wellness in your congregation and reduce stigma around mental health conversations.
Share this book as a resource for individuals in your congregation who are struggling with a specific mental health or wellness issue.

Updated: March 21, 2025

About the Contributor

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez

Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez serves in the Center’s Northwest office in Crown Point as the Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting, working to advance the Center’s mission to strengthen Indiana congregations by providing resources to the communities that make up the diverse tapestry of the Northwest region.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Miriam immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up on the East Side of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Illinois College, graduating with a double major in Communications & Rhetorical Studies and International Studies with a concentration in gender and immigration equity.

Before joining the Center, Miriam served as the Director of Communications at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. In her tenure with the Parliament, Miriam worked closely with faith, community, and nonprofit leaders on outreach, engagement, and interfaith community-building efforts. She is an enthusiastic advocate for youth, Indigenous, and women’s voices in faith and civic spaces.

Miriam is a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, where she and her family attend weekly Spanish service.

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