January 2025: Welcome to Ep3 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show!

This month’s topic: Defense Against the Dark Arts

Live from the Seminar: On the final day of his fall 2025 semester class at the Virginia Theological Seminary, Father Bob interviews Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, Dr. Charles Mayer, on the topic students have been studying all semester — exorcism.

Father Bob and Charles discuss: What is the difference between mental health and demonic influences? When is this infliction mental illness, and when is it something evil?

About our guest: Dr. Charles Mayer is an Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, supervisor, and parish consultant. In over forty years of ordained ministry, he has served parishes in Connecticut, Long Island, Manhattan, and New Jersey, and has maintained a private psychotherapy practice since 1992. He taught in the Pastoral Counseling program at the Blanton-Peale Institute in Manhattan from 2006-2012.

Fr. Mayer grew up on Long Island and holds degrees from Oberlin College and Harvard Divinity School. He completed Clinical Certificates in Pastoral Psychotherapy, Group Psychotherapy, and Marriage and Family Therapy at the Blanton-Peale Institute. His Doctor of Psychology degree was conferred by the Graduate Theological Foundation in 2008.

Fr. Mayer is a frequent book review contributor to the Anglican Theological Review and other journals. He has sought to live out the integration of Anglican pastoral theology, spirituality, and psychotherapy in his ministry. Committed to the notion of the psychotherapy room as “the sanctuary within the sanctuary,” his clients have always included clergy and lay leaders within the Episcopal Church, along with a broad spectrum of individuals, couples, and families from other religious communities and the secular world.

About our host: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others. With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist in the Bible study category.

Learn more: robertdflanagan.com