Catholic Counseling Institute

Welcome to the Catholic Counseling Institute, where licensed mental health counseling meets authentic Catholic faith. Hosted by Amber N. Pilkington, M.Psy., LPC-S, a licensed professional counselor-supervisor, our channel offers evidence-based mental health education integrating clinical psychology, neuroscience, and attachment theory with Theology of the Body and Catholic teaching.
The Catholic Couch Podcast: A counseling-informed podcast created by women, for women (and the men who love them). Amber offers clinical insight, practical tools, and Catholic wisdom on the emotional and relational issues that matter most.
Educational Videos: Explore counseling topics through a Catholic lens, including anxiety, relationships, trauma, ADHD, scrupulosity, and emotional regulation, grounded in current psychological research and authentic Catholic teaching.
Join our community to deepen your mental health knowledge and grow in emotional resilience and spiritual well-being.


Catholic Counseling Institute

Most parents get handed a 504 when their child actually qualifies for an IEP. These are not the same document.
504 (Section 504): lower bar. Your child qualifies if ADHD substantially limits a major life activity like learning or concentrating. Provides accommodations only — extended time, preferential seating, frequent breaks. No individualized instruction.
IEP (IDEA): higher bar. Your child must need specially designed instruction. ADHD qualifies under "Other Health Impairment." Provides individualized instruction PLUS accommodations. Legally binding goals. Annual review. Far more powerful.
If your child is failing or barely keeping up, the 504 may not be enough. You may need to formally request an IEP evaluation. In writing.
Comment COUPON for $100 off the 12-week Catholic ADHD parenting course.
#iep #504plan #adhd #adhdadvocacy #specialeducation #catholicparenting

4 hours ago | [YT] | 3

Catholic Counseling Institute

I'm working on moving into the TRUE podcast arena & publishing "The Catholic Couch" as a podcast using Buzzsprout for those that only use Apple Podcasts or Spotify, etc. So please excuse any duplicate uploads. I'm still figuring it out. =/ (Any advice or help is welcome, lol!)

22 hours ago | [YT] | 1

Catholic Counseling Institute

Real parents. Real results. Real change. 👇
Don't just take my word for it — swipe through to hear from Catholic moms, dads, homeschoolers, and teachers who've gone through Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: Raising Super Catholic Kids With ADHD.
This is the first and only online Catholic parenting course built specifically for families raising kids with ADHD — grounded in neuroscience, rooted in Catholic theology, and shaped by lived parenting experience.
✨ 13 weekly video modules
✨ 250+ page PDF handbook
✨ Lifetime access
✨ Practical tools for ages 1–18
If you've ever felt like ADHD is a cross no one else understands… or wondered if traditional parenting advice just doesn't fit your child… this course was made for you.
👉 Enroll today: catholiccounselinginstitute.thrivecart.com/freedom…

5 days ago | [YT] | 27

Catholic Counseling Institute

I would like to create a FREE online confidential support group once a month for Catholic women in challenging marriages who would like support for staying, encouragement, and education on healthy boundaries and self care. If you are interested please fill out the form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpYr-EMX_Ih1hehx…

1 week ago | [YT] | 16

Catholic Counseling Institute

Friendly reminder, friends... Have you checked out "The Catholic Couch" ETSY shop? It's a great way to share your Catholic faith in real life and support the work of the Catholic Counseling Institute. Also, all the items are personally designed by me, giving me a fun creative outlet! thecatholiccouch.etsy.com/

1 week ago | [YT] | 10

Catholic Counseling Institute

Real parents. Real results. Real change. 👇
Don't just take my word for it — swipe through to hear from Catholic moms, dads, homeschoolers, and teachers who've gone through Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: Raising Super Catholic Kids With ADHD.
This is the first and only online Catholic parenting course built specifically for families raising kids with ADHD — grounded in neuroscience, rooted in Catholic theology, and shaped by lived parenting experience.
✨ 13 weekly video modules
✨ 250+ page PDF handbook
✨ Lifetime access
✨ Practical tools for ages 1–18
If you've ever felt like ADHD is a cross no one else understands… or wondered if traditional parenting advice just doesn't fit your child… this course was made for you.
👉 Enroll today: catholiccounselinginstitute.thrivecart.com/freedom…

1 week ago | [YT] | 14

Catholic Counseling Institute

Real parents. Real results. Real change. 👇
Don't just take my word for it — swipe through to hear from Catholic moms, dads, homeschoolers, and teachers who've gone through Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: Raising Super Catholic Kids With ADHD.
This is the first and only online Catholic parenting course built specifically for families raising kids with ADHD — grounded in neuroscience, rooted in Catholic theology, and shaped by lived parenting experience.
✨ 13 weekly video modules
✨ 250+ page PDF handbook
✨ Lifetime access
✨ Practical tools for ages 1–18
If you've ever felt like ADHD is a cross no one else understands… or wondered if traditional parenting advice just doesn't fit your child… this course was made for you.
👉 Enroll today: catholiccounselinginstitute.thrivecart.com/freedom…

1 week ago | [YT] | 19

Catholic Counseling Institute

The accommodations the research actually supports — bring this list to your next IEP or 504 meeting.
Time & testing: extended time on tests (typically 1.5×). Testing in a separate, low-distraction room. Frequent breaks during long assessments.
Instruction & output: preferential seating near the teacher. Instructions given verbally AND in writing. Tasks broken into smaller chunks. Reduced homework volume (not reduced expectations). Oral responses where appropriate. Typed instead of handwritten.
Organization & transitions: daily agenda checked and initialed. Advance warnings before transitions. Visual schedule posted at the desk. Sensory tools allowed. Quiet signal (not public correction).
These are research-backed, not extras. Ask for them by name.
Comment COUPON for $100 off the 12-week Catholic ADHD parenting course.
#adhdaccommodations #iep #504plan #adhdschool #catholicparenting

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 18

Catholic Counseling Institute

Friends! It's happening!!!! The great Fr. Alar with be joining us on the Catholic Couch this week. Drop your questions for him and me in the comments and I'll ask as many as I can!!!!!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 22

Catholic Counseling Institute

Friendly reminder, friends... Have you checked out "The Catholic Couch" ETSY shop? It's a great way to share your Catholic faith in real life and support the work of the Catholic Counseling Institute. Also, all the items are personally designed by me, giving me a fun creative outlet! thecatholiccouch.etsy.com/

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 15