Who we are
We offer emotional intelligence coaching services and programs tailored specifically for Catholic priests—practical, immediately impactful, and faithful to your vocation. We are the first and only organization to bridge the gap between “human formation” as a theoretical concept and real, learnable, scientifically validated skills for life and ministry.
We utilize EQ-i 2.0 - the first scientifically validated measure of Emotional Intelligence and the most extensively researched model available - to bridge that gap. Widely considered the platinum standard, it offers unmatched insight and reliability.
At the core of our philosophy is the belief that a thriving life and ministry require a firm human foundation comprised of a learnable skillset. Our coaching empowers you to effectively navigate the very real human challenges of priestly life, starting with your own internal world, which cultivates genuine resilience and allows you to lead with a powerful, wholehearted presence that inspires and uplifts those around you. No pastoral initiative of yours will reach its full potential without these skills. This is the formation you wish the seminary had given you.
This is not self-help—it’s priestly formation from the inside out, assisting priests to be thriving men, a necessary prerequisite to be a thriving priest (cf. Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests, #25).
In short, by focusing on the man behind the collar, our coaching facilitates conforming your humanity with that of Christ, enabling you to not only shepherd those around you but also be a shepherd within.
Our Model - EQi 2.0 Fast Facts
✅ Scientifically Validated & Time-Tested
Backed by over 25 years of rigorous research and more than 365 published studies, the EQ-i 2.0 is one of the most scientifically validated emotional intelligence instruments on the market.
It is the first EQ assessment to be scientifically validated and has stood the test of time across industries worldwide.
✅ Goes Beyond Personality Tests
Personality traits are largely fixed—but emotional intelligence is a set of learnable, coachable skills.
The EQ-i 2.0 equips individuals to develop key human skills like empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation—no matter their innate personality.
✅ A Complete Picture of Emotional Intelligence
Measures 5 Composite Scales and 15 Subscales (i.e., skills) that work together to predict behaviors with remarkable accuracy.
Uncovers not just what someone does, but why they do it—providing insight into the motivations behind behavior.
Highlights strengths, growth areas, and offers clear, actionable strategies for improvement.
✅ Predictive Power for Real-World Results
The circular model illustrates how emotional skills interact dynamically, enabling accurate predictions of how someone performs under pressure, in relationships, and as a leader.
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, military, healthcare, education, and non-profits to identify potential leaders.
✅ Unmatched Global Reach & Relevance
Used across industries in over 60 countries and trusted by thousands of organizations to develop leaders, resolve conflict, and build resilient teams.
✅ Focus on Social Responsibility (a close approximation to “fraternity”) & Leadership
One of the few tools that measures social responsibility, tying directly to qualities like authenticity, integrity, and transparent leadership.
Perfect for clergy and leaders called to be shepherds—helping them lead with emotional maturity and relational intelligence.
✅ More Than an Assessment—It’s a Transformation Tool
Every EQ-i 2.0 assessment comes with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report filled with insights and practical strategies.
The EQ-i 2.0’s unique ability to identify growth areas in self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills makes it an ideal tool for developing affective maturity in seminarians, priests, and Church leaders. It bridges the gap between theory and real-world strategies.
Our Philosophy
At The Shepherd Within, we believe that true priestly formation begins with the heart of the priest—the human person who has been called to shepherd others. Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that a priest’s own emotional, relational, and spiritual health is integral to his ministry.
We also believe that Emotional Intelligence (EI), grounded in scientific research, offers a close approximation to human formation (with emphasis on “affective maturity”). It provides the practical tools and insights needed for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management, and leadership, all of which are essential for effective ministry. While cognitive intelligence is important, it is emotional intelligence (i.e., non-cognitive emotional and social skills) that makes the difference. The best and brightest in every industry are learning these skills. It’s time to put them in the service of the Church.
We hold that coaching, specifically tailored to the needs and challenges of priests, is a powerful method of transformation. Coaching offers a confidential and supportive space for reflection, growth, and the application of practical strategies to everyday life and ministry. Through coaching, priests can better navigate their emotions, develop resilience, and lead with a grounded human heart, ultimately fostering healthier relationships and more effective pastoral ministry.
Our work is faithful to the Church’s understanding of the human person and teachings on priestly formation, which emphasizes that human formation is the foundation of all formation. We are committed to serving the Church’s mission by providing emotional intelligence skills that respect the dignity of each priest, helping him live out his vocation with integrity, joy, purpose, and a life of holiness. The Shepherd Within is not just about developing emotional intelligence—it’s about cultivating the inner strength that sustains holy ministry. It's about facilitating the process of conforming one’s humanity to that of Christ.
Did Christ, in His humanity, embody the 15 Emotional Intelligence skills we teach?
You bet He did. From self-awareness and empathy to resilience and social skills, Jesus modeled the full spectrum of emotional intelligence, utilizing His humanity for His mission. And just like Him, you can cultivate these skills, using your human personality as a bridge leading souls to Christ and becoming not just a shepherd externally but a “shepherd within.”
Lastly, we believe in charitable candor. We don’t want to waste your time or ours. We are committed to having lovingly candid conversations. Why else would we work together if we weren’t mutually committed to putting pride to the side and having the conversations that actually matter?
About Matt Robinson, MA, MS, MBA, Founder & Coach
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Experience
15+ years walking with priests as a seminarian, parish employee, and Diocesan Director of Clergy Support.
Education
B.A Philosophy (St. Charles Borromeo Seminary)
M.A. Theology (Holy Apostles College & Seminary)
M.S. Psychology (Divine Mercy University)
M.B.A. Masters of Business Administration (Western Governors University)
Certified EQi 2.0 Practitioner (Emotional Intelligence Training Company)
Certified Professional Life Coach (Certified Life Coach Institute)
Certificate in Church Management (Villanova University)