About The Shepherd Within

Forming the Shepherd Within. Strengthening the Systems Around Him.

At The Shepherd Within, we believe the renewal of the Church begins with renewed priests — and renewed priests are formed through both human transformation and institutional support. Human transformation because holiness “includes” humanity and institutional support, because every priest needs an environment conducive to his well-being and the success of his divine mission.

We exist to integrate these two essential dimensions: cultivating the inner life of the priest through emotional intelligence and helping Church leaders build the external systems that sustain his flourishing. This is a three-phased model of priestly flourishing: (1) The priest himself, (2) the parish life and ministry, (3) the wider Diocesan culture. No priestly renewal effort will bear fruit without attention to all three areas.

Who We Are

We offer emotional intelligence–based formation and consulting services tailored specifically for Catholic clergy and Church institutions. Our work is faithful to the Church’s theology of human formation and grounded in scientific precision.

We are the first and only organization to translate human formation theory and organizational change into measurable, learnable skills that support both the priest and the institution he serves.

We believe that this work will transform the priesthood, transform the Church, and transform the world so that all may know the truth and love of Christ.

Our Model - EQi 2.0 Fast Facts

All of our services—from one-on-one coaching and group formation to 360° reviews—are built on the EQ-i 2.0, a Level B psychometric assessment tool recognized worldwide as the most scientifically validated model of emotional and social intelligence.

This framework identifies 15 measurable skills of human effectiveness, providing clear benchmarks and tangible progress markers across every dimension of priestly life and leadership.

We use the EQ-i 2.0 to:

  • Establish baseline measures of emotional and social maturity

  • Track growth and development over time

  • Provide quantifiable feedback to both priests and Church leaders

  • Translate human formation ideals into concrete, observable behaviors

It’s the platinum model used by Fortune 500 companies, military academies, and healthcare systems—and now, by the Church, to strengthen the men who serve her.

✅ 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?

Our Dual Mission

1. Forming Priests

Through personalized and group coaching, we help priests cultivate the 15 emotional and social competencies of the EQ-i 2.0, deepening self-knowledge, relational maturity, and pastoral effectiveness.

2. Strengthening Institutions

Through consulting and training, we partner with dioceses, seminaries, and religious communities to design comprehensive clergy-support systems and emotionally intelligent leadership cultures that allow priests to flourish.

Theological Alignment

“Human formation, when it is carried out integrally, makes the priest a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis #43)

Our work fulfills this call by forming priests who are both humanly mature and spiritually alive, while helping the Church build environments that support that growth.

We call it formation from the inside out—conforming the man behind the collar to Christ, and shaping the culture around him to make holiness sustainable.

About Matt Robinson, MA, MS, MBA, Founder & Coach

About Matt Robinson MA MS MBA Founder & Coach

  • Experience

    15+ years walking with priests as a Diocesan Director of Clergy Support, parish employee, and seminarian.

    Education

    M.A. Theology (Holy Apostles College & Seminary)

    M.S. Psychology (Divine Mercy University)

    M.B.A. Masters of Business Administration (Western Governors University)

    B.A Philosophy (Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary)

    Certified EQi 2.0 Practitioner (Emotional Intelligence Training Company)

    ICF-Certified Professional Life Coach (Certified Life Coach Institute)

    Certificate in Church Management (Villanova University)

    Certified Change Management Specialist (Management and Strategy Institute)

    Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology)

    Media & Publications

    “Rebuilding Trust: Clergy Morale in the Wake of the Abuse Crisis”
    (Catholic University of America Press)
    A newly published volume featuring a chapter co-written by Matt Robinson and Bishop Edgar da Cunha of the Diocese of Fall River, exploring the intersection of human formation and institutional renewal as pathways to priestly health and holiness.

    “Ave Maria Live” – EWTN Radio
    A 20-minute interview featuring Matt Robinson on the state of the priesthood in the United States and practical steps for strengthening it.

    “Can Fallen Priests Be Restored to Ministry? Yes—Here’s How”
    (Crisis Magazine)
    An article examining how the Church can prudently and compassionately reintegrate priests who have fallen, outlining clear criteria and a pathway for authentic restoration rooted in truth, justice, and mercy.

    “Strengthening the Priesthood in the United States”
    (Homiletic & Pastoral Review)
    An article by Matt Robinson articulating a systemic framework to renew priestly formation and support in dioceses nationwide.

    “St. John Vianney: Priestly Consecration in Fall River”
    (National Catholic Register)
    A feature on the Diocese of Fall River’s consecration initiative, quoting insights from Matt Robinson about clergy well-being and renewal.

    “Fall River Launches Initiative to Prioritize the Well-being of Priests”
    (Crux Magazine)
    Coverage of the diocese’s new campaign to place priest health and formation at the center of diocesan strategy—highlighting Matt Robinson’s contributions and commentary.