Well, he's a LPC not a psychologist so maybe that's why (just kidding). I know most people here see psych's, but finding one that is Christian is hard. I used to go to a psych, and I think that he comes pretty close in his way of treating me and experience. I went to two other "counselors" before I found him and they just didn't seem to be as well trained. He is the director of a well-known center in our area and even counsels pastors.

Are you saying focusing inward too much is not healthy? If so I think it can be.

I know that also, I have some pieces of myself I'm not proud of like my tendancy to be sarcastic and my tendancy to gossip. These things I would probably curb more when I'm around my Christian friends.

and the truth is, really I shouldn't be acting like that ever, but when I'm around people, especially non-Christians, I tend to not pay as much attention to it.

Then if I'm talking to my counselor and some of that 'tude slips out, I think. . .ooops. . . he wasn't supposed to know that sometimes I can be mean and nasty. . .

But really, why? It's my counselor. If I can't be "myself" around him, then I really have a problem.

I guess the truth is, that I would like to just "get rid" of that part of myself. It's not pretty. But it doesn't happen over night. I think as I learn to love myself more, then I'll feel less a need to say things about other people or gossip or be sarcastic as a way to feel like I have more power.

Also, you mentioned Stephens ministry. Yes the training was hard!! 13 weeks! I graduated, then had to admit to the teacher that I wasn't ready. I was already having a hard time taking care of myself as well as a suicidal husband.

He's doing somewhat better but is slipping this week again and having a lot of physical symptsoms from the depression too. It's hard seeing him like that. But, it has forced me to look at myself too and that's good.