[JohnCrow]

Wow, mind is wandering, almost typed "spoke with therapod"

That would be a VERY different experience (Yes, this will be your

)

Initial chat, main one this weekend

One thing bothered me; she asked if I believed in God and recommended that I try

This is the issue I have with religion; I have no evidence of the existence of the magical invisible friend, the idea is, frankly, ridiculous. To try and believe in a magical invisible friend is not an expression of faith, it is an exercise in self-delusion

[Tauren]

Ugh, that would be a deal-breaker for me. Your imaginary friend is not going to help my depression, lady!

[RessurectMe]

Shop around, try as many different therapist as you can and make sure you go with someone you are comfortable with. Therapy with someone that you don't have a good connection with is worse than no therapy at all. Treat your first meeting with them as a job interview (for them).

I'm a Christian, but I would never tell anyone to try to believe in God. It's not something you do by force of will or just decide to do. You may decide to go to church or to participate in similar activities, but belief itself happens freely (or doesn't.)

A therapist having different religious beliefs from mine is not necessarily a reason to me to rule out their being my therapist. It depends on whether or not they try to force their beliefs on me.

[vonmoxie]

I'd be concerned about going to a therapist who suggested I manifest a belief in a religious entity; while I certainly think there are dimensions in the universe more divine or fantastic than we can perceive within the dimension we find ourselves, it does not involve any traditional religious practice on my part, nor anything non-scientific, and I'm not in a position to manifest it any differently just based on the fact that it seems to help other people. Would that I could, but I am not nearly that skilled.

I'd be just as shocked if I visited a pastor to ask a theological question and he suggested I look into psychotherapy..

[JohnCrow]

Originally Posted by vonmoxie

I'd be just as shocked if I visited a pastor to ask a theological question and he suggested I look into psychotherapy..

Okay, I laughed out loud at this one

Seeker: Father, I believe in an intelligence behind the universe who is fundamentally interested in what I do with my junk, what foods I am allowed to eat and doesn't want women on their periods to hang out in his special house
Priest: I think you need a psychiatrist, nutso!

Seeker: Father, I believe in an intelligence behind the universe who is fundamentally interested in what I do with my junk, what foods I am allowed to eat and doesn't want women on their periods to hang out in his special house

Modern-day Christians do not believe that God is interested in the last two things you mentioned. I'm assuming by "junk" that you mean genitalia and aren't referring to hoarding.

If you look at your joke and try substituting phrases pertaining to other religious, I think you might see that your joke is of a type that's not encouraged on Psych Central.

[emijec]

I wouldn't stick with that therapist. a belief like that isn't the solution it's putting off the chance of taking control of your life into something imaginary.