[bluemountains]

My new t, number 2 after my long time t moved, is not what I expected. With this t I am encouraged to use prayer at times. Her bio does not state that she is a Christian therapist; however, she does describe herself as a person of faith.
I am a Christian, but I struggle with my faith, and I probably can use some help in this area. However, this is not what I had planned. The main reason I am diligent with therapy is that I am diagnosed with bipolar, and my pdoc thinks it is wise that I stay in therapy.
I find that I appreciate the stimulation of my brain with the discussion of faith, but I am not sure if this is what I need. I really like this therapist. I don't want to leave her, but I am not sure that she supports the fact that I should be taking all of the meds that I am prescribed. I remember a session recently when she suggested that there are vitamins or herbs that can treat bp.
I know that some of you include discussion of faith with your therapy, and I wonder how this helps or hinders your progress.
Thanks for any input!
Bluemountains

[Miswimmy1]

I do not discuss faith with my therapist. However, I think that if your t continues to bring up faith in a way that you do not think is benefiting you, you should certainly mention it. Maybe ask her why she is suggesting to use prayer? Different therapists certainly have different methods.

Bluemountain,

I have seen two Ts since starting down this road. My first T was a Psychologist and he worked in a group that is a Christian practice. We never prayed during our sessions but we do talk about my faith... my struggle trusting everyone even God and he has quoted scripture ....

My second T is a licensed counselor... we don't pray in session but I have talked about Christian books I've read and about my feelings about my faith and about my personal bible reading and prayer time and she does suggest things that she thinks will help that are religious like prayer...

That being said both of my T's also talked about regular psychology that other non christian t's talk about like like cognitive distortions, how the past impacts today, talking about pstd and triggers , etc., etc..

So for me its been the best of both worlds. Both T's have been open to me talking about my struggles with faith... challenging God... even shaking my fist at God... everything that I was feeling was open and I didn't feel judged for where I was...

[bluemountains]

Originally Posted by Readytostop

Bluemountain,

I have seen two Ts since starting down this road. My first T was a Psychologist and he worked in a group that is a Christian practice. We never prayed during our sessions but we do talk about my faith... my struggle trusting everyone even God and he has quoted scripture ....

My second T is a licensed counselor... we don't pray in session but I have talked about Christian books I've read and about my feelings about my faith and about my personal bible reading and prayer time and she does suggest things that she thinks will help that are religious like prayer...

That being said both of my T's also talked about regular psychology that other non christian t's talk about like like cognitive distortions, how the past impacts today, talking about pstd and triggers , etc., etc..

So for me its been the best of both worlds. Both T's have been open to me talking about my struggles with faith... challenging God... even shaking my fist at God... everything that I was feeling was open and I didn't feel judged for where I was...

My therapist has not suggested that we pray together. I could handle prayer. My main concern is that her faith may lead her in different paths than mine, although I don't read her this way. I completely believe that God didn't make any mistakes and allows us to make our own choices.
I believe in gay marriage, the right to choose abortion-I don't endorse it, but unless it's my choice it's not my right to choose for someone else, and freedom of religion-even if it is to practice no religion.
I guess my fear is that the discussion of faith might lead us to beliefs. Again, as I said, I believe my t has a gentle, loving persona and I read her to be inward instead of outward.
I may make a list of my concerns for my next visit. I think if we are going to work within the faith frame I need to get the parameters defined.
Bluemountains

[LadyShadow]

Originally Posted by bluemountains

My therapist has not suggested that we pray together. I could handle prayer. My main concern is that her faith may lead her in different paths than mine, although I don't read her this way. I completely believe that God didn't make any mistakes and allows us to make our own choices.
I believe in gay marriage, the right to choose abortion-I don't endorse it, but unless it's my choice it's not my right to choose for someone else, and freedom of religion-even if it is to practice no religion.
I guess my fear is that the discussion of faith might lead us to beliefs. Again, as I said, I believe my t has a gentle, loving persona and I read her to be inward instead of outward.
I may make a list of my concerns for my next visit. I think if we are going to work within the faith frame I need to get the parameters defined.
Bluemountains

You do have some valid concerns and you're right you should get the parameters defined. Faith has never been a problem with my T. He believes in God and things that cannot be explained. We discuss this openly in session and he provides insight and doesn't push any type of religion on me or anything, Its all a matter of faith and what you believe. If she is for that, in strengthening your faith with God and helping you with your spiritual journey then by all means continue your therapy with her.

However, my only concern is her approach with the meds. If she is going against your pdoc I am concerned. It is all good to find herbal remedies to help you cope and calm yourself. but not to be off of meds completely.

Now, I am not going to preach about the importance of meds, but my T knows my history of going on and off meds for years and he knows how important it is for me to stay on them. Your case may be different though, I don't know where you stand on meds.

Anyway. bring it up in next session like you said and see where the conversation leads you.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I have not had good experiences with "Christian" counselors, nor have any of my clients or friends. I, personally, am not at all comfortable with a therapist interjecting religion and/or prayer into my therapy. My T has asked me before if I have faith or what my views are, but only in the context of discussing things I might find helpful in dealing with the death of my father. I think your idea to define the parameters now is a very good idea.