Therapy, Spiritual Direction, Or Both?

[tinytherese]

I have a case of depression, which is significantly less than it was over a year ago. The medication I am now on is really helpful. I've also gone through abuse from my dad, emotionally, mentally, a little physically (including being tortured,) and sexually harassed which involved violating touching.

I've really come a long way. I don't have trusting issues with men anymore with the help of the boyfriend that I had, asking Our Lord and Our Heavenly Father to heal me, and asking the intercession of St. Joseph and Our Lady. Studying the theology of the body has helped me as well (which I want to continue doing,)learning about what makes marriages not only survive but thrive, and investigating what really went wrong with the relationship of my parents even before they got married. Growing in my relationship with Our Heavenly Father has helped as well. Coming to Our Lord has helped too.

The therapist I've had at school doesn't totally get the faith aspect, which seems to be a huge part of my journey and I searched Catholic Therapists.com but there were none in the state where I go to college nor in my home state. Would it be best for me to just seek a priest or other spiritual director about what I'm going through? Good threrapists are hard to come by as it is, especially from a solid faith perspective.

[CatherineM]

When I finally agreed to try therapy again, she agreed to call it spiritual direction just to keep me from running away. It is hard to find a good mix of the two. I happened to find a qualified nun, with a counseling degree, who was orthodox. Rare breed. Give me a few more years to finish my qualifications, and I'll be ready to do spiritual direction.

[Papist]

Based on what you describe, therapy is a good idea. I agree with you, the therapist should not be going against your faith. You have every right to "interview" a therapist before going to him/her. I'd ask if they are a Christian, how to they live their faith, what are their views of the Catholic Church and faith. I'd contact catholictherapists.com again and see if some one has phone therapy. Contact your diocese office. Explain your situation and what you are looking for. They normally can accommodate/recommend someone.

A spiritual director is always a good idea.

God bless you!

[Lisa]

It sounds like both might be a good idea.

Through spiritual direction (and other things in life), I found a therapist. My SD/priest found me one that the diocese recommended. You should ask a priest in your area if they know of any reputable therapists, and sometimes there will be discounts on it if you are referred through a priest- it doesn't sound like you'll be using your family's insurance, which was my case, too.

[emilier98]

[url="http://aapc.org/content/find-counselor"]This[/url] is the website for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. A pastoral counselor is someone who has at least a masters degree in psychology and is a licensed psychologist and also has a M.Div or MTh or some other theological degree. They can help you integrate both your therapeutic journey and faith journey. Not all of them Catholic, but they are open to all faiths and can help you. I saw a pastoral counselor for a long time and he was extremely helpful and understanding. He helped me with my spiritual journey and actually studied Catholicism to help me and he is a Mennonite. I hope this helps

http://aapc.org/content/find-counselor

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='tinytherese' timestamp='1301288611' post='2223849']
I have a case of depression, which is significantly less than it was over a year ago. The medication I am now on is really helpful. I've also gone through abuse from my dad, emotionally, mentally, a little physically (including being tortured,) and sexually harassed which involved violating touching.

I've really come a long way. I don't have trusting issues with men anymore with the help of the boyfriend that I had, asking Our Lord and Our Heavenly Father to heal me, and asking the intercession of St. Joseph and Our Lady. Studying the theology of the body has helped me as well (which I want to continue doing,)learning about what makes marriages not only survive but thrive, and investigating what really went wrong with the relationship of my parents even before they got married. Growing in my relationship with Our Heavenly Father has helped as well. Coming to Our Lord has helped too.

The therapist I've had at school doesn't totally get the faith aspect, which seems to be a huge part of my journey and I searched Catholic Therapists.com but there were none in the state where I go to college nor in my home state. Would it be best for me to just seek a priest or other spiritual director about what I'm going through? Good threrapists are hard to come by as it is, especially from a solid faith perspective.
[/quote]

Its not necessary I think , for a therapist to be catholic, they just need to respect the importance of faith in your life, and work with that to help you.