BaylorPRSer Posted September 5, 2013 Posted September 5, 2013 I just found out the therapist was a theology graduate. I am an atheist. Does anyone on here see this as being a problem?
Wesley Posted September 5, 2013 Posted September 5, 2013 You need to talk to (him?) about it. Most likely it will not affect therapy and they could be very useful in accessing emotions and your history and such. Stef has said that his therapist was a mystic and that she was very helpful and they just didn't discuss religion. If the method of therapy is that you are wrong because you do not believe in God and that you should say 10 hail marys and believe in God in order to be healthy and if you do not then you will burn in hell, then that may be a problem. I obviously exaggerated, but you should be honest with them and express your concerns and ask them how therapy enters into therapy (if at all). Listen carefully, ask questions, be honest, and trust your instincts. Eventually you will gain resolution, either positive or negative.
EllieChu Posted September 6, 2013 Posted September 6, 2013 In my own experineces it can be a problem. The first therapist I ever saw was an older woman with many religious books in her office. I assumed that it wouldn't be likely it would affect therapy, but her christan morals and bias did show throughtout the sessions I had with her. And I would go home feeling terrible about myself and the decsions I have made in my life. Just remember if you don't feel a connection with your therapist or you have a bad gut feeling about it then seek another therapist.
A.I. Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Stef did it. He said his therapist was a mystic, but somehow she was emotionally unshakable. Can you connect emotionally?
cherapple Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 You could talk directly to the therapist about your concerns. Say that you are an atheist, you are concerned that his or her religious beliefs may affect your therapy, and ask whether that will be a problem for the therapist. The response you get will help you decide whether it will be a problem for you. Make sure to have this discussion in a free consultation.
BaylorPRSer Posted September 24, 2013 Author Posted September 24, 2013 I had my first meeting with him and haven't gone back yet, but he was a very nice guy. Things I liked: 1. He still attends therapy and thinks it has been hugely beneficial in his own life. 2. He has been fascinated with people and what makes them tick since he was 12 and wanted to be a therapist since. Things I was iffy: 1. He doesn't give homework assignments, only things to think about (not a deal-breaker, but I did find Nathaniel Branden's sentence completion to be useful). Something that jumped out at me was when I asked him about the concept of different thoughts leading you to negative places and identifying them he responded by saying, "it's like having a tape recorder and you take out the tape that says I'm going to have a bad day and put in the one that says I'm going to have a good day." I liked him overall and will probably try him again especially considering he can accommodate my work schedule (Mon. - Fri 8 -5) Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Any Houstonians have any therapists to recommend?
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