I thought it would be a good idea to talk to a therapist, and I told my dad I was depressed and that I should go to therapy. But every time I have to go, I get really anxious and stressed, and I'm constantly hoping that the session will go faster. I want to talk to someone else. I'm a Wiccan, and I'm not Christian or anything like that, but I want to talk to a pastor instead. My dad suggested it after I said I didn't want to go to therapy. What should I do? Do I have to believe in God to talk to a pastor? Please help me.
Responses (3)
well i'm not a pastor but i can say that i believe in our dearest lord will get you a long ways all you have to do is tell him you need him and you worship him everyday tell him you would like to have him in your heart find you a neighbor hood church that you can go to and just ask him to come into your heart and help you deal with your problems that got you down ask him to pick you up and worship him thats all he askes makes a big difference
Hello,
I can understand why you might have anxiety about taking therapy. It’s not always what people think it is, I can promise you that. It might take shopping around for a bit and finding the right person who will hear you out.
Priests are also just another human being, and often come from a compassionate point of view, but if you’re not a Christian, it may not be as advantageous for you to talk with a priest or religious leader.
Have you ever thought about seeing a counsellor? They don’t have that negative stigma attached to them. It depends on what you’re experiencing. Anxiety is actually a type of mental illness and for some reason you have a lot of fear of talking about or uncovering something.
I would still keep searching for the right therapist. There are a lot of great ones out there and they not only want to hear you out, but they also want to help you talk things out, gain a better understanding of what you’re experiencing, and they want to encourage you to feel happier and better.
The problem with religious counseling is that most of the time they are not qualified to be a therapist and they are going to quote bible verse and/or want to pray with you so you better be a believer.
Trust is your issue and it is not uncommon to not have a bond with a therapist and need to find a different one. If your dad didn't like his doctor I'm pretty sure he would go get a new one. No different with a therapist. I would suggest a therapist with a Ph.D. in psychology. Nothing less.
You have to commit to the process, not play games, not withhold, not lie and understand that therapy is hard work. And i am not kidding. It can bring up anger, fear, confusion and tears and you may leave the session exhausted and want to go home and sleep and you should. That's normal and to be expected.
I think you should go back to regular therapy with a different one and make the effort. I've been in therapy and for worked for psychologists and psychiatrists and I know what you are not feeling is a trusting relationship and that's important. Very best wishes for a successful therapy and a happier future.
Well, it's... it's not that I want to talk to God, I just need someone who I could maybe trust. I'm not very 'educated' on Christian religion, so I'm not entirely sure what a pastor is, but I-please don't take offense-don't really want to talk to God. I just need to talk to a person. I don't mean to offend you or anyone else. Please forgive me if I have. If I can't find a connection with God, should I talk to a pastor?