Counseling

[Philena]

I have undergone some trials in the past few years and am considering counseling.

Should I try counseling with my priest or deacon, or would you advise another professional? My priest and deacon are so busy I hate to bother them with my problems, yet I’m going through a rough patch here.

 

[BlestOne]

I guess who I would go to for counselling depends on why I felt I needed counselling. When my husband walked out the door I went to my priest, when I was struggling with how to single parent, I went to Catholic Charities. When my kid was having learning difficulties in school…I went to a school psychologist…then later transfered his care to Catholic Charities. Only you can decide who would best help you. I was totally shocked when my priest told me …more like dared me to get divorced. He was right, but it was really odd to hear that come out of a priests mouth.

 

[Yerusalyim]

IF it’s a spiritual issue then the priest or deacon might be a good source to turn to for counseling, however, if it’s about life issues you’d do better to turn to a trained therapist.

 

[TOP]

Philena:

I have undergone some trials in the past few years and am considering counseling.

Should I try counseling with my priest or deacon, or would you advise another professional? My priest and deacon are so busy I hate to bother them with my problems, yet I’m going through a rough patch here.

Ask your priest if he can recommend someone. I’ve sought counseling from a member of a parish close by. I’ve only had one session with him , but he seems caring and grounded in faith. God Bless, Tim

 

[asquared]

It depends on what kind of counselling you need. If you need pastoral counselling and spiritual direction, especially on matter for confession, only a priest will do. If you need counselling on areas withing the deacon’s competence, for instance, if he is the person who prepares couples for marriage, convalidations, annulments etc., then go to the deacon. If you need marriage counselling, psychological counselling etc. the priest or deacon may be able to help with the spiritual aspects of your difficulties, but you need professionals in those areas. If it is a question of finding employment, financial advice, legal problems, consult the professional in the relevant field.