When I was growing up, in my church there were a few things that were definitely off-limits. One of them was visiting a psychologist.
Having now studied some psychology and also seen a psychologist at a couple of points in life, I find this such a bizarre prohibition.
I can only assume that the deep concern was related to the humanistic branches of psychology. Concern that we would rely on ourselves and not on God and start thinking we were the source of all the answers.
That is a valid concern but one that also needs to be tempered. Faith is not simply sitting around and expecting God to do everything for us. He gave us brains to allow us to think, speak, write – type! – and make a whole range of decisions. God has given us intellect and he expects us to use it. He wouldn’t have given it to us otherwise.
And the danger of relying on ourselves hardly seems valid for putting out a complete prohibition. I can falsely rely on my own strength in a range of contexts. I could be working in a church and relying on my own strength. I don’t need a psychologist to sin in this way.
Psychologists also have a whole range of ideas about how the brain, mental processes and behaviour are interrelated. There are plenty of schools of thought that have nothing to do with humanism and more to do with the chemistry occurring within the brain.
So inhibiting people from getting help from a health professional just sounds like a cult.
These days, that is the 21st century, in so many professions such as psychology, the classic ‘eclectic mix’ of modalities is all the rage. We acknowledge that there are so many schools of thought and so many ideas out there. A professional is versant in a number which are well-researched and, because they’re a professional, they know when to pick and choose what, based on the needs of a client.
Christians should never aim to be ‘professional’ in their faith, but the same principle can apply. I don’t see any issue in having an eclectic mix in my ‘life toolkit’ as I walk the journey of faith.
I don’t see any contradiction with spending time in prayer and fasting, leaning on the Lord for guidance and support, and also speaking to a professional about mental health concerns. The two can very naturally coexist. Perhaps even complement each other.
Seeing a psychologist is hardly a stumble in your step.
Fortunately times seem to have changed and there appears to be less concern in churches these days about using a professional to assist you with your mental health. However, from time-to-time judgment can creep in, or worse. People can assume a position of superiority – spiritual or otherwise – because they don’t need to see any professional.
At least, not yet.
The last thing we want to do is make those who need to reach out for help feel like they are being judged or belittled by those in the church.
Let’s not mock something we haven’t experienced or don’t understand. Do we behave this way when someone has asthma?
Yours ecclesiastically eclectic,
Alison
