Isn't there a lot of similarity between the techniques of a psychiatrist and a preacher. Are the clients not

Question

very similar?

Answer 1

Of course there are. Sigmund Freud deliberately invented psychoanalysis as a substitute for religious counseling (I.E.: confessionals for atheists).

You are stating the obvious. What's your point?

Answer 2

Those who seek assistance may possess similar longings. According to a study in the 1990's, people are more likely to go to a clergy person for a personal problem than to a mental health practitioner. Pastoral counseling has helped a number of individuals, and oddly enough, you can't be certified as a pastoral counselor unless you are willing to state that you will not push your own views of faith onto your clients.

However, not all Christians are mentally ill. Some find enough peace of mind in their faith to go along just fine.

Remember, existential anxiety is a common experience. Becoming aware of our own coming death is a whopper to deal with. Religion can help people let that go so they can move on in life. Fortunately, it's also not the only path for coping with it.

Answer 3

Well last I heard the statistic was 1 in 4 people have a mental Health issue. I would expect that churches would have at least that ratio. And since that statistic is about 25 years old I would speculate that we are up to about every 3.5 in the general population.

And since many healthy people pay a shrink just to have someone listen to them that puts their clientele even closer.

Answer 4

The reasons why people go to either are often the same, the techniques are definitely different.

Answer 5

Yes. All people with mental health problems choose to be ill. You're not big, and you're not clever.

Answer 6

no the preacher yels at you and a phycitrist says how do you feel about that?

Answer 7

Could you elaborate?

Answer 8

cold dude, very cold