Posted by Dinah on December 4, 2002, at 10:49:47
In reply to Clarify Conflict of interest / dual relationships, posted by loparina on December 3, 2002, at 21:30:35
I would assume that it would depend on the pastor. Counseling of congregants by pastors has a long history. I'm sure that many manage the relationship with tact, sensitivity, and confidentiality. I'm sure that many don't.
I also believe that they refer more serious problems to other mental health professionals if they believe the problem is beyond their expertise.
I would imagine that the angle of counseling would be from the doctrinal position of the church, but that's probably not a problem for many people who choose their pastors for their counselors as well, as they're probably looking for that in a counselor.
I personally wouldn't go to my own pastor for my therapy needs, but then again, I also don't want to see my therapist outside the therapy office. I like a firm division. But that's just me.
poster:Dinah
thread:1704
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20021109/msgs/1715.html