Religious counseling (ticker warning)

angelsnight · October 2013

The below post about faith got me thinking. I have so many questions, and so many things to work out with religion and God right now. I see a therapist, and he has asked me about my spiritual/religious beliefs briefly before, but I am not sure talking to him is what I need in that regard. I'm looking for answers, and maybe a spiritual leader may not end up giving me the answers I need, but maybe they will and I've been thinking for a while now about seeking out that type of help.

The problem is, I don't know where to go. I don't really have a "home church". MH and I have only attended church a handful of times together. We do plan to return and go regularly once we have kids as we want them to grow up with religious teachings, and we hope to have our rainbow baptized within six months of birth. But being that we don't currently go there, I don't feel comfortable speaking to that reverand.

The closest thing I have to a home church is where we were married. I was baptized there, my parents were married there and we went regularly when I was a kid. But now we only go at Christmas, and while my dad is a member (he also only goes on Christmas, but he financially supports the church) I am not. The reverand there is fairly new, she wasn't there yet when we married there 3 years ago. She did perform my grandma's funeral, and she recognized me last Christmas and asked how we were all doing since her death. I know she would likely be willing to talk to me because first and foremost she would want to help, but I just feel like a jerk, only coming and going when it suits me, and not being an active member.

I briefly thought about the hospital chaplain, she did a short blessing for our daughter in the hospital, similar to a baptism Would she do this sort of thing? I'm just really torn on who to turn to.

schulme2 · October 2013

I think wherever you feel most comfortable. It sounds to me that your comfort lies in the church you grew up in. Don't feel guilty for not attending as much as you think you should. You don't need to earn their help, they are there to help anyone. I think it is definitely worth it. We are going to do the same kind of thing at our church once we are able to leave my son (probably not for another year). Our church also has a small group that focuses on grief. I wonder if your church might have something similar?

Noethola · October 2013

I agree, check if the church may have small groups that focus on grief. However, I dont think being a member or not would keep someone from helping you. I could be wrong, as Im sure it all depends on the church. I would say go where you are comfortable. I think the reverend would probably be a better option than the chaplain, but I dont really know what a chaplains duties are. Im sure either would be happy to talk to you and point you in the right place if they feel they are inadequate for what you need.

neptunebljc · October 2013

I say trying talking to the reverends first. Once you speak to them and seek the support it might help you decide which you want to help in your spiritual journey.

angelsnight · October 2013

Thanks ladies, I did end up contacting the reverend at my old church and she seems more than happy to meet with me. We're meeting Tuesday evening and I'm very excited. I also can't help but notice that is also National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

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Religious counseling (ticker warning)

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