Larc,
The implications your post bring to mind cannot be overstated!
Just an interjection, from one who's been in therapy of all types and kinds for decades, and has been helped immensely by professionals in that field:
The only thing I've learned that is truly "therapeutic" and healing is Love. (Whatever that is, but you know what I mean I think.)
A therapist who can convey "love" appropriately and within a professional context is a healer. One who is clinical, detached, and "whatever" is not so great.
Elders, even without having to put on therapist hats, can be healers just by being loving. I've known quite a few who've been able to pull such a thing off, before they get completely burned out, that is.
The whole (denied, but undeniable) supposition that elders are to "shepherd" their congregations - even to the extent that they need to provide "therapy" in lieu of professionals - is so assanine that it doesn't even interest me to discuss it. On the other hand..............
They are supposedto be Loving. They are under Divine command to be loving. Children grow up believing that this stuff is REAL LIFE, and that they can expect lovingkindness from elders. Sometimes just a small thing, a caring gesture, a genuine listener taking the time to let the hurt one speak - is all that is needed to give a heart some rest.
The weird thing about the whole elder arrangement is that they somehow have taken it upon themselves, either collectively or by command from NY, to interfere with a whole lot of people's efforts to obtain professional therapy,
AND
They don't know thing one about how to provide love, either.
They end up being abusers of power and screwers of people's minds. Of course this is just my little opinion.
lauralisa
p.s. all the above is general and not meant to be applicable to all situations in every place for every person whatever whatever whatever.
