If you are looking for a pagan therapist near you, it can be helpful to understand what exactly paganism is and how it relates to therapy. Paganism is a belief system that encompasses a wide range of spiritual traditions rooted in nature worship and ancient religions. It can include practices such as witchcraft, polytheism, and animism. For individuals who identify as pagan, finding a therapist who understands and respects their spiritual beliefs can be important. Traditional therapy approaches may not always recognize or validate pagan practices, which can lead to a lack of understanding and potential misinterpretation of the client's experiences. A pagan therapist is someone who specializes in working with individuals who identify as pagan or are interested in exploring pagan beliefs.
Finding the right therapist for you can take some time, but it’s worth the effort.
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander people looking for mental health help. racial or cultural background, such as a therapist who is themselves or explicitly welcomes clients who are from Black, Indigenous, or People of Color BIPOC communities.
A pagan therapist is someone who specializes in working with individuals who identify as pagan or are interested in exploring pagan beliefs. These therapists typically have knowledge and understanding of pagan spiritual traditions and may incorporate them into therapy sessions if appropriate. Finding a pagan therapist near you can be a challenge, as they are not as readily available as therapists from more mainstream religious backgrounds.
Can I talk about religion with my therapist?
Now let’s delve into the longer answer. In my recent mad dash to be sure I have enough continuing education credits, I have found myself attending various presentations on the use of religion and spirituality within the context of therapy. As a trainee therapist, I recall wondering how religion and therapy could coexist. This was when I had a rudimentary understanding of these topics. Thankfully I learned that all these things can and do work well together. Religious affiliation and spiritual beliefs are parts of our identities, and a culturally competent therapist will attend to them.
Growing up as a Black, Caribbean American in south central LA, church was on the weekly agenda! I’m talking Bible study, choir rehearsal, Sunday school, church service (maybe two) and the quintessential lunch after the afternoon service (I’m sorry, but nothing beats that Sunday meal at a Black church). Racially, culturally, ethnically, regionally, and financially, I was raised “in the church” and this came with certain beliefs and expectations. Many times, this meant that various concerns were said to be solved by prayer, fasting, and reading the Bible. What was often missing was the assurance that these things could (and maybe should) be combined with seeking out help when needed. Personally, I felt like my own mental health concerns were invalidated and trivialized when I was told to “just pray,” “take it to the Lord,” and “be strong.” These responses made me feel like I was doing something wrong! Like, I must be having these panic attacks because I don’t trust God enough! Apparently, feeling depressed was just the Devil messing with me. I must not be strong if I am struggling. And you know Black people don’t talk to strangers about our business! It took time and a deeper understanding of many complex issues to realize that I didn’t have to choose. I could pray AND go to therapy. Mental illness symptoms did not mean I didn’t have enough faith; it simply meant that I had a diagnosable condition that needed treatment. Now, as an experienced clinician, I ask each patient to tell me about their spiritual or religious identity. It is totally ok if it isn’t a salient identity for some people, but for others it is helpful to know how various beliefs and practices may influence presenting concerns and possible coping mechanisms. Whether it is polytheism, monotheism, atheism, agnosticism, and everything between, it is important. We have intersecting identities and not attending to clients’ beliefs would be the work of an unethical and incompetent therapist. So, yes, you can (and should) talk to your therapist about religion. Bring your full self into the room. -Dr. B
Types of therapy to consider include:
However, there are resources available to help you in your search. One option is to reach out to local pagan communities or organizations and ask for recommendations. These groups often have networks of pagan-friendly therapists that they can refer you to. You can also search online directories specifically tailored for finding therapists who specialize in working with clients from pagan or alternative spiritual backgrounds. These directories allow you to search by location and may provide information about each therapist's approach and areas of expertise. In conclusion, if you are seeking a therapist who understands and respects your pagan beliefs, it is possible to find one near you. Taking the time to research and reach out to local communities or search online directories can help you connect with a therapist who is knowledgeable and supportive of your spiritual journey. Remember that therapy is a personal and unique experience, and finding a therapist who aligns with your beliefs can be an important part of your healing process..
Reviews for "Uncovering Ancient Wisdom: Pagan Therapists and their Ancestral Healing Methods"
1. John Smith - 1 out of 5 stars - I had a terrible experience with the pagan therapist near me. From the moment I walked in, I felt judged and uncomfortable. The therapist seemed to have a personal agenda and was more interested in pushing her beliefs onto me rather than genuinely helping me with my issues. I left feeling even more confused and frustrated than before. I would not recommend this therapist to anyone seeking unbiased and professional help.
2. Mary Johnson - 2 out of 5 stars - I was eager to try a pagan therapist near me, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment. The therapist lacked professionalism and seemed disorganized. She often went off on tangents, making it difficult to focus on the actual therapy session. Moreover, her methods were questionable and relied heavily on outdated spiritual practices. Overall, I did not feel like I received the help or guidance I was seeking, and I would not recommend this therapist to others.
3. Robert Thompson - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for the pagan therapist near me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The therapist seemed more interested in discussing her own personal experiences and beliefs rather than listening attentively to my concerns. I felt like I was being rushed through the session, and the therapist didn't provide any practical advice or tools to work through my issues. It was a disappointing experience, and I wouldn't recommend this therapist to anyone seeking genuine help and support.