[ SECRET POST #2293 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #2293 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 05 pages, 105 secrets from Secret Submission Post #328.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

My school offers appointsments with a priest, as a sort of counselling or support system of sorts. I'm going through a rough patch and I'm seriously considering scheduling an appointment (especially since there's no way I can afford a therapist and what I feel like I need is basically someone to offer a listening ear and some perspective), but I feel really guilty because I'm not religious at all. You technically don't have to be to use the offer, but I still feel like I'd be cheating somehow.

I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, other than as an outlet for my sort of guilty conscience, I guess.

[chardmonster]

A lot of priests have experience with counseling, so this might be a very good idea.

If they're at a school they're also going to be experienced with nonreligious students.

[(Anonymous)]

I'd go, but be really careful about any advice you receive, while priests can be considered a type of counsel, that does not mean all of them are in the slightest bit qualified.

Also be open and upfront about not being religious. If the priest is still willing to listen to you without pushing the religion angle, then you've found a good one. If he reacts in any way that makes you uncomfortable, then leave and don't seek out his advice again.

Basically don't feel guilty for wanting to try this, if you don't have the money for therapy this could be a good alternative. But in case it doesn't work out try researching other options to help you through your rough patch. Best of luck!

[mekkio]

The priest isn't supposed to push a religion angle in sort of counseling. They are supposed to counsel all those who need it. If he is, he is doing his job wrong.

[(Anonymous)]

Yes, but lots of priest do their job wrong, that's the point. I was just suggesting OP be careful and make sure they are getting what they need. I wouldn't want them to expect to get a lot of help and then get disappointed when there was no help to be found.

The same thing could be said for therapists, not everyone is good at their job. Some priests are uncomfortable with non religious people and do a crappy job dealing with them, it happens.

[(Anonymous)]

I can't tell if you're speaking from experience or supposition.

If it's experience, I am so sorry. That is NOT acceptable, it is NOT the norm, and I hope you report the priest who did it.

If this is supposition, it's most likely based on movies and TV. Please take a moment to think about how media portrays things you are more familiar with.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm speaking from experience.

[(Anonymous)]

That sucks. I'm so sorry that happened to you :(

[mekkio]

Use the priest. That's what he's there for. And don't feel guilty. You are not the first non-religious person he's talked to and you won't be the last. He won't judge you for it. That's not his job.

[(Anonymous)]

I don't see anything for you to be guilty about. Your school can put you in touch with someone who is willing to provide a listening ear and perspective, which is what you're seeking.

If you're concerned about the perspective focusing on platitudes like "trust in God," you don't need to worry. Priests are people, too. They're aware that not everyone has the same degree of faith or even the same beliefs. They have smartphones and watch TV and go to movies and live in the same world we do.

op

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks guys. I think I'll give it a shot.

[(Anonymous)]

You're not "cheating" part of a priest's job is to be an ear for everybody, regardless of whether they're religious.