okay.......... I need to get input from my trusted friends here.

First, the basic background story:
Back in 1990, while I was 16 years old, my parents and myself were praying with a group of folks at the church. God's Spirit was definately present.... An "elder" in my church (now deceased) who was always known for prophecying (correctly) called everyone's attention when we were finished. He told everyone there that the Lord had told him that I would one day be used for healing - that God had given me the gift of healing.

Now........ at 16 years old this scared me a bit. Not only did I "run" from this prophecy, I didn't take it too seriously. But, it was always in the back of my mind buried somewhere.

Fastforward to 2004 - I was given Megan to help, had to leave my career job (in construction) and focus on my kids and their emotional and mental health. I began to say that I was helping Megan to heal from all the abuse that was done to her to describe what I spent all my time doing (not realizing then that I was using the word healing).

Somewhere along the way I remembered the prophecy, and a light went on in my head I guess.... There is more than one type of HEALING. The physical body healing is the first thought we all jump to and exactly where my mind went at age 16.
There is also the need for spiritual and mental healing..... and I daresay a bigger need for that.

I began to feel (back in 2004) that God was leading me to help people on that path - to answer HIS call.

Since I had no clue how to begin, I again ignored it... but was much more aware of it.

Fastforward again to now. I'm back in a "career" construction job again. I hate it.

I am now making preparations to go back to school........ for a psychology degree. I want to help kids like Megan. I see a BIG need for more child psychologists, and a BIG need for more of these kids to know about God as well.

Now............. herein lies my question, and the part of all this that I have begun to struggle with in doing all my research on psychology.

I've seen many articles on how 'Psychology' and God's word to not always jive.

I've seen psychologists advertise themsleves as Christian psychologists.

I know that Megan and Hunters counselors, while they do not profess to the general public to be "Christian Psychologists" are in fact Christians.... and Psychologists. LOL

Since modern psychology is still based much on the works of Frued......... and you hear many people talk about the 'modern' way of discipline vs a good ole fashioned spanking, and a mixture of all the above....

I'm beginning to realize more than ever than the things I believe are all intermingled and sometimes not "mainstream" to either strictly psychology or the conservative christian 'movement.'

So.... While I'm doing all this research, I'm beginning to struggle with what I know will become an issue while I attend school - that my psychology education will not always agree with my biblical education.

I'm seeking advice. Anyone "up" on the subject???

Help!!

God bless you,
Amy

My mom is a nurse...and she dealt with an issue somewhat similar to this. She had some classes that taught evolution and that kind of thing. Even sat next to a gay guy in one of her classes.

I'll say to you what I said to her: Don't sweat it. If they teach you something you do not agree with, answer the test questions according to what their answers are, not yours. When it comes to papers, I would write what they wanted. This way you get the grades you need to succeed. Yes there will be a lot that you do not agree with. But I recommend looking at everything with an open mind. Disagree, but then go to your Bible and your understanding of what it says and see what you can figure out about it. If they Bible doesn't say much about it, pray. Be open to being surprised by God. Trust me on this. There are a lot of things that I did not agree with that I do now. God has taught me so much about loving people... There was a time when I wouldn't have spoken to or given second thought to a someone of the gay lifestyle. Now I have friends who are transvestites. I don't condone or really support what they do, but I love them as friends.

I hope that helps some...

There are faith based counselors out there. Many Christian colleges have psychology/counseling degree programs.

While getting a psychology degree not everyone agrees with all aspects/theories/thoughts taught. There are those who prefer Jungian psychology, Freudian, etc.

You need to search, read, educate yourself and decide which route you want to take and which "theory" best fits you and what you want to accomplish.

Good luck!


Mom

Well, I think I'm on the right track to get started after reading your post....

I had done some research mainly focusing on where to start, and determined that if I took some classes at the community college & added those to my AAS degree, that I could come away with an AA in general studies as well, which could be applied as a "pre-major" in psychology, and allow me to enter a university as a Junior.

By doing that, I'll be taking a few basic psychology courses locally to get started. Then, when its time to apply to a university, I will know more about what I'm looking for in one.

Although tuition costs, distance learning availability- all these are going to play a large part in that choice as well.

Thanks. You did give me something to add to my train of thought that helps me feel more at ease.

I was just researching psychology online and kept bumping up against these articles from pastors who were adamantly against psychology and thought that it was more or less "anti-bible" and while I agreed with some of their points, I disagreed with them also... for a little bit there I was panicked, thinking what am I getting myself into!

The biggest thing is that the articles talked about how psychology teaches healing the mind from within, alone, based on oneself and how self-esteem plays such large part that it leaves no room for the fact that the Bible teaches that ONLY Jesus can heal us.

The Christian Psychologist web sites I read acknowledged it this way "only TRUE healing can be found through Christ Jesus" while going on to talk about the path to get there.

My fundamental argument FOR psychology is this:

Megan.

When Megan came to live with me at nine years old, the concept of a God who loved her in HER mind was impossible - If I had been immediately trying to convince her God could save her & heal her, I'd just as well have been telling her we were about to get on a spacecraft for the moon - she'd have dis-believed them equally.

Megan had to begin to learn to love and trust and not hate herself before she was ready to listen to anything about God.

That took years............and without psychology - child psychology, I don't know how I'd have gotten her there.

And, of course...... that's what I want to do- CHILD psychology.

God bless,
Amy

I'll be honest...as a Christian, I'm not a huge fan of psychology. I have been counseled by professional Christian counselors before, and it didn't really solve the problem or even help with it much...so in a way, I guess you could say I've had a bad experience.

But I'm not totally down on pyschology, either. I believe that it takes learning what to search for in someone's eyes and facial expressions and getting a real insight into their hearts and minds. That is very important. If someone has that kind of insight (which you seem to have) I believe that if they simply focus on letting God (not all of their studies) lead them to an understanding of the person they are helping, they will succeed in more ways than most psychologists would. That's how I use my insight...I don't think I'll ever be a professional counselor, but I enjoy helping my friends with their problems and talking them through things...giving advice where I can. Anyway... I am glad to see that you feel you're on the right track. Just keep God at the center of your focus... no matter what your classes/studies/psychology teachers tell you.

Thanks. That's the plan.

My step-daughter was abused before I got her, and she has a disorder called "Reactive Attachment Disorder," which basically means that as a very young child (age 0-3) she did not learn to bond with anyone. That means she didn't rely or trust on anyone, especially adults. The only adults she had ever lived with (Mom, grandmom, boyfriends) had all said they loved her and then proceeded to hurt her.

So, when she came to my house (and we were unaware of the abuse at first, we did know about the neglect)....... she told outrageous lies, she was rude, she was cruel to her little brother - the behavior was outrageous!!! During all this my husband (her Dad) was deployed to Iraq and I was left to deal with it all on my own.

A very good psychologist, who is also a Christian worked with her once every other week. She just spent time getting to know her (and me) and tried to figure out what was going on with her and how to help her - and how to coach me to help her. She gave us "support" that we did not have.

Then one day when I was just about at the end of my rope, she gave me a book written about the disorder and said she thought that's what my daughter had...... to go home and read it and then we'd talk next visit.

That book changed our lives.
First, it helped me understand how the abuse and neglect had formed this little girls belief system into one that was totally warped and non-trusting.

Through that psychologist, I learned techniques to help teach Megan that her perception of things was wrong.

Now........ what I was teaching her was the values of God and the Bible........ but the techniques I used to teach them, to reach her, that all came from psychology and what we call "attachment parenting" which I learned from the psychologist, the book and other Mom's dealing with the same thing (right here on the internet).

The strength to use all those techniques came from God, the things I taught her came from the Bible and the 'God-fearing' raising I'd received, the love I showed her was the love of a person who was saved.........

But, without that understanding of what had happened to her, I wouldn't have known how to take all that valuable information and get it to my daughter.

My purpose for getting into psychology is so that I can help children like Megan, and parents like I was - who are lost and have no idea how to get past the pain and torment of an abusive past.

My heart truly feels that God wants me to serve Him in this way........ I see no better way to do that than to pursue the degree that will put me in a position to meet these kids and parents.

God bless,
Amy

Hey Amy,
Hope you don't mind me adding my opinion

Reading your posts brought tears to my eyes ...

Megan is a testimoney to the combination of your faith and physchology ideologies, so if you ever loose heart then the evidence is right infront you.

God bless you for this dedcation to others and your need to help ...
Keep us posted

Marisa

Thanks Marisa.

I purchased a book yesterday, and began reading it last night. I'm not at home so I can't remember the title nor author, but it's about the nine spiritual gifts - recognizing yours and receiving it from the Holy Spirit. I read three chapters last night and it is really touching my heart thus far.

I will post more on it once I've read more in the book, but somehow I do believe it's helping me deal with this issue & my concerns.

One step at a time.

God bless,
Amy

Well... there's a new possibility. I met with the enrollment advisor at the local comm college to see what courses I need in order to be able to enter a university as a junior.

I need a minimum of 6 courses and a maximum of 9. My transcripts need to be transferred and evaluated to be certain... which will take some time.

Meanwhile, after talking to her, I started on the next bit of research. She told me I needed to start deciding which University I wanted to transfer into, because each has different requirements (I had already begun looking a little, but not too much). The main reason is that I have enough credits to get an AA without taking biology 1 & 2 because I have Physics 1 & 2. However........... most universities require the biology in order to enter the psychology programs.

She told me to check around for several reasons, one being that I might be able to find a way out of taking the biology (not likely but possible some would accept the physics).

So............. I started looking. And, I learned something I didn't know. ECU offers a degree is SOCIAL WORK rather than simply PSYCHOLOGY. Which in essence is the same thing so far as professional credentials, but the social work degree focuses more on sociology (which I have more of already) and on the effects of social problems on the nation, etc. One class that is required is a political science course, etc.

Rather than focusing on Psychology alone, I could major in social work, which would allow me a different path to the same end - helping kids like Megan.

So, I'm investigating......... I'm learning...... and I'm trying my best to sign up for at least one class in the summer session.

God bless,
Amy

Hi,
Just thought I'd add my two cents worth here. lol I worked in a mental health agency for children as support staff. I also do billing at home for mental health providers. I have found in our area anyway, that psychologists are utilized primarily for testing and identifying problems with children. The actual "work" is done by social workers with masters degrees. I think you are on the right track.

Also, from my experience, if you have already had success with your stepdaughter with RAD, you are way ahead of the curve on experience.

Two other thoughts, on the educational idealogy, "render unto Ceasar what is Ceasers and the rest unto God" (paraphrased). Take what you need and leave the rest in my slang.

Also, every endeavor approached with prayer and love willh be successful according to God's plan. So what have you got to lose? I'm saying extra prayers for you. Go for it!
Melanie

Thanks Melanie!

Yes, I've learned that there are a few things I can do as a counselor with a Bachelors (mostly big-sister type work, just spending time with kids tutoring and talking and etc) - that would be foster kids taken from Mom & Dad who need that extra friend and cheaper counseling which the state provides to them, etc.

But, I want to do more than that, so I want the Masters Degree. I also want to go beyond the Masters and get Attachment Therapy training. So, I figure I'll be schooling for a while!

But, most of it can be done either through the Community College or internet courses. There will come a point though, that will require me to do some traveling or moving, but that's quite a ways off.

UNCW (and several other UNC-system schools in NC where I live) offer a Psychology program where I can get a Masters in Psychology and test for the MCSW licensing......... And, ECU offers a Masters in Social Work. Two paths to the same end, because both qualify a person to be a social worker or a psychologist in private practice.

I'm reading up on the course work, what's required of each and how much of the coursework can be done via the internet. It looks like the Psychology path would be easier obtained by taking most classes on the internet or with minimal days traveling out of town.

But, I'm still educating myself on the education available.

I am trying to pray about this daily. I was praying to God before to get me out of my current work situation - to "deliver me" more or less to a better place because I'm so unhappy here.... I want to be with my kids more and I do want to work, but not as much... I am just so miserable.

This (psychology and helping kids) has been weighing on me for years. Suddenly, it was just like God was saying to me "I've been trying to tell you for YEARS how to get out of your misery and you won't LISTEN!"

So, rather than sit on my butt and wait for God to just pick me up and provide a miracle, I'm trying to get up and get busy......... and do what HE wants ME to do....

Isn't it odd how we always want God to DO something, to help us, to save us from our own mistakes and problems - when God just wants us to start listening to HIM and doing it HIS way... for ourselves... in HIS time. I have been kind of getting a wake up call - I think I've been running from what God wanted me to do because it sounded too difficult.

I've been reading a lot about psychology and religion these last few weeks. I know there will be things that I don't agree with due to Christianity. However, most of what I read can be easily enough aligned so long as you do it while putting God first.

Some pastors talk about psychology as being centered on SELF improvement........ improving oneself and how you can't do that without God. When I think of that type of therapy, I think specifically of what I want to do.

I think that I would counsel an adult 100% differently than I would counsel a child. And, when we're talking about abused children it's even more difficult.

I would have more problems with psychology and adults because it would be more difficult to counsel an adult without focusing my entire therapy session on what God could do for them... Which is, I suppose what a Christian adult counselor would do & add in the "other stuff"......... but, that's not what I'm interested in pursuing. There are others more equipped to do these things...

What I feel is in me, is to help KIDS heal from abuse. And... if along the way I can ALSO help a child to come to know Christ, it's even BETTER!

Thanks!
God bless you,
Amy

All my research has brought forth some fruit.



It seems that a MSW (Masters in Social Work), which is what my children's counselors have is not the same thing as a Psychology degree. (Didn't I feel like an idiot when I learned all this!)

Social Work is not a Psychology degree at all!! And, apparently, in my state, most therapist have the SOCIAL WORK degree, not the psychology degree. A few Psychology courses are required, but most courses are based on Social work, the history of social work in America, lots of history courses... counseling and NOT based on diagnosis of varying disorders...

Interesting... Makes getting a degree that will allow me to help kids much less in contradiction to Christianity!

Thought y'all would be interested in hearing all that I've learned in the past few weeks.

God bless you,
Amy

Sorry Amy, I knew that and just spaced out here and didn't post that. LOL


Mom

Mom! You've been holdin' out on me! LOL

I had seen there was a Social Work program at ECU right from the start, but it didn't click that it was quite a bit different until I slowly figured out that ALL universities offer it... and that ECU did in fact ALSO offer a Psych degree.

Then, I delved a little deeper, read course descriptions and got myself more educated on what's out there.

And of course, I realized that my kids counselors have MSW behind their names and not MA or MS for Psychology...

I corresponded with a Professor at UNCW who has a doctorate in Social Work. She helped me quite a bit.

My hope is to Major in Social Work, and to minor in Psychology so that I would be more equipped to diagnose kids, or to at least refer them better. But, I want to focus on counseling them, helping them - less on diagnosis. I'd be fine working with a psychiatrist (which is what most social workers around here do) for diagnosis.

God bless you,
Amy

quote:

Originally posted by Shakinthingzup:
. . .I would one day be used for healing - that God had given me the gift of healing. . . .

Amy – I can’t help but to be reminded of Romans chapter-12

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

I think what you’re doing is wonderful!! It surely will not be easy, going back to school and after. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!!

Thank you.

All words of encouragement are appreciated right now. I get doubts a lot. I keep investigating and researching to keep myself focused...

It looks like there won't be any classes available to take until Fall at this point, which means I have to keep my resolve until then,and work on the financial end of it.

God bless,
Amy

quote:

Originally posted by Shakinthingzup:
It looks like there won't be any classes available to take until Fall at this point, which means I have to keep my resolve until then,and work on the financial end of it.

Amy ~ all things happen for a reason; this is NOT a set-back!! Find the “gift” in it. . .time to save extra money, time to get ahead for the classes, time preparing your family for your school time, the summer off from school. . .
wait on the Lord, there’s a reason!!
~ Linda

Amy, I just re-read through this. I read before, but never commented because I simply did not know. Now, being a student who happens to be taking a psychology course on human development, I have a little different insight.

I think you'd be a WONDERFUL psychologist or social worker! The children do get a better thing from the social worker, I think...especially one like you (your experiences), and one who actually does care. We, as Christians, seem to have a tighter hold on what a child needs...usually (that sounded bad, but I think you know what I mean).

That said, Durkheim is more the blame that Freud in the yuck on religion in psychology. There are still those out there who can't seem to connect the PSY world and Christ's world, despite their advertising as Christian counselors. They ARE Christian, just can't seem to put that part together in their counseling sessions. It leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouths of some of us. But then, there are those who do a wonderful job of it (pastors are great examples, actually) and offer supreme help to some of us. You'd fit right into that category.

I'm so happy for you! I know you'll do great and be fantastic with this endeavor. (Oddly, I've been toying with the idea of counseling kids lately, but I think I'll stick with law stuff and see how I can help that way.)

Thanks Denise.

I received your email and have responded back to your Yahoo address......... let me know if you don't get it.

You can email me directly at my personal email. It's the same as this screen name at aol.

My fantasy dream would be to have some type of outreach program at my church for abused children....

God bless you,
Amy

SHAKINGTHINGSUP;

Go to the library and start reading things by Dr. Wayne Dyer. NO!! He's not a "guru of wellness" but he has written a few books on spiritualty and that component in counselling people to wellness and healing.

On my blog radio show I advertise his books a lot as they are a great comfort to many people of all creeds.

There are also on line from various seminaries, courses available for such as your self, about spiritual, as well as secular counselling. I do know the U.M.C. have courses like this.

You already know your gifts to conduct this ministry, so go for it!! It is incredibly fulfilling work!!

Tawodi....A.K.A. Rev. Bruce