Question: Good afternoon, Father Andrew. I would like
to know if the Orthodox Church approves of Gestalt therapy because I plan to
specialise in this method. I’ve read many articles, and now I’m of two minds
about it. Thank you for your answer. Anna.
Answer by Fr. Andrew Lemeshonok: It depends on how you will treat
people. If you resolve to help them; if you ask God to help the people who come
to you and if you introduce them to the church and invite them to let God into
their lives, then it will be great. If you venture to rely on yourself, on your
own power, then you may harm a person’s soul and infect him with your own
“quirks”.
What is
important is your perception of your occupation as a kind of ministry for God’s
sake and for your neighbours’ sake; as an opportunity to make people more
peaceful, to help them to discover new resources that will enhance their lives,
and generally to show them the way to the Church and give them hope for the
eternal life.
September 5, 2018
St.
Elisabeth Convent
CONVERSATION