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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Unorthodox Therapy

by Dr. Michelle Friedman, MD (Posted on November 7, 2016)
Topics: Machshava/Jewish Thought, Personal Status & Identity

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When a psychotherapist is needed, how important is it that he be religious? Can we trust a non-religious therapist to not impose his own value system on the patient? Isn’t it possible that a therapist who is not intimately involved with the Orthodox lifestyle may misinterpret an Orthodox person’s behavior? Can we be confident that an Orthodox therapist will necessarily understand a patient whose religious practice and outlook is quite different than his own, though they are both Orthodox? These are some of the critical questions raised with two practicing therapists, Drs. Jerry Lob and Michelle Friedman. To read the exchange, click here.