I was listening to lecture #300 of R' Avigdor Miller's famous Thursday night classes in the course of which he denounced psychiatrists and psychologists. In the question and answer session, someone asked who to turn to when that sort of help is needed and his answer was, go to someone capable. He went on to say that in his experience, shlimazals become the psychiatrists and psychologists. They are people with the same problems they purport to address.
He said people are foolish when they pay a lot of money for professional sessions but don't offer a single dollar to someone capable who is willing to give of his time when he is not a professional. He said it's not so easy to find proper counselors but stay away from those with diplomas!
Well, R' Miller was not known for mincing words. His bluntness was quite refreshing though sometimes hard to hear. This lecture was probably said back in the 70's. Would he feel any differently today? I don't know. It's possible he responded to a similar question much later on on a tape I did not hear.
His main point is well taken - go to someone capable! Why does such an obvious thing need to be stated? Because many people think that a diploma means you're capable. Counselors can be incompetent and give bad advice. A degree does not confer wisdom on anyone. Furthermore, a degree means the professional had to master material that goes contrary to Torah ideas.
Are there capable, frum professionals today? Yes, I believe so. Nevertheless, I think it's good to be reminded that competence is the key.
People may choose a professional because they take the person's insurance. Not everyone can afford to pay someone for counseling.
ReplyDeleteHe is talking about those who don't charge, such as rabbis, and yet people don't think to pay them for their time.
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