HELP for unbearable pain of the soul
St. James Counseling Service
THIS IS ANOTHER OUTREACH OF ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC CHURCH.
30 Years of Counseling Experience
Father Ewart has counseled many, many individuals and families since 1982 as a family therapist, Christian Counselor, briefly as a psychologist, and now as a priest. With a Ph.D. in psychology, he completed a year of post-doctoral work in neuropsychology. For several years he served as an expert trial witness in three different states and thus earned the rank of Diplomate, American College of Forensic Examiners. He is the author of the book AM I BAD? Recovering from Abuse. The book has been released by Loving Healing Press, Ann Arbor (lovinghealing.com) If you care to see his partial resume, click here.
Below, St. Dymphna, Patron Saint of Therapists
A Heart for the Hurting
Pastor Ewart has passed through his own sufferings and therefore knows that emotional pain can be worse than physical. Such pain is increased by not being able to pay for top-level professional help. That is why telephone patients are asked for a suggested donation rather than a huge fee. Also, there are women (and men) in abusive relationships who would anger their abuser if any donation were discovered. Such victims receive the same expert help as those who do donate.
For a 40-50 minute session, an adequate donation might be scaled as follows:
Combined gross household income, all sources
$10,000 = $15
$20,000 = $30
$30,000 = $45
$40,000 = $55
$50,000 = $65
$60,000 = $75
$70,000 and above = $85
This arrangement is based on trust, so type in your own amount when you press the button. Remember that your donation is tax-deductible, and an attractive receipt will be sent.
You may also wish to donate for the benefit of our fund covering those who cannot pay at all. If so, we at St. James CCC are deeply grateful.
To make an appointment for in-person or telephone counseling, call 904-724-3536 during normal business hours.
Psychology: Science or Philosophy?
The research part of the field of psychology is rigorously scientific, using strict statistical methods. But much of what is called "theory" in the realm of talk-therapy models is merely philosophy. In accepted science, the term "theory" denotes a concept or principle that can be proven with substantial predictability. Einstein's Theory of Relativity got man to the moon. Freud's theories of psycho-sexual development, psychoanalysis, and the interpretation of dreams are now considered of minor importance in many psychological circles. Many other so-called theorists have also fallen by the wayside.
That is not to say that there are no effective psychologists. Such would be ridiculous. I have known a number of psychologists I deeply respect.
Why make these points? Because it is dangerous to assume that a license in psychology is on its own an assurance of real and lasting help for the suffering person. The ability to heal the inner man is a "charism", or gift of the Holy Spirit. Studying psychology is useful, but the healing of the soul is the province of the church, not of man.
Apart from psychology, psychiatry is a medical specialty. Although psychiatry has its would-be theories as well, it is a medical profession, and physicians are to be respected. These medical specialists are thoroughly trained in a hands-on manner to diagnose real disorders accurately and to prescribe medications that sometimes do wonders. I have always made it a practice to be associated professionally with at least one, and often several, psychiatrists.
