The need for psychotherapy …

Christian Century, May 15, 2007 by Alicia Abell

AS SOMEONE who has received both pastoral counseling and psychotherapy for severe depression, I am appalled to read that Southern Baptist Theological Seminary believes that "scripture is sufficient to answer comprehensively the deepest needs of the human heart" ("Biblical therapy," by David Winfrey, Jan. 23).

While passages of scripture can be helpful (such as Psalm 88 for those in despair and hopelessness), there is also the need to work with someone who is highly trained to resolve issues that are at the root of a person's mental illness.

The best therapists do not ignore the theology of those they counsel but work with it as the counselees talk about their difficulties and also are helped to use writing, drawing, meditation and prayer to understand and come to peace with experiences that have been burdens all their lives.

Alicia Abell

Arcata, Calif.