Again, a heartbreaking story, and so first, gratitude to Mary for sharing and blessings on her healing path.
I was particularly struck by the cultic overtones in the manner of counseling being described. First, in the rejection of Mary's request for a female counselor and the rational given for the denial, and secondly in the apparent misuse of scripture as manipulation. Unless Mary's understanding of the institution's use of Proverbs 11:14, that there is "safety" in a multitude of counselors was her own error, then it further exposes the controlling nature of the sessions. The common understanding of that text is that there is "wisdom" in a multitude of couselors; I.e. perspective -- the only "safety" implied is protection from a myopic advisor's "blind-spots." Coupling that with the rejection of Mary's request paints the picture of a program more concerned with protecting its own status quo and appearance, than in the well being of its people.
Again, a heartbreaking story, and so first, gratitude to Mary for sharing and blessings on her healing path.
I was particularly struck by the cultic overtones in the manner of counseling being described. First, in the rejection of Mary's request for a female counselor and the rational given for the denial, and secondly in the apparent misuse of scripture as manipulation. Unless Mary's understanding of the institution's use of Proverbs 11:14, that there is "safety" in a multitude of counselors was her own error, then it further exposes the controlling nature of the sessions. The common understanding of that text is that there is "wisdom" in a multitude of couselors; I.e. perspective -- the only "safety" implied is protection from a myopic advisor's "blind-spots." Coupling that with the rejection of Mary's request paints the picture of a program more concerned with protecting its own status quo and appearance, than in the well being of its people.