On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:54:58 -0800, Patrick Elliott wrote:

> Yes, I understand that. But that sort of compulsion has to be "rooted"
> on some level in a fear that these things might be true. And, that is
> the single hardest thing, even for people that completely give up on
> religion,
> to break. First step though has to be recognizing that its all BS from
> square one. Then, its still hard, and its not likely to help that a
> large percentage of mental health people may be just as roped in to the
> nonsense, so can't, themselves, completely break away from some level of
> belief in it.

Sure, I was replying to Cousin Ricky, though.

And some compulsions are strong enough that even when the rational mind 
says "yes, it's all BS" the compulsion still exists, as you said.

It's not something that can be "fixed" (in general) by talking to random 
strangers on the 'net, either.  And it sounds like Joerg is getting 
professional help - which is good, as long as the therapist is actually 
helping (sadly, there are those who don't do a good job at that, either, 
and it becomes necessary to "shop around" to find one who helps with the 
problem rather than turning one into a perpetual patient.  That may not 
be the case here as I don't know Joerg's therapist or their techniques).

The best thing (IMHO) any community can do is provide moral support, 
remind him that there are people here who care about him and who want him 
to get better.  Apart from being true (at least for my part), that 
generally helps break the perception of everyone persecuting the 
individual.  That and encouraging the individual to seek/continue therapy 
with a licensed and /effective/ therapist who is trained in helping 
people overcome these types of compulsion.

It's been my experience (and it may be different for Joerg, so I'm 
speaking in general terms here) that just saying "well, stop doing that" 
makes things /worse/, because often times the individual then is made to 
feel that they're inadequate because they /can't/ because the compulsion 
is so strong.

So I'm going to repeat - Joerg, there are people here and on the 'net who 
don't think you're going to hell for your lifestyle and who don't condemn 
you.  There are people here and on the 'net who support you in doing what 
is necessary to overcome this compulsion, and who want you to know that 
you are a unique and valued individual.

Jim

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