By Dr. Zev Ballen
Emuna Therapy has discarded the medical model of treatment; as a spiritual-educational approach to healing, we wish to remove the stigma of labels such as 'patient' and 'client.' Unfortunately some people have identified themselves so strongly with these labels that the identification continues within them indefinitely.
Although a psychotherapist cannot function like an actual parent, Rabbi Arush says that all of us have a parental-like responsibility to each other that is not limited to our biological offspring. As such, Emuna Therapists adhere to the same guidelines that Rabbi Arush establishes for parents: refraining from criticism and rebuke; creating a wall-of protection around the person seeking help; self-sacrifice, loving-kindness; and feeling ones mission to bring others closer to Hashem - mainly through personal example.
The principle that a parent can only give to his children what he himself has holds equally true in a therapy relationship. It is therefore essential that the Emuna Therapist be a person who speaks to Hashem for at least one hour a day and is a peaceful person who is happy with with his lot.
Wishing you Blessings Always,
Dr. Zev Ballen
