Yeah, the ego/pride thing is definitely there for many, and we (as a group) need to do better about not letting it rule the person. Church... I've debated many people on this one. I have no problem with religious people, prayer, and seeking help/advice of clergy/church leadership. However, that goes only to a certain extent. If a person really needs counseling (and not just some basic advice)... They need to be seeing a qualified therapist. Again, I think the church can do great things for people, but if I ever find myself in need of therapy, financial planning, health advice etc.... I'll be seeking out the professional with the credentials. I hear it often about fear of doctors. I'm glad I've never had this one. I tend to be very much a logic-based person. I've always been a relatively healthy person, and I want to keep it that way. That said, I'm quick to consider medical attention when something is not right.
Many pastors have counseling credentials and most churches can refer to a pastoral counselor. The primary difference between a pastoral counselor and a non-pastoral counselor is that they integrate spirituality and faith into the therapy.
I wouldn't go see a therapist. Not because of any ego or pride issue. Far from it. I wouldn't go simply because I believe the whole idea of psychotherapy to be a grand hustle. But that's just my opinion.
