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Katherine Lionheart
I started writing out my story for myself. I so badly wanted a story that made sense to me, that made sense of me. Writing was identity shaping for me. As the story came together though, I began to...view moreI started writing out my story for myself. I so badly wanted a story that made sense to me, that made sense of me. Writing was identity shaping for me. As the story came together though, I began to wonder if it might be useful or helpful for others. I thought about all the (often terrible) psychologists, counsellors and pastors who, in ignorance, did more harm than good. So, I started to see the story as a map for these kinds of long journeys. My experience of church community is that we like a quick fix. We like the 10-minute ministry time or the once-off pastoral visit. Doing long journeys with people who don’t get quickly better? That is not something we are good at. We might start with energy and enthusiasm but when we don’t get a quick response, we quickly give up. We label those people – manipulative, malingers, draining. Eventually they leave the church and that “proves” that they were not serious about growing up in Jesus. I think we can do better. We have to do better.I registered as a psychologist years ago but I’ve never worked in private practice. I couldn’t stand the thought of people having to pay to get that sort of help. I’ve always worked in NGOs for children and families in Australia and South Africa. I didn’t think I wanted to study further but a few years back I started a Masters in Sociology. I found that I love research and writing. That path eventually took me to my Phd in Psychology. I know most people moan about their Phds but I have loved it. I think it is important to choose work that fits with our God-given purpose. For me, most of my work and studies have also been my ministry. They have been spaces I have shared with Jesus, places where we co-labored.view less