Do you think that in this era, people go to therapists for guidance in the same way they once went to religious men?"

I'm not religious so if I ever needed it, it would be a therapist only and nothing else

I don’t really agree when things like humanist chaplains also exist at the same time as the clergy & therapist. 🤷‍♀️ humans seek community. Regardless of if they believe in any one creator.

Therapy is science-based. Therapists use techniques that are proven to help humans process emotions. There are terrible therapists out there, sure, but it's less about companionship than it is about going to a professional that can help you. The relationship remains professional and objective.

Therapy is to learn how to cope with trauma inflicted on individuals from a number of different aspects. There is no one reason why people see a therapist as its used to heal and learn how to process things and learn tools they never knew prior due to upbringing ect. Grief therapy is also a thing and all therapists (atleast the ones I've had) always encourage those with religious beliefs to persue their beliefs more in troubled times. I don't believe those who go to therapy are using it as a replacement for their religion or putting it before their beliefs, that's just silly to think.

Yeah I think that could be true for a good chunk of the general population who seek therapy. Before therapy existed, people would seek out religion for mental and spiritual healing and I think to a certain degree people try to accomplish the same thing through therapy.

I've been to both a therapist and religious authority about things. Both helpful in different ways.

I agree with Parker that humans seek community.

Definitely, science has replaced religion in many ways and this is an example of that.

Maybe for some
I feel like my pastor and other religious figures in my life are really good for support, encouragement and helping guide me emotionally through situations. Helping me keep perspective and faith.
A good therapist for me helps me more with figuring out why things may be happening, making plans and taking action for changes I want in my life.
If I’m grieving I’ll go to my pastor for prayer and comfort
If I can’t get out of bed and function due to the grief I’m going to a therapist to help me figure out how to change that

Not exactly. People need to talk to others. If they are a wise, neutral reference, it is better. Religious men are not neutral. Some therapists either.

But therapists do not guide you, the patient has to find the way and do all the work.

I trust therapists because I have been to them but I wouldn't trust a church because honestly I heard personal stories of them being judgemental and even in extreme cases saying the person needed an exorcism.