Re: General: Rav Sternbuch and psychologists

[Kollel Iyun Hadaf]

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             Rosh Kollel: Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
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Re: General: Rav Sternbuch and psychologists

Shlomo Zalman asked:
>>However, some of the many participants in the forum are taking the quotation 
>>to mean that Rav Sternbuch believes that even the best therapists are no 
>>good, and it doesn't enhance their respect for Rav Sternbuch or other 
>>rebbeim. 

The Kollel replied:
>>I am attaching the relevant Teshuvah (which is also available online at 
>>www.dafyomi.co.il/general/psych1.jpg ). Since all those in the Orthodox Forum 
>>understand Hebrew there is not much to add. Reading the Teshuvah will reveal 
>>its true intent and undermine the efforts of those who wish to mock the Torah.

Paul Kandel responded:
>>Overall, if the teshuva refers to a specific category of patients and 
>>caregivers, then it should clearly state the precise parameters within which 
>>the teshuva applies. The teshuva is vague enough that after reading it 
>>several times and also reading Rav Kornfeld's explanation, I do not feel as 
>>though I have gained any usable information beyond the obvious "do not claim 
>>that all is permissible".

The Kollel replied:
>>A God-fearing "Rofei Nefesh" will certainly be all the more capable for his 
>>knowledge of modern psychology. But that does not mean that if he lacks that 
>>knowledge he is incapable of helping others, or less capable than a standard 
>>trained psychologist. Let's face it, modern psychology is some 100 years old, 
>>but the problems it deals with have been around for thousands of years. And 
>>in all that time, mankind was gaining experience in dealing with them more 
>>effectively.

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Paul Kandel responded:

Dear Rav Kornfeld,

Thank you for the clarification. Certainly, you will get no argument from me 
about the value of Freudian psychoanalysis. 

Do you know of any teshuva or other source in which Rav Sternbuch discusses 
specific traits one should look for in a mental health professional, beyond 
being a talmid chacham? For example, does he recommend any intervention 
methodologies?

Kol tuv,
Paul 

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Isaiah Beilin responded:

There is a similar teshuvah from R. Moshe Feinstein. It is obvious that some 
doctors do not believe in the Torah. They may try to use their beliefs in 
therapy.

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The Kollel replies:

I am not aware of any other Teshuvos of Rav Sternbuch on the subject.

Rav Moshe Feinstein's Teshuvah on the subject can be found in YD II #57 (p. 
77). It pretty much concurs with Rav Sternbuch's conclusion.

Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld

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