Are clergy trained in any type of marriage counseling? Do they take classes on this or courses? I was just wondering the depth of their training in this vs. going to a marriage counselor.

I am Catholic (not a very good one) and I don't know if I would go to our priest. For one, he's new and I'm not sure I like him. Second, he would have no experience of marriage to draw on for ability to relate to us. Or is this a good thing?

Just wondering what other people think and if they have gone to a minister or a marriage counselor. Thanks for input.

I went and talked to the Reverend that married us. Went on the weekend so as to avoid the OM. After talking to me, he recommended a counselor. It was good to get a differrent perspective than family and friends. So in my opinion Clergy can be a good gateway to professional counselor.

of course it depends on the individual. I'd say that as a group, I'd rather go to them than some potentially self-styled psychologist or new-age fengh shui guru.
but whether he is really good, you can only find out by talking to him. I have heard very good things about them.

H and I went to see the Unit Chaplian. He was very skilled in MC. He was able to help us alot. we tried MC and I did not like the C at all. I felt so much better 'confeesing' to a pastor( alhtough he was not of the same denomination as me) then to a MC stranger.
Just M2cents

I think that clergy will generally be more likely to take the side of healing the marriage. I know that counselors aren't "supposed to" sway their patients one way or the other, but they OFTEN do. There are quite afew "do what makes you happy" counselors out there and a foggy WS who hears that will jump for joy because selfish happiness and total disregard for others is what an A is all about.
We never went to couples counseling, but I went to IC. I first went to a regular psychologist. If I'd listened to her I would be divorced. She ketp urging me to do things to get my mind off of of, and accept, the "eventual end of the marriage". 3 and a half years into successful recovery now! I always left there feeling angry, hopeless and much worse about everything.
Then a friend referred me to a minister at her church. He never discouraged me from fighting for my marriage and made a lot of helpful suggestions. Much of what he said was very similar to MB principles. he was very helpful.

Clergymen(persons) are probably very capable of offering spiritual guidance, but I wouldn't bank on more than that unless they have a Ph.D. in psychology.

Many clergymen have not even had the personal experience of having an intimate relationship, much less, being married.

One would have to have first hand experience in a relationship(s) before even venturing to counsel or give advice. Otherwise all you can expect is text book counseling.

tagging off <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

Our priest helped us tremendously. I dont think he was trained in marriage couseling, but he gave sound advice, none the less. You can try and talk to your priest and see if you like him. Also, have you tried Catholic Social Services? They can refer you to a counselor.
I wouldn't rule out priests because they aren't married. They aren't born priests so it is possible that they have had relationships. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> Talk to him and see if you like what he says. If not, he can refer you to someone who will work with you toward your goals.