Samuel Masarik is a clinical psychologist in Slovakia, exploring a transition to focus more on marriage counselling.
When did you trust Christ?
My father was a pastor, and my mother is also a Christian, so I grew up with knowledge of Christ. However, it wasn't until I was 14 that I had a strong feeling of guilt and repented, fully accepting Christ as my Saviour. I was baptised a few months later.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I changed schools a lot because my family had to move from time to time. As a result, I was rejected by my peers, which led to my social isolation. After my studies and training, I was able to change some of the poor coping strategies I had developed. While I was in university, I also had a faith crisis. I didn't stop believing in God, but my understanding of God changed. I felt very alone and was waiting for God to show up. Finally, He did after I stopped questioning Him. He broke down my defence mechanisms and showed me His deep understanding, proximity, and love.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I’ve started working more with the ideas of sin and grace—particularly when patients are open to talking about the spiritual side of their emotional or mental problems. My time at the Forum motivated me to read more about the themes discussed in the Professional Counsellors Network. I also improved my Bible study because of the Forum.
What is your ministry?
I work as a clinical psychologist in a military hospital. I hold group and individual psychotherapy sessions. In my local Baptist church, I am a leader and serve on the worship group. In addition, I voluntarily serve as a pastoral counsellor in my local church congregation.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
In the past, I have led group and individual psychotherapy sessions in the Gypsy community.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I have been called to work with many top specialists in psychotherapy. Many of them promote methods rooted in Buddhism or Hinduism. The modern third wave of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) uses predestination paradigms in understanding mental disorders and doesn't leave room for mercy and repentance. It understands faith only as a mental form of avoidant behaviour in coping with anxiety. I would like to be more direct and clear in talking about Jesus with colleagues who have lost their Christian faith.
