By caring for ourselves, we show the world that the Holy Spirit is indeed within us, and we want to be good stewards of what God has given us.
Since the end of the global pandemic, mental health issues are on the rise. Studies show anxiety is the most common form of mental illness, quickly followed by depression and other related disorders. When someone struggles with mental illness, it affects their physical and spiritual well-being as well. A Christian counselor is necessary to help people process through both their current issues and those past traumas that may be shaping who they are today.
But for many Christians, there is still a stigma surrounding Christian therapy. Because the church is ill-equipped to deal with mental illness, it is easier for people to say it's all in your head or, "just read and pray more." While people have the best of intentions, these types of statements are not helpful for those who are really struggling. Just as a person's physical body can break down, so can a person's mind. We can easily exaggerate situations and overthink possible outcomes. This can affect our day-to-day life as well as negatively impact our relationships.
Here are five facts about Christian therapy you need to know that might help you or a loved one:
1. It’s Biblical
Many people throughout Scripture sought wise counsel to help them in situations. In Luke 9, Jesus sends his disciples out two-by-two. He does this because he does not want them to face persecution or hardship alone. We were not created to be alone in this life. Yet, with the proliferation of technology and the convenience of not attending a local fellowship regularly, people may be tricked into believing that isolation is a way to grow spiritually. But isolation can only increase mental illness as people do not have anyone to go to and share their struggles or to process their pain. Even God himself exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A Christian counselor is not only trained in biblical ways to help people, but in some cases, they can also refer them to a psychologist who can prescribe medication if needed. Christian counselors feel a calling from God to help those in need. By trusting them with the process of healing, you not only help them fulfill their calling but also receive the benefits of healing and wellness.
Furthermore, Scripture urges us to renew our minds, and we cannot do that alone. We need those who can offer wise counsel to help us deal with situations beyond our control. They can help us renew our minds with Scripture and help us apply that Scripture to our daily lives so we will not only be better people but also better Christians because of it.
2. It Benefits Everyone
Galatians 5:9 says, “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Although we may deceive ourselves into thinking that what we do and say only impacts us, the reality is what we do and say impacts everyone around us. When we are not functioning in a normal capacity, it affects all the relationships around us. When we choose to get the help we need, it will benefit not only us but also everyone who loves us and is closest to us. It also helps promote healthy relationships in our lives, which is the desire of God for all of us. When we are in the best health, we can be used by God, promoting the gospel message.
3. It Is Not New Age
Uneducated Christians mistakenly equate therapy with atheist beliefs and psychological nonsense. They may also confuse it with new age meditation or other self-help strategies that are not derived from God. Although Christian counselors may be trained in specific techniques from psychologists like Freud and Jung, they may choose not to adapt those techniques into their counseling exercises.
4. It’s Self-care
Ephesians 5 says, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body.” If we want to be the best spouses in our marriage and have fruitful marriages, we must learn to take care of ourselves in whatever way possible. This may include therapy to help us get past parts of our lives where we were victimized or wounded so that we will not carry that woundedness into future relationships. According to this passage, if we claim to love our spouse, we must also love ourselves, including our bodies. This is perhaps one of the best things we can do for ourselves and for our future spouses before we get married. If, however, you are already married, and you find you are carrying around negative emotions like anger, bitterness, resentment, or fear, it is important to get to the source of why.
When we allow these emotions to dictate our lives, we do not build the trust and intimacy in relationships that we need to thrive. By going to a counselor, we seek the help of a third party who can help us see the situation in a better light. They can also offer strategies that we have not thought of to help us see the reality of our situation, clear up misperceptions, and act in positive ways so we can love ourselves and others more.
5. It Is an Act of Worship
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
When we care for our bodies in the best way possible, we take the necessary steps toward our overall health. Our bodies are the homes for the Holy Spirit. We need to treat them as though they are sacred temples. This includes caring for our minds and emotions. When we allow our emotions to overtake our rationale, we make poor decisions and negatively impact the people around us. By learning strategies to help us regulate our emotions in healthy ways, we promote positive interactions with others. When we start to change our minds and behaviors, people will notice that change. We may find that we develop better and more sustainable friendships, build a strong support system, and receive the intimacy and connection from our close relationships that we strive to have with Christ each day. By caring for ourselves, we show the world that the Holy Spirit is indeed within us, and we want to be good stewards of what God has given us.
There is no shame in getting help. Although reaching out to a pastor or elder might be a first step to achieving wellness, these leaders are not often trained in the same way a professional counselor is. Seek the help of a professional and allow your process of healing to not only heal the parts of your past but to also provide you with the opportunity to walk in the freedom Christ’s death on the cross has afforded us. But also allow it to be your testimony of God's grace and mercy in your life.
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