Going to therapy is a hot topic at the moment. We have actors, like Janette McCurdie and Brad Pit, bringing it up in interviews and podcasts spreading the benefits. There's been an overall increase on the subject of mental health lately. I love to see this progress. I mean, if Brad Pit can go to therapy then it's ok! Right? America at large seems to be inching its way into accepting that therapy is good and helpful, but the Christian church does seem to be stunted in this area. I'm not talking about specific churches, but the whole body of Christ. We may wonder (maybe even Google), "Is it OK for Christians to go to therapy?"
As believers, God is our provider (Phillipians 4:19) and our healer (Exodus 15:26). We see throughout the Bible and in our churches the numerous ways in which God heals and provides for us. So, if God is our provider and healer, is it questioning his ability to heal and provide for us by seeking mental health treatment? Does this show disbelief? Or spiritual weakness?
I know. That's a lot of questions. So let's break this topic into 3 sections
1. What is Therapy?
A lot of us probably get an image of an older gentleman wearing tweed and a sweater vest taking notes as we lay down on a sofa to talk about our childhood. "How does that make you feel?" asks the man over his wire-rimmed glasses and mysterious clipboard. If that scenario makes you feel uncomfortable, no worries! I have yet to hear of this sort of therapy being used. T.V. shows don't do therapists or counselors justice. Maybe that's why I often don't get positive responses when I say I want to be one. Oh, well.
So what is therapy actually? Google defines it as a treatment for healing mental disorders. That's super clinical, so I'll offer a definition of my own. It's talking to someone who is trained on how the brain works and actions that help ease, cope, and heal mental strain. In addition, it's a listening ear that belongs to someone outside of your social circle which allows them to have a unique perspective. Also, therapists are legally obligated to not spill the tea. ☕
What does this look like? Most often, you both sit in comfy chairs across from each other and your therapist asks guiding questions like, "What thoughts do you have when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep?". And then they listen. And then listen. And then listen some more. After that, they may offer suggestions, "Have you tried writing down your thoughts before you go to bed? It may help stop your racing mind while you sleep." And then you meet with them a week or two later and share what you did, if it helped, and decide what to do next. This basic premise will change based on your therapy type and need, but this is often how it starts.
2. What Therapy Isn't
Some have the mistaken belief that people who go to therapy aren't strong enough to handle life and rely on therapists who tell them what to do. This is false. Therapists use their knowledge of the mind and behavior to give you perspective, recommendations, and methods to develop new skills, and encourage you. The real work is up to you. You choose to apply what you've learned or not. You are in charge of your own life.
That being said, seeing a therapist is an act of maturity and strength. It takes a brave and wise person to want to improve so much that they are willing to ask for help. For example, I don't know anything about cars. It would be silly of me to try to change my car's transmission on my own. Instead, I would ask someone who knows more about cars to help me change the transmission. Therapy is the same way. Don't know how to manage stress? A therapist does. Don't know how to improve your relationship with your mom? A therapist could help with that too. If I get instruction from a mechanic on how to change my transmission, I will eventually be able to do it by myself. The goals for therapy are the same.
Do you see what I'm getting at? It makes sense to seek help for things that we aren't good at and it's not a weakness to struggle with something that no one taught you how to manage.
3. Does going to therapy mean I don't trust God?
We know that God is a healer, Like when healed the woman from internal bleeding in Luke 8:43-48. Can God heal us instantly? Yes, but God also likes to use his people to reach the world. He's kind like that.
When Jesus ascended into Heaven, he said that it is good that he is leaving so that someone else can come:
"But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you." John 16:7-15 (NIV)
Why would Jesus leave earth and send the Holy Spirit while he's away? Wouldn't it be easier for him to just stay on Earth and keep healing people, especially since he's a physical being and the Holy Spirit is not? That's the catch. God doesn't just want to heal people. He wants to bring people into a close relationship with him. Sending the Holy Spirit means that we get to have God with us all the time. Having 24/7 access to God also means that we get to talk to him and he gets to talk to us. He'll nudge us to do things because bringing him glory through our obedience to him builds our relationship with him (John 14:15) and he sends the Holy Spirit to be the messenger or advocate (John 14:16).
God uses people to help others. So, seeing a therapist is letting them use their God-given gifts to bring healing to our lives. Are they healers? No, but they can be empowered by the ultimate healer, God.
Is it Ok to go to therapy?
I don't see anything in the Bible that speaks against it. In fact, there are multiple scriptures that talk about the wisdom of seeking council (Proverbs 12:15). Also, I think of going to counseling like going to the doctor. If you have a broken arm you'd visit a doctor to help set it right. Therapy is a similar concept. Something in your life has been knocked out of place and a therapist can help you set it right.
What do you think? This is an open conversation and I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with therapy.
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