For many people, the idea of seeking therapy while also holding faith in Jesus can be confusing or even contradictory. After all, isn’t it supposed to be enough to simply pray and trust in God to heal our emotional and mental wounds?
But the truth is, seeking the help of a therapist does not negate or contradict one’s faith in Jesus. In fact, it can actually strengthen it. Here are a few reasons why:
- Jesus cares about our mental health
It’s important to remember that Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. In fact, He often demonstrated compassion and empathy towards people who were struggling emotionally and mentally. Seeking therapy is one way to take care of our mental health, and in doing so, we are honoring the body and mind that God has given us.
- Therapy can help us better understand ourselves
As humans, we are complex beings with a variety of experiences and emotions. Sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of our own thoughts and feelings, and that’s where therapy comes in. A therapist can help us better understand ourselves, our patterns of behavior, and our emotional reactions. This knowledge can help us grow in our faith by becoming more aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
- Therapy can help us connect with others
We were created for community, and part of that involves being vulnerable and opening up to others. Therapy provides a safe space to do just that. By sharing our struggles with a therapist, we can learn how to better communicate with others and build stronger, healthier relationships. This can be particularly beneficial in our spiritual lives, as we are called to love and serve others.
- Therapy can complement spiritual practices
Therapy and spirituality do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, many therapists incorporate spiritual practices into their work with clients. This can include mindfulness exercises, meditation, or prayer. By combining therapy and spiritual practices, we can create a more holistic approach to healing and growth.
In short, seeking therapy while also holding faith in Jesus is not only okay, it can be beneficial. By taking care of our mental health, we are honoring the body and mind that God has given us. We are also better equipped to understand ourselves, connect with others, and grow in our faith. So if you are considering therapy, know that it is a brave and worthwhile step in your journey towards healing and growth.
Thank you for this post. It is important for a pastor, someone in leadership, to share this perspective. So many people are in need of clinical therapy and are conflicted due to their perspective of faith.