Trusting God and Going to Therapy

Can You Trust Jesus to Heal You and Still Go to Psychotherapy?

In the quest for healing and wholeness, many Christians find themselves asking: "Can I trust Jesus to heal me and still go to psychotherapy?" This question often arises from a concern about faith, trust, and the methods used to seek mental and emotional health. The answer is not only important but deeply personal and multifaceted.

Faith and Healing: Trusting in Jesus

For many believers, the promise of healing through Jesus is a fundamental aspect of their faith. The Bible recounts numerous instances where Jesus healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. These miracles serve as powerful testimonies to His divine power and compassion. Trusting in Jesus for healing is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and loving care.

Scripture encourages believers to seek God in times of need. Verses like James 5:14-15 (NIV) remind us: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up." This passage highlights the importance of prayer and faith in the healing process.

The Role of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a well-established method for addressing mental health issues. It involves talking with a trained therapist to understand and work through emotional and psychological challenges. Psychotherapy can provide valuable tools for managing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

The practice of psychotherapy is based on decades of research and clinical practice. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and others have been shown to be effective in helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Integrating Faith and Psychotherapy

The idea that one must choose between faith in Jesus and seeking psychotherapy is a false dichotomy. Many Christians have found that integrating their faith with psychotherapy provides a holistic approach to healing. Here are some ways this integration can be beneficial:

1. Complementary Healing: Trusting Jesus for healing and engaging in psychotherapy can work together. Prayer and faith provide spiritual support and strength, while psychotherapy offers practical strategies and professional guidance for mental health.

2. Christian Counseling: There are therapists who specialize in Christian counseling, which integrates psychological principles with a biblical worldview. These counselors respect and incorporate clients' faith into the therapeutic process, ensuring that spiritual beliefs are honored and utilized as part of the healing journey.

3. Community and Support: Many churches offer support groups and counseling services that can complement professional therapy. Being part of a faith community provides additional layers of support, encouragement, and accountability.

4. Addressing Stigma: It’s important to address the stigma sometimes associated with mental health issues in religious communities. Understanding that seeking professional help is not a lack of faith but a wise and responsible step towards wellness can help bridge this gap.

Biblical Encouragement for Seeking Help

The Bible does not discourage seeking help. Proverbs 11:14 (NIV) states, "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." Seeking help from knowledgeable and trained professionals can be seen as a form of wise counsel.

Additionally, Galatians 6:2 (NIV) encourages believers to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." Engaging in psychotherapy can be part of sharing and managing burdens, both individually and within the community.

There are many more scriptures supporting counsel:

Job 10:1 (NIV)

 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul." 

Job 10:1 supports the idea of going to counseling by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging emotional distress, expressing feelings, seeking understanding, and being heard. These elements are fundamental to the counseling process, where individuals can find a supportive environment to explore and heal their emotional and psychological wounds. This verse from the Book of Job captures a moment of profound despair and emotional expression.

Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

This scripture emphasizes the necessity of counsel for success. Seeking advice and guidance from others, including professional counselors, can lead to better outcomes in personal and mental health plans.

Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."

This verse highlights the value of wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 18:15 supports the idea of going to counseling by emphasizing the importance of acquiring knowledge, seeking wisdom, and valuing discernment. Counseling embodies these principles by offering a path to greater understanding, personal growth, and emotional well-being through the guidance of trained professionals.

Proverbs 20:18 (NIV)

"Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance."

Before undertaking significant actions or facing major challenges, obtaining guidance is crucial. This verse supports the notion of seeking professional advice when dealing with life's battles, including mental health struggles.

Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)

"Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."

This verse reiterates the importance of guidance and wise counsel in achieving victory, whether in personal battles or broader life challenges. Professional counseling can be a form of this much-needed guidance.

Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."

This verse celebrates the joy and comfort that come from good advice. A counselor can provide heartfelt advice and support, much like a friend, contributing to emotional and mental well-being.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

This verse is often cited to emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships in personal growth and development. Proverbs 27:17 supports the idea of counseling by illustrating the value of interpersonal relationships in fostering personal growth, improvement, and mutual support. Counseling provides a structured environment where this biblical principle is actively practiced, helping individuals to sharpen their minds, emotions, and behaviors through professional guidance and support.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

These verses highlight the value of companionship and support. Seeking help from a counselor can provide the necessary support to help individuals when they are struggling.

Conclusion

Trusting Jesus for healing and seeking psychotherapy are not mutually exclusive. Both can be integral parts of a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. By embracing both faith and professional help, believers can experience a more comprehensive path to healing. This starts with acknowledging emotional distress, expressing your feelings, seeking understanding, the importance of being hear, processing complex emotions, seeking wise counsel, an active pursuit of growth, and having discernment in mental health. Remember, God works through various means, and seeking psychotherapy can be a way. He gave those professionals a gift to aid in your healing. Just like he gave others the gift to lead worship through song. He provides healing and support in our lives.

Schedule an appointment today. I am happy to pray over, with, and for your healing, while applying my therapeutic training to assist in your healing.