For a long time there has been a struggle among Christians about the need for therapy. Some Christians believe God should be able to heal our mental health issues without the need for professional help. Similarly, some Christians believe that they should be able to turn away from harmful and sinful behaviors with just faith and strong will. So why should a Christian go to therapy if they are a “new creation” in Christ?
1. Mental Illness is an Organic Issue
Mental illness is an issue involving the body or the brain and can be caused by issues such as:
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Chemical imbalances
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Trauma
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Childhood experiences
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Stress
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Negative thought habits
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Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as substance abuse
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Poor nutrition
Mental illness is not a result of a lack of faith. Many people of faith struggle with organic mental illness or with the lingering effects of learned behaviors or thought habits which increase mental illness. Oversimplifying mental illness and ignoring organic causes or solutions casts blame on suffering people, offering little hope.
Just like in the story of the blind man in the Bible, we can’t assign blame to people as to why they are suffering from a mental illness, especially on the basis of their faith.
2. God Can Heal Through Therapy
Therapy is something that God can use in our lives to help us turn away from harmful and sinful behaviors, support mental illness struggles, or improve mental health. While there’s a famous saying that God works in mysterious ways, there’s nothing ambiguous about how God can work in our lives through therapy.
God calls us to take care of our bodies, and He has gifted us with all kinds of tools to help remedy ailments and diseases so that we can live healthy lives. Just as we can be healed of physical wounds and illnesses, we can also heal from psychological illnesses and injuries by going to mental health professionals.
How Wellspring Can Help
If you are struggling with mental illness, harmful behaviors, or other struggles, contact Wellspring about meeting with a Christian mental health counselor by phone or through our website.
Listen to this week’s podcast entitled: Why Do Christians Need Counseling?
Hosted by Lindsey Steffen, LMHC
Featuring: Christine Schlottman, LMHC and Pastor Rob Porras from New Life Community Church
