Can I Talk About My Christian Faith In Therapy?
It is common for many people to feel the need to separate their faith from their mental health. Why? A lot of this has to do with the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for those of the Christian faith. However, when your faith is important to you, it often ends up relating to many areas of your life, including your mental health.
Many Christians are hesitant to bring up their faith with their therapist. As therapists, we are often seen as these logical, scientific people who psychoanalyze your mind. And while that is the truth to a degree, that isn't all there is to it. While there are therapists out there who are very strict and to the book, most of us know that we are so much more than the psychoanalytical components. We are human beings. With thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape us into who we are. While there is science behind therapy, it goes beyond that.
But maybe you are wondering if it's okay to bring up your Christian faith in therapy. If you are, the answer is - absolutely yes.
Your Faith Is An Important Part Of Who You Are
Maybe you are still trying to figure out what exactly your faith means. Or perhaps you have always known how crucial of a role faith has played in your life. Regardless, it is a part of who we are as human beings.
There is a stigma surrounding mental health and Christians. For those with faith, there's a common misconception that as long as you have it, you don't need to worry about your mental health. While it would be idyllic if faith could solve every single one of our problems, including mental health, that isn't the case.
Christians deal with mental health issues just as much as anyone else.
Your Faith Does Not Negate Your Mental Health Concerns
Trusting in God is important. You should rely on him even in the toughest of times. But your mental health should not be sacrificed at the cost of your faith, either. Relying on faith does not always mean that your mental health will be taken care of. Some things, we have to do on our own.
There is nothing wrong with needing support during turbulent times or when you just aren't feeling your best.
You'll Learn Resiliency
Being resilient is something that comes up often in the Bible. When we stay resilient with our faith, it is a sign of strong belief. But the world tests us and threatens that strength. It wears us down and makes us question humanity or the things going on in our lives.
With therapy, you can learn how to deal with the hardships that life throws at you in a way that won't cause crippling anxiety and depression. Because despite our faith, both of those things can very much happen.
Your Relationship With God Can Be Strengthened Through Counseling
It might be surprising to hear, but going to therapy and talking about your faith can help you feel closer to God. Why?
Sometimes, we get so stuck in our own heads that we don't understand how to sort things out. Everyone, those with faith or not, goes through this at some point. Despite our best of intentions, we don't have it all together. And that's okay.
Talking about your faith while receiving support from fellow human beings is completely okay. If you are nervous about going to therapy and talking about your faith, you can reach out to me for a listening ear. In my Christian Counseling sessions, I want to help you become unstuck and to move forward, and strengthen your faith. Let's connect soon.
