Jesus AND Therapy

I've heard it said, "All you need is Jesus," and boy, does that burn my britches! As someone who battles with depression and anxiety, that statement annoys me to my core because I have had Jesus for over twenty years. Still, it wasn't until I started therapy that I was able to really get a grasp on my mental health and walk in victory. I understand the logic; Jesus is Lord of all, and He does exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think; however, why don't we use that same logic in other areas? When we get in a car, we put on our seatbelts for protection; we don't say, "Jesus is my protector; I don't need a seatbelt." Or when we have a medical issue, we go to a doctor; we don't solely rely on Jesus being a healer. We know and understand that doctors have been gifted and equipped to help us be healthy. The same goes for therapists.

The problem is cultural perception. As Christians, we have been told that therapy is not necessary and that all we need to do is pray. "We have the mind of Christ," and I'm not saying that's wrong, but I am saying that there are doctors who are educated and equipped to assist us with our medical issues AND there are therapists who are educated to assist us with our mental issues. Let me give you an example:

I suffered from depression for many years. I would get into such a dark place where all I could do was lay around and sleep. Once I identified that I had it, I "self-diagnosed" the trigger as disappointment. When I started seeing my therapist and explained to her how I was feeling, she told me that it wasn't disappointment that triggered me. It was, in fact, grief. She said I was grieving over a life that I have wanted for years but haven't yet received, and every disappointment was a catalyst to the grief. When she said that, it was like my mind had exploded. Everything made sense. Since then, I have been able to see through a better lens. Knowing the root has made it easier to manage depression and come out victorious more often than not. And here is where Jesus comes in. When I start to feel down, I now know what to pray for specifically. Before I was praying a miss because I was hitting the wrong target.

Another great thing about therapy is that you have someone who specializes in psychology to give you tools, tips, strategies, and resources to help you get to a healthy mindset. Again, I am not saying Jesus can't divinely speak to you and do the same thing, but, full transparency, when I get in my low places, I find it very hard to hear Holy Spirit, so it helps to have someone there who can help guide me. And if you have a Christian therapist, they can hear Holy Spirit for you!

So you see, Jesus and therapy work hand in hand; it doesn't have to be one or the other. And it doesn't make you less of a Christian if you see a therapist; in fact, I would go as far as to say it makes you a better one. Because when you are whole, you are able to help others become whole, thus fulfilling the purpose that we were all called to do: see that none are lost and all are brought to repentance.

An excellent resource for this is my newest release, Declarations That Health, A Guide to Mental Wholeness. Visit the shop page to purchase. Here's to wholeness! Besos!