[04] Therapy with Jesus.

I recently attended church, and the message focused on holistic wellness within the body of Christ and the importance of mental health. We were encouraged to explore healing and delve into common misconceptions. I have navigated various seasons in life where depression appeared, often accompanied by anxiety. However, engaging in therapy with Jesus has profoundly changed my life.

Years ago, I prayed for a therapist after fully submitting to the Lord. Our first session took place the day after Christmas. She informed me that she approached therapy differently, focusing on addressing internal issues because they influence our external reality. I was nervous, but pushing past that fear allowed me to take advantage of a valuable resource that ultimately deepened my relationship with Christ.

Therapy helped because I knew the life the Lord envisioned for me required a new perspective—one I was beginning to explore. This perspective is rooted in a kingdom viewpoint. I realized that my understanding of God was negatively affecting my spiritual journey. Limiting beliefs about who He is and who I am in Him prevented me from experiencing the freedom promised to those of us in Christ. Life began to shape my theology and my ability to process experiences healthily. My coping mechanisms were detrimental, and while praying was powerful and effective - finding a therapist was an exercise of faith.

It is similar to praying for a six-pack without taking the necessary actions to achieve that goal. You can say you have faith, but neglecting to put in the work can hinder progress.

Simply put, there was work waiting for me, and I was willing to do it. Like the mature folks say, “I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The excuses of “I’m just used to things being this way” or “This is just who I am” were no longer valid justifications for allowing dysfunction to continue. I refused to keep going through the same cycles and moving through life without awareness. I felt curious and needed to understand my motivations for decisions—the reasons behind my actions. The truth needed room to breathe, as lies had occupied the space that belonged to God for far too long.

So, I committed to showing up. I confronted the parts of my story I longed to forget and highlighted the memories that reminded me that love lives within and around me. I cried. I laughed. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and sought renewal in my mind through the Word of God until it penetrated my heart.

In my experience, therapy is most effective when done alongside Jesus. It should not be seen as the primary source of healing but rather as a resource that God uses to draw you closer to Himself. Therapy is not a trendy buzzword for social media; it isn’t a place to unload your baggage and expect it to disappear upon your return. Instead, it is a space where the Lord can meet you, facilitating transformation that challenges you. Therapy does not guarantee perfection, nor will it remove the mountains and valleys of life. Please don’t abandon your Bible or neglect your secret place.

Therapy is a tool, and when used correctly, it can help create healthier individuals, families, and communities.

If you’re considering therapy, I encourage you to leap. Be open and willing. Therapy is for everyone—those navigating transitions, those grieving, those with mental health disorders, and those of us who want a supportive network.

Signed,

A woman who walks with Jesus and goes to therapy. XOXO.