When Do You Need a Christian Therapist?

With recent events, more people are turning back to their Christian faith or discovering Jesus for the first time. Christian counseling is about helping people find ways to improve their mental health through a biblical perspective. Jesus broke His people free from the yokes and burdens of this life to live for Him, so we know we can break unhealthy and generational cycles through Him. A Christian therapist can get you on the right path toward healing.

Why People Choose a Christian Therapist

People inherently know there is more to life, even if they are unsure what it can be. We were made to worship something or someone. God created this innate desire to draw us closer to Him. Often, we get off track by the world and need help resetting our priorities. Yet, it is God who can heal us of every temptation and sin. We can lean on Him when we feel anxious, depressed, or out of control.

Topics Covered in Christian Therapy

Christian counseling covers a wide range of topics from family issues to severe mental health disorders. A Christian therapist specializes in specific areas and can bring their expertise to the session, combining evidence-based methods with faith-based principles. This combination helps people overcome problems while growing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

The following are several topics covered through Christian counseling.

Trauma

Trauma can occur after a sudden event or through long-term exposure. For example, a person may suffer the effects of trauma after a natural disaster or house fire. They can experience trauma after witnessing a crime or caring for a terminal loved one. The body’s response to trauma is to activate the fight-or-flight response, which can lead to anxiety disorders and depression.

Abandonment and Neglect

Abandonment and neglect during childhood can often lead to adult problems with self-esteem, confidence, and relationships. Children may withdraw or lash out as they try to find their place in this world and feel loved. This can lead to behavioral problems and depression.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD with or without hyperactivity) can interfere with school, work, and relationships. Adults learn to cover up the symptoms of ADHD, but can still feel out of control and forgetful. Children with ADHD may feel misunderstood.

Anger Issues

Anger management is offered through a Christian therapist. Anger issues can stem from childhood, hormonal changes, or mental health disorders. Learning how to calm oneself and resolve conflict peacefully is a lifelong skill one can learn.

Anxiety

Anxious thoughts and worries can develop into anxiety disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The Bible tells us hundreds of times not to fear, and Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow, yet our minds require constant renewing because we give in so easily to anxiety. Chemical imbalances in the brain can also contribute to high anxiety.

Depression

Depression can be dangerous if left untreated. Most people feel blue at least sometimes during their lifetime. However, depression can feel permanent and last for several weeks or months. It can lead to intrusive thoughts, self-harm, or suicide. Depression is often seen in teens and adults, although some children who have suffered trauma or abuse may develop depression.

Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating are eating disorders that, if left untreated, can be fatal. In the case of anorexia, the body starves as nutrients are withheld. Eventually, this leads to organ failure. Bulimia, bingeing and purging food, can lead to physical conditions that endanger life. Binge eating can lead to problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and a loss of self-worth.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The autism spectrum is wide, and not everyone develops the same signs. Christian counseling can help children and adults move forward and not allow autism to be a barrier. People with autism can learn how to communicate, navigate social cues, and regulate emotions through therapy.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder consists of manic episodes (highs) and depressive episodes (lows). This cycle can last weeks or months. In some cases, people with bipolar disorder may cycle quickly between manic and depressive states, which can confuse others at home, work, and in relationships.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drugs, including prescription drugs, can lead to addiction if abused. Substance abuse becomes a problem when you use it as a coping mechanism. These substances can lead to mental and physical issues, deteriorate relationships, and endanger your job.

Physical and Sexual Abuse

No one should ever experience physical, verbal, or sexual abuse. Yet, we live in a fallen world, and far too many people have suffered at the hands of others. Christian counseling is customized to your needs. Your Christian therapist will work with you to remove the power left behind by memories and words and replace them with the power of Jesus. You will learn strategies to overcome your past and move away from current toxic relationships.

Marriage or Relationship Problems

Every relationship or marriage has its issues. Learning to walk through them together can be hard. Christian counseling addresses premarital, relationship, and marriage problems. Areas that Christian therapists often work with clients on include premarital expectations, boundaries for in-laws, infidelity and affairs, financial strain, parenting disagreements, addiction, and grief.

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss can weigh one down. The grieving process is not linear. It consists of denial and shock, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, most people cycle through these stages several times, often staying in one stage longer than the others. When grief or loss interferes with your daily responsibilities and mental health over time, you may need a Christian therapist to help you cope and heal.

Family Issues

Family issues can vary from moving to a new city and schools to problems between parents or parents and children. Blended families may need family counseling to address the issues that can arise when two households become one. Family counseling is also helpful when one member of the family is struggling with a mental disorder, as the others learn how to support and encourage them.

Men’s and Women’s Issues

Counseling covers the areas that cause you the most concern, even the ones you might deem embarrassing. Christian counselors work with professionalism and want to help you overcome these issues. Counselors may work with men having erectile problems that interfere with their marriage, men and women struggling with the temptation of an emotional affair, or a woman admitting that she feels a distance from her children. Counseling is a safe space for these hard conversations.

Teen Problems

Teens have their own issues that impact their lives and families. Teen pregnancy, bullying, peer pressure, premarital sex, not feeling accepted, drug abuse, online predators, and targeted internet attacks can rob a child of their self-esteem and leave them confused. They can feel as if the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Teens who have experienced trauma or abuse may develop anxiety and depression. Teens are also at a higher risk of self-harm and suicide.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth provides you with a foundation in the Word, knowledge about God, and a personal relationship with Jesus. It equips you to share the gospel with a hurt and fallen world. Spiritual growth helps you to rely on and trust that God has a bigger plan for your greater good. A Christian therapist will help you align your life to Scripture and follow Jesus, seeking God before making big decisions and turning your worries and hurts over to Him.

Finding a Christian Therapist in Your Area

If you are looking for a Christian therapist in your area, contact our team today. A representative will connect you with a Christian therapist. We offer virtual sessions to clients who may find it more relaxing to confide in the comfort of their own home. We also hold in-person and group counseling sessions. Call us today to learn more about how a Christian therapist and counseling can help you.