Counseling Freedom

Counseling

Mar 23

In years past, going to counseling or therapy was not as readily acceptable as it is today. It had a stigma of only being for those who were weak or “different” in some way. Those who had unusual problems or were mentally ill.

No more.

Fortunately today, seeking therapy or counsel (sometimes called coaching) in any and every area is much more acceptable and even encouraged in many circles.

Scripture clearly advocates it in Proverbs 15:22:

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed (ESV).

So what is stopping us? Here are the pros and (possible) cons of getting professional counseling:

Pros

You get to share your concerns confidentially with an educated professional. This alone can provide great relief when all the “secrets” are divulged and the world doesn’t end like our enemy told us it would.
We would not try to treat a broken leg or heart attack at home, so why do we try to treat mental health issues alone?
You are inviting someone else in to help bear your burdens and give an objective perspective on your situation.
You receive advice and tools from a professional based on education and experience and may very well be able to lay down multiple if not all your struggles for good.
You tap into many more resources. Your mental health professional will most likely have a plethora of helps for your situation such as medication, support groups, social services, etc.

Cons

Who to go to? There are so many options, it may be overwhelming trying to decide on just one. You can find some reviews online, but you can also ask around. Be discreet if you want your request to remain confidential. Asking your pastor can be an excellent place to start.
It can be expensive. Some mental health professionals take insurance, some don’t. Some of us have insurance, some don’t.
While some counselors are worth parting with a hefty sum, this may not always the case. Check with your church. They may subsidize the fee or be able to recommend counseling services that bill on a sliding scale - or even recommend some services free of charge.
What if people find out? We go to doctors, lawyers, physical therapists, financial advisors, coaches, teachers, etc. - all for help. Why would we shy away from a mental health counselor for the myriad of issues we face in life?

It is just as important to treat mental illness as it is to treat physical illness – with whatever means needed.

After all, we only have our perspective on the issues we are facing and can benefit greatly from a professional. You don’t have to tell anyone you are in counseling, but should someone find out, know we all need counseling at one time or another. The older I get, the more I realize I need help in every area of life!

Don’t Stop

Both my husband and I have seen various counselors over time. Just as physical health professionals each have their gifting and specialty, so too with mental health professionals.

It is not a one size fits all situation. A therapists particular method of counseling may or may not click with you.

So I want to encourage you to keep praying for and seeking wise counsel until you find a good and beneficial fit.

And that may only be for a season. You may then have to seek out another counselor for the next step.

Rehashing everything again may sound unappealing, but our health is so worth it!

I want to encourage you. As with our physical health, keep pressing in and pressing through to good health.

Remember, even Scripture exhorts the benefit of many advisors.