Therpy vs. Christian Discipleship?

[J.R.]

I've got a lot of built up issues, none of which I really want to let out here right now but I have been thinking about about going to see a counseler as of late...

The thing that is holding me back is the thought that if I were to go to Therpy, or that of anyone, if the couseler is not in face a Christian... then any and all advise is worldly?

I know my bible enough that on every issue that i have, I have the ability to pull out a biblical answer. Implenting them is a lot harder to do.

I have been discipled in the past and I have discipled people myself on various issues / books of the bible in my college ministry... It has helped a lot in the past to get another Christian's opinion based upon what their view is on a number of issues.

Thoughts?

 

[halva]

From what the bible says, I would avoid counsel from non-Christians (Psalm 1:1) and even when I have sought counsel from a Christian psychologist I have run into problems. Do you have someone you trust you can agree in prayer with to ask the Lord to lead you to a biblical counsellor or minister? Then if you do that, to be prepared to wait on the Lord for the right person and the right door to open.

I have had a lot of issues and because they built up I really wanted to see someone urgently and then it took time to find the right person and I've found that there haven't been that many people available - I would encourage you to keep close to the Lord in prayer as He is the Wonderful Counsellor and be aware that when we pray out loud the enemy does hear, so be wise about what you speak out loud - its best to pray silently sometimes.

Also, it may be that certain issues can be spoken about with one person, but different issues with another - so pray for wisdom about what you share.

 

[Brighthouse]

Highest marks for that comment Halva!! A Christian doctor,has usually been trained by the world,or man. Man of course like us all,be they women or men,have limits,I would test them,as I would test a car dealer,or a Body of Christ.What they say,may not always be what they are walking in.Truth sure has a way of bringing words to a full light.

It bring it to the light,because truth is love.and Love has no fear inside it.I sure will be praying for you to find the truthful person. One who is full of Christ inside them.( 1 John 2:27) For there are many areas, the world cannot train another in. Both in flesh and Spirit.But Jesus sure can! Blessing always to you sister!

 

[Plinshree]

I think you guys are missing the point here.

If your therapy needs are light, indeed prayer, and maybe, just maybe a Christian counselor, when available, is just the thing you need.

I know God is an awesome God and all but if you have something severe , like PTSD, the only thing that would matter is getting to a competent counselor.

Let me tell you about someone I knew who decided not to seek a mental health professional for their severe problem: Mark had seen his co worker shot and killed during a robbery at the convenience store he worked at. He developed PTSD and some other things on top of that as a result. Well meaning believers told Mark he shouldn't seek out therapy he should be trusting God and praying. Seeking Him for healing.

Mark did just that. He always loved God. He would go to work early just to read his bible in the back room and get some prayer in before his shift. He never missed a service if he could help it (sometimes they had him work Sundays).

One day he didn't show for work. Not like Him. People rang him on his cell, no answer. His boss contacted his sister who contacted police to go check on him. She knew he was troubled. Everytime she asked him if he was ok he would tell her "God will heal me! no worries!" and change the subject.

Turns out Mark wrote a letter to his family and hanged himself. The closest Mark ever came to getting the therapy he desperately needed was when he had made an appointment with a secular therapist who was highly recommended by victim services. He didn't end up going. why?
Well meaning believers told him that he should be going to a christian therapist instead.

My point is, if it's an emergency or your needs are acute God won't get aggravated with you for seeing a secular therapist. You are not a bad christian for doing so. I hate to tell you all this but a Christian counselor can screw up your head with just as much bad advice. In fact, a lot of professionals claim Christianity just to get the Christian buck. It's a pretty well used marketing tactic in some circles.

Do your homework, find a good practitioner! If they are truly Christian, bonus!