Should Christians go to Therapy?

Yes, the sources strongly indicate that Christians should go to therapy, particularly Christian-based therapy, as it is viewed as a means to cultivate "holistic Christian flourishing". Christian counselling, such as that offered by Life to the Full, is defined as the integration of evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview.

Here's why Christians are encouraged to seek therapy according to the sources:

• Holistic Understanding of the Individual:

  Christian therapy recognises that individuals are "whole people, heart, soul, mind and strength". This means that challenges can stem from spiritual, mental, or emotional issues, and often involve a combination of these.

• Addressing the Biological Basis of Mental Health:

  It acknowledges that psychological disorders are not merely "a result of folly and a lack of wisdom," but can arise from "genuinely misfiring neural pathways in the brain" and "chemical imbalances". Therefore, saying to someone with clinical anxiety to "just stop worrying" is unhelpful, as anxiety is not always "just a set of poor decisions".

• Complementing Spiritual Care:

  While pastoral care focuses on the "heart" and aims to walk side-by-side with individuals without necessarily having to fix problems, professional counselling adds a layer of "specific technical qualifications and modalities," offering more "precise and technique-oriented" methods. A good counsellor is seen as someone who possesses a "pastoral heart" combined with professional skills.

• Combating Stigma and Promoting Genuine Strength:

  There is a common misconception that being a Christian "does not absolve you of having difficulties in your marriage" or life, and that seeking help implies something is "seriously wrong" or that one "can't handle it themselves". Christian-based therapy actively works to be a non-judgmental space where vulnerability is acknowledged as a sign of "true strength" rather than pretending to be "stoic and that everything's okay". The mistake is not vulnerability, but "that you try to do it alone sometimes".

• Integration of Faith and Psychological Practices:

  Therapy integrates biblical paradigms, helping clients explore concepts of identity and the character of God (e.g., God as a loving Heavenly Father versus a tyrant). Prayer is welcomed if the client desires it, and scripture is used to provide a "counter voice" to anxiety and to reorient thought patterns, moving individuals towards a "redemptive story" that offers hope amidst suffering.

• Preventative and Restorative Measures:

  For instance, pre-marital counselling is offered as a "preventative measure" to help couples understand their strengths and weaknesses before marriage, aiming to equip them emotionally for the commitment they are about to make. For existing issues, therapy aims to help individuals find "greater peace," "clarity and direction," and "psychological flexibility".

• Accessibility:

  Services are available in person in Sydney and nationwide via telehealth, making it accessible for individuals in remote areas or those seeking niche Christian-focused support. Telehealth is considered "very, very effective" and nearly as effective as in-person sessions, with government Medicare subsidies supporting its efficacy.

In summary, Christian-based therapy offers a supportive, professional, and faith-integrated approach that addresses a wide range of mental, emotional, and relational issues, affirming that seeking help is a legitimate and beneficial path for Christians.

Ready to take this important step?

Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.