Written by Sarah Nonnenmacher, LPC, CEDS
Looking for a christian counselor?
Why Christian Counseling?
The choice to pursue counseling can be a big step for anyone, but for those coming from a Christian faith background, there can be additional hurdles to work through. After all, didn’t Freud, known as “The father of modern psychology,” say some pretty weird stuff? And, if 2 Peter 1:3 says “He has given us everything we need for life and godliness,” then shouldn’t I be relying on God, instead of a counselor, to get me through? In times of trial, it’s important to bring our hearts in line with our theology, and Christian Counseling can help. Here are some common beliefs that may keep people from pursuing therapy as a venue for healing, and what the Scriptures really have to say about it:
Shouldn’t the Bible be enough?
Christians believe the Bible is the authority for our lives, laying out God’s plan for salvation, revealing His character and teaching us how to live. It’s right for faithful Christians to be skeptical of any advice that runs contrary to God’s word. But it’s also important to consider what the Bible is not: it’s not a manual for fixing my car when the check-engine light turns on. It’s not a medical textbook on how to perform a life-saving surgery. It’s also not a set of instructions for how to relate to these complex forces called “emotions” that come from our beautiful, complex, God-given brains.
Scripture tells us what to value and how to live, but it doesn’t always go into detail about what to do when things get complicated. For example, scripture says to “Live in peace with everyone,” (Rom 12:18), but what do I do when my temper feels out of my control? I know I shouldn’t “get drunk…but instead be filled with the Spirit,” (Eph 5:18) but what about when my cravings are more than I can bear, and all my efforts at trying harder seem to fail? When we find ourselves unable to live up to our values and intentions to live out our faith, counseling can help.
I just need to pray more/have more faith.
Sometimes when we know we aren’t living according to our values, we double-down. Internally, we clench our fists and try really really hard to just do better! Or we think if we can just pray more or have more faith, we would see the results we want. I imagine if you’re reading this now, you may have tried this approach and found yourself disappointed and frustrated with the lack of results. While prayer and dependence on God are essential aspects of the Christian life, this approach often fails to take into account other truths of how God designed us. Truths like:
We are created for interdependent community.
We are designed to be part of a web of relationships, with differing levels of vulnerability and honesty. Growth happens by doing life together.
We are physical creatures with physical needs, like sleep and food.
Emotional experiences, like depression and anxiety, are also physical events in our brains that may require practical intervention.
I have blindspots.
Being human means we have limited self-perception. (This goes back to the truth about needing to be in community!) Despite my best efforts, I may not be able to see what’s getting in my own way. A trained counselor can help by gently guiding me to find my blindspots and work to overcome them.
“The Holy Spirit is my counselor.”
This is another, fancier and over-spiritualized way to say “I don’t need people in my life to challenge me.” Yes, for the believer, the Spirit does give guidance and comfort. But typically, He does this through community, through the voice of the Spirit speaking through others. I need to never underestimate my capacity for self-deception. But I can always trust, that when I am vulnerable and honest and open with others, that God will be faithful.
My problems aren’t serious enough for counseling.
It’s always possible to find someone who has it worse. “They really need counseling,” we may secretly think to ourselves, “but I’m not that bad.” In reality, all of us can benefit having someone come alongside us from time to time to aid us in self-reflection, challenge us with loving kindness, and encourage us in our growth. And, why wait until things are really bad before getting help?
Bamboo Nutrition and Therapy is a midwest practice located in Mid-Missouri helping others to experience freedom with food. We are founded upon working with individuals who have eating disorders and disordered eating, and have grown to include specialties that help people with all sort of nutritional challenges and mental challenges.
We only have one Christian Counselor on our team, Sarah Nonnenmacher, but we encourage you to bring your faith into your work with all of our providers. Despite our own personal relationships with God, our providers are respectful and understanding of how greatly your faith plays a role in your healing.
If you’re looking for nutrition services, please look at our list of specialties and reach out to us if you think we can help. We would love an opportunity to work with you and your loved ones to help you achieve a healthier relationship with food and your body.