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Three Reasons Christians Need Therapy

Writer's picture: Jon FogelJon Fogel

Is Therapy Christian?


Many Christians believe that "trusting God" means we should handle our problems on our own, but that’s not what God wants for us.


Just like we take care of our bodies with exercise and good food, we also need to take care of our minds. This is why, when christians ask me about therapy and mental health, I always say:


Therapy, or talking with a counselor, is an important part of Spiritual Growth and faithful living!


Christian Therapy Christian Counseling


Here are three reasons why Christians should consider therapy as a way to grow in their faith and take care of their mental health.


1. Therapy Helps Us Understand Ourselves and Our Faith Better


The Bible encourages us to look inward and understand our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24).


However, we often have thoughts and feelings that we don’t fully understand. These can come from past experiences, our default neural pathways, or even misunderstandings about ourselves or God.


Therapy and counseling offer a safe place to talk about these things and better understand why we feel and act the way we do.


This is NORMAL! Even the apostle Paul said in Romans 7:15,

"I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate."

Many people have automatic thoughts that aren’t helpful, like "I’m not good enough" or "I can’t trust anyone."


These thoughts can come from past experiences or simply from the way our brains work. Therapy can help us recognize these negative patterns and replace them with more positive, truthful thoughts that line up with what God says about us.


This helps us live more authentically as the people God created us to be.


2. Therapy Helps Heal Emotional Wounds and Past Hurts


The Bible is full of stories of people who experienced deep pain and needed healing.


From Joseph being betrayed by his brothers (Genesis 37) to David feeling the weight of his mistakes (Psalm 51), Scripture shows us that suffering is a part of life. But it also shows us that God desires to heal and restore us.


When we experience trauma—whether it’s a big event like a car accident or the more nuanced experience of unpacking a difficult childhood—it affects not only our emotions but also our bodies. This can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, or feeling “stuck.”


Therapists use various techniques that work with the way God made our brains, to help people process these feelings and heal.


For Christians, therapy is NOT about replacing God’s healing with something else.


Instead, it’s about using the tools God has given us to work through our pain.



3. Therapy Strengthens Our Relationships and Builds Better Communities


Jesus teaches us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Not only does he say loving your neighbor is one of the most important commandments (Mark 12:31) for Christian living He even says that Christians will be known BY their love (John 13:35).


But loving other people well isn’t always easy, especially when we carry unresolved hurts, frustrations, or don’t know how to communicate effectively.


Therapy can help us learn how to manage conflicts, set healthy boundaries, and improve our relationships with those around us.


Understanding how we connect with others—whether we tend to avoid, cling to, or build strong, healthy connections—is a big part of therapy. By learning these patterns, we can work towards healthier, more Christ-like relationships.


This not only benefits us but also helps build stronger, more supportive faith communities in our families, churches, and beyond.


For Christians, therapy isn't just about individual growth; it's also about becoming better members of our communities. When we are emotionally healthy, we can better serve others, support those who are struggling, and truly "carry each other's burdens" as Paul teaches (Galatians 6:2).


Therapy and Faith Go Hand in Hand


Choosing to go to therapy doesn’t mean you lack faith; it means you are committed to growing in all areas of your life. Therapy and faith work together to bring healing, understanding, and a stronger relationship with God.


By taking care of our mental health, we are better able to live out the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).


If you’ve been thinking about therapy, know that you are not alone. God is with you on this journey, and seeking help is a sign of strength and wisdom. Embracing therapy is one way to embrace the life God wants for you—full of peace, joy, and deeper connections with Him and others.


Thinking about starting therapy?


Connect with Hope to get free mental health resources or receive counseling from our pastor.




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