Back a couple years ago I went to a pain therapist who was able to help me sort out some of the emotions from my childhood that still cause pain in the present. That emotional pain showed itself in my body in the form of fibromyalgia and chronic insomnia.
I know I will never be free from the memories of my growing up years but they do not own me. I use them often in working with others who have suffered emotional abuse. But, sitting in the therapist office weekly knowing I could say anything and it was a safe place was just the start of getting freedom.
If you had ask me when I was from 20's to 50's I would have told you I did not need therapist. Really it was after I became a Christian and read a lot that I realize how my mental health was. Yet it hard to talk about any mental problems in Christian circles. To take an anti depressant, or anti anxiety meds is a big no no in some circles. Thankful for the Christian doctors I have had that understood the importance of mental along with our physical issues.
- And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP
- We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 MSG
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
I think you are spot on about a therapist Betty. Too many have stuck with the stigma which often preceded finding or feeling like you needed one. The suicide pandemic should open our eyes to the devastating effects of mental illness or to the simple fact of needing someone to talk to. I am not a professional counselor so I do recommend that folks find a Christian counselor to go to if I can't help. Good words here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill for the encouragement. I am dealing with a woman, who like me, needs some professional therapy. She is overseas in a remote tribal location so I am the one she is turning to. Since I am not professional trained I am thankful, more then ever, for the experiences I have had and grew from. all counsel must lead back to the Lord who has wisdom of the world and know better than any of us, there is nothing new in this age. Mental health has been an issue since Adam and Eve left the garden. The fall affected all parts of our being and not to treat all would be not honoring the Creator who created us with a mind and emotions. Blessings brother.
DeleteBeautiful penned
ReplyDeleteThank you Rajani for commenting. For some reason I cannot get to your site.
DeleteWhat a needful post, my Wise-hearted Betty! I was in a total state of shock when I went for a consultation with an attorney. She told me she would not take me on as a client unless I was in therapy; all her clients must be in therapy. So, in order to have her represent me, I had to find one. A close friend recommended the one who helped her daughter. It was one of the best decisions I made in going to her. Talk about a heart of Wisdom! What Wisdom she had. She opened my eyes to truth about my husband (as of course I was blaming myself). She and Holy Spirit began my healing process. I shudder to think what would have become of me if my attorney did not insist I go to therapy. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteOne has to be ready for a trip to a therapist or counselor. I have never regretted going to one. So much she understood just by listening to my words and my actions as I speak. I will never forget how after our first session, she said I notice you sit mostly at the edge of the couch with you arm on the armrest at the end, do you sit that way often? I answered, yes, why? That is called the fight or flee stance. Wow, she read that loud and clear. I am sure I have been sitting that way since I was a little girl, because in my growing up years one had to be ready to fight or flee the abuse. I trusted her from that point on. She opened my eyes to the pain in my heart at not having a good father and how my lack of trust with men stems from him being abusive. Thank you for telling a little of your story on my site, I so appreciate you Diane, we relate to each other. Blessings my friend.
DeleteI'm so glad that you were brave enough to find the help you needed, Betty. I've been in counseling before, too, and it was, indeed, so very helpful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dear Martha, your calming words always give me peace. I have always thought anyone who writes children books have to have a curious but calm mind. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteExcellent post...thank you for sharing this with us. I wish counseling was more readily available to people. Too often today the "counselors" just want to push pills and not take the time to really listen and help people work through their problems. Yes, medication may be needed, but people need to talk and be heard by someone who is wise and godly enough to not condemn, but show Christ's love to them and help them work through the issues that bind them. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteMe too Pamela, there needs to be more counseling for people and it not cost an arm and a let. WE have found in our ministry a listening ear is worth a lot. It opens the door with those we meet with to deeper conversations. Since or agenda is just to encourage them it makes it easier then when we were in a leadership role. use when leadership come for a visit they usually have an agenda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue.
DeleteI love that you've spoken such honest truth here, Betty. Over time, counseling and medication have become more accepted in Christian circles, and this has been a sheer blessing. I am so grateful that God cares about my brain health as well as my spiritual well-being.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, transcripts from counseling sessions can be raw. But this is what real life looks like for so many. And there is freedom in being safe with another soul. Your story will encourage others to do the same.
Bless you.
Oh, I do hope this post encourages someone to seek help if they need it. I always tell the women I work with to get a good physcial to make sure it's nothing physical such a a tumor, sugar diabetes, blood pressure, etc, causing a mental issue. Some illness seem like on thing and it's really another issue. I have heart burn a lot and it's hard to tell sometimes if I am having angina pain or heart burn. My doctor gave me nitro and you know what, I take one of those little pills under my tongue when I am not sure and every time it takes the pain away right away if it's angina. Thank you for the encouragement.
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