Why Do I Need to See a Professional Counselor or Psychiatrist?
Hi friend! How are you doing today? Are you at a point in your life where you are considering seeing a professional counselor or psychiatrist? Is it something you are cautious about, can’t afford, or are afraid of?
I think many people today accept the idea of going to therapy (which I equate with seeing a counselor), but they feel like they want to keep it a secret. That might be you, or you may be totally okay with it.
A counselor can give you valuable perspective on your mental health issue and refer you to a psychiatrist if you need medication. The disorders that usually need medication are:
Chronic depression
Severe anxiety that persists
Schitzophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
I would not function well and would be trapped by periods of psychosis if not for medication to stabilize a chemical imbalance in my brain.
You may not need a psychiatrist but would see great benefits from seeing a counselor.
1. You can express your private fears and concerns, including past trauma in a safe place with a professional who is trained to help you gain perspective to complicated problems.
2. She or he will give you insight if you are STUCK, and your conversations with friends, your spouse, or spiritual mentor leave you feeling inadequate to cope with your problems.
3. The counselor will assist you if you are in despair or contemplating suicide.
4. She will give you techniques to bring positive or even transformational change.
5. She will advise you if you live in an abusive situation or have been or are being sexually abused.
6. She will listen and may make suggestions to help you find your internal voice.
7. She can refer you to a psychiatrist if you need medication to stabilize a mood, diminish depression, anxiety, or prevent psychosis.
In the book I’m now reading—When Faith Meets Therapy—by Anthony Evans and his therapist, Stacy Kaiser, she says,
“It is important to understand that therapy is not a replacement for your spiritual work or connection. It’s an enhancement for that, and no counselor should ever criticize or downplay the role of faith in your life.”
I believe with all my heart that I need to consider the Word of God as the utmost authority over any advice I may receive, and I need to go to God with my problem, such as depression or anxiety and listen to what He has to say and allow Him to work in my life first. But again, if you are stuck and are not seeing results, it’s advantageous to seek professional help.
Some mental illnesses are not easily diagnosed or treated. If you aren’t satisfied after several sessions, move on to someone else.
You can search for a therapist through recommendations from a friend or a person you trust, or a minister you think will send you to a good therapist.
If you are seeking a Christian counselor, one avenue to pursue is an online search for counselors who self-identify as Christians. If your efforts to find a counselor don’t lead you to anyone, you can go to www.psychologytoday.com to search for therapists in your area. This is not necessarily a Christian site.
I pray you will find professional help for you or a member of your family, and that step by step, you will experience insight that will help you understand and work through perplexing mental health problems.
- Marilyn