“Get bold about your story and keep talking about it. Boast in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) because it shows Christ’s strength and how mighty He is. Let God use you! Show of how He uses your brokenness for your good and His glory.”
Unknown
Faith and mental health often intertwine in ways that can provide profound healing. In times of emotional turmoil, many people find themselves turning to spirituality to find peace, hope, and guidance. But how exactly can faith contribute to our mental well-being? And how can we combine it with mental health support to foster holistic healing?
In this blog, I will share my personal experience with Biblical counseling and how faith played a significant role in my journey through pain, loss, and anger. I will also offer some tips for overcoming pain by blending spirituality with mental health practices.
My Journey: Biblical Counseling and Healing Through Faith
I vividly remember the day I met my first therapist. I was going through a challenging period, marked by personal losses and deep emotional pain. I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders and struggled to understand why I was going through such a tough time. Anger, confusion, and sadness clouded my heart. But during my sessions with this therapist, something unique and deeply powerful unfolded.
My therapist wasn’t just an ordinary Counsellor. She integrated Biblical teachings into her practice, offering spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture. During our sessions, she helped me navigate my feelings of loss, pain, and anger by connecting them to my faith. One of the verses she often quoted was from Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This passage resonated deeply with me, reminding me that even in the midst of my darkest moments, I was not alone.
She also drew my attention to Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Though it was hard to see the silver lining at the time, I slowly began to understand that the pain I was experiencing could be transformed into something meaningful and purposeful.
As we continued working together, she guided me in leaning on my faith during difficult times, not just to endure the pain but to grow through it. By focusing on Biblical teachings about forgiveness, patience, and trust in God’s plan, I was able to release the anger and resentment I was holding on to. Over time, my faith became an anchor that grounded me in hope and healing.
“You are so much more than what you feel right now. You are more seen, more heard, and more loved than you know. You are NOT a burden, and you are not hard to love. You matter, and are so valued. No matter how many times your mind tells you… this world would not be better without you.”
Unknown
The Power of Combining Faith and Mental Health Support
Looking back, I realize how crucial it was to blend my spiritual beliefs with professional mental health support. While therapy helped me process my emotions, my faith provided a moral and spiritual framework to understand my experiences.
Faith, when combined with mental healthcare, can act as a bridge to holistic well-being. For many of us, faith brings comfort, stability, and a sense of purpose in life. When we integrate spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and scripture reading with evidence-based mental health practices like therapy or counseling, we can cultivate a deeper sense of healing.
Here are some tips for overcoming pain using a combination of faith and mental health support:
1. Lean on Your Core Values
When we face emotional challenges, it’s easy to feel disconnected from our core values. For me, my faith has always been a central part of who I am, and during times of loss, it was my anchor. Reflect on what your core values are—whether they’re rooted in your faith, family, or personal beliefs—and use them as a foundation for navigating difficult emotions.
2. Embrace Prayer and Meditation
Prayer is a powerful tool for finding inner peace. When we bring our burdens to God in prayer, we’re not only expressing our concerns but also surrendering them to a higher power. During my sessions, my therapist often encouraged me to engage in prayer and biblical meditation. Praying for guidance, strength, or even just to express my pain allowed me to feel more connected to God and reassured me that I wasn’t carrying my burdens alone.
3. Seek Biblical Counseling or Faith-Based Therapy
If your faith plays a significant role in your life, consider seeking a counselor who incorporates biblical teachings into their practice. As I experienced, this type of counseling can be incredibly healing, offering you both spiritual and emotional guidance. Faith-based therapy is not just about solving problems; it’s about finding purpose and meaning through the lens of your beliefs.
4. Forgiveness and Letting Go
One of the most challenging aspects of healing is learning to forgive—whether it’s forgiving others, yourself, or even God for the pain you may feel He allowed. The Bible speaks extensively about the power of forgiveness, not only for others but for our own peace of mind. When we hold on to anger and resentment, we block our healing process. Learning to let go, through faith and therapy, was a turning point in my journey.
5. Trust in the Process of Healing
Healing is not linear. There are ups and downs, moments of doubt, and moments of clarity. Trust in the process. As my therapist reminded me, God’s timing is not ours. Sometimes, the pain we endure serves a greater purpose that we cannot see in the moment. Holding on to the promise that “He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6) can give you the strength to persevere.
6. Use Scripture as a Source of Comfort
The Bible is full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for those going through tough times. Verses like Philippians 4:6-7—”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”—remind us that we can find peace even in the most turbulent storms.
Conclusion
I learned through my experience with biblical counseling how much faith can influence mental health. Spirituality, when integrated into the healing process, offers more than just emotional relief—it provides a sense of purpose, peace, and hope. If you are facing pain, loss, or anger, I encourage you to lean on your faith while seeking the mental health support you need. Healing happens when we acknowledge both our spiritual and emotional needs.
Faith can be a powerful tool, but so can therapy. Together, they create a path toward true, holistic healing.
