On Counseling
I once chased every avenue but God, in the name of God , for emotional healing.
So many self-help books.
Counselor after counselor.
It only perpetuated the depression + anxiety I was experiencing.
Book after book, counselor after counselor … each one gave me advice and even homework that never once got to the heart of what was going on inside of me.
Words like “self-esteem” and “self-care” — oof. 😮💨
I knew something was off, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
The first counselor that began to address the root issue was a Biblical counselor (did you know there’s a difference between a Biblical counselor and a Christian counselor?).
Her $500 question to me was, “How can you invite God into the conversation in your head?”
She didn’t know it, but at that time, I was trying to sanctify myself.
I said I was a Christian, but was really just trying to be “good” on my own — box-checking.
That was a hot mess.
Totally don’t recommend that.
That’s a spirit of religion.
And, a HUGE reason I was depressed and anxious in the first place.
Counsel is wisdom.
But, Christian, consider whose counsel you take.
God, our God!!, is called our WONDER-FULL COUNSELOR.
For brilliant reason!
Don’t believe the lie that you have to spend thousands of dollars to experience hope + healing. It’s just not true.
You’re known.
You’re loved.
💛 Caitlin
PS: I felt prompted to share this part of my story with you today after listening to Elisabeth Elliot talk about self-esteem and sin.
Her podcast is one I look forward to listening to daily. May it encourage and challenge you, as well.