You Can Trust God and Need Therapy

Greetings, my beautiful sisters. Daughters, of The Most High God.

I know it has been a while since we last communicated. I had been dealing with some health issues, but God is faithful and all is well. So, let's get started. I have been doing a lot of thinking, praying, and writing while recovering, and I wanted to share this thought because of what I was dealing with, and I felt some of you may have been experiencing the same thing. In many faith communities, there is an unspoken belief that if your faith is strong enough, your struggles should disappear. You pray, you trust God, and somehow everything is supposed to fall into place. But what happens when it doesn’t? What happens when anxiety lingers, grief overwhelms, or past trauma continues to resurface despite your prayers?

Sisters, let’s be clear: trusting God and seeking therapy are not in opposition. They are not competing sources of healing, they are complementary. God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided multiple avenues for healing, including spiritual guidance, community support, and professional care. Choosing therapy is not a sign of weak faith; (I learned that) it is often a sign of courage, humility, and a deep desire for wholeness. Let me share a few thoughts I had while I was recovering and the Holy Spirit gave me clarity.

Faith Does Not Cancel the Human Experience

My beautiful friend, as women of faith, (which we all are) we are not exempt from emotional pain. Life brings challenges, loss, betrayal, disappointment, and stress. Trusting God does not mean ignoring these realities or pretending they don’t exist. Even in scripture, we see faithful individuals expressing deep sorrow, fear, and confusion. They cried out. They wrestled. They sought help.

God never asked us to suppress our emotions; He invites us to bring them to Him.  "Cast your cares on me, for I care for you" (1 Peter 5:7)"

Therapy Is a Tool, NOT a Replacement for God

Oh My Goodness! That is exactly what your mind (or the enemy) will try to get you to believe. Because you are seeking therapy, It tells you that you have made therapy your God. THAT'S NOT TRUE! Therapy provides a safe, structured space to process emotions, develop coping skills, and gain clarity. It helps you understand patterns, heal from past wounds, and build healthier relationships. A therapist is not a replacement for God; they are a resource that God can use in your healing journey. Just as you would see a doctor for a physical illness, seeking help for your mental and emotional well-being is both wise and necessary. "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22).

Breaking the Stigma

Many women struggle silently because they fear judgment. They worry that others will question their faith if they admit they are struggling. But my sister, healing requires honesty. There is strength in saying, “I’m not okay, and I need support.”

Choosing therapy does not mean you don’t trust God, it means you are taking responsibility for your healing while continuing to lean on Him. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God Works Through People

God often answers prayers through people. Through wise counsel. Through trained professionals. Through those equipped to help guide you through difficult seasons. Therapy can be one of the ways God provides insight, restoration, and growth.

You don’t have to choose between prayer and therapy. You can have both. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14)

You Are Strong and Courageous

Being part of the Strong and Courageous Women’s Empowerment Program means embracing truth, healing, and growth. It means recognizing that strength is not about pretending to have it all together; it’s about seeking the help you need and trusting God through the process.

You are allowed to trust God and go to therapy. You are allowed to pray and process. You are allowed to believe and still need support.

Healing is part of God's desire for your life. And you don’t have to walk that journey alone. You have support, and it's ok to use it.

Call to Action: If this message spoke to your heart, don't ignore what God may be stirring within you.

Take one courageous step toward your healing this week. It may be scheduling your first counseling session, talking with a trusted friend, joining a Bible study, or simply spending quiet time with the Lord in prayer. Remember, healing begins with one decision. You don't have to carry the weight alone.

If you're ready to begin your healing journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you. At VISION Youth and Family Christian Counseling, we provide compassionate, Christ-centered counseling to help women find hope, healing, and emotional freedom.

Healing Hearts. Restoring Hope. Strengthening Families.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit www.visionyfcc.com or email me at drdoris@visionyfcc.com.

Because God never intended for you to suffer in silence.

Love and Blessings,

Dr. Doris