Reasons why Christians put off seeking therapy

Veronica Guerrero-Quan, M.S., LPA-Independent Practice

Why Some Christians Put Off Therapy (And Why You Don’t Have To)

As both a Christian and a therapist who’s currently pursuing my seminary degree, I’ve walked the road of balancing faith and mental health. And I get it—it can feel like there’s a tug-of-war between trusting God with your struggles and seeking professional help. Many Christians wrestle with whether it’s okay to seek therapy, often feeling like they should be able to handle things on their own or that therapy might somehow contradict their faith.

But here’s the truth: Therapy isn’t about replacing God—it’s about working in tandem with the healing He provides. It’s about allowing Him to use therapists, counselors, and other professionals to bring about deeper emotional and mental healing, just like He uses doctors to heal our physical bodies. So, why do many Christians hesitate to seek therapy in the first place? Let’s dive into the most common reasons:

1. "It’s not spiritual enough."

There’s this misconception that therapy is something secular and that seeking a therapist means you’re turning your back on God’s wisdom. But here's the thing: therapy can actually be an incredible tool that God uses to bring healing. Think about it this way—God works through many channels. Just as He uses doctors and medicine to heal the body, He can use therapists to help untangle the complexities of our minds. Therapy isn’t anti-God; it’s a way to align your emotional well-being with His design for holistic health. In fact, many therapists integrate faith-based practices into their work, and you can absolutely find one who respects your values.

2. "I should be able to pray my way through this."

Absolutely, prayer is powerful, and I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of talking to God. But there’s a fine line between trusting God and expecting to “fix” everything just through prayer alone. Sometimes, God uses the gifts of others—like therapists, counselors, or trusted mentors—to help us process pain, trauma, and stress. You wouldn’t hesitate to go to the doctor if you had a broken arm, so why hesitate to seek help for your mental health? Praying through your struggles can be part of the process, but therapy can help you navigate and unpack those struggles in a structured and healthy way.

3. "It’s a sign of weakness."

One of the biggest barriers I see is the idea that needing therapy somehow indicates a lack of faith or weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Needing help is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of wisdom. Even the most spiritually mature people experience pain, trauma, and mental health challenges. It’s not about being weak; it’s about being strong enough to admit that you need help. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Recognizing that we need rest—and that rest might come through professional support—is not a lack of faith; it’s a healthy, self-aware response to the pressures of life.

4. "I’m just not ready to open up."

Vulnerability is hard. And it can feel especially hard when we’re conditioned to put on a brave face and “just deal with it” as Christians. But here’s the thing: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we’re brave enough to face our pain, even in small steps. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can unpack the thoughts and emotions that feel too overwhelming to share with others. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Therapy isn’t a race—it’s a journey, and you get to move at your own pace.

5. "I don’t want to look like I’m not trusting God enough."

This is a big one, especially for those who feel the weight of wanting to appear like they have everything together. But here’s the liberating truth: Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re failing God—it means you’re allowing Him to work through others in your life. Mental health challenges don’t make you less faithful. In fact, God often uses our struggles to deepen our faith, strengthen our resilience, and draw us closer to Him. Therapy isn’t a rejection of God’s power; it’s an acceptance of the fact that we are human, and God made us to seek help when needed.

Therapy as a Tool in God’s Healing Process

Ultimately, therapy is not a substitute for faith; it’s a tool within the broader framework of God’s healing process. The Bible tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and part of that divine design includes the ability to seek support from others. Just as we wouldn’t try to heal a broken bone on our own, we shouldn’t feel obligated to work through emotional and mental struggles without professional guidance.

As a therapist, I’ve seen how God uses these tools to bring restoration and wholeness. If you’re struggling with fear, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of life’s pressures, don’t be afraid to seek the support you need. You’re not abandoning your faith by doing so; you’re taking a courageous step toward emotional and spiritual healing.

Conclusion

It’s okay to need help. In fact, it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit when you need support. Therapy doesn’t replace your faith—it complements it. You can seek professional help and trust God with your healing. If you’re ready to take that step, remember: God is with you in the process, and He will use all means to bring you to a place of peace and wholeness. Whether through prayer, therapy, or a combination of both, the journey toward healing is one that honors God and cares for the person He created you to be.

So, if you’ve been putting off therapy—don’t. You’re worth the time and the effort. You’re worth healing. And remember, God’s not just with you in your faith—He’s with you in your journey to wholeness, in every way possible.

Veronica Guerrero Quan, LPA-Independent Practice

*This post was created with the assistance of an AI tool.