7 REASONS NOT TO SEE A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR

SEVEN REASONS NOT TO SEE A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR

1. "I can figure this out for myself, I don't need someone else's help."

HOWEVER: Even the world's greatest athlete's and successful business leaders have coaches, counselors and advisors. Proverbs 24:6 "... in the abundance of counselors there is victory." Pride comes before a fall, don't let pride keep you from being your best. Getting help is not a sign of weakness, it is actually an act of courage.

2. "It costs too much."

HOWEVER: What price can you place on your mental and emotional wellbeing, or on the value of your marriage or family? Divorce attorney's charge much more than counselors, and they require a retainer fee up front! You can buy a big screen TV, or improve your life and learn skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

3. "Only crazy people with a 'mental illness' see counselors."

HOWEVER: The vast majority of people I see in my practice are normal people with normal problems. You'd be surprised if you knew how many people you know who have gotten counseling.

4. "I feel ashamed that I'm even struggling, other people have it much worse than me, what right do I have to complain?"

HOWEVER: There will always be people with problems more severe than yours, and people with problems that are less severe. If you are suffering, getting help is legitimate and wise. It helps you to be feel better and be healthier, which also has a positive impact on others around you.

5. "I don't know what the problem is, and I don't know what I need. The healthcare system is confusing and difficult to navigate."

HOWEVER: We are trained to help you evaluate your situation and develop a plan to overcome. We are here to walk with you through this difficult time and to clearly understand your options.

6. "God is punishing me. I don't deserve to get better."

HOWEVER: I often hear this from people who are depressed. Usually as the depression is treated and lifts, they realize that this was a deception designed to keep them from getting help and to stay stuck. We serve a God who wants to show us His mercy and compassion.

7. "Things should get better if I just pray and read my bible more."

HOWEVER: Moses asked for human guidance to help navigate the wilderness (Numbers 10:31-32), even though he also had God's divine guidance. We as a church are a body, made up of many parts and we all need each other. Reading the Bible and praying are essential. However, if you are doing the same thing over and over and not getting results, it may be that God wants you to reach out for help from others.


Martin P. Miller, M.A., Executive Director
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Professional Christian Life Coach

Marty Miller is the Executive Director of the Healing Heart Counseling Center. He is also a speaker and writer and has been featured on Down Home Religion on the Channel 3 News in Shreveport, LA and has co-hosted numerous cable television and radio talk shows and written and consulted for magazines and the Shreveport Times newspaper.

820 Jordan Street, Suite 401
Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
Office: (318) 222-6800
Fax: (318) 222-6801
martinLPC@bellsouth.net
http://www.HealingHeartCounseling.Org
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