Therapy Counseling: How to Know When You Need Help—and What Kind
Framing verse: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
When You're Not Sure If You Need Help
“I should be able to handle this.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“Maybe I just need to pray more.”
We’ve heard those lines in our own heads—and from people sitting across from us on the verge of tears. It can feel terrifying to admit that you're not okay. And even more confusing to figure out what kind of help you actually need. Is it therapy? Counseling? Pastoral care? Coaching? Prayer?
If the term therapy counseling landed you here, it probably means you’re feeling tangled—and tired of trying to sort it all alone.
In this blog, we’re going to walk through the real struggle of wondering if you need help, what kind of support might actually serve you, and how God meets us right in the middle of our mess. No shame. Just the next faithful step.
The Emotional Load We Carry
Here’s what we’ve seen over and over: people reach out for therapy or counseling not because they’re weak—but because they’ve been strong for too long.
Maybe you’ve been managing grief that doesn’t seem to lift. Maybe anxiety has become the background noise of your every day. Maybe there’s trauma you’ve never told anyone about. Or maybe you’re high-functioning and no one would guess something’s off—but inside, you’re unraveling.
The world calls it burnout or stress. The Bible calls it being human in a fallen world. The Psalms are full of people crying out, not sure what to do with their pain. And yet the consistent thread is this: God draws near to those in distress.
So if you’re carrying a silent weight, know this—your struggle is valid. And you are not alone.
What Most People Try First (That Doesn’t Work)
Before people seek therapy or counseling, they often try a handful of understandable—but ultimately limited—approaches. Here are a few:
White-knuckling it: You tell yourself to push through. Be tougher. But the inner tension only tightens.
Spiritual bypassing: You quote a Bible verse or slap on a “God’s got this” even when your heart feels numb. You love God—but you’re still hurting.
Overloading your calendar: If you stay busy enough, maybe the pain will quiet down. But the moment you stop, the ache is still there.
Venting without healing: You talk to a friend (or ten), but the loop never breaks. You keep telling the story without knowing how to move forward.
None of these make you a failure. They’re simply signs you might need help that goes deeper—and is guided.
How to Know If You Need Therapy or Counseling
You don’t need a breakdown to justify help. Sometimes therapy or counseling is simply a wise, preventive step. But here are some signs it might be time:
You're experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger
You're stuck in patterns you can’t break (relational, emotional, behavioral)
Your sleep, appetite, or focus has changed dramatically
You're managing trauma, grief, or loss that feels too heavy to carry alone
Spiritual practices feel flat, distant, or disconnected
Therapy counseling is not about having failed. It’s about letting someone trained—and compassionate—walk with you toward light.
What Actually Helps: A Biblical Perspective
We believe in the transforming power of God’s Word. But Scripture also points to the value of wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14), mutual support (Galatians 6:2), and asking for help (James 5:16). Therapy or counseling, when rooted in truth, can be a deeply spiritual act of stewardship.
1. Healing in Safe Relationship
So much of our hurt happens in relationships—and so does healing. A godly counselor or therapist creates a space where honesty is safe, and compassion is consistent. That safety gives your nervous system a chance to reset and your soul a chance to breathe.
2. Naming What’s Been Hidden
One of the gifts of therapy counseling is language. What we cannot name, we cannot heal. A skilled guide helps uncover what’s under the surface—not to shame you, but to shine light on places where God wants to restore.
3. Rebuilding Rhythms with Jesus at the Center
Good therapy doesn’t just analyze the past—it equips you for the present. It helps you build rhythms of rest, honesty, connection, and prayer. When paired with Scripture, it can reorient your heart toward the goodness of God in the middle of the mess.
Want to Walk Through This With Someone?
Our 1:1 coaching at Share The Struggle offers Christ-centered support from a partner who truly gets it. It’s not therapy—but it’s real, biblically grounded guidance from someone trained to walk with you—not ahead of you.
If you're not sure where to begin, this could be your next faithful step.
👉 Explore Share The Struggle Coaching
You're not meant to do this alone. Let’s take the next step—together.
Reflection Questions
What pain have you been quietly carrying that God may be inviting you to share?
Have you dismissed therapy or counseling because of shame or fear?
Where might the Holy Spirit be nudging you toward support?
FAQs
Is therapy or counseling unbiblical?
No. In fact, the Bible celebrates wisdom, skill, and care within the Body of Christ. God often uses human tools to bring divine healing. The key is choosing help aligned with biblical truth.
What’s the difference between therapy and counseling?
They often overlap. Generally, counseling focuses on life challenges and practical tools; therapy may go deeper into trauma or mental health. Both can be helpful, depending on your need.
What if I’ve had a bad experience with therapy?
That pain is valid. Not all help is helpful. But that doesn’t mean all therapists or counselors are the same. Pray. Research. Ask trusted believers for referrals. God can lead you to the right person.
Do you offer Christian counseling?
We offer coaching—not licensed therapy—but we often help people take their first step toward biblical counseling or trauma-informed care. If you’re not sure what you need, we’ll help you figure it out.
You Are Not Broken
Therapy counseling is not a sign of defeat. It’s a declaration that your healing matters. God is not disappointed in your need. He is drawn to it.
Whether you are considering help for the first time or circling back after a hard season, hear this: You are not too far gone. And you do not have to carry this alone.
If this resonates, we invite you to take one small step:
Explore our courses—from anxiety to shame to grief, they offer truth and tools you can start today.
Or if you’re ready to go deeper, consider the Freedom From Anxiety course or More Than Your Past.
You are not a project to fix. You are a person God loves. Let His kindness lead you to healing.
