Are you the person in your family who helps everyone, listens to everyone and takes care of everyone?
The one people call when they’re falling apart. The one who prays, encourages, comforts and shows up for everyone else.
Until one day, you wake up realizing you’re the one who really needs some support.
You might find yourself wondering, “Do I need therapy? Is it time for me to get my own therapist?”
Seeking help is not weakness, it is wisdom and obedience to God’s invitation to healing. And here are a few ways to walk through this season and gain the support you so deeply desire.
This article is #5 of our 7-part series, Caring For Your Soul, designed to help parents and caregivers understand how to care for themselves while walking alongside a child who has experienced trauma. To read the first article, click here.
How do I know if I need a therapist?
If you’re a natural helper, you’re probably very good at recognizing the needs of other before looking at your own. Because of the constant desire to support others, helpers often don’t realize they’re hurting until the weight becomes too heavy to hide.
This is especially true if you’re parenting a child with high needs or who has experienced trauma.
While there’s no hard and fast rule as to what parent would benefit from therapy, some signs that you may need to seek professional help include feeling:
- Grief or the aftermath of trauma.
- Loneliness on your parenting journey.
- Exhausted, yet you can’t rest due to anxiety.
- Spiritually numb or disconnected in your community.
- Frustrated because your boundaries are constantly being crossed.
Does needing a therapist mean I’m not trusting God?
Seeking therapy does not diminish your faith or mean you’re spiritually weak. God designed us to carry one another’s burdens, and there is no shame in letting someone help carry yours.
You might even find yourself wondering, “Do I need therapy or am I overreacting?” Fortunately, this isn’t a question you need to sit with for too long.
A therapist is someone who can help you sort through the things you’ve buried deep within you and provide a space where you don’t have to be the strong one.
Therapy does not replace God. Instead, therapy is one of the tools God uses to bring healing.
Mental Health Therapists for Parents
The best mental health therapists for parents are faith-based professionals who specialize in trauma, stress and anxiety, and behavioral challenges in children.
Across the U.S., you can search through the Christian Counselors Network designed by our strategic partner – Focus On The Family. Whatever challenge you or your family is facing, Focus on the Family is available for you! Call 1-855-771-HELP to speak to one of their ministry’s caring counselors for guidance, resources, and prayer.
As you research, you might also wonder, “How do I know if I need a therapist or a psychiatrist?”
Here’s the difference:
- A therapist (counselor, LPC, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, psychologist) helps you process emotions, trauma, relationships, parenting stress and spiritual struggles.
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate and prescribe medication, if needed.
Some people need one or both. Others start with therapy and decide later if medication support is helpful. Pray and ask God to guide you as you begin this process.
What to Look for in a Therapist
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you want someone who understands your faith and honors your values. When looking for a Christian therapist, find someone who can:
- Respect your faith.
- Listen without judgment.
- Create a safe, warm environment.
- Understand trauma-informed care.
- Support your parenting journey.
- Honor your boundaries.
Likewise, some red flags for therapist that you might need to look out for include:
- Pushing beliefs that contradict your values.
- Dismissing your parenting concerns.
- Dominating the conversation.
- Not able to explain their approach.
Most therapists offer a free consultation for you to ask questions and assess your comfortability. Pray for spiritual discernment and trust the Holy Spirit and your body when making a decision to work with any mental health professional.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Carrying burdens alone can feel heavy. If you are the one always supporting others, it might be time for you to find a therapist to support you in your healing journey.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- How do I know if I need a therapist?
- What are some things to look for in a therapist?
ACTIVITY
When life feels messy or confusing, remind your child we are special in God’s eyes by playing a game like It Was Very Good. Find this activity and more in the Everyday Moments™ activity collection.
KEY VERSE
“Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.” ~ Proverbs 20:5 (NLT)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You see the weight I’ve been carrying, the exhaustion I’ve been hiding, and the places in me that need healing. Please guide me while I seek a therapist to help with the unique challenges, I am facing this season. In Jesus’ name, amen.