#404: Debunking the Myths of Counseling

What is your perspective on counseling?

Do you feel like it carries a stigma in your circle? That only weak people go for help?

Does it feel like a lack of faith to seek out counseling . . . that maybe you just have to pray more?   In the last decade of my life, I've experienced tremendous healing from the Lord and radical transformation through the support of a number of counselors. Each one spoke into my life at a time when I could not find the way forward. More prayer didn't work. More Bible study didn't work. More self-control didn't work. By God's grace, I took the advice of a dear friend and got myself into counseling. I discovered that my issues were trauma-related and that healing was indeed possible. I learned how to invite God in to heal my heart. With great and godly support, I walked through forgiveness. I unearthed my identity in Christ. I gained insight into how to cultivate healthy relationships.

Yes, I am a great advocate of counseling as much as I am for coaching. But I'm still in shock as to how many people see counseling, and even coaching, through a warped lens. So on this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I invited my friend and licensed psychotherapist, Peggy MacQueen, to join me in debunking the myths of counseling. Peggy's passion is to come alongside those who are hurting and looking for solutions to life’s issues. She believes that one needs to stand on Truth and see oneself as God sees them. In her private practice, Thrive Coaching and Counseling, Peggy uses an eclectic approach to therapy after assessing the needs of the client. She works with clients seeking healing from grief, loss, sexual trauma and abuse, along with anxiety, depression, communication within marriage and family relationships, and teen & young adults.

This episode is packed full insight and truth as we debunk the myths around counseling, coaching, and healing that leads to personal, emotional, spiritual, and relational growth. If you're ready to take the next step toward growth with the support of a counselor, you can certainly reach out to Peggy or visit Focus on the Family to find a counselor in your area.  If you are not sure if you need coaching or counseling, complete this form and we will be in touch.

5 Myths That Keep Us from Going for Counseling  #1 . . . Myth: Counseling is for those who are weak and "crazy." . . . Truth: Counseling is for those choosing to be brave and grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.   #2 . . . Myth: Psychotherapy is just for those who have mental illness. . . . Truth: Psychotherapy is for anyone! You can seek counseling for:personal growthcommunication skillsrelationship conflictrecovering from loss and griefhealing from trauma of any kind at any time in your lifestruggling with anxietystruggling with an eating disorderstruggling with sadness or depressionstruggling in your faithand more . . .  #3 . . . Myth: Counseling makes you dependent on your therapist. . . . Truth: A therapist goal should be that you don't become dependent on them.   #4 . . . Myth: Talking through problems with a total stranger won't solve anything. . . . Truth: Talking can lead to clarity of what happened, how you feel, and what you can do moving forward. The Lord can speak to you in counseling and through a therapist.   #5 . . . Myth: A therapist will judge me or bring about shame or have me focus on what my parents did or didn't do. . . . Truth: A therapist job is to be shame-lifter and support you moving forward toward healing with forgiveness and establishing healthy relationships.  

Scripture FocusPsalm 139Isaiah 50

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