Jesus & Therapy

Growing up a black American (African American), female, and Christian, therapy was not a thing. Lol, back in the 90's I remember once hearing my mother talking about black women healing from breakups and bad relationships and her noting that after a breakup a Sistah will cry, get all dolled up, and go to church before moving on. You see, that is how problems were handled back then, without outside help. We just frolicked along looking good on the outside while dying and disintegrating on the inside.

Things were much the same even in the church. In today's black church, many are embracing the idea of parishioners and people in the black community going to therapy. However, once upon a time, that was not the case. Therapy was frowned upon and called devilment (lol). At least that's what I experienced. There was not a lot of knowledge surrounding professional counseling in most minority communities back then. Not to mention that for many years the mental health field didn't lend itself to cultural diversity. But as for the church as a whole, therapy was, for the most part, a big NO-NO. The notion was, "Christians don't go to therapy."

However, I can testify of God's goodness even in the utilization of professional counseling personally. I can say with deep truth and conviction that Christ used therapy to assist in transforming my life. So, I'm a firm believer in Jesus AND therapy. In my humble, but professional and Christian opinion, the two pair oh so well together. My testimony verifies this...

You see, back in 1999 I was walking through life having the hardest time. I had finally secured a full-time job and was able to take care of myself, but my mind was still very much in disarray and my physical health began to suffer as a result. I remember going to the doctor because I was just feeling bad. When I got to the doctor and she came into the room, I literally couldn't even pinpoint what exactly was going on. However, she could see that I was in turmoil. After doing a general physical checking out different things, she was unable to find anything wrong with me. As I sat at the table and she spoke with me about this, she began to write on her physician's pad. She wrote on two different pages. When she finished, she gave me both pieces of paper. When I looked at the pieces of paper, I saw on one, a prescription and on the other a name and phone number.

Upon reading the two items I asked the doctor what they were and what were they for. She said to me, the first is a prescription for some anti-anxiety medication. The other is the name and number of a good therapist. Being the "good" Christian that I was I said, "Oh no, I see the counselors at my church", the doctor looked me straight in the eye as she began shaking her head saying, "No ma'am" you need a therapist". I said OKAY and left her office perfectly well aware that there was no way I was going to see a therapist... and I didn't; at least not then.

Fast forward some months, I remember sitting in a parking lot back in the early winter of the year 2000 bawling my eyes out because I was in deep despair. In my own words, though I was a Holy Ghost-filled, togue-talking, shouting, dancing, singing Christian, I was ALSO a mental basket case walking around in mental darkness unable to fix it with any number of sermons, church counseling, or even scripture recitation. Some knew my mental turmoil, but most folks had no idea how badly off I truly was emotionally. Lol, chile I didn't know if I was coming or going; and on a less laughable note, all I knew is that my life was just not going well at all in any other area other than me always being up at the church singing. Frankly, I wanted OUT of life altogether. 

In that parking lot, in the car, I cried out to God in a scream asking Him to "HELP ME"! As I was sniffling and sobbing, I recall Him speaking to me these words "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". I was familiar with that scripture from sermons but had never really read it on my own. When I got home, I grabbed my Bible concordance and searched for the verse and found it, Roman 12:2. I read the scripture slowly and thoroughly and in different Bible translations before also looking it up in my old Strong's Bible Commentary.

Reading and studying to understand that scripture took me on a journey where my pursuit became healing, wholeness, and transformation purely from Christ and nowhere else. In seeking true change from the Hands of Christ He brought me face-to-face with HIMSELF and the discipline of professional counseling and commenced to completely overhaul my entire life.

Yes, I am a STRONG advocate of professional counseling. Especially for Christian believers who are struggling internally because I know how God uses this powerful tool to bring about healing, wholeness, change, and transformation. Being a Christian Believer does not exempt us from the issues of life and the internal turmoil they sometimes create. Be it depression, anxiety, sadness, distress, confusion, anger, marital problems, family issues, or mental/emotional disturbance, as Christians, we have all experienced inward thoughts and feelings that have made life more challenging than we would choose for it to be.

There are times when we need help from someone with specific education, credentials, skills, and tools to walk with us to internal wellness and a steady place of life and living. There is NO SHAME in seeking such help, but rather GREAT WISDOM. Jesus not only died for our eternal salvation but also so that we can live wholly, soundly, and successfully; and considering the route He took my life, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He approves of the use of professional counseling on that journey. I am a mental health counselor, and I also have a mental health counselor and she is a Christian. Be it purely clinical or with the integration of the Person, Power, and Word of God, I get the help I need when I need it and I want to encourage you to do the same. Don't be afraid to seek help from a licensed professional when you need it.

To find a Christian therapist you can go to Therapy for Black Girls which is a platform of African American therapists designed specifically for black women/people. Or you can go to Psychology Today and do a search for Christian counselors and seek out someone who is a licensed professional.

If you are in the state of Texas and looking for a professional counselor who specializes in Christian integration, then please don't hesitate to connect with me. I would love to serve you and assist you in obtaining your goals. But regardless of who you choose, find the help you need when you need it. I'm a witness that Christian gets therapy too!

Grace & Peace,

Dr. D'Juana

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