Many Christians in Hawaiʻi quietly wonder, “Is it okay for me to go to therapy?” In our local churches, we celebrate leaning on God through every struggle. Yet trusting God doesn’t mean we must struggle alone. The Bible itself praises seeking wise counsel – “in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Just as we wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a broken bone, caring for our mental and relational health is a form of wisdom, not a lack of faith.

Breaking the Stigma: Unfortunately, a lingering stigma suggests that needing counseling implies weak faith. This simply isn’t true. Mental health care should be viewed as naturally as physical health care – there should be no shame in a Christian seeking help. After all, God often works through people. He can use pastors, friends, and yes, professional therapists as instruments of His healing. Jesus taught us to bear one another’s burdens, and sometimes that burden-bearing comes through a compassionate counselor’s listening ear.

Testimonial: “At first, I felt guilty for going to a therapist, as if I should ‘just pray more’,” admits one Big Island church member. “But I realized God was caring for me through my therapist. The anxiety that once overwhelmed me has lifted, and I feel closer to Jesus than ever.”

This experience is echoed by many. Studies even show that active faith can improve mental health and help in coping with trauma – meaning your prayers and your therapy sessions can work hand-in-hand. Seeking therapy is not about replacing God with a counselor; it’s about embracing the wise counsel God provides (Proverbs 15:22). Your therapist’s tools (like communication skills or trauma processing techniques) are part of the “wise counsel” that can help you heal and grow.

Call to Action: If you’ve been considering counseling – whether for anxiety, depression, or marriage struggles – give yourself permission to take that step. Talk to a trusted friend or pastor about it, or reach out to a local Christian-friendly counseling center like Akua Family Therapy. Remember, asking for help is a courageous act of faith in itself. You are not alone on this journey, and your church ‘ohana (family) is here to support you as you seek the abundant life and peace God desires for you.