Can Faith and Mental Health Support Go Hand in Hand?
It’s Okay to Talk About Our Mental Health
Mental health is being talked about more than ever. Still, many people hesitate to reach out for support, especially those who are used to holding it all together.
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be fine,” while quietly struggling, you’re not alone.
As a Christian therapist in Chicago, I often meet with people who wonder whether it’s okay to talk about their emotional pain. Some question if their struggles are “serious enough” for counseling. Others worry that needing help might reflect poorly on their faith.
This post isn’t about adding more to your plate, it’s an invitation to pause and get curious about mental health without judgment. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply wondering how faith and emotional health connect, I hope these words bring comfort and clarity.
Is It a Lack of Faith to Struggle Emotionally?
If you’ve been part of a church or faith community, you might’ve heard things like:
“Just pray about it.”
“God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
“If I trust God, I shouldn’t be anxious or depressed.”
Even when said with care, these messages can make it hard to be honest about pain. You might begin to wonder: If I’m struggling, does that mean my faith isn’t strong enough?
But needing support doesn’t mean your faith is weak. It means you’re human. And God designed us for connection.
In Christian counseling, there’s space to bring your emotional life and your spiritual questions. I’ve walked with many people who feel ashamed of their pain, but I’ve also seen the deep healing that comes when they realize God isn’t disappointed. He isn’t far off. He meets us in our questions, grief, and mess. He welcomes all of who we are and stays close through it all.
You Don’t Have to Be in Crisis to Benefit from Christian Counseling in Chicago
Therapy isn’t just for when everything feels like it's falling apart. It can be a valuable space to pause and intervene before you feel overwhelmed or at a breaking point.
Maybe you’ve noticed the same arguments showing up in your relationships. Maybe your motivation is low, or you feel unsure of your purpose. These are not signs of weakness. They’re signs that something within you is asking for care.
Through Christian counseling in Chicago, I can help you understand what you're experiencing, bringing clarity so you can move forward. You don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to be honest about where you are.
A Body-Mind-Spirit Approach to Christian Counseling in Chicago
One unique part of my approach is helping people listen to their bodies. When life gets stressful, it’s easy to shut down or go on autopilot. But often, our bodies speak before our words do.
You might notice your shoulders tighten when you’re anxious. Or that you hold your breath when you’re trying to stay composed. Sadness might feel like a heaviness in your chest. A memory might shift your posture without you realizing it.
As a dance therapist and Christian counselor, I help people reconnect with their bodies, not as something to change or fix, but as something to learn from. This might involve breathwork, gentle movement, or simply becoming more aware of how your body responds. These small shifts can help you feel more grounded, present, and connected to God and yourself.
Body-Mind Practices That Support Mental and Spiritual Health
You don’t need to overhaul your life to start feeling better. Healing often begins with small, steady practices.
One practice I often share is checking in with your body. That might look like pausing to take a slow breath before a hard conversation. Or placing a hand on your chest during prayer. These moments help you ask: What do I need right now?
Mindful movement can also help you feel more connected. Maybe you stretch while praying, take a walk without distractions, or soften your shoulders when tension rises. These small, gentle acts invite you to return to yourself and reconnect with the present moment.
Gratitude can also be a grounding and nourishing practice. Research shows that practicing appreciation reduces stress and builds resilience. And spiritually, it helps us stay connected and rooted in God’s presence. Not by denying pain, but by holding on to what is still true and life-giving.
In Christian counseling, we can explore how these practices might fit naturally into your everyday life, not just to help you get by, but to help you live with more intention, presence, and connection with God.
What If Your Emotional Needs Are an Invitation?
When you’re stuck in survival mode, it’s hard to feel, pray, or connect. You might feel numb, exhausted, or unsure where God is.
But what if your emotional needs aren’t pulling you away from your faith, but leading you deeper into it?
In therapy, we gently explore questions like:
What have I believed about my worth, and where did those beliefs come from"?
What would it mean to rest when I’ve always carried so much?
Where is God in my pain, and how might I begin to meet Him there?
Christian counseling doesn’t replace your spiritual life. It supports it. It helps you show up with more presence, more honesty, and a clearer sense of who God says you are.
Final Thoughts from a Christian Counselor in Chicago
You’re Allowed to Need Support. Caring for your mental health isn’t selfish. It’s a way of honoring your God-given humanity.
If you’ve been wondering whether Christian counseling could help, I encourage you to stay curious. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You can begin with just one small step.
Looking for Christian Counseling in Chicago that Honors Your Faith and Mental Health?
Book a free 15-minute consultation today and take the first step toward deeper healing, greater peace, and more meaningful connection with yourself, others, and God.
Lisaura is a relationship therapist in Chicago who through individual counseling and dance therapy helps adults connect with themselves and others more fully.
Spanish-speaking therapy is available.
