A New (and Improved) Therapist

         I went to see a new therapist yesterday.  Even before my first appointment, he impressed me as unique (in a good way).  He asked me to send a brief life history and include therapeutic goals.  He said this would help him better prepare and save us valuable in-session time.

         He took us in right on time.  After exchanging a few pleasantries, he turned to me and asked if I would hold my wife’s hand and pray.  I was caught off-guard at first, but felt assured that he would use my faith as central to the healing process.

          For the first half hour or so, he had me flesh out some of the stuff in my bio.  He involved my wife (whom he endearingly referred to as “your bride”).  He demonstrated a keen ability to identify issues not named, but just below the surface of my written bio.  It was clear he had not only read what I had written, but had reflected on it deeply and gained much spiritual discernment.

         About half way through the session, he shifted gears.  He leaned forward and began to tell me some details of his faith journey.  With tremendous spiritual energy, he described how God had led him through terribly dark valleys.  In poignant detail, he gave us a glimpse of how Christ became his Mighty Savior.  He then went on to offer some of what he does on a daily basis to keep walking in the light of Christ. 

         What impressed me most is that he shared his story with a great deal of humility and compassion, as well as spiritual vitality.  He kept using one phrase - “sanctified imagination” to describe how he keeps his thoughts centered on God in prayer in the face of mental attacks from the enemy. 

          As he spoke, I felt the ache in my stomach I often have in therapy (and other times) being lifted.  I felt some hope that I had finally found someone who could not only help me identity the demons gripping me, but who could, through the power of the Holy Spirit, set me free.

          After giving me some devotional homework, he wrapped up with an encouraging prayer, again asking me to ”hold your bride’s hand.”  I’m not sure what he said during the prayer.  I only know that as I left his office and went outside, the sun seemed a little brighter, the breeze more pleasant, the look on my wife’s face more loving.

          I know I’ve got a lot of healing to do, but I feel like I can finally answer Christ’s question - “Do you want to be well?”

          ”Yes, Lord.  I want to be well.  Please give me the desire to pursue healing and the strength to do what it takes to become the husband, father, and pastor you’ve created me to be.”

 

 

more on my mental health journey…

“10 Reasons to Leave Your Psychiatrist”

“My Psychiatrist is an Idiot”

“How God Works”