I have been asked this question in
counseling more times than I can count, and each time it surprises me. This may not be news to you, but I want to be
sure you know we don’t use the term ‘crazy’ in the field of psychotherapy! The word actually was used many years ago as a term to describe
someone who was psychotic, who was behaving in bazaar ways. But using it today to describe someone who is
psychotic is like using the word ‘crippled’ for someone who has a physical
disability. Sadly, there are people who
have mental illness with psychosis—typically, people who suffer with
schizophrenia. This is a serious
illness, and it is nothing to joke about.
Psychosis is treatable, and, schizophrenic people need the same love and
respect that you and I need.
But why then might someone jump
to the most extreme (and demeaning) word (‘crazy’) after talking about his
problems when coming to counseling? Because
of the stigma about counseling that exists in our culture. I think the real question being asked is, “Are you going to judge me because of
my problems, symptoms, worries, behaviors?”
Well, I’m not going to judge you.
I’m already biased in favor of counseling because that’s what I do, and
I think it’s helpful for you and for your relationships—even (and sometimes,
especially) your relationship with God!
I think we all need counseling
at some point in our lives, and for some of us, for more than one season. Remember, I see counseling as a form of
discipling.
But the question is asked because
our culture is judgmental. We fear being
seen as ‘crazy’ because having problems means you have a weakness or a flaw,
something embarrassing or even shameful. I wonder how many people pretend they
have no problems (or, not very big ones) to avoid being considered
‘crazy’. And I would guess their
problems still show up no matter how much effort they make (through drugs,
alcohol, excuses, control, work, perfection, worry…) to keep them from showing. I liken this to sitting on a beach ball in a
pool, trying to balance on it, keeping it under water. Eventually, it pops up, defeating all your
efforts to keep it hidden.
I think the more appropriate
question to consider is “Am I broken?” My response to that question is, ‘Yes,
you and I both!’ because we are. My side
of the table represents brokenness just like your side. We all need truth, we all need love—the truth
and love of Jesus Christ. How does that
relate to counseling? I’m so glad you asked!
The logo of
the Christian Counselors Collaborative or CCC (the counseling program grown out
of the counseling department at ACAC), which depicts a flame, is taken from
Psalm 119:105:
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
God’s truth, appropriately given
in love, helps define what the current situation really is (shines a light onto
one’s ‘feet’ for orientation and true understanding) and helps show the direction
ahead for walking in that truth (shines a light onto one’s ‘path’ beyond—usually
with new ways to think, do, and be).
This is a process which can take time.
Counseling is the perfect setting for such a process.
I also like the verses found in
Psalm 40:1-3 as a description of the process of God’s direction and healing:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned
to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out
of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me
a firm place to stand. He put a new
song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
To me, this describes God’s mercy
and love towards us when we are so broken.
All we have to do is cry out and wait.
And I think that waiting is not passive, but seeking, expectant. If we are seeking truth, He will not withhold
it from us. He lifts us out of our
sorrow, trouble, brokenness. (This is usually
felt in counseling when a client can express fears, feelings, behaviors,
without condemnation; our Lord does the same).
He sets our feet on a solid rock (His truth, often learned in counseling,
corrects lies some of us believe). He
puts a new song in our mouths (a heart freed from condemnation, freed from
resentments, anger, grief—through repentance and forgiveness; a heart of
thankfulness and praise, from a renewed relationship with God). And many will see the changes, and will hear
our testimonies of His faithfulness.
Hmm. Is this ‘crazy’? Then by God’s grace, I’m certifiable, and blessed to be so!
Blessings,
Priscilla
MSW, LCSW, ACS
Founder and Executive DirectorThe Christian Counselors Collaborative
www.cccpgh.org
Disclaimer: I am a
professional, licensed clinical therapist in the state of PA, but this blog is
not a therapeutic venue—anything I state here is not for treatment or to
address anyone’s specific emotional or mental health need. If you are experiencing immediate distress,
call 911. If you would like to consider
counseling with the CCC, please call Tom Laird at 1.855.222.2575.
