I spend a lot of time in my car these days and most of that time is spent driving to and from therapy. If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you’ve probably realized that I’m in desperate need of therapy. “What kind?” you may be asking. Well, there’s the obvious physical therapy for my hip injury. Then there’s the emotional therapy to help work through the day-to-day journey of this thing called life. And finally there’s the spiritual therapy that helps to heal the wounds of the past so that I can enjoy my future.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is essentially the use of physical methods (rather than medication or surgery) to heal an injury. It’s physical rehabilitation. My physical therapist wants to help eliminate my hip pain and he works wholeheartedly to do so. It’s a lot of work for both him and I. He has to think of methods that will solve the problem and I have to commit to the process. It takes a lot of time and energy. There is pain and there are tears. We both shake our heads in frustration at times. But we share and believe in a common goal: to restore my body to its pre-injury functionality. Or at least get as close as we can
Emotional Therapy
Emotional therapy means something different to every person. I use emotional therapy to help me work with through present circumstances. It’s mostly talk therapy. My therapist listens while I talk. She offers suggestions here and there, but mostly she just provides direction. As I talk and reflect, I usually come up with some sort of resolution or epiphany. We figure out alternatives and action plans, then she holds me accountable to my commitments. We don’t seek to eliminate the highs and lows that life brings, but we work together as a team to restore balance in my life.
Spiritual Therapy
Spiritual therapy is not really a common term. In fact, I might have just invented it myself. But I think spiritual therapy is something we’re all seeking, whether we know it or not. Physical and emotional therapy are things that enable us to better function in the present and future. Spiritual therapy takes things to a new level; it allows for the healing of our hearts, which frees us from our past. It’s the most elusive but the most valuable. My time at Mercy Ministries was a period of intense spiritual therapy for me, but it is something that must remain an important part of my daily routine. Currently, my spiritual therapy includes Bible study, prayer, journaling, and involvement in our local Celebrate Recovery ministry. I surrender my life to Jesus and together we work towards freedom.
…On the Road…
On one of my therapy road trips I got to thinking. There really isn’t much difference between the different kinds of therapy that we find ourselves needing throughout our life journey. And I only listed a few. As I reflected on my experience, I came up with some therapy criteria:
- Therapy involves more than one person. Whether you need a physical therapist, a “licensed clinical professional counselor,” or Jesus…you can’t give yourself therapy.
- The goal of therapy is restoration. Whether you’re seeking physical healing, emotional balance, or healing from a past experience…we’re hoping to restore something that we lost along the way.
- Therapy requires commitment. You have to carve time out of your life and dedicate it to seeking healing and freedom from past damage. It’s going to require time and energy. Make it a priority.
- Therapy is something that must be maintained. Keep doing your exercises. Keep talking through your struggles to implement solutions. Keep studying God’s Word, praying, and journaling. If we don’t actively engage in these therapeutic practices, our healing will not be complete and lasting.
I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t see these road trips as an inconvenience to my everyday life. They enhance my life. My life is better when I am engaging in the therapeutic process. Participating in therapy means that you are an active participant in life itself. You’re not sitting on the sidelines; you’re playing the game. You’re fighting. And that’s a good thing.
What is your “go-to” form of therapy? Yoga? Running? Chocolate? A phone date with your BFF?
Linking up with Wine’d Down Wednesday, The Blogger’s Digest, SHINE Blog Hop, & That Friday Blog Hop!
massage therapy Roanoke says
Chiropractic is an important part of any wellness routine, just like working out and eating right. Consistency is key here, because it can treat problems before they lead to more serious issues, and it can prevent problems from developing in the first place.
Zoe Campos says
It’s good to know that we can allow our hearts to heal through spiritual therapy. My heart feels burdened after the loss of a close relative and I feel like I won’t be able to get rid of the grief. I hope that there are online sessions I can attend for this kind of therapy to see if I’ll be able to enjoy its healing benefits.
good chiropractor near me says
Chiropractic therapy is a good kind of therapy that helps a lot in recovery and managing pain. It is not invasive and known to be really helpful.
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Bekah says
One of my favorite therapies is when my BFF calls me out of the blue and asks if she can stop by for the afternoon just to chat and hang out. Usually, I don’t even realize how much I needed that therapy until after she leaves! I am so thankful for “friend therapy!”
Brittany says
Oh my gosh, that is so funny, because one of my favorite therapies is when I see a few hour hole in my schedule and decide to call up my BFF and see if I can stop by. Spontaneity seems to get the job done. Thanks for reading and commenting!!!! And letting me stop by out of the blue. :)
Leslie says
What a great post! I needed a way I could unwind and destress after work so I joined Barre. I work 55+ hours a week so it’s something I can go to it do at hone. I’m loving it and it’s getting me in shape too. Good luck with your journey. I’m stopping by from SITS.
Leslie recently posted…Are You In Need Of Business Cards?
Brittany says
Thanks for visiting from SITS! What is Barre? It sounds like it’s an awesome way of de-stressing for you, so I’d love to know more about it! Watch out Google, here I come :)
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I have been through a variety of therapies. Almost two years ago I had a traumatic incident happen to me and I was diagnosed later with PTSD. I went into an aggressive trauma treatment program which included physical therapy, counselling, exercise therapy, and group therapy discussions. I had also received nutritional counseling and sought out my own spiritual therapy.
The divine healing that came from these collective efforts restored me.
I currently seek out Bible, prayer, yoga, and chocolate when I’m feeling anxiety from the PTSD.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…Socks Don’t Have To Match
Brittany says
Thank you SO MUCH for commenting and sharing a piece of yourself here on my blog. I am honored that you would find this a safe and welcoming place to share. It sounds like we have a similar journey of destruction that ultimately brought healing and wholeness. I am so glad you sought treatment! That takes a lot of courage and you are a brave woman. It’s stories like yours that encourage others to seek help. That you don’t have to settle for your past; you can move forward and embrace a bright future. I pray that you continue to experience healing and peace in your life :)
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Thank you so much Brittany. Your kind, compassionate, and sincere words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for blessing me with such a lovely message.
I also want to thank you for sharing this post at my #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…SHINE Blog Hop #17
Brittany says
Jennifer, it makes my heart smile when I see one of your comments on my blog. You are so sincere and kind. It’s always a great reminder that even if my post touches only one person, it is worth the effort and vulnerability. Thanks for taking the time to stop by, read, and comment; you’re awesome! #SHINEbloghop is one of my favorite parties; you have such talented bloggers post on a variety of subjects. Thanks for creating a welcoming environment. Have a wonderful weekend :)
Stacey says
You always make me realize how shallowly I often look at life. You challenge me to open my eyes-thank you.
Brittany says
You don’t look at life shallowly! I think we all have different perspectives on life because we’ve all had different experiences. That’s why it’s important to talk to each other and share our experiences; we all have something we can learn from another person’s journey :)
Audrey (KeyGypsy) says
I really enjoyed reading this post. Too often do people not seek out therapy for fear of judgment or labeling when in reality, we all need a little help sometimes.
Audrey (KeyGypsy) recently posted…Currently Wanderlusting… The Caribbean
Brittany says
I’m glad that you enjoyed this! I think you’re right; there’s a stigma associated with seeking therapy. From what I’ve seen, however, those who actively seek restoration are generally happier and more fulfilled people. A lot of times the stigma keeps people from seeking help until the damage is pretty severe. You’re right; we all need a little help at times. I’m just hoping to let people know that therapy can be part of a healthy life. It doesn’t mean you’re life is falling apart or you’re out of control. Thanks for stopping by!