Everybody sees therapy differently. The word “therapy” actually comes from the Greek word “therapeuein,” which means to “minister to” or “to treat medically” (1). Accordingly, we all have our own outlets where we find we can minister to our needs. For some, that may be exercise. For others, that may be venting to a family member or a friend. Still, for others such as the rapper NF, that may be working on their craft, as showcased in the song “Therapy Session.”
Regardless, it is important that we cope with our stress in an appropriate, undamaging way, such as those stated above. There are too many false avenues to reduce stress that actually have the reverse effect. Such are the counterfeit paths that promise satisfaction, but deliver pain.
“WE MUST NOT LET THE FORGERIES INTERFERE WITH WHAT HAS PROVEN TO BE AUTHENTIC THROUGH ALL TIMES AND IN EVERY CASE: TRUSTING THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR.”
Such a paradigm is inconsistent with how we view every other area of life. For example, let’s say that someone named Daniel is experiencing shoulder pain. As a result, he seeks care from a physical therapist. Daniel believes that if he attends his scheduled sessions, and does the prescribed exercises, his shoulder will get better. If, however, he feels better during the actual session, but worse soon after, and the pain only seems to get worse over time, why would he continue seeking healing from the same method? He would either seek help from another physical therapist or would seek other avenues for restoration. We see this clear as day in this type of scenario, but this principle oftentimes becomes foggy when applied to the overall human condition. Due to this, we should take principles from physical therapy, and apply them in a holistic way. In doing so, we can gain a lot of insight into how restoration can be achieved.
1. Learning. All of life involves teaching and learning. Learning is a lifelong process, and this can undoubtedly be attested to by medical professionals all across the board. A doctor has to learn from their patient, and the patient has to learn from their doctor. Being a student pursuing a career in physical therapy, I know that all of the time spent in school is only going to be the beginning of the educational process. It is something that we should all embrace no matter which trail we have come from or to which trail we are headed on this mountain.
2. Collaboration/Communication. A physical therapist can scheme up the best treatment plan in the world; but, without being able to properly communicate it to their patient, it is of little value. Like building legos as kids, nothing was going to get done right if the instructions were not clear.
3. Consistency. Any doctor, including a physical therapist, would tell you that your injury will take time to heal. Restoring movement after something like a rotator cuff tear will not happen overnight. However, with proper treatment and dedication, the body can be restored back to health in many cases. The most underappreciated factor in any program or approach to any challenge is time because it provides consistency the proper place on the shelf.
Whatever your “therapy sessions” may look like, there is much that can be learned with how we treat our bodies and view the practice of physical therapy. With the mind-body relationship being so interwoven and complex, we should not treat it lightly. When one part suffers, all of the others suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26-27). If the body hurts, the mind is preoccupied. If the mind hurts, the body is preoccupied. Thankfully, on the other side of the coin, if one part can be restored, the whole can benefit. There are a multitude of counterfeit avenues that promise effective therapy, but lead to such things as addiction. We must not let the forgeries interfere with what has proven to be authentic through all times and in every case: trusting the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).
So enjoyed reading this and so very true.