Finding a Therapist Who Understands Your Faith and Values | Amelia Mora Mars, LMFT

For many Christian women, faith isn’t just something we practice on Sundays. It’s woven into the way we raise our children, make decisions, and find meaning in our struggles. When we seek a therapist, we don’t just want someone skilled; we want someone who truly understands. Someone who respects the role that God plays in our lives and who can hold space for both our faith and our pain.

I remember being that woman, a young mother, overwhelmed, trying to hold everything together on the outside while quietly breaking on the inside. I finally decided to begin therapy, and by God’s grace, I found an incredible Christian therapist. She didn’t just listen; she understood my heart. She supported me, challenged me, and helped me see that faith and healing aren’t separate journeys; they walk hand in hand.

As a child, I saw God as distant and punitive. I grew up believing that mistakes deserved punishment, not grace. So much of my healing came from learning that God isn’t waiting to strike us down, He’s waiting to draw us near. My therapist helped me see grace in a way I never had before. That kind of healing takes place in a relationship where you feel safe enough to be honest, where your faith isn’t questioned but is instead honored.

Because my mother had been harsh, I also needed someone who could model compassion. I didn’t need another critic; I needed an example of gentleness. In therapy, I began to understand that compassion and truth can coexist. It’s possible to be challenged and comforted at the same time.

For many Christian women, the idea of opening up can feel uncomfortable. We’re used to being the ones who hold everything together, who pray for everyone else, who stay strong no matter what. But healing begins when we allow ourselves to be seen. I was such a private person; I didn’t like to share details about my life, but deep down I knew that the only way I could grow was to let someone in. Vulnerability doesn’t come easily, but in the right space, it becomes a doorway to freedom.

Trust is the foundation of therapy. It’s of little benefit to sit across from someone if you feel like you have to hold back or hide parts of yourself out of fear of being judged. The right therapist will earn your trust, not demand it. They’ll meet you where you are, with empathy, understanding, and respect for your faith.

If you’re a Christian woman considering therapy, I want you to know this: I’ve been in your shoes. I understand how important it is to find someone who shares your values, honors your beliefs, and helps you grow in both faith and wholeness. Therapy doesn’t weaken faith; it deepens it. It gives you the tools to live out the peace, grace, and strength you’ve always believed in.

And if you’re ready to take that step, know that healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about finding a safe space where your faith and your story can work together toward the restoration God always intended for you.