Why Missionaries Need Therapy
Jesus many times intimated that following Him will have a high cost. In the book of Matthew, he will tell his followers , “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Losing one’s life. When we meet missionaries and hear their stories, we get an idea of what he meant. The decision to be a missionary was a decision to lose so much: Regular jobs and predictable pay, holidays with friends and family, rhythms that brought comfort, the language you grew up with, the place you call ‘home.’
But how can we lose our life for Jesus without losing our mind, or our sense of self?
How can we be emotionally healthy people, driven by love instead of exhaustion and burnout? After one of these journeys, how can we ‘count the cost’ it has taken and seek healing + wholeness?
While the mission field offers opportunities for growth and service, it also presents unique emotional and psychological hurdles, which most often go unaddressed during and after.
The Hidden Struggles of Missionary Work
The call to missionary life really Missionaries often face the stress of adapting to new cultures, languages, and living conditions. This massive adjustment can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and homesickness. The demands of ministry, coupled with cultural transitions, often resultin burnout or spiritual fatigue. Families, in particular, navigate the complexities of raising children between home and the mission field, adding another layer of emotional strain.
Comprehensive Support for Missionaries
Recognizing these challenges, New Ground Counseling offers specialized services tailored for missionaries, addressing:
Pre-Field Preparation & Support: Counseling to help missionaries and their families prepare emotionally and psychologically for life on the mission field, addressing cultural transitions and family dynamics.
Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy: Personal counseling to process feelings of isolation, stress, and burnout, and to navigate cultural adaptation, identity struggles, and spiritual doubts.
Re-Entry Counseling & Recovery: Support for missionaries transitioning back to their home country, tackling reverse culture shock, identity re-adjustment, and reintegration into a different cultural and societal context.
Meet Taru Barrett: Counselor to Missionaries
Taru Barrett, a former missionary with experience living in multiple cultures, brings a deep understanding of the missionary journey. Fluent in Finnish and English, Taru has worked closely with immigrants, refugees, and fellow missionaries. Her passion lies in supporting missionaries as they face the unique challenges of their calling, helping them thrive emotionally and mentally.
Taking the First Step Towards Healing
If you're a missionary seeking support, New Ground Counseling offers a simple three-step process:
Contact: Go to our Get Started Page to schedule a free consultation.
Connect: A counselor will work with you to schedule your sessions.
Heal: Begin your journey towards growth and healing!
Prioritizing mental health is crucial for missionaries to continue their work effectively. With the right support, it's possible to navigate the emotional complexities of missionary life and find renewed strength in your calling.
For more information, visit New Ground Counseling's Missionaries Page.