In Part 1 of this series, we investigated the relationship between the mind and the brain. While biblical thought replacement and mind renewal are the keys to true and lasting transformation, the use of medications, whether labeled psychotropic or not, is widespread among Christians and non-Christians alike. This should lead us to ask practical questions and to look to Scripture for answers so that we can live accordingly.

Question: If we are to be transformed by the inner man, why should I even consider counseling someone who is on medication/about the use of medication?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”. I Corinthians 10:31

Conclusion: Do what glorifies God, which may include using medicine.

The controversy around taking psychotropic medication should be boiled down to the following argument: Today, make the choice that most presently glorifies God. Tomorrow, do the same.

God’s plan for each of our lives is to glorify Him in all we do and become evermore conformed into the image of His Son (1 Cor 10:31; Rom 8:28-29). Therefore, we must choose what would allow us to do so today in both our body and our mind. Glorifying God in our mind looks essentially the same for all of us and our counselees—it is putting on the mind of Christ according to principles and truths found in the Bible. Glorifying God in our bodies, however, may look different. For many, the physical choices may be obvious, although often overlooked- exercise, proper nutrition, proper sleep, forging accountability and connection in community. Some, however, cannot make these physical choices or process Biblical truth without the use of psychotropic medication. It may be akin to a patient or counselee with chronic pain. The pain may be so debilitating that the person cannot focus, sleep, or eat, much less exercise, go to church, or read the Bible. In these cases, taking pain medication until the root cause of pain can be treated or the pain is under control is arguably the best option for this person. The same can be said for some with such debilitating conditions, such as dangerous intrusive thoughts. The use of psychotropic medications is arguably the best option for such patients/counselees, because it gives opportunity for the other work (both physical and spiritual) to be done.

Dr. Greg Gifford summarizes this in his book, “Lies My Therapist Told Me”.

“…a person must utilize that medication while acknowledging that the medication is not treating their mind, but rather is influencing their brain (or body) in such a way that it seems to be immediately helpful, making it easier for them to glorify God with their mind. The end. It can be as simple as that.”

Counselors and counselees alike must understand that medications should always, only be given by and maintained under the watchful care of a licensed healthcare provider. Further, Biblical counselors ought never give instruction, however well-intentioned and researched, to counselees regarding medication, including but not limited to initiating, dosing, or weaning said medication.

Question: Why should a Biblical counselor address the physical concerns of counselees? How should physical health even be approached within Biblical counseling? 

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
I Corinthians 6:19-20

 Conclusion: Neither physical nor spiritual health should be neglected; God calls us to care for both.

We have repeatedly established that while physical (including brain) issues can affect one’s behavior, transformation can only happen from the inside out. However, we would be remiss to not acknowledge that God desires for us to glorify Him from the outside in as well. Some of the basic principles of Biblical counseling surround input (of the Word), output (in service and worship), and accountability. Although to a lesser degree, the same principles hold true when extended to physical issues – input (regarding nutrition), output (regarding exercise), and accountability (with a licensed healthcare provider).

Proper nutrition is neither over-eating, under-eating, extreme-eating, nor jumping on a fad diet’s bandwagon. Because everyone’s nutritional needs and accessibility are different, the discussion around nutrition ought to be about being balanced and mindful in one’s approach to food and drink.

Regarding exercise, the concept should be purposeful muscular exertion. The physiological benefits of exercise are well-known and include improved heart health, better quality of sleep, hormonal boosts, and the body’s increased capacity to utilize oxygen and produce energy. Increasing strength and sustaining mobility and muscle function should be the goals; the modes may differ widely — Winston Churchill fought his depression by laying 200 bricks a day!

Every counselee should have a health accountability partner or advocate in their healthcare provider. Transparency in the provider-patient relationship is vitally important; like an advocate or accountability partner, there must be a good fit, trust, and commitment between both parties. Wherever possible, counselees should establish care with a local healthcare provider before or at the beginning of the counseling process. Discussions with this provider should encompass medications, supplements, nutrition, exercise, blood work, as well as past and present medical issues.

God calls us to care for our physical bodies in addition to the spirit of our inner man. Therefore, nutrition, exercise, and healthcare ought to be standard topics of discussion throughout the Biblical counseling process. In addition to Bible/Word-work, counselees must be engaged in consistent, intentional body/health-work as well!

As you intentionally think through these weighty matters of the mind, the body, and medicine, it is my hope that these questions and conclusions, while nowhere near exhaustive, will help serve as a springboard for formulating biblical and informed perspectives.