Counsel #21 — Overcoming With Support

Picture: Counsel #21 — Overcoming With SupportCLi 108.1

Overcoming pornography use requires seeking professional help, which is an important first step toward healing and personal growth. Although speaking to a therapist at times carries a negative stigma, sometimes the addictive behavior is too powerful to deal with on your own. Therapists - especially ones who specialize in addiction or behavior therapy - will help you with strategies on how to manage triggers and build healthier habits.^{[100]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/i-finally-got-help/}CLi 108.2

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool that therapists use to help individuals change negative thought patterns while simultaneously introducing new, positive coping mechanisms. Support groups or faith-based counseling can also offer community-based accountability, which reinforces the mind on the goal of recovery. Aside from professional help, godly counsel by a pastor or Christian mentor will also benefit someone who’s struggling in secret. Through total reliance on God’s power and recognizing our own inability to conquer sin in our own strength, any person—and that includes you! —can rebuild their life, restore and regain a sense of purpose and self-worth.CLi 108.3

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14 NIVCLi 108.4

“We must use the intelligence that God has given in order that we may be perfect in body, soul, and spirit, that we may have a symmetrical character, a well-balanced mind, and do perfect work for the Master.” Ellen White in Our Father Cares, p. 124CLi 108.5

Reflect: Why might it be important to seek professional help sometimes, in addition to godly counsel?CLi 108.6