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Are You Spiritually Stuck?

Understanding Spiritual Warfare and the Role of Christian Counseling

Have you ever felt like something held you back? Like you’re somehow stuck spiritually? No matter how hard you tried to move forward, you couldn’t. Maybe you’ve worked through past trauma, forgiven others, and sought help, but you still feel spiritually stuck. This may not just be emotional or psychological. It could be a spiritual foothold.

Let’s explore what this means and how Christian counseling, rooted in spiritual warfare principles, can help you find freedom.

What Is a Spiritual Stronghold?

A spiritual stronghold is a concept within a Christian context that refers to a mindset, thought pattern, or belief system deeply entrenched and hindering a person’s spiritual growth and relationship with God. It’s often described as a fortified place in the mind where negative thoughts, lies, and destructive behaviors reside, making them difficult to overcome. Here are some key aspects of spiritual strongholds:

    • Entrenched Thought Patterns: Strongholds are not fleeting thoughts but deeply ingrained ways of thinking that have become habitual and resistant to change.
    • Rooted in Lies: They are often built upon false beliefs or misinterpretations of truth, which can stem from past experiences, trauma, or external influences.
    • Obstacles to Spiritual Growth: Strongholds create barriers that prevent individuals from fully experiencing God’s love, living in freedom, and fulfilling their spiritual potential.
    • Areas of Influence: Strongholds can manifest in various areas of a person’s life, including their emotions, relationships, behaviors, and identity.

Biblical Perspective for Spiritual Growth

The term “stronghold” is derived from biblical references, particularly in 2 Corinthians 10:4, where the Apostle Paul speaks of “the weapons of our warfare” being used to demolish strongholds. In this context, strongholds are seen as arguments and pretensions that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.

  • Examples of Spiritual Strongholds
    • Fear and Anxiety: A persistent belief that danger is always present, leading to excessive worry and hindering faith.
    • Addictions: A dependence on substances or behaviors to cope with pain or emptiness, creating a cycle of bondage.
    • Pride and Self-Righteousness: An inflated sense of self-importance that prevents humility and submission to God’s will.
    • Doubt and Unbelief: A habitual questioning of God’s existence, goodness, or promises, hindering spiritual growth.
    • Resentment and Unforgiveness: A deep-seated bitterness towards others that poisons relationships and blocks healing.

 

  • Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds
    • Recognizing and Identifying: Becoming aware of the specific thought patterns and beliefs that constitute the stronghold.
    • Renewing the Mind: Replacing lies with the truth of God’s Word through Scripture and prayer.
    • Spiritual Warfare: Actively resisting the enemy’s influence and taking authority over negative thoughts and emotions.
    • Community Support: Seeking help and encouragement from other believers who can provide accountability and prayer.
    • Surrender and Dependence on God: Acknowledging one’s own powerlessness and relying on the Holy Spirit to break the stronghold.

Little slips of paper that ask "Are You Ok?"

Spiritual Oppression Feels Like Being Stuck

You’ve prayed, fasted, and sought help, but your wheels keep spinning in the same place. That’s a sign of spiritual oppression. Traditional counseling may help you manage symptoms, but spiritual oppression requires spiritual tools (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Breaking Free: Dismantling the Traumas and Strongholds

At Are You Ready Counseling, we confront strongholds head-on with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That means:

  • Prayer and discernment
  • Renouncing lies and curses
  • Forgiveness
  • Replacing false beliefs with biblical truth

Jesus said,

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Once we remove the foothold, the enemy must leave. No access means no control.

What If It Doesn’t Leave Right Away?

Sometimes, freedom takes layers. Healing is a process. If freedom doesn’t happen immediately, God has more to uncover and heal. That’s why having a trained, Spirit-filled counselor walk with you is essential.

Understanding the Bigger Picture: Spiritual Warfare

While many believers are familiar with the “armor of God” from Ephesians 6, it’s more than just a children’s Bible lesson—it’s real battle gear.

Righteousness protects your heart, faith shields you from enemy lies, and truth holds everything together. God’s Word is your weapon in this battle where the enemy aims to make you doubt God’s goodness, question your identity, fall into temptation, isolate from others, and lose hope. You were created to be a Christian warrior – rooted in truth, walking in authority, and walking in God’s purposes.

Recognizing a Spiritual Attack

Spiritual warfare can manifest in many ways:

  • Intense arguments in relationships without a clear cause
  • Disruption before ministry events
  • Financial troubles that hit suddenly and strategically
  • A heavy cloud of confusion, depression, or fear

Often, when you’re on the verge of a breakthrough, the enemy ramps up resistance. These aren’t coincidences—they’re battles. (See Ephesians 6:12.)

How Christian Counseling Helps

At Are You Ready Counseling, we offer more than just mental health support; we provide biblical guidance and preparation to walk out God’s purpose for you and your life. We help you recognize spiritual patterns, identify the lies you may believe, equip yourself with the tools of Scripture and prayer, and learn how to stand firm and confidently advance your spiritual journey.

    • Could You Benefit from Spiritual Warfare Counseling?

      You might benefit from spiritual warfare counseling if you’re experiencing repeated patterns of feeling stuck, overwhelming fear, anxiety, or confusion, a persistent emotional heaviness, difficulty connecting with God, the pain of church hurt or spiritual abuse, or feelings of shame, isolation, or self-condemnation. These experiences can indicate that you’re facing spiritual warfare, and you don’t have to navigate them on your own.

    • Approach to Healing

      1. Heal the Wounds: We identify and address the roots of your pain with God’s truth and grace.
      2. Challenge the Lies: We help uncover toxic beliefs and lies affecting your spirit and emotions.
      3. Replace with Truth: You’ll learn to see yourself as God sees you—restored, redeemed, and deeply loved.

Finding Spiritual Victory

With guidance grounded in biblical truth and practical tools, you can experience profound healing and transformation. Don’t be held back or remain spiritually stuck any longer. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We are here to help you effectively use your spiritual resources and walk in the freedom that Jesus Christ offers.

 

Why Choose Are You Ready Counseling?

Online Christian Counseling

You may have concerns:

“Can a counselor truly help me through a phone or computer?”
  • Healing from emotional pain requires both knowing and being known. True change occurs through relationships. Therapy provides a safe place to be understood when you feel isolated. It is a temporary space for learning, growth, and practicing new ways of thinking and living.
“Will you understand what I’m going through over a screen?”
  • The first session focuses on listening. The beauty of being online is that facial expressions and posture are still very readable. I listen and observe too deeply to understand your unique struggles and their origins. Proverbs 18:13 states, “If one answers before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” I will listen first. Then, we will collaborate to chart the right course forward.
“Will I depend on a stranger forever?”
  • I consider myself a solution-focused therapist. I do not want to draw your struggles out as much as you want to address them. However, the duration of therapy varies. Some experience relief after a few sessions; others take more support. The goal remains constant: to facilitate your growth and obtain peace. Christian counseling emphasizes deepening your relationship with God, applying His principles, and seeking His guidance to overcome life’s challenges.
“Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?”
  • Let me assure you: it is. As a fully licensed and insurance-recognized therapist, I offer the same professional expertise and compassionate care online as I do in a traditional office setting. The only difference is the setting. Research consistently demonstrates that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns. You will receive the same quality of care, dedication to your well-being, and integration of biblical wisdom, all from the comfort and convenience of your own space.

 

Ready to Take the First Step?

My name is Jane Perkins.  I am the owner of Are You Ready Counseling, offering ONLINE Christ-centered, biblical counsel to those struggling with emotional pain, mental health challenges, spiritual confusion, or loneliness. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck. I offer a FREE 20-minute consultation to ask questions with no obligation. I invite you to explore the possibility of faith-based healing through our online Christian counseling services – Be Counseled Biblically.

Contact Me:

I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on your emotional and spiritual well-being path.

Take the First Step

You were not created to fight alone. If you’re ready to confront spiritual oppression and walk in healing, we’re ready to help.

📖 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11

🗨️ Let’s Talk

Do you want to learn more about Spiritual Warfare?

I Feel Like the Devil is Attacking Me!

Counseling Includes Spiritual Battles

Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Christian Counselor’s Perspective

Spiritual Warfare: Truth or Fiction?

Understanding Strongholds