Exposing the Darkness: How Assessment Can Reveal the Unseen Influences Behind Mental Health Struggle

Categories: AACC BLOG

by Dr. Natalie Atwell

In counseling, we assess several factors at the beginning of the counseling process and throughout to monitor progress, accurately diagnose, and aid in the treatment of clients. Yet, in recent years, I’ve begun uncovering some unusually dark factors that many assessments miss.

I’ve started to ask clients about their online activity, video game preferences, dark sexual behaviors, use of psychedelics, Reiki, and involvement in new age or other so-called spiritual practices that Scripture forbids. As a result of discussions with other clinicians in my practice and client disclosures, I developed an assessment tool to help identify what most Christians would consider to be “dark practices” or pathways through which the enemies of God can influence humans. The results have been fascinating.

We are finding that many clients, even Christian ones, are engaging in what Scripture calls the deeds of darkness. Some of my clients have used crystals to help with marriage problems; others have tried psychedelics to heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Others, mainly children, are playing video games that involve Ouija boards, witchcraft, and other forms of divination. I, and many other Christian clinicians, believe there’s a link between these behaviors and anxiety, relational conflict, sleep disturbances, and depression.

In this age of increasing darkness, it is vital to obey Ephesians 5:11 (ESV): “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Once a counseling relationship has been established and a counselor believes that more may be contributing to a client’s problems than has already been assessed, my “Other Influences Assessment” can help expose dark deeds that are manifesting as mental health concerns. Through this assessment, many of my clients who were stuck in maladaptive patterns found deeper answers that led to freedom. Others are beginning to learn how “forbidden” practices have been harming them.

As our culture’s interest in spirituality grows, clinicians need to understand what this may include, and much of it is not positive, outside of Biblical beliefs and practices. Dark forces, as described in Ephesians 6, are exploiting this openness. Intentional assessment is one way we can bring these influences to light and expose darkness.

As our culture’s interest in spirituality grows, clinicians must understand that of the spiritual forces at play, many of them are demonic. The dark forces described in Ephesians 6 are exploiting people’s open-mindedness and causing severe mental health problems—and intentional assessment is one way for counselors to identify these influences correctly. Exposing darkness is not easy for mental health professionals or even pastoral counselors. Still, Scripture is clear: we need to expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

As Christian counselors, we are often on the front lines of spiritual warfare, but we do not work from a place of fear. Christ has already triumphed over the powers of darkness; the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the hearts of believers, and the Word of God is living and able to expose what is false, bringing people into the truth. Our role is to pay attention—to assess not only symptoms and behavior, but the beliefs, identities, and patterns that may be rooted in deception or despair.

As you counsel, pay attention to where darkness hides—in beliefs, in patterns, in shame—and gently bring those places into the light of God’s truth, so those you serve can walk in real hope, healing, and freedom.

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Insightful and personal with an intense desire to find biblical answers to mental health concerns, Dr. Natalie Atwell brings over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. From her role as a practice owner and clinical director to her educational endeavors in college teaching, Dr. Atwell has been able to encourage individuals, groups, and organizations by sharing hope and healing from God’s word.

Currently, she leads a private counseling practice in the Charlotte, NC, metro area and enjoys teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Liberty University in the clinical mental health and school counseling programs. She is committed to serving her community, serving on her local county Human Trafficking Task Force, and collaborating with several non-profits.