Walking in Freedom: How to Break Out of Emotional Cages | Steadfast Christian Counseling Charleston SC
Introduction
Life has a way of putting us on autopilot. Maybe it’s insecurity, shame, or an old story you’ve believed about yourself since childhood. These patterns can feel familiar—even comfortable—but they can also keep you caged.
At Steadfast Christian Counseling in Charleston, SC, we believe you were created for more than survival. You were created for freedom. In this blog, adapted from The Steadfast Podcast, counselor Jessie Evans explores how to move from reactivity to agency, recognize the “emotional cages” you may be living in, and step into the freedom God has already given you.
What Are Emotional Cages?
Emotional cages are the habits, insecurities, or old wounds that keep us stuck. They can look like:
- Doubting your ability to make decisions.
- Carrying shame from past experiences.
- Believing negative labels you’ve internalized: “I’m clumsy. I can’t be trusted. I’ll never change.”
These cages feel safe because they’re familiar, but they prevent us from living in the fullness of life.
Moving from Reactivity to Agency
We often think of “reactivity” as how we respond to other people, but it’s also about how we live our lives. Many of us habitually fall back into old patterns without even noticing.
Agency means exercising your God-given choice. It means noticing those patterns and deciding, “I don’t have to live like this anymore.”
At Steadfast Christian Counseling, we help clients make this shift—from reactive patterns rooted in shame or fear to intentional choices grounded in freedom and security.
Boundaries: Small Choices That Lead to Change
Author Sheila Wray Gregoire reminds us: “Change is totally possible, and it often happens with small decisions.”
As therapists, we see this truth lived out in boundaries. Each time you say “no” to an old cage and “yes” to a healthier pattern, you are strengthening the muscle of agency. Over time, those small steps create lasting freedom.
Faith and Freedom
The Bible tells us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
That doesn’t mean life will be easy. Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble.” But he also promised, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”
As Jessie shares on the podcast:
“Holy Spirit is the regulated brain for us. There’s a calmness in the Trinity that we can co-regulate with.”
This is the picture of a secure parent who helps us stay calm and grounded, even when life feels overwhelming.
Practical Steps Toward Freedom
If you want to step out of your cages, start here:
- Identify them. Ask: Where am I living in shame, fear, or insecurity?
- Define freedom. Make a list: What does freedom look like emotionally, mentally, spiritually, relationally?
- Practice boundaries. Say “no” to unhealthy patterns and “yes” to agency.
- Get support. Therapy can help you untangle the “spaghetti bowl” of old hurts and habits so you can live with clarity.
Conclusion
You don’t have to live caged. You have the authority to throw off the labels and habits that keep you small.
At Steadfast Christian Counseling in Charleston, SC, our team of compassionate Christian counselors would love to walk with you as you explore freedom, set boundaries, and build security in your life and relationships.
👉 Contact Steadfast Christian Counseling in Charleston today to take your first step toward freedom.
Listen to this week’s Episode below.
