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Lies My Therapist Told Me: Why Christians Should Aim for More Than Just Treating Symptoms – A Biblical Critique of Secular Psychology and Hope for True Healing
From beloved Christian counselor, professor, and podcaster Greg Gifford comes a bold critique of the mental health establishment. Therapy can backfire and fail, but Christ offers more.
Too many people are caught in a vicious cycle of visiting every doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist in their area only to find frustrating labels and numbing medications at the end of each path. Rather than eradicating anxiety in the same way vaccines conquered smallpox, the mental health establishment has seen the number of diagnoses and prescriptions skyrocket on its watch.
How did we get here? And does Christianity have any answers for this mental health crisis?
In Lies My Therapist Told Me, Dr. Greg Gifford delivers the definitive Christian critique of secular psychiatry and psychology. He shows how mental health culture spreads beliefs that misinform our understanding of ourselves and our issues, and he debunks popular myths such as:
We feel and act the way we do because the body keeps the scores of trauma
Addiction is a disease
If you improve your brain health, your mind will follow
Medications can heal your soul
Every abnormal or sinful behavior is caused by a mental disorder
These ideas, though common, are ultimately unhelpful because they are based on unbiblical assumptions. Gifford brings clarity where secular therapy has created confusion, and offers hope even for those struggling with the hard cases. Through deep research, biblical teaching, and the inspiring stories of real counselees, he shows why we can’t blame the past —or even a diagnosis— for our bad behavior, and why our society’s growing unhappiness is not primarily a medical issue.
With a foreword by Todd Friel of Wretched Radio, this book is a must-read for counselors and counselees alike. You can read all the mental health research in the world, but you still won’t learn God’s answers for winning the battles in your mind. Lies My Therapist Told Me is a powerful, cutting-edge argument that the supernatural wisdom of the Bible is truly enough for every need.
Too many people are caught in a vicious cycle of visiting every doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist in their area only to find frustrating labels and numbing medications at the end of each path. Rather than eradicating anxiety in the same way vaccines conquered smallpox, the mental health establishment has seen the number of diagnoses and prescriptions skyrocket on its watch.
How did we get here? And does Christianity have any answers for this mental health crisis?
In Lies My Therapist Told Me, Dr. Greg Gifford delivers the definitive Christian critique of secular psychiatry and psychology. He shows how mental health culture spreads beliefs that misinform our understanding of ourselves and our issues, and he debunks popular myths such as:
We feel and act the way we do because the body keeps the scores of trauma
Addiction is a disease
If you improve your brain health, your mind will follow
Medications can heal your soul
Every abnormal or sinful behavior is caused by a mental disorder
These ideas, though common, are ultimately unhelpful because they are based on unbiblical assumptions. Gifford brings clarity where secular therapy has created confusion, and offers hope even for those struggling with the hard cases. Through deep research, biblical teaching, and the inspiring stories of real counselees, he shows why we can’t blame the past —or even a diagnosis— for our bad behavior, and why our society’s growing unhappiness is not primarily a medical issue.
With a foreword by Todd Friel of Wretched Radio, this book is a must-read for counselors and counselees alike. You can read all the mental health research in the world, but you still won’t learn God’s answers for winning the battles in your mind. Lies My Therapist Told Me is a powerful, cutting-edge argument that the supernatural wisdom of the Bible is truly enough for every need.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published May 27, 2025
93 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 5, 2025
When I started the book, I had this preconceived notion that it would be very similar to Abigail Shrier’s “Bad Therapy,” but I was very pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Greg Gifford does spend time talking through some of the harms of secular therapy, but he spends most of his time in the book explaining the importance of differentiating between the mind and the brain as the Bible talks about the inner and the outer man. His focus on how the inner man must be renewed via the gospel and the Bible was incredibly refreshing.
He was very careful to not completely just throw all psychotropic medications out the window but also was very careful to make sure that someone is carefully thinking through the why they are taking them which honestly reminded me a lot of the chapter on medication in “A Still and Quiet Mind” by Esther Smith who takes a very similar stance on medication.
I’d recommend this book to any Christian. It’s a surprisingly easy read, and he’s very thoughtful on how he approaches very difficult topics. It just helps you think through the therapeutic language that we’ve all been swimming in for so long, and what the Bible teaches about the mind.
He was very careful to not completely just throw all psychotropic medications out the window but also was very careful to make sure that someone is carefully thinking through the why they are taking them which honestly reminded me a lot of the chapter on medication in “A Still and Quiet Mind” by Esther Smith who takes a very similar stance on medication.
I’d recommend this book to any Christian. It’s a surprisingly easy read, and he’s very thoughtful on how he approaches very difficult topics. It just helps you think through the therapeutic language that we’ve all been swimming in for so long, and what the Bible teaches about the mind.
October 17, 2025
The basic premise of the difference between the brain (material) and the mind (immaterial) sounds good. And I utterly agree with the responsibility of Christians to renew our minds with the Word of God, and plant it deep within our hearts. However, as an autistic person, I am deeply troubled by the claims that ADHD doesn’t exist, and is down to sin (either of the child or adult themselves or their parents). There are too many overlaps between autism and ADHD, too many similar traits, and too much of a similar pattern between children who are clearly born autistic and those diagnosed with ADHD for this to be explained so simplistically. When you see the extreme anxiety exhibited by a baby who later is diagnosed with ADHD, I don’t understand how somebody can think that this is a sin? This book left me sad at the lack of understanding at the broad range of overlapping neurodivergent traits (such as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) by a medical doctor. The brain and the mind are both so complex, and I don’t believe that there can be such a clear division. God made us, and only He truly understands our brains and our minds. And yes we are all sinners. But this book left me confused and really sad.
June 17, 2025
So much food for thought in this book. As a Christian who has done therapy twice (a six month stint in 2017 and a nine month run in 2021), I can anecdotally say that I think Greg E. Gifford is hitting on some important truths around the idea of treating mental health as a brain issue when in point of fact, it’s about the mind (inner man). Namely in my case that when I tried to treat my symptoms with self actualization and analyzation rather than asking myself, “What does God have to say in His Word about my feelings and experiences,” I became more self absorbed and truthfully almost ruined multiple relationships. While counseling, diagnosis, and medication have their place, this book uncovers the inconsistencies within psychiatric practice and asks really good questions about why we keep running after secular therapy when it doesn’t appear to be actually solving the problem of mental health. I know this book will be controversial but I think for the Christian, particularly one who might be struggling with anxiety, it’s a book worth reading; the worst that could happen is that you argue and disagree with the premise.
February 4, 2026
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs an introduction to the faultiness of secular counseling and the sufficiency of God’s word to help us in the issues of our hearts and minds. He does a great job of separating between the mind and the brain, which you must agree with to benefit from the rest of the book.
However, I did find that it was very similar to other introductory biblical counseling books and is close to my own experiences with secular therapy, even someone who is a Christian LPC.
Would be a great read for someone who is new to the topic as it is detailed, palatable, and most importantly, biblical.
However, I did find that it was very similar to other introductory biblical counseling books and is close to my own experiences with secular therapy, even someone who is a Christian LPC.
Would be a great read for someone who is new to the topic as it is detailed, palatable, and most importantly, biblical.
February 22, 2026
I really loved this book. I listened to the audiobook, but now I feel like I need a physical copy just so I can underline everything that stood out to me. It really encouraged me to be even more intentional about renewing my mind with Scripture. I was reminded how much influence my thoughts have over my body, and that gave me a fresh motivation to stay grounded in truth.
January 24, 2026
A solid intro to and argument for Biblical counseling.
The core argument is that the mind ≠ brain. The mind is immaterial and the brain is material. But, secular therapies and medications have treated problems with the mind (immaterial) as if they are physical/chemical problems with the brain (material). This is most famously represented in the now-debunked 'Chemical Imbalance Theory'.
From here, Gifford correctly argues that the only true and ultimate fix for our mind is God's own truth and the work of the Holy Spirit. We should try and keep our physical brain's healthy, but should not think that the struggles in our minds are physical problems when they are our responsibility to fight.
What's most refreshing about this book is how unrelentingly biblical it is. Gifford doesn't only offer a take that's biblically accurate, he takes great pains to show that his arguments arise naturally from the text of Scripture.
It would get 5-stars if not for repetitiveness. It takes Gifford far to long to make some points and he'll often make those points several times. I'd also argue that he slightly caricatures certain things that he disagrees with (like CBT). Lastly, he writes in an overly conversational tone that irks me.
Still, I'd joyfully recommend this book!
The core argument is that the mind ≠ brain. The mind is immaterial and the brain is material. But, secular therapies and medications have treated problems with the mind (immaterial) as if they are physical/chemical problems with the brain (material). This is most famously represented in the now-debunked 'Chemical Imbalance Theory'.
From here, Gifford correctly argues that the only true and ultimate fix for our mind is God's own truth and the work of the Holy Spirit. We should try and keep our physical brain's healthy, but should not think that the struggles in our minds are physical problems when they are our responsibility to fight.
What's most refreshing about this book is how unrelentingly biblical it is. Gifford doesn't only offer a take that's biblically accurate, he takes great pains to show that his arguments arise naturally from the text of Scripture.
It would get 5-stars if not for repetitiveness. It takes Gifford far to long to make some points and he'll often make those points several times. I'd also argue that he slightly caricatures certain things that he disagrees with (like CBT). Lastly, he writes in an overly conversational tone that irks me.
Still, I'd joyfully recommend this book!
January 7, 2026
Thoughtful, helpful, and well researched, Dr. Gifford explains the ways psychology falls short of truly healing people who are struggling. He compares what wisdom the world can offer with the hope-filled wisdom found in Scripture. His book is balanced and gentle, funny and thought provoking. A helpful tool for a Biblical Counselor, for someone who’s losing faith in therapy, or for someone just curious about researching different approaches.
September 25, 2025
★★★★★★
Extra special book for 21st century.
Greg Gifford is a biblical counselor with clear and biblical view on the mental health epidemic. If your thoughts on this topic has become a muddle, this will help put things in their respective places. This book is for every christian!
Can't recommend enough!
Extra special book for 21st century.
Greg Gifford is a biblical counselor with clear and biblical view on the mental health epidemic. If your thoughts on this topic has become a muddle, this will help put things in their respective places. This book is for every christian!
Can't recommend enough!
June 14, 2025
From the conclusion:
“ Many people think about faith and salvation in a compartmentalized way. ‘Yes, Jesus help save my soul, but I need a mental health expert for the day-to-day issues.’ If this is you, let me challenge and encourage you: your view of salvation is too small. There’s so much more that the Bible offers, you can spend the rest of your life, discovering it and being transformed by it.
Jesus is not an addendum to your therapist. He doesn’t just offer positive encouragement while the psychologist or a psychiatrist does the real work. If Jesus is only role in your life, is to save you for heaven and be worshiped on Sunday morning, then you are missing out on so much more.”
This book was excellent. It’s the book I’ve been wanting for several years now. It reminds me of a biblical counseling book smashed together with “bad therapy” and “the end of trauma”.
Really thought-provoking, challenging, and encouraging. I think he handled this tough topic well.
“ Many people think about faith and salvation in a compartmentalized way. ‘Yes, Jesus help save my soul, but I need a mental health expert for the day-to-day issues.’ If this is you, let me challenge and encourage you: your view of salvation is too small. There’s so much more that the Bible offers, you can spend the rest of your life, discovering it and being transformed by it.
Jesus is not an addendum to your therapist. He doesn’t just offer positive encouragement while the psychologist or a psychiatrist does the real work. If Jesus is only role in your life, is to save you for heaven and be worshiped on Sunday morning, then you are missing out on so much more.”
This book was excellent. It’s the book I’ve been wanting for several years now. It reminds me of a biblical counseling book smashed together with “bad therapy” and “the end of trauma”.
Really thought-provoking, challenging, and encouraging. I think he handled this tough topic well.
July 17, 2025
Gifford makes an excellent case for mind transformation as the answer to the majority of “mental health” questions today. Using biblical and scientific definitions to delineate the differences between mind (spirit) and brain (body), as well as historical example, he invites us to consider that much of the modern mental health crisis could be attributed to the dramatic broadening of diagnoses and the confusion between physical and spiritual treatment.
This book is NOT a write-off of psychiatry entirely, but rather a challenge to the consensus of symptom-based diagnosis and medical treatment without physical evaluation, especially in regard to increasingly common conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sexual/gender dysphoria. He argues that we ought to question the assignment of secular medical labels like "disease" and "disorder" to normal emotional and spiritual struggles.
As a member of Gen Z who has battled with all of the above struggles in my teen years, I was fortunate to have parents, pastors, and friends who graciously kept me saturated in the Bible, and my spiritual care didn't have to be outsourced to a "pastor who is allowed to write prescriptions", as Gifford aptly describes psychiatrists.
This book has opened up discussions with Christian friends of mine who both have been helped by meds and therapy and those who have not, and although there may be variations in our initial approaches to "I think I have a mental health problem", we find common ground in the ultimate healing and transformation provided by God and His Word. None of us believe the meds and the therapy to be the final answer, and that is a hopeful sign.
My only reason for giving the book 4 stars is that it's distilling a perspective that's largely been explored in more academic biblical counseling circles, so the result is often repetitive where it otherwise might venture into too much abstraction and semantics for a lay reader. It also isn't as polemic as I expected it to be; I expected it to attack the "lies my therapist told me" more than it did, but I understand that Gifford wisely prefers to steelman his own argument in favor of strawmanning the opposition.
That said, I hope that this book becomes ubiquitous in church and personal libraries to encourage more discussion around this crucial matter of soul care, and I hope for a resulting increase in certified biblical counselors and well-equipped pastors to guide what might be the most medicated generation in history from brokenness to wholeness.
This book is NOT a write-off of psychiatry entirely, but rather a challenge to the consensus of symptom-based diagnosis and medical treatment without physical evaluation, especially in regard to increasingly common conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sexual/gender dysphoria. He argues that we ought to question the assignment of secular medical labels like "disease" and "disorder" to normal emotional and spiritual struggles.
As a member of Gen Z who has battled with all of the above struggles in my teen years, I was fortunate to have parents, pastors, and friends who graciously kept me saturated in the Bible, and my spiritual care didn't have to be outsourced to a "pastor who is allowed to write prescriptions", as Gifford aptly describes psychiatrists.
This book has opened up discussions with Christian friends of mine who both have been helped by meds and therapy and those who have not, and although there may be variations in our initial approaches to "I think I have a mental health problem", we find common ground in the ultimate healing and transformation provided by God and His Word. None of us believe the meds and the therapy to be the final answer, and that is a hopeful sign.
My only reason for giving the book 4 stars is that it's distilling a perspective that's largely been explored in more academic biblical counseling circles, so the result is often repetitive where it otherwise might venture into too much abstraction and semantics for a lay reader. It also isn't as polemic as I expected it to be; I expected it to attack the "lies my therapist told me" more than it did, but I understand that Gifford wisely prefers to steelman his own argument in favor of strawmanning the opposition.
That said, I hope that this book becomes ubiquitous in church and personal libraries to encourage more discussion around this crucial matter of soul care, and I hope for a resulting increase in certified biblical counselors and well-equipped pastors to guide what might be the most medicated generation in history from brokenness to wholeness.
March 19, 2026
Listened to the audiobook, but I 100% would get this in a hardcopy for my personal reference in the future. As someone who has struggled with mild depression, this was beautifully laid out for both sides to glean from - the counselor/therapist and the client. I felt like I better understood my personal experience along with putting words to observations I’ve had of the mental health realm, along with much I didn’t know! This was well researched, thought provoking, and educational. 10/10 recommend.
December 3, 2025
3.75*
Repetitive in many parts but still helpful and good.
Repetitive in many parts but still helpful and good.
January 17, 2026
Interesting, practical, and biblical
July 11, 2025
Dr. Gifford conveyed several excellent points within his book. He caused me to think differently about therapy, psychotropics, and addiction. I'm thankful he took the time to write this book.
I don't see much criticism of this work with other reviews, but I found myself perturbed at times with Dr. Gifford's repetitiveness. I think he could've communicated his points in about 100 pages instead of more than 300. This is my biggest gripe because I appreciate pith and brevity when I read.
Secondly, Dr. Gifford was vague on how he addressed the mind/brain distinction. This was disappointing since it's the core idea of the book. Perhaps some philosophical advisory is required to help with clearly defining what points he intended to convey. Further, he didn't remain consistent throughout the book with this distinction.
With these two criticisms, I think he handled an important topic with care (e.g. he's not a big fan of psychotropics, but he also doesn't suggest a Christian never use them). His position is nuanced and fair, given our culture and the circumstances we live in.
Overall, it's worth a read. The good Dr. concludes by reminding us of both the real power of Scripture and the hope found in Christ. Those are solid reminders and can hardly be understated, so thanks Dr. Gifford.
(I wrote this honestly and critically knowing full well Dr. Gifford may see this after all of his laborious work. My desire is not to tear down; edification is my goal.)
I don't see much criticism of this work with other reviews, but I found myself perturbed at times with Dr. Gifford's repetitiveness. I think he could've communicated his points in about 100 pages instead of more than 300. This is my biggest gripe because I appreciate pith and brevity when I read.
Secondly, Dr. Gifford was vague on how he addressed the mind/brain distinction. This was disappointing since it's the core idea of the book. Perhaps some philosophical advisory is required to help with clearly defining what points he intended to convey. Further, he didn't remain consistent throughout the book with this distinction.
With these two criticisms, I think he handled an important topic with care (e.g. he's not a big fan of psychotropics, but he also doesn't suggest a Christian never use them). His position is nuanced and fair, given our culture and the circumstances we live in.
Overall, it's worth a read. The good Dr. concludes by reminding us of both the real power of Scripture and the hope found in Christ. Those are solid reminders and can hardly be understated, so thanks Dr. Gifford.
(I wrote this honestly and critically knowing full well Dr. Gifford may see this after all of his laborious work. My desire is not to tear down; edification is my goal.)
October 5, 2025
There’s something worth discussing here, and I want to be able to have that discussion. But at the end of the day there’s too much that Gifford leaves wanting; Brain/Mind separation, Trauma, role of The Spirit. I’d put some of these chapters in the potentially dangerous category and hope that we can understand that slapping Romans 12:2 over “Mental Health” is going to hit differently for most people.
August 15, 2025
As a Christian who battled postpartum depression for many years and was on antidepressants for 8 of the last 10 years, I went into this book with my guard up. As a young Christian I developed the thinking that mental health issues & treatment were only for worldly people. When I finally admitted to myself and others that I was experiencing debilitating depression after the birth of my second child, I was told by trusted older Christians to “pray more” and “lose weight.” My midwives recommended antidepressants, which I was adamantly against. Eventually I gave them a try after I came to see that my stubbornness in refusing to try them was actually pride in my stance against them, not a Biblically supported position. By God’s grace, the medication was a tool to help me overcome my postpartum depression - a tool I needed after all of my subsequent pregnancies - and I’m always eager to share my story with new moms who may be experiencing something they were entirely unprepared for after having a child, as I was. The medication wasn’t my salvation, and my postpartum depression wasn’t an excuse for sin - but praise God for help when we find ourselves in a very bad spot in this broken world.
All that being said, this book was excellent and I would highly recommend it. The author was gracious, and not legalistic or judgmental at all. I found a lot to think about in the discussion of the mind being different from the brain. My own experience resonated with this. I could never understand how my condition was being treated as a concrete thing: unbalanced chemicals in my brain - yet those “chemicals” are unmeasurable, not exactly understood, and circumstantial things could affect them (like help with the baby, or being in the sun).
I felt this book was a good wake up call to me- it is easy to unknowingly and gradually begin to adopt the secular mental health mindset. The truth is that secular mental health experts have a darkened mind and faith in Christ actually transforms and renews our mind. This is not to be taken lightly. The author repeatedly quotes the verse - “We have the mind of Christ.”
Some favorite quotes:
“Your thoughts are a part of faithfulness as a Christian.”
“Your mind needs renewal and transformation - not self care.”
“This is truly the mind of Christ: when you think, you see yourself and this world the way God does.”
“The Bible is not one additional form of knowledge to add to an otherwise accurate world. Rather, the Bible is the authoritative source of knowledge that directs how we understand the world.”
“‘Yes,Jesus helps save my soul, but I need a mental health expert for the day to day issues.’ If this is you, let me challenge and encourage you: your view of salvation is too small… Jesus is not an addendum to your therapist.”
All that being said, this book was excellent and I would highly recommend it. The author was gracious, and not legalistic or judgmental at all. I found a lot to think about in the discussion of the mind being different from the brain. My own experience resonated with this. I could never understand how my condition was being treated as a concrete thing: unbalanced chemicals in my brain - yet those “chemicals” are unmeasurable, not exactly understood, and circumstantial things could affect them (like help with the baby, or being in the sun).
I felt this book was a good wake up call to me- it is easy to unknowingly and gradually begin to adopt the secular mental health mindset. The truth is that secular mental health experts have a darkened mind and faith in Christ actually transforms and renews our mind. This is not to be taken lightly. The author repeatedly quotes the verse - “We have the mind of Christ.”
Some favorite quotes:
“Your thoughts are a part of faithfulness as a Christian.”
“Your mind needs renewal and transformation - not self care.”
“This is truly the mind of Christ: when you think, you see yourself and this world the way God does.”
“The Bible is not one additional form of knowledge to add to an otherwise accurate world. Rather, the Bible is the authoritative source of knowledge that directs how we understand the world.”
“‘Yes,Jesus helps save my soul, but I need a mental health expert for the day to day issues.’ If this is you, let me challenge and encourage you: your view of salvation is too small… Jesus is not an addendum to your therapist.”
March 20, 2026
This phenomenal book will most likely be one of my top 5 books for the year. With great clarity and pastoral care, Dr. Gifford evaluates the current state of our therapeutic culture and examines it according to the Scriptures. If you want to know how to think biblically about mental health, this is the book for you. Two discussions in the book are helpful:
First, Dr. Gifford helps to lay out a biblical framework for how we understand the brain (which is physical and biological) and the mind (which is immaterial and spiritual). This distinction is critical for his thesis and by surveying a variety of secular sources, Dr. Gifford shows how secular psychiatry has collapsed these two concepts into one. The danger of this is that it has led to the widespread assumption that immaterial problems (I.e. mental health) can be treated with material solutions (I.e. medications). The problem with this is that the Bible clearly distinguishes between the physical and spiritual aspects of man. As Christians, we believe that the mind is a result of God giving us souls, not a result of biological processes in the brain. Therefore, afflictions of the mind must be predominantly treated by spiritual means. The scriptures call this “the renewal of the mind.” Like taking Tylenol for a toothache, medication can alleviate symptoms but it can never address the root issues of mental health.
This leads to the second major section of the book which is his discussion on treating mental health afflictions and medication. With great clarity, Dr. Gifford defends the idea that mental health is not a sickness but a sin. While this statement causes many to balk and bristle, there is actually great hope in this conclusion. If anxiety and depression are matters of sin, then there is gospel hope for redemption and renewal. It actually provides a way forward. On the other hand, if they are merely diagnoses, then there is little hope for change. Even the DSM-5 often frames treatment for mental health as managing rather than solving. Furthermore, if they are sin issues, then Christians must never turn to medication as their hope for relief. Dr. Gifford is clear that the use of medication falls within Christian liberty, but he is also clear that Christians must never become dependent on medication. ADHD medication may alleviate the symptoms enough to allow a person to focus better, but the Christian must use those moments of respite to pursue root level change. Overall I would highly recommend this book.
First, Dr. Gifford helps to lay out a biblical framework for how we understand the brain (which is physical and biological) and the mind (which is immaterial and spiritual). This distinction is critical for his thesis and by surveying a variety of secular sources, Dr. Gifford shows how secular psychiatry has collapsed these two concepts into one. The danger of this is that it has led to the widespread assumption that immaterial problems (I.e. mental health) can be treated with material solutions (I.e. medications). The problem with this is that the Bible clearly distinguishes between the physical and spiritual aspects of man. As Christians, we believe that the mind is a result of God giving us souls, not a result of biological processes in the brain. Therefore, afflictions of the mind must be predominantly treated by spiritual means. The scriptures call this “the renewal of the mind.” Like taking Tylenol for a toothache, medication can alleviate symptoms but it can never address the root issues of mental health.
This leads to the second major section of the book which is his discussion on treating mental health afflictions and medication. With great clarity, Dr. Gifford defends the idea that mental health is not a sickness but a sin. While this statement causes many to balk and bristle, there is actually great hope in this conclusion. If anxiety and depression are matters of sin, then there is gospel hope for redemption and renewal. It actually provides a way forward. On the other hand, if they are merely diagnoses, then there is little hope for change. Even the DSM-5 often frames treatment for mental health as managing rather than solving. Furthermore, if they are sin issues, then Christians must never turn to medication as their hope for relief. Dr. Gifford is clear that the use of medication falls within Christian liberty, but he is also clear that Christians must never become dependent on medication. ADHD medication may alleviate the symptoms enough to allow a person to focus better, but the Christian must use those moments of respite to pursue root level change. Overall I would highly recommend this book.
January 28, 2026
A clear-headed, compassionate, and biblical critique of secular psychology that examines how it has been damaging to many, including Christians who have adopted secular categories and assumptions. He helpfully frames secular psychology as a treatment for symptoms that fails to address the root issues of heart and mind renewal. The book's subtitle perfectly summarizes his position: Christians should aim for more than just treating symptoms.
While he makes a helpful distinction between the mind and the brain, I would have liked to see a deeper discussion on their relationship to other aspects of our human nature. Specifically, I was looking for more on how the noetic effects of sin affect the mind vs. brain and how each uniquely contributes to our choices, attitudes, desires and beliefs. Maybe that's unrealistic 🤷🏾♂️
While he makes a helpful distinction between the mind and the brain, I would have liked to see a deeper discussion on their relationship to other aspects of our human nature. Specifically, I was looking for more on how the noetic effects of sin affect the mind vs. brain and how each uniquely contributes to our choices, attitudes, desires and beliefs. Maybe that's unrealistic 🤷🏾♂️
Read
September 30, 2025Probably the best place to start if you want to get an idea of the problems with psychology and therapeutic thinking from a biblical perspective, and a reasonable, godly, practical approach to real transformation. Dr. Gifford writes with clarity, compassion, and grit, working through the issues. Every time I wrote down a question to address, I found the question answered later in the text. Not a screed or polemic, but a loving, serious talk with people who have been confused and misled down a path which will not bring lasting peace or relief from very real suffering.
June 1, 2025
In a compelling and comprehensive fashion, cutting through much confusion and complexity, Gifford exposes the lack of validity in mental health culture, demonstrating its pseudo-scientific nature and unhelpful solutions. Well-researched and documented, compassionate and balanced, and most importantly, thoroughly biblical and hopeful, this is an absolute must-read for Christians living in a confusing therapeutic age. We must be discerning about these issues instead of imbibing them passively and uncritically. Once the curtain is pulled back and you see the underlying worldview, there's no going back.
February 3, 2026
Initially, this book was a little bit tough to get started, but it was definitely worth it to finish it.
Gifford does a good job of making a case for distinguishing the mind from the brain. He also does a great job of explaining why he doesn't think disorders like ADHD or anxiety or others are actually diseases. Some would maybe think he's uncaring/unkind to argue such things, but one begins to realize that it is truly unkind to affirm someone in those identities when scripture has the true answer to this issues. Overall, a helpful read, especially in this over medicated, over diagnosed climate.
Gifford does a good job of making a case for distinguishing the mind from the brain. He also does a great job of explaining why he doesn't think disorders like ADHD or anxiety or others are actually diseases. Some would maybe think he's uncaring/unkind to argue such things, but one begins to realize that it is truly unkind to affirm someone in those identities when scripture has the true answer to this issues. Overall, a helpful read, especially in this over medicated, over diagnosed climate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
Way more people need to read this book.
Dr. Greg Gifford writes, “Without salvation we are not in need of slight tweaks here and there. Our need is far deeper than behaviour modification, symptom relief, or having fewer "unhelpful thoughts." Rather, we are in dire need of total restoration."
“When a mind is darkened and distorted, no medical treatment will fix it. God, through His word and Spirit, is the only one who can truly heal the mind."
Dr. Greg Gifford writes, “Without salvation we are not in need of slight tweaks here and there. Our need is far deeper than behaviour modification, symptom relief, or having fewer "unhelpful thoughts." Rather, we are in dire need of total restoration."
“When a mind is darkened and distorted, no medical treatment will fix it. God, through His word and Spirit, is the only one who can truly heal the mind."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
If someone asked me the best introductory book to biblical counseling that has absolutely no idea what it is, I think this would be my first book I hand them. It shows the emptiness of the secular therapy movement and gives a robust view of the Bible’s sufficiency.
November 26, 2025
I loved this book and I’m so glad a Christian counsellor finally wrote about mental health from a Christian perspective. I appreciated that he explained the mental health industrial complex (it’s been corrupted like most other systems), distinguished between brain and mind (they’re NOT the same thing), compared mental health with mind renewal and how medication cannot treat the mind but only ease some symptoms whereas only Jesus can renew and ultimately change/heal our minds. It’s ultimately a book of hope for those who think that mental illness is a burden one has to carry for the rest of their lives. We can give our burdens to God and He will restore our lives and our minds.
January 6, 2026
Exceptional. Polarizing and unpopular. Truth.
March 10, 2026
A much needed book speaking into the secular therapeutic (non-biblical) lens through which much of the culture looks
October 6, 2025
This was a profoundly helpful read in critiquing the culture, work, and claims of what Gifford broadly refers to as the “secular therapeutic.” In the day in which we live, I’m tempted to labeling this a “must-read.”
God’s Word is truly sufficient to address the full gamut of the human condition and Gifford demonstrates that expertly. For me, he leaves a little something to be desired in emphasis on counsel being primarily pursued within the context of good discipleship in the local church, but local church involvement is still a key emphasis in the book and, for that, I’m thankful.
God’s Word is truly sufficient to address the full gamut of the human condition and Gifford demonstrates that expertly. For me, he leaves a little something to be desired in emphasis on counsel being primarily pursued within the context of good discipleship in the local church, but local church involvement is still a key emphasis in the book and, for that, I’m thankful.
November 22, 2025
Unpopular opinion: this book felt a bit cold and heartless to me. I would’ve appreciated more nuance in its central idea that many “mental health” struggles are actually sin issues.
On Psychiatric Medication
I agree with all he says about psychiatric meds. Still, there are crucial nuances missing. I highly recommend Julie Rutledge’s TED Talk, “The Surprisingly Dramatic Role of Nutrition in Mental Health,” which highlights the biological side of this discussion. I’d also mention Dr. Edward M. Hallowell’s Connect and Dr. Peter Breggin’s Your Drug May Be Your Problem — both emphasize the healing power of human connection. The author critiques secular approaches, but if people lack proper nutrition or the ability to form healthy relationships, they’re not going to be doing too well even with sound theology.
Mental Health as Response
I believe God designed our brains to adapt, cope, and protect us from unbearable pain or emotions we can’t yet process — whether through blackouts, detachment, or even conditions like schizophrenia, which may function as involuntary self-protection against trauma.
In my view, people’s mental-health struggles often exist for reasons. Even rebellion is usually a response, not a random choice to sin “for fun.” That doesn’t excuse sin, but it does call us to listen, understand, and lead with compassion — remembering passages like 1 Peter 4:8, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Psalm 139, 1 Corinthians 13, and Galatians 5:22-23.
Material Language for the Immaterial
Throughout the book, the author criticizes using physical or “brain health” language to describe immaterial struggles. Ironically, the Bible itself often does something similar — it anthropomorphizes God, describing Him with physical imagery even though He is spirit.
On Psychiatric Medication
I agree with all he says about psychiatric meds. Still, there are crucial nuances missing. I highly recommend Julie Rutledge’s TED Talk, “The Surprisingly Dramatic Role of Nutrition in Mental Health,” which highlights the biological side of this discussion. I’d also mention Dr. Edward M. Hallowell’s Connect and Dr. Peter Breggin’s Your Drug May Be Your Problem — both emphasize the healing power of human connection. The author critiques secular approaches, but if people lack proper nutrition or the ability to form healthy relationships, they’re not going to be doing too well even with sound theology.
Mental Health as Response
I believe God designed our brains to adapt, cope, and protect us from unbearable pain or emotions we can’t yet process — whether through blackouts, detachment, or even conditions like schizophrenia, which may function as involuntary self-protection against trauma.
In my view, people’s mental-health struggles often exist for reasons. Even rebellion is usually a response, not a random choice to sin “for fun.” That doesn’t excuse sin, but it does call us to listen, understand, and lead with compassion — remembering passages like 1 Peter 4:8, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Psalm 139, 1 Corinthians 13, and Galatians 5:22-23.
Material Language for the Immaterial
Throughout the book, the author criticizes using physical or “brain health” language to describe immaterial struggles. Ironically, the Bible itself often does something similar — it anthropomorphizes God, describing Him with physical imagery even though He is spirit.
July 27, 2025
I'm sure that there will be much pushback to this book, while at the same time, I believe Gifford does an excellent job in showing why the term "mental illness" is nonsensical. Gifford writes extensively to demonstrate that the "mental illness and mental health" philosophy is rooted and grounded in naturalism and evolutionary philosophy. Because of the bases for the mental health complex, there is a failure to distinguish between the brain and the mind. Reality is, the mind cannot have a disease. The brain can. Gifford does a good job in showing that the Scriptures actually do the best job in addressing the mind. The world system, because of its commitment to naturalism, can only offer medications and forms of therapy. It has always been an oddity that the psychiatric world (also the psychotherapy world) promotes prescribing medications that work on the brain, doing so many times without blood tests, scans, etc. Gifford documents all of this and points the reader to a better alternative. I'm guessing many will call, "foul" and disagree with Gifford's conclusions. I believe he has a legitimate voice in the discussion and this is an excellent read.
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