When Faith Meets Therapy: Find Hope and a Practical Path to Emotional, Spiritual, and Relational Healing

by Anthony Evans, Stacy Kaiser

The power of faith intersects with the practicality of counseling in this unique partnership of a faith/worship leader and a therapist as they offer a pathway for readers to find help, hope, healing, and freedom while navigating life’s struggles. No one is immune from life’s difficulties, yet many people are reluctant to talk about mental health or seek professional help when they are struggling. People of faith who are battling issues such as anxiety, depression, life changes, stress, or relationship problems may suffer in silence, believing things will get better if only their faith was stronger, they prayed more, or they had more self-discipline. The stigma about needing to seek help is all too real. But seeking professional help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that someone is serious about moving forward emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Written by producer, artist, and author Anthony Evans, along with licensed psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser, When Faith Meets Therapy Anthony and Stacy met five years ago when he was seeking emotional and relational healing of his own. Stacy led Anthony through a process of internal renovation and continues as his personal therapist. When Faith Meets Therapy contains priceless, practical knowledge to break stereotypes that surround therapy while also offering immeasurable hope and encouragement.

Genres: Christian, Mental Health, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Growth, Spirituality, Faith

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Other authors publishing under this name are:

Anthony Evans, Religion
Anthony Evans
Anthony Evans, Aquarium fish
Anthony Evans, Dufflers series

Reviews

[Beth Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a needed resource in the faith community for mental health and recovery

[Sakeenah Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book. Good for those unsure/new to the idea of how therapy works with faith.

[Jordan Higginbotham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid read. It’s a lot of what I’ve heard all my life which is which I give it more of a 3, but it’s nice to read it from a faith AND mental health perspective. If you’re looking for some encouragement and simple tools, or thinking about seeing a therapist/counselor, I’d recommend it.

[Cody Feisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally one of the best books I have read. Many of the things said were more insightful than the five therapists I have seen. I highly recommend everyone read this book!

[Holly Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some valuable life lessons and tips can be gleaned here. I think what I didn't like as much was the switch back and forth from the two authors. It jarred me every time they switched. So it interrupted the flow.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Faith Meets Therapy
Find Hope and a Practical Path to Emotional, Spiritual, and Relational Healing
by Anthony Evans; Stacy Kaiser
Pub Date 16 Aug 2022 | Archive Date 01 Nov 2022
Thomas Nelson--W Publishing, Thomas Nelson
Christian | Health, Mind & Body


I am reviewing a copy of When Faith Meets Therapy through Thomas-Nelson and Netgalley:


Believers are not immune to life’s difficulties, nor are we immune to mental health challenges, yet often we resist talking to a Mental Health professional when we most need them. People of faith who are battling issues such as anxiety, depression, life changes, stress, or relationship problems may suffer in silence, believing things will get better if only their faith was stronger, they prayed more, or they had more self-discipline. The stigma about needing to seek help is all too real.




When Faith Meets Therapy reminds the reader that seeking help for your mental health care does not make you weak, nor does it make someone less faithful, we all need help from time to time, the good Lord understands that. Seeking help is in fact a sign that professional help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that someone is serious about moving forward emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Written by producer, artist, and author Anthony Evans, along with licensed psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser, When Faith Meets Therapy dispels the cultural myths and stigmas that surround professional therapy; shares stories from the authors’ personal experiences and from others who are facing life’s challenges; and provides practical steps that readers can take in the pursuit of emotional, relational, and spiritual progress.



I give When Faith Meets Therapy Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Khaliyah Monay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, it wasn’t as enjoyable as I thought it would be so I lost interest quickly. I admire Anthony Evans and his previous books I’ve read I’ve enjoyed so it was disappointing that this one was a snooze. For me the book made it feel like we were invading his therapy space 🤷🏽‍♀️ Though some tips from his therapist were impactful others were things I’ve heard numerous times. I went into this book with the midget of strengthening my faith through the connection of therapy and I feel like I didn’t walk away with that. Great scripture ties to Anthony stories, analogies and therapist feedback though.

If your new to therapy or your faith walk then this book could be a good read for you.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st book of the year and boy was this a great read to begin 2023 with!! Instead of sharing what I learned about myself, I’ll focus on one of the last things @thestacykaiser said in the book. “Good things come from the worst of circumstances. Trauma can teach us resilience and compassion. The ability to stand back up and rebuild your life after you’ve been knocked down, to work toward being the person you want to be, that comes from what we do with a difficult experience.”

I also recommend the podcast.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do get the idea for this book, it's just not something that I am into.

There are some good points in this book.

I do recommend it to those who does want to have faith and therapy.

Sorry, this is a short review. I just didn't really enjoy it like I thought I did.

Also, thank you Goodreads for letting me win this giveaway.

[Jennie Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical book with helpful advice for everyone. Not boring. Narrated by 2 people who interact with each other as the book goes along.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Alex Zarycka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book! It is both faith - based and practical. I learned some practical ways to improve mental health while also being encouraged in my faith in Jesus. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Jasmine Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book meshes your faith with your mental health! I enjoyed the tips/takeaways at the end of each chapter. Chapter 9 read me for filth! I’m excited to use the tips and bible verses in my daily life.

[Zoe Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that I have taken the time to finally read this book. I’ve been in therapy a long time and find that without faith I struggle to make it work. This book gives an amazing description of how the two can come together to get the results we are looking for and find true inner peace.

[bookworm_since03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ode to growth while being firmly rooted in faith and what God has in store for you. This book inflicted on me essential and very vital lessons on personal boundaries, personal evaluation and my own individual power. Absolutely beautiful.

[Falon Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introduction if someone literally knows nothing about therapy and is skeptical about whether it is right to do therapy or care about mental health if they’re a person of faith. Otherwise, it is way too simplistic.

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and practical! I loved how the practical lessons led us into a new level of truth from the root of scripture.

[Sharaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with the style in which the book was written. I did appreciate the reflections in regards to biblical reference. I appreciate the information that was shared.

[Jeanne Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Therapy: Absolutely!

This book gives you exactly what it promises. Don't just skim it, experience it. I did. I'm the better for it. Great job Anthony and Stacy!

[Kourtney Dwyer]

DNF at 48%

[Deedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ministered to my soul. It was an opportunity for me to reflect on God's gift of the mental health profession and we should not be ashamed!

[Marco Mintaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical book on dealing with building the right thinking of how we ought to see ourselves.

[Reader66 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure there are people who will find this book amazing, even revelatory, but I didn't find much new here. Basically, if you've read other Christian self-help content, this book will feel very familiar. There are certainly Christians who don't feel comfortable with/are skeptical of the prospect of psychotherapy. This book may give those people "permission" to seek help for circumstances that are resistant to prayer alone, and as a bonus it's a very quick, easy read and contains a list of helpful spiritual/mental health resources at the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic principles might be a review for any Christian who has been in therapy but it’s both testimony and practical steps and a solid read. For me the questions for self reflection at the end of each chapter that give God the opportunity to work out the lessons in your heart and mind are key. Don’t skip them.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure I have the words to talk about this book.
So a comfortable way to read as the conversation goes back and forth between Anthony and his therapist, Stacy. They feed off each other and share great truths on living your best life and how it’s not easy.
Great food for thought, take aways and help.
Lots of Bible verses go along with each chapter.
I am sad to see it end but will be reaching for it again soon.