Best Religious Counseling Books of 2025

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Pastor Dane Ortlund dives deep into the heart of Jesus Christ to reveal His tender love for sinners and sufferers. Ortlund draws on the writings of the Puritans and explores passages throughout the whole Bible to get a full picture of God's heart for sinners. The book provides a unique perspective and confronts readers' typical thoughts on God's heart. Written with pastoral gentleness and quiet beauty, the book brings comfort, strength, and rest to believers. Overall, it is a must-read for those seeking to understand Christ's character and His love for His people.

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller provides an insightful and refreshing take on the institution of marriage. Keller draws from his own experience and his wife's insights to offer a biblically-based perspective on what marriage should be, debunking modern-day misconceptions along the way. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the meaning of marriage and how to have a successful, lasting relationship. It is a rich and practical guide that challenges readers to love more deeply and know God better. Highly recommended for all, regardless of relationship status.

The Christ Cure is a comprehensive guide for anyone suffering from PTSD, trauma, and tragedy, and their families. Dr. Tim Murphy, a psychologist, Navy veteran, and former Member of Congress, shares his own experience with depression and how he found inspiration in the life and works of the Apostle Paul. The book offers new insights into how trauma affects us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and provides a unique path of true restoration. The foundation of biblical pillars for healthy treatment makes this book stand out as a valuable guide for those seeking to heal through faith.

"Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family" by Paul Tripp offers parents a refreshing perspective on the ultimate purpose of parenting. Tripp outlines fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, emphasizing that we need more than just practical tips and guaranteed formulas to raise "good" children. Instead, we need the rescuing grace of God, which has the power to shape our worldview and approach to parenting. This book is both theological and practical, making it a rare gem in the world of parenting books. Overall, "Parenting" is a must-read for any parent looking to embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy."

Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey is a book of liturgies for seasons of dying and grieving. The book features over 100 liturgies, including "A Liturgy for the Scattering of Ashes" and "A Liturgy for the Loss of a Spouse." The leather-bound hardcover includes over 20 illustrations by Ned Bustard, a silk bookmark, and gilded edges. The author, Douglas Kaine McKelvey, is a songwriter and author, while Ned Bustard is a graphic designer and illustrator. This book is a valuable resource for those experiencing grief and seeking comfort.

This revised edition of Internal Family Systems Therapy by Richard Schwartz and Martha Sweezy provides an authoritative presentation of the IFS therapy, which is practiced worldwide. The book explains how the subpersonalities or “parts” of each individual's psyche relate to each other, and how polarization among parts can lead to emotional suffering. The book is an essential guide for implementing IFS with clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and other behavioral problems. The authors provide practical guidelines for treating families and couples, making the book a valuable resource for clinicians. Overall, the book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about IFS therapy and its practical applications.

The Peacemaker by Ken Sande is a practical and comprehensive guide to resolving personal conflicts based on biblical teachings. Sande's years of experience as an attorney and president of Peacemaker Ministries provide readers with useful suggestions and godly wisdom that can be easily applied to any relationship in need of reconciliation. The book goes beyond resolving conflicts and aims to bring about true, life-changing reconciliation with family members, coworkers, and fellow believers. With its concrete and helpful methods, The Peacemaker is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to become a peacemaker in their personal and professional relationships.

Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families is an innovative guide to psychotherapy that focuses on the healing power of emotional connection. Susan M. Johnson, the primary developer of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples, extends her attachment-based approach to individuals and families. The book provides proven techniques for treating anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Each modality (individual, couple, and family therapy) is covered in paired chapters that respectively introduce key concepts and present an in-depth case example. Special features include instructive end-of-chapter exercises and reflection questions.

Divine Disruption is a biblical and conversational book by Dr. Tony Evans and his four adult children. It provides biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for how to deal with the hard, unexpected things we all inevitably face. The Evans family shares their faith-shaking experiences and provides insights on why bad things happen, how to persevere in difficult times, and how to keep your faith from being damaged during tough times. This book is a unique Kingdom Legacy partnership that candidly shares honest questions, raw emotions, and solutions learned. Overall, Divine Disruption is an insightful and inspiring book that offers hope and guidance for those going through difficult times.

The Voice of the Heart is a Christian counseling book that invites readers to discover their true selves and live fully in relationships with others and God. The author, Chip Dodd, introduces readers to The Eight Feelings, God-given tools that allow us to live fully in a tragic place, including hurt, lonely, sad, anger, fear, shame, guilt, and glad. Through listening to these emotions, readers can be who they are meant to be and do what they are meant to do. The Voice of the Heart has helped thousands of people speak the truth of their story and live more fully from the heart. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.