What do you think?
Rate this book
The Biblical Counseling Guide for Women
Counsel Women with God's Grace and Wisdom The guidance every woman needs for any difficulty can be found in the pages of Scripture. Join counseling professor John D. Street and his wife, Janie, as they delve into some of the most common physical, mental, and emotional struggles faced by women today, including... The Streets offer clear descriptions and careful direction for 17 common issues, utilizing fictitious anecdotes based on composites of real-life case studies. Through each story, you'll discover biblical truths that provide immediate help and lifelong growth.
Equally valuable for both the individual woman searching for solutions and those who help hurting women—including counselors, pastors, and teachers—this accessible resource offers genuine hope based on the everlasting truth of God's Word. Includes discussion questions for classes and women's Bible study groups.
Equally valuable for both the individual woman searching for solutions and those who help hurting women—including counselors, pastors, and teachers—this accessible resource offers genuine hope based on the everlasting truth of God's Word. Includes discussion questions for classes and women's Bible study groups.
368 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
41 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
John D. Street
9 books9 followersJohn Street is the chair of the graduate program in biblical counseling at The Master’s College and teaches pastoral counseling at The Master’s Seminary. He contributes regularly to The Biblical Counselor and The Journal of Biblical Counseling and is a fellow, board member, and vice president of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 13, 2024
Overall I enjoyed this I'm just not a fan of the blanket rejection of antidepressants and other medications prescribed for mental illness. Medication can be life changing...life saving for people who aren't coping. I also notice that this biblical counselling method only works in conjunction with a client who has faith otherwise most of the soul deep advice being offered will fly over the nonbeliever who isn't yet regenerated and able to be renewed by the Spirit. Should those clients suffer endlessly in this life because medication only masks the problem of their sin in hopes they will be humbled to seek God? Is every mental illness inward sin induced? I'm not bold enough to say so. An obvious exception that comes to mind is when a victim of abuse experiences PTSD. Anyone would agree that the decline in their mental health was the result of someone else's actions, not their own. I feel like wisdom is analysing the unique situation and determining from there the best choice of action for that individuals health. On a positive note this book was a such a cool manifestation of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 showing that the bible is relevant, applicable, and helpful in every life situation. If I do end up in this area one day I hope to be biblically literate so as to offer Gods word to soothe and heal weary souls.
"Humility and joy are closely related in Scripture. Humble people are joyful people because they have few or limited expectations for their life. Their cravings and desires are simple because their chief joy is bringing pleasure and glory to God (Proverbs 10:28)"
"Many Christians do not become truly open to spiritual change at the heart level until a major affliction comes into their life. Before difficulty arises, the perception of spiritual growth is usually limited to the practice of godly disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, etc. Adversity, on the other hand, often propels the Christian toward even greater trust in God and His Word.
The psalmist spoke clearly on this, saying, "Before I was aflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word" (Psalm 119:67), and "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:71)"
"Whatever you or someone you are counseling might identify as their heart desire, confessing these idolatrous desires before God and repenting of them as sin are the necessary steps to total change (1 John 1:8-10)"
"Humility and joy are closely related in Scripture. Humble people are joyful people because they have few or limited expectations for their life. Their cravings and desires are simple because their chief joy is bringing pleasure and glory to God (Proverbs 10:28)"
"Many Christians do not become truly open to spiritual change at the heart level until a major affliction comes into their life. Before difficulty arises, the perception of spiritual growth is usually limited to the practice of godly disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, etc. Adversity, on the other hand, often propels the Christian toward even greater trust in God and His Word.
The psalmist spoke clearly on this, saying, "Before I was aflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word" (Psalm 119:67), and "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:71)"
"Whatever you or someone you are counseling might identify as their heart desire, confessing these idolatrous desires before God and repenting of them as sin are the necessary steps to total change (1 John 1:8-10)"
February 2, 2023
This book is dangerous.
I have to say that I have no personal experience with Biblical Counseling and I cannot say how representative this book is for the movement as a whole. However, I can only recommend to run as fast as possible if a counselor bases their advice on this book.
Biblical Counseling is based on the assumption that all mental health issues, addictions and other things you would seek counseling for can be solved by looking into the Bible. It rejects modern psychotherapy and is also very sceptical of medications such as antidepressants. While it never outright says to not take them, this book contains several "success stories" of people who rejected medication. No one in this book says they benefited from it.
Issues mentioned in this book are PTSD, depression, eating disorders, transgender, a cheating husband, grief, rape and more. In the first part of each chapter, they describe the issue and sometimes also use scientific sources and most of it is decent. But the solution in all cases is that the cause of the issues, even if it was something that was done to you, is a sinful attitude. It's cruel, there is not a lot of empathy and it also misses the mark in these cases where the person has no responsibility in how their issues came along. Usually, the conclusion is that they all don't trust God enough and have made an idol out of their health problems.
The woman whose husband is an unrepentant adulterer is told to have nice meals ready for him when he comes home. The parents with the transgender child are told to isolate them from all of their friends. Anxiety and panic attacks only mean you don't trust God enough and that you are idolizing your emotions.
They also explain that "secular" brain science and psychology does not apply to Christians (I guess it only applies when it helps further their arguments, as they use it from time to time to prove their points) and that for example, grief works different in Christians and they do not go through different stages, as do "unbelieving" people.
This book is pure victim-blaming. It might cause struggling people to further withdraw and some of the suggestions are known to be not only helpful, but also actively harmful.
There are therapists out there that respect your beliefs and at the same time use scientifically proven methods. That use medications but still help you treat the root. That will do more than give you a list of Bible verses to meditate on. It's worth looking for them.
I have to say that I have no personal experience with Biblical Counseling and I cannot say how representative this book is for the movement as a whole. However, I can only recommend to run as fast as possible if a counselor bases their advice on this book.
Biblical Counseling is based on the assumption that all mental health issues, addictions and other things you would seek counseling for can be solved by looking into the Bible. It rejects modern psychotherapy and is also very sceptical of medications such as antidepressants. While it never outright says to not take them, this book contains several "success stories" of people who rejected medication. No one in this book says they benefited from it.
Issues mentioned in this book are PTSD, depression, eating disorders, transgender, a cheating husband, grief, rape and more. In the first part of each chapter, they describe the issue and sometimes also use scientific sources and most of it is decent. But the solution in all cases is that the cause of the issues, even if it was something that was done to you, is a sinful attitude. It's cruel, there is not a lot of empathy and it also misses the mark in these cases where the person has no responsibility in how their issues came along. Usually, the conclusion is that they all don't trust God enough and have made an idol out of their health problems.
The woman whose husband is an unrepentant adulterer is told to have nice meals ready for him when he comes home. The parents with the transgender child are told to isolate them from all of their friends. Anxiety and panic attacks only mean you don't trust God enough and that you are idolizing your emotions.
They also explain that "secular" brain science and psychology does not apply to Christians (I guess it only applies when it helps further their arguments, as they use it from time to time to prove their points) and that for example, grief works different in Christians and they do not go through different stages, as do "unbelieving" people.
This book is pure victim-blaming. It might cause struggling people to further withdraw and some of the suggestions are known to be not only helpful, but also actively harmful.
There are therapists out there that respect your beliefs and at the same time use scientifically proven methods. That use medications but still help you treat the root. That will do more than give you a list of Bible verses to meditate on. It's worth looking for them.
January 9, 2019
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is “living and active” and able to discern the “thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Just few verses later we learn that we can draw near to Jesus to find “grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) This book is a valuable resource connecting the dots between the “time of need” and God’s “living and active” Word!
The Biblical Counseling Guide for Women addresses seventeen different “times of need” and shows how truths of Scripture can bring lasting change. Topics include anger, depression, chemical abuse, panic attacks, grief, obsessive compulsive behavior, adultery and schizophrenia.
This is the most “biblical” Biblical Counseling book for women that I have read. Instead of simply printing long lists of Bible references under topical headers, the Streets thoughtfully explain the connection to the passages they give and this left me, as a reader, with even more confidence in the Word of God as well as a desire to seek to find God’s answers and guidance much more deeply.
Each chapter is written as a narrative. First, a single passage is shared speaking to the topic, then the woman is presented, her problem revealed and how she eventually seeks counsel. One of the most helpful parts of each chapter is this portion where the Streets spell out how the counselor talks with the woman—questions she asks, how she listened, specific instruction she provided, “homework assignments” given to help the woman when she would be on her own. Each chapter ends with five questions for discussion that could be used in the reader’s own counseling conversations on such topics.
One thing that stood out to me was how nearly every chapter spoke about the gospel and sought to clarify if the woman was genuinely saved—having repented from her sin and transferred her trust to Jesus. It is so important we don’t help women just try harder to be better, but show them how to truly follow Christ in a real relationship with him that experiences the victory he provides in any problems they face.
I highly recommend this book! Colossians 3:16 urges us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, so we are able to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. This book would greatly aid any Christian woman in this goal, not just those who are counselors. It emphasizes the priority and sufficiency of the Bible and guards against personal or secular opinion. This would be especially helpful to women who lead any kind of small groups.
The Biblical Counseling Guide for Women addresses seventeen different “times of need” and shows how truths of Scripture can bring lasting change. Topics include anger, depression, chemical abuse, panic attacks, grief, obsessive compulsive behavior, adultery and schizophrenia.
This is the most “biblical” Biblical Counseling book for women that I have read. Instead of simply printing long lists of Bible references under topical headers, the Streets thoughtfully explain the connection to the passages they give and this left me, as a reader, with even more confidence in the Word of God as well as a desire to seek to find God’s answers and guidance much more deeply.
Each chapter is written as a narrative. First, a single passage is shared speaking to the topic, then the woman is presented, her problem revealed and how she eventually seeks counsel. One of the most helpful parts of each chapter is this portion where the Streets spell out how the counselor talks with the woman—questions she asks, how she listened, specific instruction she provided, “homework assignments” given to help the woman when she would be on her own. Each chapter ends with five questions for discussion that could be used in the reader’s own counseling conversations on such topics.
One thing that stood out to me was how nearly every chapter spoke about the gospel and sought to clarify if the woman was genuinely saved—having repented from her sin and transferred her trust to Jesus. It is so important we don’t help women just try harder to be better, but show them how to truly follow Christ in a real relationship with him that experiences the victory he provides in any problems they face.
I highly recommend this book! Colossians 3:16 urges us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, so we are able to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. This book would greatly aid any Christian woman in this goal, not just those who are counselors. It emphasizes the priority and sufficiency of the Bible and guards against personal or secular opinion. This would be especially helpful to women who lead any kind of small groups.
November 13, 2021
A dynamite resource for any woman who seeks to see how God has really provided us with the wisdom and instruction to navigate through the toughest of issues and the seriousness of sin and suffering (2 Peter 1:3-4; Romans 15:4). What an encouragement and edifying tool. So, if you find yourself in a formal discipleship relationship, biblical counseling and need a place to start, or if you just wish to equip yourself, you should definitely pick this book up.
February 4, 2022
This book is very practical and full of scripture while being enjoyable to read. Each chapter is written with an engaging story based off true principles and experiences blended together. It touches on many different topics: anxiety, anorexia, bipolar disorder, anger (to name a few). The authors point consistently to the sufficiency of scripture to transform a believers heart in any situation. Definitely had to keep my Bible nearby to turn to the many passages referenced throughout. Definitely worth the read for anyone pursuing ACBC certification or anyone who wants to gain practical wisdom for biblical counselling/discipleship.
October 8, 2017
This is a great resource. It was down to earth, easy to read, informative, every problem was always approached from Scripture first but didn't shy away from talking about the science behind problems. I especially liked that they talked each issue in sort of a story, real life application manner. Very helpful.
February 9, 2024
I've read this book and applied certain topics in my work with a counselee during my supervision year with Dr John Street. A good reference book for different areas peoples struggle with (eg. anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues etc.).
May 25, 2018
Beneficial addition for individual that counsel woman as a specialist or in a lay person perspective. Good biblical foundational counseling.
December 21, 2024
This book goes through many of the things we women tend to struggle with, giving talking points for counselors and Scripture to back it all up. SO helpful. Wish I'd had this in college.
February 20, 2025
Extremely helpful on how to help women going through a bunch of different trials in life!
November 21, 2016
I found this book a very interesting read and appreciated the variety of topics covered. There were several points i highlighted during the course of the book as although I do not suffer from many of the issues and hopefully few if any do! There were valuable comments made in many of the chapters relevant to other issues.
Street makes the point that the cases covered are a composite of people they have counselled and that the aim of Biblical counselling is to bring the counselled into a closer walk with Christ and that they should start the process as a Christian to get the full benefit from the counselling.
The topics covered include anger, appearance, eating disorders, schizophrenia and others - 17 in all. I did not agree with everything that was said but believe the book could be useful to many on both sides of the table.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley for an impartial review.
Street makes the point that the cases covered are a composite of people they have counselled and that the aim of Biblical counselling is to bring the counselled into a closer walk with Christ and that they should start the process as a Christian to get the full benefit from the counselling.
The topics covered include anger, appearance, eating disorders, schizophrenia and others - 17 in all. I did not agree with everything that was said but believe the book could be useful to many on both sides of the table.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley for an impartial review.
June 8, 2022
This was a helpful book. I appreciated the scenarios given.
July 1, 2017
Thorough, Relevant and Immensely Useful
Dr. John D. Street and his wife Janie have written an excellent book, filled with many real life counseling cases. The Streets help us use the Bible to address the heart–not merely the symptoms–which results in real change. God graciously transforms lives through the power of His Word, working through the power of the Spirit.
Dr. John D. Street and his wife Janie have written an excellent book, filled with many real life counseling cases. The Streets help us use the Bible to address the heart–not merely the symptoms–which results in real change. God graciously transforms lives through the power of His Word, working through the power of the Spirit.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews