Women Counseling Women: Biblical Answers to Life's Difficult Problems

by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick (Editor/Contributor)

Multitudes of women struggle daily with negative habits and addictions, emotions such as anger and depression, various kinds of loneliness, and other difficulties experienced by mothers, wives, or singles.

Here is a rich counseling resource that looks to the Bible alone as being sufficient to address our every need. Author Elyse Fitzpatrick and several contributors are all qualified biblical counselors skilled at interweaving the perfect wisdom of God’s Word with heartfelt compassion and concern for those who need help. Among the topics are…


emotions, worry, and depression
eating disorders and habitual struggles and sins
verbal abuse and pornography
singleness, marriage, and parenting
grief and caregiving


Designed for both self-use and as a guide for counseling others, Women Counseling Women offers answers that will encourage and endure because God’s Word is timeless and full of wisdom for the problems women face.

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Introduction: Women who teach what is good / Elyse Fitzpatrick --

Part 1. A woman and the word. --
Biblical counseling : real help for real women / Elyse Fitzpatrick --
Do God's promises apply to you? / Janet Rickett --
Interpreting God's word accurately / Barbara Enter --
Spiritual discernment : how can I know what is true? / Karen Avinelis --
Establishing a biblical ministry to women / Maureen Bonner --

Part 2. A woman and her emotions. --
Dealing with your emotions God's way / Mary Wilkin --
Christ, God's answer to your fear / Janie Street --
Help for overcoming anger / Martha Peace --
The difficult road through depression / Mary Sommerville --
About medicines : finding a balance / Laura Hendrickson --

Part 3. A woman and her relationships. --
Single women and the test of loneliness / Joan Kulper --
Way beyond the man of your dreams : help for single moms / Lynn Denby --
Does anyone hear me? : facing loneliness in marriage / Vanessa Ellen --
Healing for the hidden wounds from verbal abuse / Debra Gentry --
The gospel for the beginning of life / Vonna Struck --
Faithful parenting : reaching your child's heart / Barbara Scroggins --
The perfect-mom syndrome / Connie Larson --
Raising children who are challenged / Laura Hendrickson --
Training teens in the true faith / Jan Steenback --
Hope for caregivers of the elderly / Holly Drew --

Part 4. A woman and specific problems. --
Help for habitual overeaters / Shannon McCoy --
Breaking the chain of generational sin / Nanci McMannis --
The taboo topic : pornography and women / Rachel Coyle --
Women struggling with same-sex attraction / Karrie Hahn.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Womens, Faith, Discipleship

342 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 1997

About the author

Author of 20+ books on the Christian life and the gospel's impact on everyday living, Elyse is a frequent speaker at women's conferences nationally and internationally.

Elyse's ministry is summed up in these simple words: No fluff, No bricks, just the good news of a crucified and risen Christ.

In 1971 she married her sweetheart Phil and together they raised three children and are enjoying six really adorable grandchildren.

Together they attend Valley Center Community Church in the hills of the North County of San Diego where Phil is an elder.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would seem to be a good resource for shedding the light of the gospel into different aspects of women's lives. I especially loved the chapter on relationships with teens. Such wonderful insight into what young people really need.

[Christina Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple yet informative look at Biblical counseling for woman. It clarifies the basics (what is a Christian?) and lays the ground work for more in depth thought (how does one check a philosophy against the Bible?). It is, however, is not an end to the study, but a beginning. I find all the ideas to be sound and true to Biblical problem solving.

[Grace Antczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book full of guidance for Christian women who may find themselves struggling in different areas of life. Each chapter is rich in scripture and points back to the gospel. Christ is our hope and our salvation, and we can overcome and persevere by His strength and power.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this as a reference book. The counsel offered here has been incredibly helpful to me in ministering to others, as well as in my own life. It is important to note this book is for Christians. It assumes the counselor and counselee are both coming from a perspective that recognizes the Bible as God's Word.

The first section covers Biblical counseling philosophy. The second section discusses challenges women face. These chapters are articles written by individual counselors. Topics covered are:
Counseling Single Teen Mothers;
Counseling Women Discontent in Singleness;
Counseling Post-Abortion Women;
Counseling Women in Difficult Christian Marriages;
Counseling Women Married to Unbelievers;
Counseling Women Struggling with Infertility/ Considering Adoption;
Counseling Mothers of Children with Learning Disabilities;
Counseling Mothers of Rebellious Teens;
Counseling Divorced Women and Single Moms;
Counseling Women Abused as Children;
Couseling Women with Addictions;
Counseling Women for Overeating and Bulemia;
Couseling Women Involved in Sexual Sins;
Counseling Women in the Afternoon of Life;
Counseling Women Facing Death and Dying;
Medical Questions Women Ask

I should also note this was published in 1997. I noticed some of the information pertaining to medical conditions was dated; however, as this is not the focus on the book, I would still consider it valuable.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Wonderful advice to a beginning counselor.

[Linda Filcek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2010 and with the rapid changing culture around us I wondered if the advice given in it would be up to date with current issues. I’m happy to report it’s spot on. And that is because different authors take timeless truths found in Scripture and skillfully apply them to issues women face. And the issues we face today are not new. Great resource.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A break through reference book for biblical counselors working with women. While most biblical counseling books of the day were directed more generally toward men, this book has become a great tool for women to counsel women dealing with major problems. Since it is biblical counseling, it is not christianized pop-psychology or feel good about yourself fluff. You get sound biblical doctrine rooted in solid theology all through this book.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an collection of essays from various women in pastoral care/counselling covering a variety of topics relevant to women. Because of this some of the essays are very helpful, some, not so much.

I think if you were new to Christian teaching as a whole you would find this book very helpful but if you are mature in the faith it will not be necessary to read this as you will already have the tools to deal with the issues that women face.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all. This is an excellent resource for Christian women to help bring the counsel of God's Word to bear on a variety of issues that many women uniquely face. Immanently helpful, clear, practical and Biblically sound.

[Erika Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you won't ever put away as you will always be able to use it when in community with fellow sisters in Christ.

[Sarah Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. I liked how it touched on general and then specific issues. I think the specific issues were limited.

[Dianne Miley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book - tackles taboo subjects with care and gentleness. No judgment here. Bravo!

[Laurén · Rating 5 out of 5]

This topical resource for women covers general issues that surface in both formal & lay counseling situations. The foundation is Biblical & practical.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the counsel in this book is a bit out of date and offensive... Like on issues of fertility or adoption. Great ways to tie in scripture in all areas of life though.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those in women's ministry. My only wish is that there was an updated version with things like mental illnesses, gender issues, and special needs.

[Peggy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good resource as you point others to live Daily Delighting!

[Jessica Bianchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito aplicativo, com esquemas e formas práticas de ler a bíblia, e de aconselhamento, abrangendo diversas situações em que a mulher pode estar

[Julie Havener · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a living breathing woman seeking to follow Christ’s call for the women of the church to minister, encourage and help one another this is a must read. I was blessed, taught, challenged and encouraged.

[Ava Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the library of anyone who leads a women's ministry or works with women on a regular basis. Clear, concise chapters address emotions, various relationship seasons, and specific problems, all from a biblical worldview. A great resource. Highly recommend!

[Nancy Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written more for women struggling with different sin issues in their lives than for those who are working with other women and their issues. It did offer reasons and solutions for problems women face.

[Becky Carlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts slow but once you get to parts 3 and 4 regarding relationships and specific sins, this is LITERALLY a Christian counselor in book form with actionable plans to help replace sins with love for God and improving relationships. Like “Why We Can’t Sleep”, but with answers!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After so long, I finally finished this book -- thanks to my dear mentor for the encouragement :)

[Clara! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly well done and deals with touchy topics with compassion and practicality.

[Jeanette Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly has a place in biblical counseling. This book is best for people who may be new to applying biblical truths to counseling. This book would also be a good resource for someone struggling. One could read the chapter they need guidance on and get good biblical teaching. Because the book is written by several different authors, some chapters are better than others.

[Wilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I moved this book to my "read" list although I read through it in a haphazard fashion as issues came up in my friends' lives as well as my own. In reality, I will never be done with this book, because it will serve me very well as a reference book for the rest of my earthly life.

[Mercedes Cordero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Roberta Di prosperis rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book.