Recommended Reading

'This workbook for anxious believers is clearly a labour of love, for the Lord first and then for clients. Caroline points to Christ throughout and encourages the reader to look to Him for the peace only He can give. A book which can be worked through alone, with a trusted friend or a Biblical counsellor'.

Elaine Walby, Biblical counsellor and supervisor

'Thoroughly recommend this workbook, so biblically based and provides the careful guidance centred around God that anxious believers need in a world of human centred treatment.'

Chloe Ruth, Mental Health awareness advocate

Regarding Caroline's book, I have read carefully through it, sought to be objective and I really have struggled to find any aspects of it that would not be very profitable to those that it is aimed at helping. 

Most of the other books I have read written by Christian psychiatrist/specialists tend to be over-technical and detailed with both wording, examples, type of drug details etc. that really are hard to take when undergoing periods of depression. Indeed, a book recently read spoke of cases of Christians with depression that majored mostly on type of anti-depressants.

I like the headings used and how the work is clearly aimed at believers who are struggling with anxiety/depression etc. It is not aimed above people’s heads but "meets them where they are". I found this point very helpful.

The application of scripture in relation to the various issues being dealt with. The strong emphasis of how the Christian, in whatever situation he may find himself, is able to be helped by God, and that the problems experienced by Christians of any age are both normal and not unique.

I particularly liked what I might call "Self helps". From simply colouring pictures (a distraction from introspection) to assistance in praying. How hard it is to pray when greatly stressed! The use of a Journal to record, aid memory and to learn not to be forgetful "Of all His benefits.". Similarly, the Homework instructions. Something you have to think about and then do. It is so easy to feel both isolated and bereft of help. Simple helps to both look away from self and focus on positives is very constructive.

Among other things I found most helpful, was the "tracking of thoughts". I have found so many times that it is uncontrolled thoughts that usually produces greater despair and helplessness. To begin to deal with this aspect I have found to be often the way of deliverance. The other aspect of bringing our thoughts under subjection follows closely on the above. As I am sure you know only too well, one of our major problems is in the realm of thoughts, whether satanic or otherwise. We invariably think the worst of our situation and how often have we said, "if only I could stop these thoughts".

Another aspect covered is "What has God done for me?" How we almost always tend to forget His goodness and major on our hurts! A puritan once wrote "We write our blessings in water and our hurts in stone". I think that anything that causes the troubled person to be more objective in a positive, God honouring way, and less self-absorbed is very positive, very helpful.

Also, Renewing your mind. It is refreshing to read that there is no "quick fix" in these matters. To hear that the healing process can take both time and effort of the part of the tested person is in itself very helpful. Over the years I have sadly experienced contrary, shallow advice even from well-meaning Christians, who invariably end by saying "you need to pray about it"! 

May I say that I have been very careful to be objective knowing that this work is aimed at people, particularly God's people, who are experiencing serious issues of great importance. Accordingly, I have not said anything that I do not feel to be totally true and right.

Fred Raynsford, Minister of religion & retired businessman