As conversations about mental health, diagnoses and treatment continue to shape families and communities, Christian counselor and professor Dr. Greg Gifford is encouraging Christians to reconsider how they understand emotional and behavioral struggles in his new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me: Why Christians Should Aim for More Than Just Treating Symptoms.
The Amazon No. 1 best-selling author presents a biblical perspective on mental health, challenging what he considers an overreliance on secular psychological approaches and encouraging readers to examine how faith can inform their understanding of personal struggles.
Gifford’s interest in the subject became particularly personal when he and his wife met with a school psychologist about their sixth-grade son. During the meeting, the psychologist recommended testing, prompting Gifford to question whether the process might lead toward a diagnosis and medication without first exploring other approaches.
The experience became a turning point in his thinking about mental health and the role of biblical counseling in addressing emotional and behavioral challenges.
In Lies My Therapist Told Me, Gifford examines commonly accepted mental health concepts, including the characterization of addiction as a disease and the idea that past trauma determines present behavior. He also explores conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissism and binge eating disorder through the lens of his Christian counseling philosophy.
Rather than focusing exclusively on diagnoses and symptoms, Gifford encourages readers to consider personal responsibility, thought patterns, beliefs and spiritual development when addressing life’s challenges.
His approach emphasizes the importance of examining the underlying factors contributing to behavior while drawing on biblical teachings to help individuals navigate difficult circumstances.
The book also addresses relationships and family dynamics, offering practical guidance intended to help readers improve communication, manage anger and conflict, and develop healthier marriages and family relationships.
Gifford’s perspective is informed by his work as a certified biblical counselor, professor, author and speaker. He also hosts the Transformed with Dr. Greg Gifford podcast, where he discusses counseling, faith and personal development.
He believes the Bible provides spiritual guidance that Christians should consider when confronting emotional struggles and making decisions about their lives.
While the book challenges conventional approaches to mental health, its central focus is encouraging readers to explore how their faith can shape their understanding of personal growth and healing.
Lies My Therapist Told Me: Why Christians Should Aim for More Than Just Treating Symptoms offers a faith-based perspective on the intersection of psychology, counseling and Christianity.
For more information, visit Dr. Greg Gifford’s website or watch his author interview.