The Eleventh Annual Edition 

If you’re a counselor, pastor, student, educator, one-another minister, small group leader, soul care provider, spiritual friend, spouse, or parent, you want to know the most helpful books about biblical counseling. We all want trusted recommendations on books that seek to change lives with Christ’s changeless truth.

Because we all want to be aware of solid resources for the Christian life and ministry, I’ve collated top biblical counseling books on an annual basis since 2012. See the end of this post for links to the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 lists. That makes this year the eleventh edition of my annual listing of top biblical counseling books.

Additional Helpful Book Lists 

For direct links to over 1,000 biblical counseling books, see: The Annual Guide to Biblical Counseling Resources: 2022 Edition. The Annual Guide, original developed by me and now published by the Biblical Counseling Coalition, provides annotated summaries of biblical counseling books, and collates each book topically.

For a thirty-page list with links to over 400 resources on biblical counseling and research, see: 400+ Resources on Biblical Counseling and Psychology-Related Research.

A Fruitful Year for Biblical Counseling Resources

In 2022, I had many highly relevant and significantly helpful biblical counseling books from which to choose. Being 2022, I’ve selected: The 22 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2022. I’ve chosen these books on the basis of their:

• Biblical depth
• Relevance to Christian living
• Practicality for one-another ministry
• Faithfulness to the sufficiency of Scripture
• Application to progressive sanctification
• By accepting nominations from biblical counseling leaders worldwide

I list these top biblical counseling books below in alphabetical order by author—the top 22 books published in 2022 about biblical counseling, written by a biblical counselor about Christian living, or important to biblical counselors. Note: The summaries after the books are developed from wording by the authors and publishers. 

The 22 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2022

Brooks, Nate. Identifying Heart Transformation: Exploring Different Kinds of Human Change, Shepherd Press, 112 Pages.

Confusion about change often exists because our understanding of the nature of the heart is underdeveloped. Only Christians can experience change at the deepest level of their humanity, as the Holy Spirit fundamentally changes them by renovating their hearts through the process of progressive sanctification. In this helpful book, Nate Brooks provides penetrating analysis and practical application about the process of heart transformation.

Challies, Tim. Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God, Zondervan, 224 Pages. 

On November 3, 2020, Tim and Aileen Challies received the shocking news that their son, Nick, had died. A twenty-year-old student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he had been participating in a school activity with his fiancée, sister, and friends, when he fell unconscious and collapsed. Neither students, nor a passing doctor, nor paramedics were able to revive him. His parents received the news at their home in Toronto and immediately departed for Louisville to be together as a family. While on the plane, Tim, an author and blogger, began to process his loss through writing. In Seasons of Sorrow, Tim shares real-time reflections from the first year of grief—through the seasons from fall to summer—introducing readers to what he describes as the “ministry of sorrow.” Seasons of Sorrow will benefit both those that are working through sorrow and those comforting others.

Greer, Lainey. Be Well: Learning to Steward Your Health, New Growth Press, 24 Pages.

Would you like to take better care of your body, but aren’t sure what to do? Focusing on our souls doesn’t mean we should neglect taking care of our bodies. But often we are so busy caring for others and keeping to our schedules that we think we can’t fit in one more thing. Lainey Greer helps us see that the body matters to God and Christians are called to be faithful stewards of our physical health. Our faith should inform both our spiritual and physical practices, as we are immaterial (spirit) and material (physical) beings. Taking care of our bodies by adopting healthy habits is one way we reflect their value. Learn how healthy nutrition, sufficient rest, proactive stress management, and proper exercise are all ways to honor God and remain equipped for His service.

Hambrick, Brad. Angry with God: An Honest Journey Through Suffering and Betrayal, New Growth Press, 160 Pages. 

Anger is an often-overlooked part of grieving, and as such, is an appropriate response to profoundly painful events. Pastor-counselor Brad Hambrick provides a guided process to being honest with God about your pain to restore and deepen your relationship with Him. While we are often prone to interpret our anger about intense suffering as being at God, this book is an invitation to process these intense emotions with God as a source of comfort—a God who is sturdy enough to support these turbulent emotions. If you are struggling with deep grief that is accompanied with anger and confusion, Angry with God will be profoundly helpful in your journey. Hambrick patiently walks you through the process of being honest with God (and others) about your pain. You’ll learn how to articulate your pain, address the effects of this pain, contextualize your experience in light of the gospel, and begin to hope again.

Hughes, Lisa. Unmet Expectations: Reshaping Our Thinking in Disappointment, Trials, and Delays, Shepherd Press, 288 Pages.

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we imagined. Yet, we can respond in God-glorifying ways even when circumstances fall short of our desired hopes and expectations. In reshaping how we think about disappointments, trials, and delays, we can grow in contentment, trust, and hope in the unexpected parts of life. Each chapter in Unmet Expectations looks to the Scriptures for the life-transforming help only God can provide. This book is designed to be an aid to growth, which is why inductive Bible study questions accompany each chapter, providing wisdom from God’s Word for hope and encouragement.

Huie, Eliza. Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: Help for Parents, 10 Publishing, 64 Pages.

The world in which children are growing up is full of uncertainties and challenges. Pressures from peers, pressure to perform or achieve, fears about their life, and stress about the future can trouble young minds. As parents, it can be hard to know how to help our children navigate their emotions in an unstable world, while still holding on to hope and truth. Through six helpful insights, Eliza Huie, experienced parent and biblical counselor, offers practical advice and biblical support for parents seeking to support their children through deep emotional waters. With care, gentleness, and compassion, Eliza explains how parents can give their children grace-filled responses that will point to God’s faithfulness in all the emotional ups and downs of life.

Huie, Eliza, and Kyle Johnston. How to Get the Most Out of Your Counseling, 10 Publishing, 40 Pages. 

We are not meant to face life on our own. Even with the best God-given resources, there are times when we find ourselves wrestling with the question of whether or not we should seek formal counseling. By exploring a biblical approach to care, experienced counselors, Eliza Huie and Kyle Johnston, capture a vision for counseling that gets to the heart of real change. If you have questions, or are wondering where to start, this booklet will help you to determine not only if counseling would be a helpful option, but also how to get the most out of the process every step of the way.

Johnson, Dale, and Edward Wilde. Legal Issues in Biblical Counseling: Direction and Help for Churches and Counselors, New Growth Press, 272 Pages.

How should biblical counselors navigate their responsibilities before God and government requirements? What exactly are those requirements? In Legal Issues in Biblical Counseling, pastors and counselors who are seeking to faithfully lead, mentor, and guide their flocks in a rapidly changing cultural landscape will find clear direction and guidance from a team of Christian lawyers. Dale Johnson and Edward Wilde, along with a host of experienced lawyers and counselors, encourage the church to engage responsibly in the ministry of biblical counseling while seeking to comply with governmental regulations. They explain the importance of involving legal counsel in creating ministry documents, setting up liability insurance, and counseling those involved in the legal system.

Kellemen, Bob. Equipping Biblical Counselors: A Guide to Discipling Believers for One-Another Ministry, Harvest House, 336 Pages. 

In Equipping Biblical Counselors, pastor, educator, and counselor, Bob Kellemen, provides a proven strategy for envisioning, enlisting, equipping, and empowering biblical counselors. Bob has refined this four-step, best-practice process from his decades of local church equipping and from collaboration with two-dozen leading biblical counseling churches. Through this comprehensive book, Dr. Kellemen comes alongside church leaders to help them assess their congregation’s strengths and weaknesses, shepherd new leaders with confidence and wisdom, equip God’s people to be competent one-another ministers, and encourage ongoing spiritual growth in the body of Christ. Accessible and deeply practical, Equipping Biblical Counselors is ideal for church leaders and counselors in various ministry settings, and for students and professors in counselor training programs.

Kellen, Kristin. Counseling Women: Biblical Wisdom for Life’s Battles, B&H Academics, 288 Pages. 

Counseling Women, by professor and counselor, Kristin Kellen, is a biblically-grounded resource addressing common struggles that women face. Chapters examine issues such as depression, anxiety, infertility, trauma, abuse, disordered eating, and much more. Undergirded by a strong theological foundation, Kellen interweaves many counseling best practices alongside Scripture’s teachings to provide a wise and balanced approach.

Kruger, Michael. Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church, Crossway, 192 Pages. 

The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse—harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn. Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don’t abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can’t ignore the growing number who do not. We have tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us against. We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar, Michael Kruger, offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the church.

Liu, Esther. Shame: Being Known and Loved (31-Day Devotional). P&R Publishing, 96 Pages. 

Many of us experience shame on a regular basis. We compare ourselves to others and feel deficient. We look at our pasts and hope no one will find out what we’ve done―or what was done to us. We doubt and isolate ourselves in light of previous rejection or failure. Our shame is unpleasant, even paralyzing. But there is hope for shame-filled souls! Our Savior willingly sacrificed everything―even died―so that shame would not have the final say in your life. Now he empowers you to change. Writing both as a biblical counselor and fellow struggler, Esther Liu takes us on a thirty-one-day journey to discover lasting comfort. Explore the depths of God’s grace for you; respond to Christ’s invitation to rest; and use practical action points, reflection questions, and devotional insights to reshape your instinctive responses to God, others, and yourself.

Lowe, Julie. Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids, New Growth Press, 160 Pages.

After more than two decades as a family counselor, Julie Lowe has seen how important it is to help parents and caregivers think wisely and biblically about the dangers children face. Instead of living in fear or denial, parents and caregivers can equip children to assess people and situations and model for them how to live by faith in a world where evil exists. Lowe helps parents and caregivers teach the safety skills that will help protect their children from mistreatment, unsafe situations, violence, bullying, cyber-crimes, predatory behavior, sexting, abuse, and other kinds of danger that they might encounter. The safety skills that are needed at every stage—preschool, elementary-age, teens, and college-bound—are discussed and applied in an age-appropriate way. Safeguards provides tools, skills, and resources to help when faced with uncomfortable, challenging, or dangerous situations.

Powlison, David. Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith, New Growth Press, 416 Pages. 

It’s easy to lose heart in a world where many things can and do go wrong. Life is difficult and there are struggles within and without, but we can take heart—the Lord is with us. He hears our cries for mercy. He knows our every need. He guides us, helps us, and strengthens us with His mighty right arm. Journey through a year with David Powlison, learning to “take heart” by meditating on his favorite Scripture passages, hymns, and biblical themes, exploring the ways God meets us with daily grace right where we live. Drawn from David Powlison’s many decades of writing, teaching, and speaking, Take Heart is a yearlong devotional journey into the process of biblical change, where truth becomes clearer and our ears hear and our eyes see what God tells us about Himself. 

Rehrer, Matt. Redeeming Memory: How God Transforms Memories from a Heavy Burden to a Blessed Hope, Shepherd Press, 214 Pages. 

Memory plays an important role in the Christian life in its proper function and also in its corruption. Redeeming Memory is written for Christians who suffer knowingly or unknowingly from the heavy burdens of memory like grumbling, bitterness, regret, shame, as well as future fears of futility and insignificance. God removes these heavy burdens by His mercy at the cross and redeems memory back to its original purpose—to glorify and worship Him.

Smith, Esther. A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts, P&R Publishing, 176 Pages. 

Are you distracted by racing or anxious thoughts? Distressed by intrusive or irrational thoughts? Struggling with sinful or untrue thoughts? You may feel trapped in your own head, but God and His Word have given you many different ways to find freedom. In this practical and sympathetic guidebook, biblical counselor, Esther Smith, provides twelve powerful strategies that are targeted to different thought struggles. Each chapter is filled with a variety of exercises so that you can begin to change your thoughts right away and live at peace.

Solomon, Curtis. Redeem Your Marriage: Hope for Husbands Who Have Hurt Through Pornography, New Growth Press, 160 Pages.

As a husband, what can you do when you are caught in the prison of pornography use? It might be tempting to give up and give in, but there is hope for your struggle and for your marriage. You might feel weak, helpless, and powerless to change, but Curtis Solomon points you to Jesus who is powerful, and the true source of change. In Christ, it is possible to find the courage and grace to fight this battle, and your heart and your marriage can be redeemed, restored, and renewed. Redeem Your Marriage guides you through a process to help you understand the hurt pornography has caused, and to lament the effects of your struggle on your marriage. But you will not be left without hope—you’ll learn to believe in the forgiveness of sins and Jesus’ power to help you turn away from sin and live for God’s glory instead of for momentary pleasure.

Solomon, Jenny. Reclaim Your Marriage: Grace for Wives Who Have Been Hurt by Pornography, New Growth Press, 160 Pages.

When your husband struggles with pornography, your world is shattered. There are many resources to help him, but what about you? Where can you go with your grief, insecurities, fear, and even anger? Jenny Solomon comes alongside hurting wives and gently encourages them to bring their pain to God, who is able to reclaim their marriage. She will help you to rest in God’s love, while at the same time taking one brave step at a time to care for your family and yourself.

Tripp, Paul. Reactivity: How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions, Crossway, 176 Pages.

Digital media and technology are altering the way people act―and react―toward each other. Criticism, outrage, and controversy dominate social engagement and unfortunately many Christians have joined in the chaos. It’s a troubling contrast to Jesus’ words in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Paul Tripp instructs believers to view digital media and technology through the lens of the gospel and points them toward a biblical framework for communication. Explaining how God wants the church to engage with culture and each other, Tripp encourages Christians to think wisely about their interactions and be a beacon of light in a toxic age.

Viars, Steve. Do You Believe What God Says About You?: How a Right View of Your Identify in Christ Changes Everything, Harvest House, 208 Pages.

Who are you? You carry your answer to that question around your home, community, workplace, and church. But how does your sense of self compare to God’s perfect understanding of you? In Do You Believe What God Says About You?, pastor and biblical counselor, Steve Viars, encourages you to trade misgivings about your identity for the Bible’s life-changing truth about who you were made to be. Ideal for personal use or group study, and a valuable resource for biblical counselors, this book offers thirty-one chapters that feature inspiring insights, practical illustrations, helpful journaling questions, and guided prayers that will help you define your identity as God does.

Welch, Ed. I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say? New Growth Press, 96 Pages. 

A psychiatric diagnosis can be a heavy burden—for you or someone you love. But we know this: God is not silent when His people struggle. What does God say? Experienced counselor and best-selling author, Ed Welch, helps you answer that crucial question by exploring how God’s Word speaks in ways that can help you find wisdom, rest, and hope in Jesus. What do you do when you recognize yourself or someone you love in descriptions like “OCD,” “bipolar disorder,” or “borderline personality disorder”? The DSM can give you a detailed description, but what next? We listen to God and to His people. I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis will guide readers in listening to God who has compassion for those who are struggling in these painful ways. Listening to God in the Bible reshapes psychological descriptions and functions as a corrective lens that opens our eyes. As you listen to Scripture and God’s people, you will understand the struggles of those with a psychiatric diagnosis better and will be able to receive and offer words of help and hope.

Witt, Rush. I Want to Escape: Reaching for Hope When Life Is Too Much, New Growth Press, 144 Pages. 

When life overwhelms, it’s natural to try to get away. Escape holds a powerful allure amid hard times. In every season, a myriad of pressures, challenges, regrets, and disappointments plague our lives. These trials and tribulations often provoke us to cry, “I’ve got to get outta here!” Even though we have many reasons for trying to escape, as Christians, we have better reasons to depend courageously on our Savior in the ups and downs of life. Pastor Rush Witt helps us learn to bravely run to Christ instead of running away. I Want to Escape explores the reasons why we so often want to run, and offers hope-filled direction to experience Jesus’s grace and mercy to comfort, encourage, and lead us on a better path.

Links to Top Biblical Counseling Books: 2012-2022 

2022: The 22 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2022

2021: 21 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2021 

2020: 20 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2020 

2019: 19 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2019 

2018: 24 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2018 

2017: The 17 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2017 

2016: The 16 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2016 

2015: The 15 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2015 

2014: The 14 Top Biblical Counseling Books of 2014 

2013: The 20 Most Important Biblical Counseling Books of 2013, Part 1 

2013: The 20 Most Important Biblical Counseling Books of 2013, Part 2 

2012: The 12 Most Important Biblical Counseling Books of 2012

Join the Conversation 

What biblical counseling books published in 2022 do you most highly recommend? Which biblical counseling books from 2022 most impacted your life? Your ministry?