Hope Prevails
- Christian Living
- Counseling, Grief & Mental Health
- Publisher: Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2016
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Publisher's Description
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with DepressionAs a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson sees the devastation of depression. Early on, she practiced the most effective treatments and prescribed them for her clients. But when she experienced depression herself, she found that the treatments she had recommended were lacking. Her experience showed her the missing component in treating depression. In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion, blending her training and faith, to offer readers a hope grounded in God's love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God's grace, it cannot do. The result is an approach that offers the hope of release, not just the management of symptoms. For those who struggle with depression and those who want to help them, Hope Prevails offers hope for the future.
Endorsements (14)
Foreword
“There are many fine, worthy, and insightful books written about depression, but in my view, Dr. Bengtson’s trumps them all.”
“As a counselor, I have read many books on depression, but I have never read a book that deals with the spiritual aspect of healing as thoroughly as does Hope Prevails. Dr. Bengtson draws from her own personal journey as well as her professional experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has tasted the pain of depression or knows a friend who is depressed.”
“I often see the long-term and devastating effects of the hard to define, hard to leave behind ravages of depression. It seeks to wear down and wear out our hope. When longing to help another caught in despair, I’m acutely aware of how inadequate I am to help them, realizing that Christian platitudes and casual verses only serve to make those suffering from depression feel more alone or misunderstood. In Hope Prevails, Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides some profound wisdom for us all. By sharing her own journey of recovery, Michelle offers a breakthrough approach that focuses on the spiritual component of recovery as a means to overcome. This book finds the crossroads between treatment and faith. What you hold in your hand is a rare gift. It’s hard to find a person who will be so honest about his or her own struggle in order to help you with yours. It’s a double blessing when that person also possesses the expertise, experience, and grace to meet your needs. I recommend this book, and this woman, to those caught in the trap of depression. There is hope and it does prevail.”
“Nowhere else have I found an author speak to the difficulty of depression with this level of specific explanation, insight, and hope. In Hope Prevails, Dr. Michelle Bengtson unfolds a deeply personal narrative that speaks both to cause and antidote. She balances the truths of depression with a chord of hope, tethering us to both the love and the power of God. On those days when you’re tired and weary and feel like you just can’t keep going, this book is like having a girlfriend right there with you. A girlfriend who just happens to be a trained and certified mental health professional who relies on Scripture to equip you with the tools you need to overcome.”
“In my thirty years as a practicing psychotherapist, I’ve never read a book that suggests more helpful and concrete ways of overcoming depression as Hope Prevails. This book goes a major step beyond what therapy accomplishes by helping us maintain our hope. Dr. Bengtson’s own struggle with depression is carefully woven into her well-credentialed research on its causes and etiology. Then she leaves us with a powerful prescription for finding relief and peace. The message is clear and never loses its power. I’m grateful for this book and the many who will get relief reading it and following her prescriptions. And, how helpful to those with someone in their life dealing with depression.”
“Hope Prevails is a treasure trove of Scripture, music, and medicine for the soul. This book shares truth upon truth for anyone encountering depression. It is a very important work that should be held in the highest regard in any family library. Most of all, it is honest. Michelle genuinely opens up a window of her heart, revealing her own darkest hours in order to shine a light of hope for you and me. If you or anyone you love touches even the fringe of depression, I highly recommend this work as a key doorway to your journey toward joy, peace, and the full life you can have in Christ.”
“Dr. Bengtson exposes the lies and opens our eyes to the truth about depression! I loved this book! Like a sweet friend walking with us in our darkest days, with experiential wisdom and tender compassion, Dr. Bengtson exposes the lies and reveals the truth about depression and what keeps us trapped in physical, emotional, and spiritual bondage. If you are ready to finally break free, your Rx is waiting. Take Michelle’s hand and allow her to offer you the hope your soul is longing for.”
“It is one thing to have clinical expertise and knowledge; it is entirely something different to have a story. Dr. Michelle Bengtson weaves these all together, on a foundation of her deep and tested faith, to give a response, or more accurately a weapon against, this monster called depression. Reading this book gives the clear awareness that you are not alone and you are not defeated. More than her book, Michelle’s life shouts, ‘Hope Prevails!”
“Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s enlightening book, Hope Prevails, provides a master blueprint for overcoming negative thoughts and toxic emotions. Targeting a generation who feels lost and hopeless, this book provides meaningful help to everyone who has endured unexpected heartache, pain, or trauma. Hope Prevails offers effective answers on how to overcome loss and reach for a life brimming with peace, joy, and limitless dreams. Reading this book will drastically improve your life.”
“It’s very likely that you or a loved one has experienced the effects of depression: profound sadness, lack of energy, loss of joy. You may have found yourself wishing for the honest counsel of a wise woman or a close friend, even a special therapist. Someone who would understand what you are going through without you having to find the words. Someone who has a special kind of wisdom and guidance to share. Through Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson relates to the reader as a caring friend while providing professional insights formed by years of education, training, and experience as a neuropsychologist. She attends to the spiritual aspects of healing from depression and interprets frequently used depression treatment techniques within the context of a close relationship with God. Dr. Bengtson sprinkles personal knowing alongside professional knowledge to deliver sound teachings and recommendations from the perspective of a ‘helper’ who has had her own battles against depression, has grabbed hold of God’s promises, and has realized joy in him. She delivers inspired love and understanding of her own and through that shows God’s love for those who are in despair. She is that friend, maybe not one you know personally but one whose words can comfort and guide you just as powerfully toward a fulfilled relationship with God, the Healer.”
“Everyone who suffers or knows someone who suffers from depression needs to read this book. If I had read it twenty-three years ago, I never would have attempted suicide!” —anonymous reader “It is a unique position to be both the doctor and the depressed patient. Those dual experiences offer rare insight into the nuances of a very difficult journey. Dr. Michelle Bengtson has written a wonderful, hope-filled book for those who suffer from depression and for those who love them. Because she’s been in the place of the patient, her compassion abounds. Because she has been in the place of the doctor, her knowledge is spot-on. Because she is a lover of God, her book offers practical, spiritual hope for anyone who is searching. I encourage you to read it! It will make you better, no matter your situation.”
“Dr. Michelle Bengtson sent this ball over the fence! Hope Prevails is the most helpful and practical thing I’ve read on dealing with depression! A compassionate work from someone who’s been through the struggle personally. This is a must-have resource for anyone struggling with depression or for those who know someone who is. Armed with Scripture, Dr. Bengtson gives step-by-step strategies for combating the lies of the evil one. Hope is on every page!”
“If you or a loved one are walking through the valley of depression, be encouraged that you are not alone. Dr. Michelle Bengtson has provided a powerful resource to help you on your journey toward hope. It is a personal and positive book, as you learn from Dr. Bengtson’s own story as well as her practical knowledge in the field. I love how she shares a prescription, a prayer, and a playlist at the end of each chapter to give you an extra boost of strength. Hope Prevails is a must-read for every person who struggles with depression.”
“It is refreshing to have a board-certified neuropsychologist acknowledge the spiritual component of depression, but it is even more impressive that Dr. Bengtson would be willing to share her own journey through the fog of despair. Her personal insights are invaluable for those who are struggling with what is often described as ‘the common cold of mental illness.”
Dr. Neil T. Anderson
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