Endorsements

This thoughtful and compassionate book is for anyone who has felt like an unfit or second-class Christian

due to mental health stigmatization from the Christian community. Tabitha has written a deeply personal

story that invites the reader into the truth about oneself (valued beyond words by Jesus) and the

possibility of healing. The sections titled “Jesus and Therapy” can easily be integrated into therapy with

clients who may be struggling with their faith, painful church experiences and spiritual abuse. Tabitha is a

clear, strong voice of advocacy for mental health in the church just when it is needed most.

-Michelle Caulk, PhD, licensed counselor; Director of Clinical Experiences at Huntington University;

Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Clinician; and co-author of Healing Out Loud: How to

Embrace God’s Love When You Don’t Like Yourself

“The Bible tells us that we will have trouble in life, but mental illness is something many Christians feel they should be able to overcome with faith. And when they cannot overcome it, they struggle with their belief system, which is why Tabitha’s book is so powerful. It offers a fresh and practical way to address mental illness without shame by guiding the reader to solutions to their struggles, while leaning on Jesus for their hope. Tabitha Yates' book is one that all Christians can benefit from reading, whether they have struggled with their mental health or not. Because it gives insight and understanding in how to truly love and support those struggling in a hopeful and authentic way. “-Quinn Kelly, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Host of Renew You Podcast on Air 1 & K-Love Radio

"Jesus and Therapy is a resource, a tool belt must have, and a resuscitation to the soul. It breathes hope, peace and clarity into what can be a wildly overwhelming, often isolating, sometimes even debilitating conversation. Thankful for Tabitha's bravery, the wisdom she shares directly drawn from Truth and the life-giving practices gifted through this book! It's a must read!" -Tamra Andress, 6x Best Selling Author, International Speaker, Top .3% Globally Seasoned Podcaster, Founder of F.I.T.. in Faith Media

"Every pastor and church leader needs to read this book. As the author recounts the traumatic experiences she endured in church as a young person, I was both heartbroken and appalled by the depth of spiritual abuse she faced in a place that should have offered safety and support. Thankfully, her powerful story doesn’t end there. Through therapy and a genuine relationship with God, she found healing and redemption. Her journey offers not only hope but also practical wisdom—equipping readers to better recognize the signs of abuse and respond with compassion, both within the church and beyond."

- Pastor's Wives Tell All- Authors, Speakers, Podcasters

“Between her unabashed willingness to delineate the unseen depths of trauma, mental health, and faith,

and her writing that is all at once visceral, relatable, and witty; Tabitha is a true rarity. Her words are the

unspoken truths of millions.”

—Sophia San Filippo, managing editor of Love What Matters

“For those hanging on by a thread, feeling alone, and lost in the darkness of their struggles with anxiety

and depression, Tabitha can relate. She uses her story in a powerful way to throw out a rope of hope to

those in desperate need. This resource is one the church will be able to add to their libraries, small groups,

and life-changing ministries to help believers who are depressed walk their road of restoration and

healing.”

—Caris Snider, speaker, podcaster, and author of the Anxiety Elephants series and Car Line Mom: 100

Days of Encouragement

“As a leader in a local church, I am profoundly grateful for Tabitha taking this tender and delicate subject of mental health and the church, head on. This book, told through the lens of her personal story, is desperately needed. I came to this book, eager to learn, both as someone who regularly walks with others through various battles with mental health, trauma, and abuse, and as someone who has personally wrestled with depression in seasons of my life. These insights, rooted in love and truth, will bring hope, and a way forward for many who have felt trapped in these confusing murky waters where faith and mental health battles intersect.” -Jennica Conklin, Church Planter, Pastor at The Vine Church

"In all my years of being a therapist, I've never encountered a more valuable read when it comes to addressing the myth that mental illness is due to a lack of faith in God. Tabitha Yates is brave enough to confront the limitations of the church in managing mental health issues. Her words of wisdom, unfortunately gleaned from her own traumatic experiences, have helped many of my clients who've suffered at the hands of (mostly) well-meaning church leaders. These clients found validation and freedom after learning that they were not alone in their struggle. Anxiety and depression are NOT due to a lack of faith or a sinful life, as many in the church have suggested. She says it all when she says, "It's okay to need Jesus AND a therapist." Guilt and shame are common among those with mental illness, and Tabitha hits the nail right on the head when she explains that these feelings do not come from God. She holds nothing back as she uses her own troubling past and her journey to healing as a guide to overcoming damaging messages that are handed down under the guise of religion. She ventures where few have dared to reassure her readers that God does indeed care about them and their emotional problems.”

-Jennifer Nuss, MA, LPC