Dr. Michelle Bengtson - Hope prevails: insights from a doctors personal journey through depression

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.

Gary Chapman, PhD, author of The Love Languages

There are many fine, worthy, and insightful books written about depression, but in my view, Dr. Bengtsons trumps them all.

Marilyn Meberg , Women of Faith speaker and author of Constantly Craving

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, Im 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. Its hard to find a person who will be so honest about his or her own struggle in order to help you with yours. Its 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.

Jan Greenwood , pastor of Pink (Gateway Women) at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and author of Women at War

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 youre tired and weary and feel like you just cant 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.

Jo Ann Fore , author of the award-winning When a Woman Finds Her Voice

In my thirty years as a practicing psychotherapist, Ive 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. Bengtsons 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. Im 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.

Pat Wenger , MA, LPC, MFT

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.

Jennifer Strickland , author of Beautiful Lies , inspirational speaker, and founder of URMore.org

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 Michelles hand and allow her to offer you the hope your soul is longing for.

Patty Mason , author of Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression without Drugs and founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries

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, Michelles life shouts, Hope Prevails!