As a culture, we have a love-hate relationship with perfectionism. We reward perfectionists for their insistence on setting high standards and their tireless efforts to achieve them. But psychologists link perfectionism with a host of problematic behaviors ranging from eating disorders to risk aversion to workaholism. Perfectionism is a crushing burden that can leave us angry, anxious, and paralyzed.Is the solution just to "lighten up"? In Picture Perfect, counselor and au...

It is difficult and sometimes frightening not to have the good opinion of others. No one likes to face the possibility of rejection, humiliation, or opposition. Yet, making our goal others' approval confines us to a small world where life consists of pleasing others.Experienced counselor Amy Baker shares that rejection by others is not the whole story. There is a bigger story of God's love for his people. His love endures forever. His love can be relied upon, while people's opinion...

Sadness, depression, anger, fear, anxiety, loyalty conflicts; your children are struggling with at least some of these emotions after your divorce. To make things even more difficult, you are struggling too. How do you help your child cope with the changes in the family, while you're still adjusting?As she explains the various responses you and your children may be having to your divorce, Amy Baker applies the gospel of Jesus Christ in practical and kid-friendly ways to the struggl...

Emotions are a powerful and important part of life, but sometimes it feels like they are out of control. Mild frustration quickly turns to anger. Sadness becomes despair. Disappointment deepens into bitterness. You may begin to wonder if you control your feelings or if they control you!Amy Baker explains that our emotions don't have to run our lives. Instead, our emotions can reflect God's character even in our broken world. Through discussing how Jesus expressed his emotions and w...

Some call it "the change of life." It is certainly that, and not always a welcome one! Hot flashes, memory lapses, tiredness, emotional struggles—they may not all be equal in severity, but you're certainly experiencing the effects of growing older.Though the world often tries to convince us that aging represents a loss of value, Amy Baker and Daniel Wickert offer a more biblical view that focuses on knowing and trusting Christ. Putting your hope in God and in his love for you will ...

The progression should have been natural. You got married, and children were supposed to follow in due time. But every month that ends in a period rather than a pregnancy has you feeling more and more depressed. Perhaps you even find yourself avoiding people and places with children because it is just too painful.Amy Baker and Daniel Wickert help you see God's presence and provision for you in the midst of your pain. With compassion and understanding, they walk through some of the ...

"I'm just shy." You've worn the label for so long that it has become your identity. A counselor recently described it as social anxiety, but the new label does nothing to ease the pain. You wish you could feel "comfortable in your own skin" but instead, in social situations, you feel anxious and out of place. Where can you go for help?Amy Baker explains that confidence in God, not self-confidence, is the answer to the problem of social anxiety. Trusting in God breaks the paralyzing...

Sometimes PMS is just a nuisance, but sometimes it stops you in your tracks. Headaches, cramping, bloating, mood swings, fatigue—you might experience any of these and more! Sometimes it just seems impossible to be patient, kind, and emotionally stable when it's "that time of the month"!Amy Baker and Daniel Wickert walk with you through the experience of PMS and help you see how God can help you and change you, even during the most difficult time of the month. With an eye on both th...

People handle the hard things in life in all different ways. What do you do when you get upset? Cry? Blow-up? Get depressed? Or perhaps, no one notices when you're upset because you find a quiet place and cut yourself. You're looking for relief, but is this the respite you really want?There is a better way to manage your negative emotions. Instead of cutting—the never-ending cycle of hiding and going deeper and deeper—you can go to Jesus with all of your troubles. You are precious ...

Coming alongside struggling children can feel like an uphill battle. Counselors and parents mistakenly believe children somehow need different answers to life's problems than adults need—but Christ is always the way.Children struggle with the same desires adults struggle with, are lured by the same lies adults fall prey to, and can find hope in the same source adults can find hope—in our Lord and Savior.In this manual for biblical counselors, men and women will learn how to...

‘Watch out for men with too much wooden jewellery, Amy. I know what you’re like… you’ll let them sucker you in with their yoga chat but essentially, they’re unwashed… and you don’t want to put your face anywhere near an unwashed penis, let me tell you.’Carol, receptionistHaving announced her plans to quit her job and backpack around South America, humourist and gonzo journalist Amy Baker found herself on the receiving end of a whole bunch of over-the-top and seemingly unneces...

Navigating foster care can be overwhelming for everyone. There are thousands of books offering professional opinions on how to be a good foster carer and provide therapeutic support for children in care, but what about asking the young people who've been there?This essential guide brings the voices of care-experienced authors to the forefront, sharing their first-hand knowledge and advice for making a real difference. From big-picture concepts like understanding healthy relationshi...