As teenagers navigate through life’s challenges, they may encounter difficult situations that require guidance and support. For those who seek a Christian perspective, biblical counseling can be a valuable resource. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we have compiled a list of must-reads for teenage biblical counseling resources. These books provide practical advice, biblical wisdom, and personal stories that will help teenagers grow in their faith and overcome life’s obstacles.

Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities for Children and Teens

by Julie Lowe

Knowing how to approach children and teens in counseling can be a challenge. Learning to enter into their world and draw them out can sometimes feel impossible. But with Julie Lowe’s Building Bridges—a practical workbook of expressive activities to do with kids and teens in counseling—you will find the biblical tools you’re looking for. 

Why is My Teenager Feeling Like This?

by David Murray

Have you ever looked at your anxious or depressed teenage son or daughter and wondered, Why is my teenager feeling like this? In this companion guide to his book for teens Why Am I Feeling Like This?, pastor and counselor David Murray offers spiritual encouragement and practical direction for parents and other adults who want to help but don’t know where to start. Structured around eighteen real-life examples, Murray provides tips for having open conversations with teens about anxiety and depression, as well as discussion questions, Bible verses for memorization, and prayers. With these tools in hand, parents and teenagers alike will be equipped to experience freedom from the chains of anxiety and depression.

The Pastor as Counselor: The Call for Soul Care

by David Powlison

A pastor inhabits multiple roles―teacher, preacher, youth leader, and counselor. Yet many church leaders feel unprepared to counsel church members who are struggling with difficult, multifaceted problems. David Powlison reminds pastors of their unique role as the shepherds of God’s people, equipping them to apply biblical wisdom to the thoughts, values, moods, expectations, and decisions of those under their care.

The Quick-Reference Guide to Counseling Teenagers

by Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Chap Clark

Youth culture changes rapidly, so those in the position to counsel teens often find themselves ill-informed and ill-prepared to deal with the issues that teens routinely encounter today. The Quick-Reference Guide to Counseling Teenagers provides the answers. It is an A-Z guide for assisting people-helpers–pastors, professional counselors, youth workers, and everyday believers–to easily access a full array of information to aid them in (formal and informal) counseling situations. Each of the 40 topics covered follows a helpful eight-part outline and identifies: (1) typical symptoms and patterns, (2) definitions and key thoughts, (3) questions to ask, (4) directions for the conversation, (5) action steps, (6) biblical insights, (7) prayer starters, and (8) recommended resources.

Helping the Struggling Adolescent

by Dr. Les Parrott III

Helping the Struggling Adolescent is your first resource to turn to when a teen you know is in trouble. Whether you’re a youth worker, counselor, pastor, or teacher, this fast, ready reference is a compendium of insight on teen problems from abuse to violence and everything between.