This year one in ten adults will experience the isolation and inner barrenness of major depression. It is second only to marital difficulties in causing individuals to seek pastoral counseling.

Depression and Hope is the expert, authoritative guide to appropriate ways for pastoral counselors to think about and treat depression. Building on his counseling practice, research, and personal experience, Howard Stone explains the latest understandings of depression and its symptoms, its spiritual dimensions, the likelihood of suicide, as well as the pros and cons of various drug therapies (including Prozac). In his characteristically readable, no-nonsense way, Stone then offers specific, tested ways for counselors briefly and effectively to address the physical, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal facets of depression.

Though enigmatic, depression is very treatable, and Stone shows how proper intervention by clergy can facilitate not only strong recovery but also strengthened faith.