Nancy Smith faced problems deeper than most. This is the account of how she tried to unlock doors leading to health.

As you read, observe the professional skill of the counselor. At the conclusion of the excerpt, we have provided an evaluation of the counseling sessions to help you apply numerous principles in your own ministry.

Winter Past (now reissued as All I Need Is Love) is published by InterVarsity Press.

"May I help you?" The receptionist's voice sounded medical and routine, giving the impression that calling a psychiatrist's office was a perfectly normal occurrence. As my index finger curled around the receiver of my wall phone, I quickly replayed my options. I could hang up. With a twitch of my finger I could cut her off. The small piece of paper containing the clinical address, phone number, and the names of the psychiatrist and her two associates could be discarded and forgotten in the trash.

Again the receptionist offered the invitation, "May I help you?"

I saw my index finger ...