“It got to a point where one day I was thinking about suicide… but I also envisioned that God had me in his hand, clasped tightly, and wouldn’t let the enemy snatch me.”

For Michelle*, this wasn’t just a metaphor. It was a picture of grace in one of the darkest seasons of her life. After spending nearly 25 years in an abusive marriage, Michelle still suffered from the lingering effects of the trauma, depression, and spiritual doubts she experienced, years after the marriage ended and she found safety. In 2024, when her father passed away and tensions with family members erupted, the additional grief and anger sent her into a spiral of deep depression.

Although Michelle had seen counselors in the past, she knew this time needed to be different. With her faith renewed and a desire to grow spiritually, Michelle made it a priority to find a Christian counselor. She wanted someone who would not only understand her pain, but also help her process it through the lens of God’s Word.

“I think that made all the difference. I needed someone who could help me see where God was in all of this.”

Her search led her to Christian Family Solutions and to Justin, a Christian counselor licensed in both Wisconsin and Arizona. That was a key factor, since Michelle and her husband are “snowbirds” who split their time between the two states.

Through video counseling sessions, she was able to connect with Justin consistently. Michelle found what she had been longing for: a Christ-centered space to process her pain, unlearn harmful beliefs, and rediscover her identity in God’s love.

“Justin was able to help me see that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and that He has a good plan and a hope for my future.”

With compassion, Scripture, and practical, evidence-based tools, Justin helped Michelle identify the deep-rooted lies that had shaped her thoughts for decades, like believing she was “stupid” or that something was wrong with her. They explored the past, confronted those false narratives, and replaced them with truth from God’s Word.

“I needed the counseling to help with those thoughts that were buried so deep. Those lies I believed for so many years…I feel like they don’t have power over me anymore.”

This healing has transformed not just how Michelle sees herself, but how she lives. She’s now stepping into ministry opportunities she once thought were out of reach. She serves at her church, volunteers at a refugee center, and recently completed training to become an abuse recovery group leader for women.

“God wouldn’t let go because He had great things for me. And I’m finally beginning to see the answer to a lifelong dream.”

Michelle’s journey reminds us how critical it is to meet people where they are. In her case, that meant reaching her through an internet search, meeting with her across state lines, and walking alongside her through online counseling.

Michelle turned to CFS at a critical time when she was questioning her worth and her future. Now, because of the care she received, she’s living with renewed confidence and also sharing hope, healing, and the Gospel with others who are hurting. That’s the exponential power of our ministry.

“Life can be better. There is hope. You can feel happy again.”

* Name changed to protect the patient’s privacy. Her story is shared with permission.

If you’re someone who wants to better understand how to support a person like Michelle – a friend, loved one, or church member who has experienced abuse or may still be in an abusive relationship – we invite you to explore our free, self-guided online course:

A Domestic Abuse Primer

This resource, created in partnership with a pastor and a CFS Christian counseling professional, helps you:

• Understand the dynamics and effects of domestic abuse
• Recognize red flags and harmful patterns
• Learn how to respond with empathy, while prioritizing safety and support

Whether you’re a pastor, a friend, or a concerned supporter, this course will equip you to reflect Christ’s love to those in difficult and dangerous situations.

Start today and become part of a compassionate community working toward healing and hope.