Darby Strickland
Counselor, Speaker & Author
Domestic Abuse
For years, biblical counselor Darby Strickland has served women in oppressive marriages. Now she writes to anyone who wants to help, regardless of their level of experience. You will learn how to identify the toxic entitlement that drives abusive behavior and to better understand its impact on victims—including children who are raised in a home with domestic abuse. Ultimately, you will become equipped to provide wise and Christ-centered counsel, empowering, and advocating for victims while navigating the complex dynamics of oppression in a marriage.
Reflection questions throughout chapters guide helpers as they process the material
Detailed inventory questions allow helpers to screen for different kinds of abuse—physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, and financial
Case studies, exercises, and comprehensive worksheets, including a safety action plan, can be used to train helpers and assist victims
Reviews
"This resource and the wisdom it provides are integral to pastoral ministry—and indeed to the work of everyone who is ready to speak for the oppressed and cry out for justice. I cannot recommend it highly enough." --Rachael Denhollander, Speaker; Author; Victim Advocate
"A stunning work. . . . If you ever read a book about abuse in couples, let it be this one." --Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation
"The clearest and most complete work on understanding the dynamics and impact of abuse." --Chris Moles, Author, The Heart of Domestic Abuse
"Deftly equips counselors, pastors, and caring leaders to navigate through the difficult and often confusing narrative surrounding what's wrong and what to do." --Leslie Vernick Author, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage
"An exemplary biblical counseling manual." --Curtis W. Solomon, Executive Director, The Biblical Counseling Coalition
"If you read this book before you need it, you will be grateful . . . and so will the person who is reaching out to you for guidance." --Brad Hambrick, General Editor, Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abuse
Books
About
I am a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), where I’ve served since 2003. I hold a Master of Divinity degree with a counseling emphasis from Westminster Theological Seminary, where I also currently teach courses on Counseling Complex Problems. At CCEF, I teach Counseling Abusive Marriages and regularly counsel individuals, couples, and families walking through deep and difficult seasons.
My writing and teaching focus on equipping churches and counselors to care well for the vulnerable, especially those impacted by trauma and abuse. I’ve contributed to key resources like Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused and the PCA’s Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault training materials.
I’m the author of Is It Abuse? (P&R, 2020) and When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers (P&R, 2025), as well as several minibooks. I also write for the "Comfort for Children in Hard Times" series, helping families navigate suffering with biblical wisdom and care.
One of my greatest joys has been homeschooling my three children. Our home has been filled with music, read-alouds, good food, games, and lots of laughter. My husband, John, and I have particularly enjoyed these years of learning and growing together, and are now taking joy in launching our children into the world. When I have free time, you’ll likely find me near water—swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply taking in the beauty of a quiet lake.
If you’d like to get in touch, please contact CCEF.