Help for Those with an Eating Disorder and Their Loved Ones

by | May 8, 2021 | Author, Blog, Books | 0 comments

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903-874-8363
 
 Breaking free from an eating disorder is difficult and complex. Those who are suffering often feel misunderstood and struggle with feeling alone and afraid, ashamed to tell those closest to them. At the same time, their loved ones also feel helpless and ill-equipped about how to help and care for them. Within this dynamic, hurt, disappointment, and neglect often thrive. From the unique perspective of a  husband and wife team, Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders (New Growth Press/April 26, 2021) shares Krista Dunham’s journey to freedom from her eating disorder while David Dunham shares insights as the loved one coming beside her.
 
Krista suffered from an eating disorder for over ten years and, by God’s grace and through biblical counseling, overcame it. She openly and honestly shares her experience, describing what she did, what she needed, and what proved helpful in the process of change. Alongside her story, David shares what he did, how he failed, and what he learned along the way as a biblical counselor that was helpful to Krista.
 
“Whether you are a helper or a sufferer, for most people, the path to recovery from an eating disorder is brand-new territory,” Krista writes. “My husband and I have walked the road to recovery together, and we hope to help you find the way. We aim to help you identify potential motives that drive an eating disorder, navigate triggers, and find hope and healing in God. We aim especially to help you talk about these issues, bring them to the light, and address them with God’s Word.”
 
This powerful, redemptive book reveals an intimacy beyond personal stories of struggle told through a biblical counseling lens; it highlights the close-knit relationship of husband and wife and a home life where one person struggles with an eating disorder. Applying the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, they know two are better than one and understand the need to connect and jointly navigate the process together. Individuals suffering from an eating disorder—and those that love them—will find practical help, hope, and encouragement in this couple’s story.
 
“Looking back, I wish I had found resources that could have guided me in a biblically faithful way through the nature of an eating disorder, the common experiences and frustrations of those who suffer, and the ways in which I could have been more helpful,” David shares. “Since then I have become a counselor and have learned a lot about counseling—and about counseling people with eating disorders in particular. This book reflects much of what I needed to know back then.”
 
Without minimizing complicated issues, the Dunhams provide practical, gospel hope and biblical encouragement to those suffering and help for loved ones walking with them. They share personal narratives, interactive exercises, and biblical direction for those navigating recovery. Each chapter includes interactive exercises to encourage conversations. The Dunhams will help readers discover key components of an eating disorder and what type of assistance is truly helpful while guiding them to understand how the gospel frames the process with both truth and grace.
 
“When I go looking for help and direction in dealing with truly difficult problems, I’m always interested in those who have been there and found the way out. In the arena of eating disorders, Table for Two is compelling testimony of a couple who did just that. This book is full of help for the struggler and those who love them,” writes Dr. Charles D. Hodges, Jr. a family physician and executive director of Vision of Hope. “The authors point the reader to the wealth of wisdom to be found when counseling from the Scriptures and the importance of good medical care in the process. Even the title is helpful, as it points the reader to the truth that eating disorders are rarely conquered alone. Table for Two will be an encouragement to many and a good resource in counseling.”
 Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders
By David and Krista Dunham
April 26, 2021 / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645070-74-0
Religion / Christian Ministry / Counseling and RecoveryWhat Others Are Saying“As biblical counseling further develops from a movement to a discipline, it needs more issue-specific books providing a biblical framework to address specific troubles in human experience. David and Krista have provided such a book, helping us further stretch toward competency on the vital issue of eating disorders.” 
~ Jeremy Pierre, Author of The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life; Lawrence & Charlotte Hoover Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling; chair, Department of Biblical Counseling & Family Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary “Table for Two by David and Krista Dunham is a refreshingly honest book with a refreshingly unique perspective. David and Krista coauthor as a couple who have walked through an eating disorder—one as a person reaching out for help, the other as a helper-in-training. As they invite you into their journey, you’ll learn from a biblical perspective the underlying issues related to eating disorders and you’ll learn how to compassionately and competently help those working through this issue.”
~ Bob Kellemen, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Counseling at Faith Bible Seminary; author of Gospel-Centered Marriage Counseling and Gospel-Centered Family Counseling“In Table for Two, David and Krista Dunham offer readers the healing balm of the gospel, applying it to the struggle of disordered eating. Compassionate, practical, and wise, the Dunhams’ words are underscored by their own testimonies as they live in the hope they now extend—both to those who suffer and to those who help.”
~ Hannah Anderson, Author of Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your SoulAbout the Authors
David Dunham, MDiv (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), is a pastor and biblical counselor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville, MI. He is the author of Addictive Habits: Changing for Good and coauthor of Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders. He speaks refularly on issues related to Biblical Counseling. David and his wife, Krista, have three children.
 
David blogs at www.pastordaveonline.org and can be found on Twitter (@pastor_dave619).
 
Krista Dunham has served as a women’s mentor, biblical counselor, and curriculum developer for various women’s and children’s ministries. She has a degree in early childhood education from Ohio University. Krista suffered from an eating disorder for many years and has been privileged to share her story of recovery and transformation at many women’s events. She is the coauthor of Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders.
 
David and Krista have three children and live in Michigan.