Beyond the Billion-Dollar Psychology Industry: Why Everyone Needs to be Heard — and Why Hope Must Be Affordable
- Elisabeth H. Drew

- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Growing Need for Conversation and Connection
In today’s world, many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected. The need to talk, to be heard, and to find hope is more urgent than ever. Yet despite the booming psychology industry, millions still struggle to access affordable, meaningful support. Long waitlists, high fees, and complicated systems often leave people stuck—searching for answers that go beyond symptom relief.
Feeling isolated is a shared human experience across all ages and backgrounds. A mother juggling family and work may feel unseen in her struggles. A teenager might find it hard to connect with peers or express emotions. A father carrying unresolved pain from the past can feel trapped in silence.
These stories reveal our deepest need: to be understood, to process pain, and to rediscover purpose through compassionate conversation.
Talking helps us process emotions, gain perspective, and build bridges toward healing. But healing conversations must happen in safe, supportive environments—places where people can rediscover not only themselves, but God’s presence and plan for their lives.
In Beyond the Billion-Dollar Psychology Industry: Why Everyone Needs to be Heard — and Why Hope Must Be Affordable, you will learn about the reality of the secular psychology business, why so many people are left searching for lasting healing, and the heart behind Hope With Elisabeth Ministry — a place where compassion, faith, and biblical truth guide every conversation.
The Roots of Psychology — From Philosophy to a Billion-Dollar Industry
Modern psychology began in the late 1800s, not as a faith-based discipline, but as an extension of philosophy and evolutionary science. Its early thinkers — like Wilhelm Wundt, who opened the first experimental psychology lab in 1879, and Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis — sought to understand the mind apart from the soul. Their goal was to explain human behavior through biology, instinct, and environment rather than through God’s design.
Freud’s theories were deeply influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which viewed humanity as the product of natural processes, not divine creation. From this foundation, psychology began defining people primarily through impulses, trauma, and learned behavior — rather than spiritual truth or moral responsibility. Over time, human beings were increasingly treated as systems to be analyzed and managed, rather than souls to be healed and redeemed.
As the field grew, it became more experimental and, at times, deeply harmful. In the 20th century, practices like electroshock treatments, institutional confinement, and drug experimentation were used on vulnerable patients who often had no voice. Though modern methods have changed, this history reminds us that when care is separated from compassion and faith, people can become subjects rather than souls.
Psychology eventually expanded beyond hospitals into everyday life, redefining almost every emotion, behavior, and thought as something diagnosable — something needing professional management. The business side of psychology grew rapidly, and along with it came the rise of pharmaceutical dependency. Feelings once addressed through prayer, community, or spiritual guidance were now labeled as disorders requiring long-term treatment or medication. While some found temporary relief, many became trapped in cycles of dependency, disconnected from the true healing only God can provide.
The Bible gives clear warning about trusting worldly philosophies that reject God’s truth:
“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.”— Colossians 2:8
When human wisdom replaces divine truth, confusion and emptiness follow. This is why faith-based guidance is so essential today. The world’s systems may study the mind, but only God can restore the heart.
True healing begins not in analysis, but in renewal — when a person surrenders their struggles to Jesus Christ and allows His Word to transform their thoughts, emotions, and identity.
Why the Current Psychology Industry Leaves Many Behind
The psychology industry in North America is worth over $90 billion and continues to grow every year. Yet this massive system often fails to serve those who need help the most.
In Canada, public mental health services come with long waitlists that can stretch for months—or even years. Private psychologists can charge $200 or more per session, a cost that many cannot afford. In the United States, mental health care is often tied to insurance coverage, which varies widely. Out-of-pocket costs and subscription-based therapy apps add financial strain, and many insurance plans cover only a limited number of sessions.
Behind these numbers lies a painful truth: secular psychology has become an industry focused on symptom management rather than lasting transformation. People are encouraged to “come back next week” again and again, often with prescriptions attached. While short-term relief may come, few find true peace or purpose in a system built on repetition and revenue.
For those who want to learn more about the roots of secular psychology in philosophy and how to find true purpose in God’s truth, I wrote From Pain to Purpose: Rediscovering Life in God’s Word. It also offers a Christ-centered path toward lasting healing—helping readers understand that true peace and transformation can only come from God’s Word, not the world’s methods.
The Billion-Dollar Industry vs. the Power of God’s Word
While the world markets therapy as a product, the Word of God offers eternal healing at no cost.
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”— Hebrews 4:12
The Bible doesn’t simply treat symptoms—it transforms hearts. True healing happens when the Holy Spirit brings revelation, conviction, and renewal.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”— Jeremiah 29:11
In a world filled with confusion, God’s Word provides clarity. It reveals identity, renews purpose, and restores peace that no prescription can replace.
When People Turned to Faith, Not Industry
Before psychology became a business, people facing pain, loss, or confusion turned first to God, their family, and their church community. They prayed together, sought wisdom from elders, and found comfort in Scripture. Healing was seen as a journey of faith, not a transaction or diagnosis. People understood that even in hardship, God has a purpose — that through trials, He teaches us perseverance, strengthens our character, and draws us closer to Him.
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”— Romans 8:28
Today, many have turned instead to New Age practices — manifestation, energy healing, crystals, tarot, or meditation rooted in false spirituality. These may appear harmless or comforting, but they draw people away from the truth of God’s Word. In reality, such practices can even attract darkness and open spiritual doors that invite confusion and fear.
Many former New Age followers, like Doreen Virtue, have shared their testimonies after becoming born-again Christians. They now warn others about the dangers of these practices, explaining that New Age spirituality never truly heals — it only hides pain temporarily while leading hearts further from God’s light and deeper into darkness.
“Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”— 1 John 4:1
The Lord reminds us again not to follow any form of spiritual deception:
“There shall not be found with you anyone who uses divination, tells fortunes, interprets omens, or engages in witchcraft.”— Deuteronomy 18:10
The message is simple: true healing never comes from energy, vibrations, or human power — it comes from the Holy Spirit. God’s presence brings clarity, renewal, and peace that the world cannot imitate.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28
Faith, not philosophy or false spirituality, remains the foundation of lasting peace and restoration.
The Importance of Affordable Hope
Hope is one of God’s greatest gifts—it sustains us through trials and points us toward renewal. But when hope becomes a privilege tied to money or insurance, despair grows.
Affordable hope means creating spaces where people can talk openly, pray freely, and receive guidance grounded in God’s Word without financial barriers. It means ministries, churches, and believers offering compassion instead of contracts—truth instead of temporary fixes.
“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.”— Isaiah 40:8
True hope cannot be purchased—it must be shared.

Christian Counseling and Coaching — Working Together for Transformation
At Hope With Elisabeth, we believe that Christian counseling and coaching are meant to work together.
Christian counseling provides a safe place to bring wounds, trauma, or confusion before God. It helps validate experiences, release pain, and invite the Holy Spirit to begin the process of healing.
Christian coaching then helps believers take the next step—turning healing into purpose. It focuses on accountability, spiritual growth, goal-setting, and discovering one’s God-given mission. While counseling heals the heart, coaching strengthens the walk. Together, they create a path of transformation—mind, body, and spirit—centered on the unchanging truth of Scripture.
The Gift of Listening — How God Shaped the Calling of Hope With Elisabeth Ministry
Hope With Elisabeth was born out of a lifelong calling—a desire placed in my heart by God long before I ever knew what “ministry” meant. Since I was a child, people have been drawn to talk with me, to seek comfort, and to share their pain. I remember being only nine years old and hearing adults tell me that I had an “old soul,” that I listened differently—not to respond, but to understand.
Elders in my community, family members, even neighbors—they would come to me with their worries, and I would simply listen. Years later, when I returned to the area where I grew up, a woman
I had often listened to as a child greeted me warmly. She said, “You were just a little girl, but you always made me feel better. You truly listened.”
As I grew older, that same pattern continued. In my circle of friends, I was always the one people came to for advice—not because I had all the answers, but because they knew I would listen with fairness, without taking sides. I helped them see what others might feel in a situation, to bring understanding and peace instead of conflict.
At my workplaces, it was much the same. Colleagues often came to me privately to talk, to ask for advice, or simply to find someone who would listen without judgment. Later, when I became a mother, that same gift deepened. The bond I formed with my children—and later with their friends—often opened doors for heartfelt conversations. Whether it was a young person seeking direction, or another mother needing encouragement, I found myself once again doing what God had placed in my heart since childhood: listening, comforting, and guiding with discernment and compassion.
I also carry my own story of pain and redemption. Growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness family, I experienced both emotional and spiritual trauma that led to years of self-sabotage through my teens and twenties. Yet even in those dark seasons, I remained resilient, always holding on to hope and helping others in their struggles. I became a mother at twenty-four, and that season marked the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey — a search for truth and healing that only God could fulfill. In 2023, after years of Christ working quietly in my life, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit and finally surrendered my heart fully to Jesus. From that moment, everything made sense — every trial, every hurt, every search for meaning — all leading to the purpose God had prepared for me through Hope With Elisabeth Ministry.
Looking back, I now understand that what others saw as maturity or wisdom was actually the Holy Spirit giving me the gifts of discernment and compassion—gifts meant to be used for God’s glory and for the healing of His people.
From Calling to Ministry — The Heart Behind Hope With Elisabeth
When I gave my life to Jesus, everything changed. Not long after, both of my daughters began working with an organization connected to the one that governs and licenses psychologists in the province of Québec—the body that oversees the profession, hears complaints, and manages calls from people across the province. Through their work, they often hear heartbreaking stories from individuals desperate for help. They hear about people waiting months or even years for care, about the high cost of private sessions, and about those who pay significant amounts only to feel no true progress.
I’ve also seen this pain up close within my own family. My mother began receiving psychological help in her thirties, but decades later, she became dependent on painkillers and mental health prescriptions. Over time, her struggles deepened, and she eventually had to be placed in a care home for her safety. Today, she lives isolated from our family — a heartbreaking reminder of how temporary fixes can destroy the very hope people are searching for. The father of my daughters also sought help for trauma and anxiety, but the prescriptions only worsened his struggles. He became addicted and passed away at forty-seven. Over the years, I’ve also watched other family members and many friends go through similar experiences — turning to help that promised relief but instead deepened their pain.
These experiences showed me firsthand how easily people can become trapped in cycles of medication and dependency, still searching for the peace that only God can give.
I began researching Christian counseling and quickly discovered that, even in faith-based settings, it can be just as expensive as secular options. That’s when the Lord made my purpose clear: to create a Bible-based ministry where people could find compassionate, affordable, and faith-rooted help—not for profit, but for God’s Kingdom.
Over the past few months, since officially starting my ministry in July, I have seen God’s hand at work in incredible ways. Hope With Elisabeth is not funded by large organizations or government programs. I personally invest to keep this ministry alive because I believe in its mission: to help Christians rediscover peace, healing, and purpose through the Word of God. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many—mothers adjusting to their children starting daycare, adults seeking emotional healing, believers striving toward personal or professional goals—all through a combination of Christian counseling and coaching centered on God’s truth.
Every plan I prepare, every session I hold, and every person I listen to is a reminder that hope is meant to be shared. This ministry exists to serve, not to gain. My prayer is to one day reach thousands of Christians in need of encouragement and clarity—to remind them that they are not alone, that God still heals, and that His Word is still alive.
If you or someone you know is facing trials, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, doubts, or ongoing problems of any sort, please know that you are not alone. You can reach out to Hope With Elisabeth by email, and I will do my best to help—with compassion, discernment, and faith in the One who brings true healing: Jesus Christ.
If you are witnessing someone in pain and want to help but don’t know where to begin, please contact us. We will guide you with practical, Bible-based ways to support and encourage them in faith.
If you or someone you know is struggling financially, please do not let that stop you from reaching out. This ministry exists to serve, not for profit. Together, we will find a way to bring the support, encouragement, and Bible-based guidance needed to walk in God’s peace and purpose.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2
Explore our Counseling and Coaching Services to learn more about the heart of this ministry and how we can walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and renewed purpose.
Equipped to Serve — Studies and Certifications
To serve others with wisdom and excellence, I’ve always believed that calling and preparation must walk hand in hand. After years of listening, comforting, and guiding others through difficult moments, I felt led to deepen my understanding of both faith and human nature — so that every session I offer would be rooted in spiritual truth and sound knowledge.
I am currently studying Theology, Ministry, Psychology, and Christian Coaching at the Christian Leaders Institute, pursuing ongoing education to strengthen my foundation and serve those I counsel with greater biblical understanding. I also invite others to join the Christian Leaders Tuesday Zoom Church gatherings and explore the many free courses available for personal growth, ministry preparation, or even college credits — a wonderful way to grow in faith and purpose alongside a supportive Christian community.
In addition to my current studies, I have completed several certificates through Google Coursera and leading universities, focusing on Christianity, spiritual development, and well-being. These include specialized training in Christian virtues, theology, philosophy, and emotional health. Each course has deepened my appreciation for how faith and understanding work together in the process of healing and transformation.
You can explore a detailed list of my completed studies on my About Page, where I share every certification and area of study. For those interested in pursuing learning opportunities themselves, I highly recommend exploring Google Coursera — a platform that offers excellent educational resources for personal and spiritual growth.
All of this learning continues to strengthen my understanding of Christianity, Bible history, emotional well-being, human nature, and spiritual purpose — truths I bring prayerfully into each session. Every conversation, plan, and moment of guidance is shaped by both the living Word of God and the wisdom gained through study, reflection, and experience.
Even though I do not hold a formal psychologist or counseling certification, I have something that cannot be taught in any classroom: a God-given gift of compassion and discernment, years of real experience listening to others, and the wisdom that comes from walking with people through life’s deepest valleys. These gifts — shaped by faith, prayer, and love for others — are what truly equip me to serve and bring comfort through the Hope With Elisabeth Ministry.
Final Thoughts on Beyond the Billion-Dollar Psychology Industry: Why Everyone Needs to be Heard — and Why Hope Must Be Affordable
The billion-dollar psychology industry may offer endless programs and quick solutions, but true transformation cannot be purchased. Healing that endures comes only through God — through His Word, His presence, and His power to renew hearts and minds.
Every conversation matters. Every story has value. Every person deserves to be heard and guided toward truth. That is why Hope With Elisabeth exists — to remind people that healing is possible, hope is real, and faith is the foundation for lasting peace.
“Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.”— Jeremiah 33:3
When we invite God into our struggles, confusion gives way to clarity, despair turns into hope, and purpose begins to rise. Healing doesn’t start in an office or through a prescription — it begins in the heart, where God meets us with grace and truth.
Continue Your Journey of Healing
If this message encouraged you, I invite you to explore these themes:
From Pain to Purpose: Rediscovering Life in God’s Word — a Bible-based resource that contrasts secular psychology and philosophy with the unchanging truth of Scripture.
Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/FromPainToPurpose
Guided by God: Healing the Past, Building the Future through Bible-Based Counseling & Coaching, Journaling Prompts & Exercises — a faith-centered tool designed to support your Christian coaching journey through reflection and spiritual growth.
Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/GuidedbyGod
Join our LifeGroup — Bible Study (via Life.Church) every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Details & RSVP: Join the Faith & Purpose LifeGroup on Life.Church
Visit https://HopeWithElisabeth.com to learn more about Bible-based counseling and coaching sessions designed to guide you toward peace, healing, and renewed purpose through God’s Word.




Comments