Kendra Duggar Tells Joseph Their Kids Are Getting Counseling

Kendra Duggar opened up to her husband Joseph Duggar about her plans to get their children into “counseling” following his child molestation arrest.

“I’ve been making plans in my head of what I feel like I need to do moving forward with [the kids], and probably try to get counseling for them,” Kendra, 27, told Joseph, 31, during a phone conversation from his recent stay at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas, according to audio obtained by Us Weekly. “I’ve been making plans in my head of what I feel like I need to do moving forward with [the kids], and probably try to get counseling for them.”

Kendra and Joseph share four children: sons Garrett and Justus and daughters Addison and Brooklyn.

Joseph was arrested in Tontitown, Arkansas, on March 19 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. Bay County, Florida, police say that a 14-year-old victim came forward with accusations that Joseph molested her when she was 9-years-old during a 2020 vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida.

On March 20, Kendra and Joseph were both charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of second degree false imprisonment. Those charges are not connected to Joseph’s child molestation case.

Kendra was released from custody later that day after paying a $1,470 bond, while Joseph was extradited from Arkansas to Florida on Tuesday, March 31.

Prior to Joseph’s extradition, Kendra opened up to her husband in a phone call about struggling with anxiety since her arrest.

“I was anxious to pick up the phone but I’m glad I did because I know that God is good,” she told Joseph. “You know how I am with anxiety, and this is like a whole other level than I’ve experienced in my entire life.”

The Counting On alum added, “I went up into my bed so I’m so weak, and I didn’t know what to do or what to say. I think I was kind of spiraling downhill. Thankfully, she [Joseph’s mom, Michelle Duggar] visited and sat with me and prayed with me. I think that I can’t be by myself and for too long, and I have to, I can be outside by myself, but that’s just where I’m at. When I get reminded of those promises, it’s very encouraging to me and very uplifting. But it’s hard to stay in that mindset, obviously. And I don’t know how I’m gonna get food in today.”

Joseph assured his wife that he was praying for both her and their children when he wasn’t reading scripture.

“I’ve been praying specifically that you would get rest, that you would get food in, and that your energy would be sustained during this. I’m praying this specifically for you,” he told her.

Kendra responded, “I just want you to know where I’m at. It’s really hard. It’s a really hard spot. I know you’re [not here] but I just feel like I need to be encouraged.”

A slew of phone calls between Kendra and Joseph have come out since their recent arrests. One such conversation revolved around the advice Kendra received from Joseph’s mom, Michelle, 59, while another offered insight on where their children are staying.

In a lighter moment, Joseph shared with Kendra that he was occupying himself by doing a “burn bootcamp-style workout” in his “seven by 11-style” jail cell.

“I figured I might as well do something,” Joseph revealed. “I’m doing squats and push-ups. I can do dips off the edge of the bed.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: Kendra Duggar Tells Joseph She’s Staying Somewhere ‘Private’ After Arrest

New audio of Joseph Duggar and wife Kendra Duggar shows the couple discussing her whereabouts after their arrests. “It’s good to hear from you,” Kendra, 27, told Joseph, 31, according to a March 20 collect call he placed to her from Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, that was obtained by Entertainment Weekly. In […]

Meanwhile, Joseph’s parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, broke their silence about their son and daughter-in-law’s arrests on Wednesday, April 1.

“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a family spokesperson told Us. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.