The Nathan Jacobs Podcast Therapy & the Eastern Church Fathers | Merits & Demerits of Secular Therapy | with Dr. Adam Dell
Jul 17, 2025
Dr. Adam Dell, a clinical psychologist and author, dives into the fascinating intersection of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the teachings of the Eastern Church Fathers. He shares insights on psychological flexibility and how ancient wisdom can enhance modern therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of confession, personal identity, and the role of mindfulness in overcoming self-sabotaging narratives. Dell also critiques the limitations of secular therapeutic practices, advocating for a deeper spiritual connection for true healing.
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ACT's Core: Acceptance and Flexibility
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes changing our relationship to difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to eliminate them.
- Psychological flexibility allows living a meaningful life despite anxiety and pain, promoting flourishing beyond symptom relief.
Name and Separate Negative Thoughts
- Assign names to recurring negative thoughts to create space and reduce their control over you.
- Recognize and separate yourself from invasive thoughts to manage trauma and self-sabotage effectively.
Gradual Steps Overcome Addiction
- A man drinking 20 shots daily reduced consumption incrementally under clinical supervision, gaining control over his addiction.
- This gradual approach enabled hopeful transformation without immediate abstinence, showcasing behavioral change through committed actions.
