The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Joshua Knabb
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Nov 23, 2025 • 29min

Episode 79: Spiritual Avoidance

ReferencesAschenbrenner, G. (2007). Examen. British Province of the Society of Jesus.Cashwell, C. S., Bentley, P. B., & Yarborough, J. P. (2007). The only way out is through: The peril of spiritual bypass. Counseling and Values, 51(2), 139-148.Colombiere, C. (1980). Trustful surrender to divine providence: The secret of peace and happiness. Tan Books.Fox, J., Cashwell, C. S., & Picciotto, G. (2017). The opiate of the masses: Measuring spiritual bypass and its relationship to spirituality, religion, mindfulness, psychological distress, and personality. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 4(4), 274.Ignatian Spirituality. (n.d.). Consolations and desolations. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/consolation-and-desolation-2/Ignatian Spirituality. (n.d.). The examen. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examenIgnatius of Loyola. (n.d.). Suscipe. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/traditional-catholic-prayers/saints-prayers/suscipe-prayer-saint-ignatius-of-loyola/Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Garzon, F., & Wang, K. (2019). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A four-week program. Unpublished manual.Thibodeaux, M. (2015). Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh ways to pray from your day. Loyola Press.Welwood, J. (1984). Principles of inner work: Psychological and spiritual. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 16(1), 63-73.Welwood, J. (n.d.). On spiritual bypassing and relationship. https://scienceandnonduality.com/article/on-spiritual-bypassing-and-relationship/
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Oct 26, 2025 • 27min

Episode 78: Stillness

ReferencesAlvarez-Perez, Y., Rivero-Santana, A., Perestelo-Perez, L., Duarte-Diaz, A., Ramos-Garcia, V., Toledo-Chavarri, A., & Serrano-Aguilar, P. (2022). Effectiveness of mantra-based meditation on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3380.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Orme-Johnson, D. W., Barnes, V. A., Rees, B., & Tobin, J. (2025). Systematic review and meta-analysis of transcendental meditation for post-traumatic stress disorder. Medicina, 61(4), 659.Nikodimos. (Ed.). (1782). Philokalia. R.P. Pryne.Roth, B. (2022). Strength in stillness: The power of transcendental meditation. Simon & Schuster.
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Sep 28, 2025 • 30min

Episode 77: Loneliness

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Loneliness. https://dictionary.apa.org/lonelinessCurtis, A., Luchetti, M., Prendergast, C., Ahern, E., Creaven, A. M., Kirwan, E. M., & O’Súilleabháin, P. S. (2025). Adverse childhood experiences and loneliness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Social Science & Medicine, 370, 117860.Jiang, D., Kwok, J. Y. Y., Yeung, D. Y. L., Tang, V. F. Y., Choi, N. G., Ho, R. T. H., & Chou, K. L. (2025). Six-month outcomes of layperson-delivered, telephone-based behavioural activation and mindfulness interventions on loneliness among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The HEAL-HOA Dual Randomised Controlled Trial. Age and Ageing, 54(8), afaf209.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Laubach, F. (2007). Letters by a modern mystic [Kindle edition]. Purposeful Design Publications.Millstein, D. J., Larson, A. G., & Orsillo, S. M. (2025). A kindness-based meditation study for promoting interpersonal functioning in first-year college students. Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive Behaviour, 9, 197.Riboldi, I., Crocamo, C., Capogrosso, C. A., Bartoli, F., Armes, J., Taylor, C., & Carrà, G. (2025). Understanding the role of loneliness in the relationships between post-traumatic stress symptoms and both anxiety and depressive symptoms among university students: A mediation analysis. Brain Sciences, 15(8), 787.Zeas-Sigüenza, A., Voldstad, A., Ruisoto, P., Ganho-Ávila, A., Guiomar, R., Cacho, R., & Benach, J. (2025). Loneliness as a public health challenge: A systematic review and meta-analysis to inform policy and practice. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 15(7), 131.
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Aug 31, 2025 • 31min

Episode 76: Self-Transcendence

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Self-transcendence. https://dictionary.apa/org/self-transendenceArslan, G., Kabasakal, Z., & Taş, B. (2024). Childhood psychological maltreatment, mindful awareness, self-transcendence, and mental well-being in emerging adults. Emerging Adulthood, 12(1), 18-28.Dambrun, M., Hanley, A., Garland, E., De Oliveira, P., Stinus, C., Pellerin, N., & Juneau, C. (2024). The effect of a short mindfulness meditation practice on positive mental health: Self-transcendence as a mediating process. International Journal of Wellbeing, 14(3), 1-22.Garcia-Romeu, A. (2010). Self-transcendence as a measurable transpersonal construct. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 42(1), 26.Johnston, W. (Ed.). (1973). The cloud of unknowing and the book of privy counseling. Image.Kitson, A., Chirico, A., Gaggioli, A., & Riecke, B. E. (2020). A review on research and evaluation methods for investigating self-transcendence. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 547687.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Knabb, J., & Bates, M. (2020). “Holy desire” within the “Cloud of Unknowing”: The psychological contributions of medieval apophatic contemplation to Christian mental health in the 21st century. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 39, 24-39.Levenson, M. R., Jennings, P. A., Aldwin, C. M., & Shiraishi, R. W. (2005). Self-transcendence: Conceptualization and measurement. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 60(2), 127-143.Merton, T. (1961). New seeds of contemplation. Abbey of Gethsemani, Inc.
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Aug 3, 2025 • 38min

Episode 75: Envy

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Envy. https://dictionary.apa.org/envyAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Jealousy. https://dictionary.apa.org/jealousyAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Well-being. https://dictionary.apa.org/well-beingCordaro, D. T., Brackett, M., Glass, L., & Anderson, C. L. (2016). Contentment: Perceived completeness across cultures and traditions. Review of General Psychology, 20(3), 221-235.Crusius, J., Gonzalez, M. F., Lange, J., & Cohen-Charash, Y. (2020). Envy: An adversarial review and comparison of two competing views. Emotion Review, 12(1), 3-21.Emmons, R. A., & Crumpler, C. A. (2000). Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 56-69.Holman Bible Dictonary. (2004). Envy. Holman Bible Publishers.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Mao, Y., Zhao, J., Xu, Y., & Xiang, Y. (2021). How gratitude inhibits envy: From the perspective of positive psychology. PsyCh Journal, 10(3), 384-392.Meier, A., & Johnson, B. K. (2022). Social comparison and envy on social media: A critical review. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101302.Mujcic, R., & Oswald, A. J. (2018). Is envy harmful to a society's psychological health and wellbeing? A longitudinal study of 18,000 adults. Social Science & Medicine, 198, 103-111.Rash, J. A., Matsuba, M. K., & Prkachin, K. M. (2011). Gratitude and well‐being: Who benefits the most from a gratitude intervention? Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 3(3), 350-369.Roberts, R. (2004). The blessings of gratitude. In R. Emmons & M. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp. 58-80). Oxford University Press.The Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Seven deadly sins. Upper Room Books.
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13 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 38min

Episode 74: Depressive Rumination

Dive into the complexities of depressive rumination and its effects on mental wellness. Discover how metacognitive therapy offers a unique path to recovery, blending psychology with faith. Explore the connection between emotions like sadness and biblical narratives, leading to healing through divine presence. The guided meditation included helps listeners transform negative thoughts into affirmations of faith, creating a powerful shift in perspective.
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May 25, 2025 • 21min

Episode 73: Mantras

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Mantra. https://dictionary.apa.org/mantraKnabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. J., & Vazquez, V. E. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of a 2-week internet-based contemplative prayer program for Christians with daily stress. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5(1), 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000154Oman, D. (2024). What is a mantra? Guidance for practitioners, researchers, and editors. American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001368The Way of the Pilgrim. (2017). Magdalene Press.
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6 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 32min

Episode 72: Shattered Worldviews

Trauma can dramatically reshape beliefs and worldviews, particularly in a Christian context. The discussion dives into how experiences like divorce impact mental health and spirituality. There's a focus on the psychological effects of trauma on identity and how different worldviews inform morality and purpose. Listeners learn about the importance of anchoring in biblical truths to rebuild a coherent perspective after experiencing chaos and insecurity. This exploration offers hope for recovery and a renewed sense of self.
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Mar 30, 2025 • 35min

Episode 71: Thinking About Thinking

Explore the intriguing concept of metacognition, or 'thinking about thinking,' and its profound impact on mental and spiritual health. Discover how blending Christian principles with secular techniques can enhance self-awareness and manage thought patterns. Delve into practices like the Jesus Prayer that foster deep reflection and mindfulness. The conversation intertwines psychology with spirituality, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating their thoughts in a meaningful way.
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Mar 2, 2025 • 31min

Episode 70: Assumptions

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Assumption. https://dictionary.apa.org/assumptionBall, J. (2016). A treatise of divine meditation. Puritan Publications.Beeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage Books.Beeke, J., & La Belle, J. (2010). Living by God’s promises. Reformation Heritage Books.Beck, J. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Leahy, R. (2017). Cognitive therapy techniques: A practitioner’s guide (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.Packer, J. (2009). Rediscovering holiness: Know the fullness of life with God. Regal.Spurstowe, W. (2012). The wells of salvation opened. Puritan Publications.

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