

The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers
Joshua Knabb
My name is Dr. Joshua Knabb. I’m a board-certified clinical psychologist and 21st century Christ follower. Early in life, I experienced overwhelming psychological suffering, which led me down a path of wandering away from the Christian faith in my adolescent years, reminiscent of the Lost Son in Luke’s Gospel, returning to my Christian heritage in my early 20s, my own psychotherapy in my mid-20s, and, ultimately, a life committed to understanding and pursuing psychological and spiritual health as I now head into the middle years of my life. Please join me as we devote each week to better understanding secular and Christian perspectives on mental health and the intersection between psychology and Christianity, then engage in a 10-minute practice to conclude each episode, drawing upon Christian meditation, prayer, and contemplation. Above all else, my aim in this podcast is to journey with fellow Christ followers, as well as those who are curious about the rich heritage of Christian psychological and spiritual insights into the human condition, doing so with humility and curiosity as we strive to cultivate Christlikeness in all we do.
For more information, please visit me at my website: joshuaknabb.com.
The information in this podcast is intended to be educational and in no way a form of, or substitute for, professional counseling or psychotherapy. If you are in crisis or suicidal, please call 9-1-1, go to the local emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. If you need a Christian mental health professional, referral networks can be found at the American Association of Christian Counselors (connect.aacc.net) or Christian Association for Psychological Studies (caps.net/online-directory) websites.
Introduction beat provided by freebeats.io.
Show art by Justin Kowalski.
For more information, please visit me at my website: joshuaknabb.com.
The information in this podcast is intended to be educational and in no way a form of, or substitute for, professional counseling or psychotherapy. If you are in crisis or suicidal, please call 9-1-1, go to the local emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. If you need a Christian mental health professional, referral networks can be found at the American Association of Christian Counselors (connect.aacc.net) or Christian Association for Psychological Studies (caps.net/online-directory) websites.
Introduction beat provided by freebeats.io.
Show art by Justin Kowalski.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2024 • 31min
Episode 66: Purpose in Life
The conversation dives into how a defined purpose significantly bolsters both mental health and spiritual well-being. It blends insights from psychology and theology, illustrating the transformative power of purpose in navigating life's challenges. The discussion also highlights the Christian perspective, emphasizing that genuine purpose is rooted in a deep relationship with God. Spiritual practices are presented as essential tools for nurturing this connection, ensuring that individuals can sustain their sense of purpose.

Oct 13, 2024 • 28min
Episode 65: Collaborative Problem Solving
ReferencesAblon, J. S. (2018). Changeable: How collaborative problem solving changes lives at home, at school, and at work. Penguin.Greene, R. (2005). The explosive child: A new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children. HarperCollins.Greene, R., & Ablon, J. S. (2006). Treating explosive kids: The collaborative problem-solving approach. Guilford Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Watson, T. (2017). The beatitudes. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Sep 15, 2024 • 27min
Episode 64: Empathy
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Empathy. https://dictionary.apa.org/empathyCuff, B. M., Brown, S. J., Taylor, L., & Howat, D. J. (2016). Empathy: A review of the concept. Emotion Review, 8(2), 144-153.Klimecki, O. M. (2019). The role of empathy and compassion in conflict resolution. Emotion Review, 11(4), 310-325.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Kohut, H. (2009). How does analysis cure? University of Chicago Press.Lapsley, J. (2011). Empathy. In A. Verhey, J. Lapsley, J. Green, & R. Miles (Eds.), Dictionary of Scripture and ethics (pp. 272-273). Baker Academic.Luberto, C. M., Shinday, N., Song, R., Philpotts, L. L., Park, E. R., Fricchione, G. L., & Yeh, G. Y. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of meditation on empathy, compassion, and prosocial behaviors. Mindfulness, 9, 708-724.Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology, 24(18), R875-R878.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Teding van Berkhout, E., & Malouff, J. M. (2016). The efficacy of empathy training: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 32.Thomas Nelson Bibles. (2018). Empathy. https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/blog/four-bible-passages-that-leave-no-doubt-importance-empathy/Yin, Y., & Wang, Y. (2023). Is empathy associated with more prosocial behaviour? A meta‐analysis. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 26(1), 3-22.

Aug 18, 2024 • 33min
Episode 63: Gentleness
ReferencesContemplative Outreach. (n.d.). Centering prayer. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/method_cp_eng-2016-06_0.pdfFrenette, D. (2012). The path of centering prayer: Deepening your experience of God. Sounds True, Inc.Gu, X., Luo, W., Zhao, X., Chen, Y., Zheng, Y., Zhou, J., & Li, R. (2022). The effects of loving‐kindness and compassion meditation on life satisfaction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 14(3), 1081-1101.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Gentleness. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleNiemiec, R. M., Cangemi, A., & McGrath, R. E. (2024). A new science of gentleness: Conceptual analysis and measurement. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 19(4), 712-723.Salzberg, S. (1995). Lovingkindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambhala Publications, Inc.Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. InterVarsity Press.Zheng, Y., Yan, L., Chen, Y., Zhang, X., Sun, W., Lv, J., & Zeng, X. (2023). Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditation on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 14(5), 1021-1037.

Jul 21, 2024 • 26min
Episode 62: Emptiness
ReferencesCambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Emptiness. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/emptinessD’Agostino, A., Pepi, R., Monti, M. R., & Starcevic, V. (2020). The feeling of emptiness: A review of a complex subjective experience. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 28(5), 287-295.Hudson, C. C., Ferguson, I., Fan, K., Björgvinsson, T., & Beard, C. (2024). A general inductive approach to characterize transdiagnostic experiences of emptiness. Journal of Clinical Psychology.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Konjusha, A., Hopwood, C. J., Price, A. L., Masuhr, O., & Zimmermann, J. (2021). Investigating the transdiagnostic value of subjective emptiness. Journal of Personality Disorders, 35(5), 788-800.Main, J. (2006). Word into silence: A manual for Christian meditation. The World Community for Christian Meditation.Martin, J. A., & Levy, K. N. (2022). Chronic feelings of emptiness in a large undergraduate sample: Starting to fill the void. Personality and Mental Health, 16(3), 190-203.Miller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., Day, N. J., & Grenyer, B. F. (2020). Measuring the shadows: A systematic review of chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder. PLoS One, 15(7), e0233970.Morton, J., Snowdon, S., Gopold, M., & Guymer, E. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy group treatment for symptoms of borderline personality disorder: A public sector pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 527-544.Wax, T. (2012). The meaning of “Maranatha.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/the-meaning-of-maranatha/

Jun 25, 2024 • 31min
Episode 61: Unconditional Self-Acceptance
ReferencesCândea, D. M., & Szentagotai-Tătar, A. (2018). Shame-proneness, guilt-proneness and anxiety symptoms: A meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 58, 78-106.Ellis, A. (2005). The myth of self-esteem: How rational emotive behavior therapy can change your life forever. Prometheus Books.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Grace. B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.Kempis, T. (1955). The imitation of Christ. The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Wittchen, H. U. (2012). Twelve‐month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 21(3), 169-184.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.London, T. P. (1997). The case against self-esteem: Alternative philosophies toward self that would raise the probability of pleasurable and productive living. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 15, 19-29.Tesser, A. (2004). Self-esteem. In M. B. Brewer & M. Hewstone (Eds.), Emotion and motivation (pp. 184–203). Blackwell Publishing.

May 26, 2024 • 23min
Episode 60: Everyday Mental Health
ReferencesBabyak, M., Blumenthal, J. A., Herman, S., Khatri, P., Doraiswamy, M., Moore, K., & Krishnan, K. R. (2000). Exercise treatment for major depression: Maintenance of therapeutic benefit at 10 months. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 633-638.Kazdin, A. E. (2024). Interventions in everyday life to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders. American Psychologist, 79(2), 185–209.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Pate, R., Sullivan, S., Salley, E., Miller, A., & Boyer, W. (2020). “Walking with God”: Developing and pilot testing a manualised four-week program combining Christian meditation and light-to-moderate physical activity for daily stress. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 23(9), 756-776.Kuyper, A. (2011). Wisdom & wonder: Common grace in science & art. Christian’s Library Press.Laubach, F. (2007). Letters by a modern mystic [Kindle edition]. Purposeful Design Publications. Owen, J. (2007). Communion with the Triune God. Crossway Books.Packer, J. (1990). A quest for Godliness: The Puritan vision of the Christian life. Crossway Books.

Mar 24, 2024 • 28min
Episode 59: Patience
ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Chryssavgis, J. (2008). In the heart of the desert: The spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers. World Wisdom, Inc.Hashemi, R., Moustafa, A. A., Rahmati Kankat, L., & Valikhani, A. (2018). Mindfulness and suicide ideation in Iranian cardiovascular patients: Testing the mediating role of patience. Psychological Reports, 121(6), 1037-1052.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Patience. Holman Bible Publishers.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy for Christian clients: A faith-based workbook (2nd ed.). Routledge.Paintner, C. (2012). Desert fathers and mothers: Early Christian wisdom sayings. SkyLight Paths Publishing.Pryce, P. (2018). The monk’s cell: Ritual and knowledge in American contemplative Christianity. Oxford University Press.Schnitker, S. A. (2012). An examination of patience and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(4), 263-280.Schnitker, S. A., & Westbrook, J. T. (2014). Do good things come to those who wait? Patience interventions to improve well‐being. In A. Parks & S. Schueller (Eds.), The Wiley Blackwell handbook of positive psychological interventions (pp. 155-167). Wiley Blackwell.Schnitker, S. A., Houltberg, B., Dyrness, W., & Redmond, N. (2017). The virtue of patience, spirituality, and suffering: Integrating lessons from positive psychology, psychology of religion, and Christian theology. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9(3), 264.Schnitker, S. A., Ro, D. B., Foster, J. D., Abernethy, A. D., Currier, J. M., vanOyen Witvliet, C., & Carter, J. (2020). Patient patients: Increased patience associated with decreased depressive symptoms in psychiatric treatment. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(3), 300-313.Wortley, J. (2012). The book of elders: Sayings of the desert fathers. Cistercian Publications.

Mar 10, 2024 • 33min
Episode 58: Contrast Avoidance
ReferencesAbernethy, A. (2022). Savoring scripture: A six-step guide to studying the Bible. InterVarsity Press.Guigo II. (2019). The ladder of monks. Independent publishing.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.LaFreniere, L. S., & Newman, M. G. (2023). Reducing contrast avoidance in GAD by savoring positive emotions: Outcome and mediation in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 93, 102659.Llera, S. J., & Newman, M. G. (2017). Development and validation of two measures of emotional contrast avoidance: The contrast avoidance questionnaires. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 49, 114-127.Newman, M. G., & Llera, S. J. (2011). A novel theory of experiential avoidance in generalized anxiety disorder: A review and synthesis of research supporting a contrast avoidance model of worry. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(3), 371-382.Newman, M. G., & Przeworski, A. (2024). Introduction to a special issue on the contrast avoidance model. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102, 102831.Newman, M. G., Rackoff, G. N., Zhu, Y., & Kim, H. (2023). A transdiagnostic evaluation of contrast avoidance across generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 93, 102662.Piper, J. (2004). Seeing and savoring Jesus Christ. Crossway. Quoidbach, J., Berry, E. V., Hansenne, M., & Mikolajczak, M. (2010). Positive emotion regulation and well-being: Comparing the impact of eight savoring and dampening strategies. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(5), 368-373.Smith, J. L., & Bryant, F. B. (2013). Are we having fun yet? Savoring, Type A behavior, and vacation enjoyment. International Journal of Wellbeing, 3(1).

Feb 25, 2024 • 27min
Episode 57: Transitional Characters
ReferencesBoullier, M., & Blair, M. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences. Paediatrics and Child Health, 28(3), 132-137.Broderick, C. (1992). Marriage and the family (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall.Earle, M. (2011). Celtic Christian spirituality: Essential writings—annotated & explained. SkyLight Paths Publishing.Earle, M., & Maddox, S. (2004). Holy companions: Spiritual practices from the Celtic saints. Morehouse Publishing.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.O’Brien, P. (1999). The letter to the Ephesians. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness. InterVarsity Press.