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
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.
8 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 36min
Episode 69: Intrusive Thoughts
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Intrusive thoughts. https://dictionary.apa.org/intrusive-thoughtsAshton, S. M., Sambeth, A., & Quaedflieg, C. W. (2023). A mindful approach to controlling intrusive thoughts. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 10966.Berry, L. M., May, J., Andrade, J., & Kavanagh, D. (2010). Emotional and behavioral reaction to intrusive thoughts. Assessment, 17(1), 126-137.Clark, D. A., & Radomsky, A. S. (2014). Introduction: A global perspective on unwanted intrusive thoughts. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 3(3), 265-268.Coniaris, A. (2004). Confronting and controlling thoughts: According to the fathers of the Philokalia. Light and Life Publishing, Co.Goodwin, T. (1999). The vanity of thoughts. Chapel Library.Harmless, W. (2004). Desert Christians: An introduction to the literature of early monasticism. Oxford University Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Parkinson, L., & Rachman, S. (1981). Part II. The nature of intrusive thoughts. Advances in Behaviour Research and Therapy, 3(3), 101-110.Rachman, S. (2014). Global intrusive thoughts: A commentary. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 3(3), 300-302.
Jan 5, 2025 • 29min
Episode 68: The Fruit of the Spirit
ReferencesBeasley-Topliffe, K. (Ed.). (2003). The upper room dictionary of Christian spiritual formation. Upper Room Books.Dornyei, Z. (2022). The psychology of the fruit of the Spirit: The biblical portrayal of the Christlike character and its development. Zondervan Academic.Kenneson, P. (1999). Life on the vine: Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in Christian community. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lv, J., Liu, Q., Zeng, X., Oei, T. P., Liu, Y., Xu, K., & Liu, J. (2020). The effect of four Immeasurables meditations on depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 76, 101814.Petrovic, J., Mettler, J., Cho, S., & Heath, N. L. (2024). The effects of loving-kindness interventions on positive and negative mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 102433.Vazquez, V., Knabb, J., Lee-Johnson, C., & Hayes, K. (2022). Healing conversations on race: Four key practices from Scripture and psychology. IVP Academic.Vazquez, V., Knabb, J., Lima, A., Manhas, A., Soto Santana, D., Senger, S., & Sweet, K. (2024). Lectio divina for race-based traumatic stress among Black Christians. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 43, 170-188.Wallace, B. (1999). The four immeasurables: Cultivating a boundless heart. Snow Lion Publications.Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness. InterVarsity Press.Zeng, X., Chio, F. H., Oei, T. P., Leung, F. Y., & Liu, X. (2017). A systematic review of associations between amount of meditation practice and outcomes in interventions using the four immeasurables meditations. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 141.
Dec 8, 2024 • 30min
Episode 67: Positive Thinking
ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. Westminster John Knox Press.Bekhet, A. K., & Zauszniewski, J. A. (2013). Measuring use of positive thinking skills: Psychometric testing of a new scale. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 35(8), 1074-1093.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lightsey, Jr., O. R., & Boyraz, G. (2011). Do positive thinking and meaning mediate the positive affect—life satisfaction relationship? Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 43(3), 203.Macleod, A. K., & Moore, R. (2000). Positive thinking revisited: Positive cognitions, well‐being and mental health. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy: An International Journal of Theory & Practice, 7(1), 1-10.Mothersill, K. (2016). Enhancing positivity in cognitive behavioural therapy. Canadian Psychology, 57(1), 1.Neenan, M., & Dryden, W. (2004). Cognitive therapy: 100 key points and techniques. Routledge.Safari, S., & Akbari, B. (2018). The effectiveness of positive thinking training on psychological well-being and quality of life in the elderly. Avicenna Journal of Neuro Psycho Physiology, 5(3), 113-122.Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1993). On the power of positive thinking: The benefits of being optimistic. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2(1), 26-30.
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.
