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

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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).

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This discussion highlights the powerful role attentional control plays in mental health. By directing focus towards meaningful aspects of life, individuals can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Personal stories illustrate how maintaining focused attention deepens one's connection with spiritual practices like contemplation and centering prayer. The impact of mindfulness techniques is also emphasized, showcasing their potential to enhance both psychological well-being and spiritual growth.

Explore the complex world of cognitive distortions and their impact on mental well-being. Discover how distorted thinking shapes emotions and behaviors from both psychological and Christian perspectives. Learn about cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that effectively address negative thought patterns. Dive into the importance of renewing one's mind with biblical insights, emphasizing balanced thinking over mere positivity. Gain practical strategies for recognizing and correcting these unhelpful thought patterns to foster emotional and spiritual growth.

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ReferencesFeldman, G., Hayes, A., Kumar, S., Greeson, J., & Laurenceau, J. P. (2007). Mindfulness and emotion regulation: The development and initial validation of the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 29, 177-190.Horton, M. (2014). Ordinary: Sustainable faith in a radical, restless world. Zondervan.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. ICS Publications.Rendall Risner, V. (2016). What does it really mean to be #blessed? https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-does-it-really-mean-to-be-blessedSiegel, R. (2022). The extraordinary gift of being ordinary: Finding happiness right where you are. The Guilford Press.

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Shame. https://dictionary.apa.org/shameBonhoeffer, D. (1955). Ethics. Touchstone.Bonhoeffer, D. (1959). Creation and fall. Touchstone.Ceclan, A. A., & Nechita, D. M. (2021). The effects of self‐compassion components on shame‐proneness in individuals with depression: An exploratory study. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(5), 1103-1110.Cohen, T., Wolf, S., Panter, A., & Insko, C. (2011). Introducing the GASP scale: A new measure of guilt and shame proneness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 100, 947-966.Gilbert, P. (1998). What is shame? Some core issues and controversies. In P. Gilbert & B. Andrews (Eds.), Shame: Interpersonal behavior, psychopathology, and culture (pp. 3-38). Oxford University Press.Gilbert, P., & Irons, C. (2009). Shame, self-criticism, and self-compassion in adolescence. In N. Allen & L. Sheeber (Eds.), Adolescent emotional development and the emergence of depressive disorders (pp. 195-214). Cambridge University Press.Knabb, J. (2018). The compassion-based workbook for Christian clients: Finding freedom from shame and negative self-judgments. Routledge.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.MacBeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012). Exploring compassion: A meta-analysis of the association between self-compassion and psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(6), 545-552.Neff, K. D. (2016). The self-compassion scale is a valid and theoretically coherent measure of self-compassion. Mindfulness, 7, 264-274.Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (2014). Shame. Thomas Nelson.Reilly, E. B., & Stuyvenberg, C. L. (2022). A meta-analysis of loving-kindness meditations on self-compassion. Mindfulness, 1-12.Scheel, C. N., Eisenbarth, H., & Rentzsch, K. (2020). Assessment of different dimensions of shame proneness: Validation of the SHAME. Assessment, 27(8), 1699-1717.Tangney, J., Wagner, P., & Gramzow, R. (1992). Proneness to shame, proneness to guilt, and psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 101, 469-478.Vazquez, V., Knabb, J., Lee-Johnson, C., & Hays, K. (2023). Healing conversations on race: Four key practices from Scripture and psychology. IVP Academic.