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

Aug 6, 2023 • 38min
Episode 44: Kindness
ReferencesBaker Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (2013). Kindness. Baker Publishing Group.Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., & Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 320-329.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Kindness. Holman Bible Publishers.Hui, B. P., Ng, J. C., Berzaghi, E., Cunningham-Amos, L. A., & Kogan, A. (2020). Rewards of kindness? A meta-analysis of the link between prosociality and well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 146(12), 1084.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Malti, T. (2021). Kindness: A perspective from developmental psychology. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 18(5), 629-657.Otake, K., Shimai, S., Tanaka-Matsumi, J., Otsui, K., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2006). Happy people become happier through kindness: A counting kindnesses intervention. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7, 361-375.Rowland, L., & Curry, O. S. (2019). A range of kindness activities boost happiness. The Journal of Social Psychology, 159(3), 340-343.Salzberg, S. (2011). The force of kindness: Change your life with love and compassion. Sounds True.Tyndale Bible Dictionary. (2001). Kindness. Tyndale House Publishers.Ware, K. (2014). The Jesus prayer. Catholic Truth Society.Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness. InterVarsity Press.

Jul 23, 2023 • 43min
Episode 43: Interpersonal Mindfulness
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Mindfulness. https://dictionary.apa.org/mindfulnessBishop, S. R., Lau, M., Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Anderson, N. D., Carmody, J., & Devins, G. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11(3), 230.Brother Lawrence. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. ICS Publications.de Sales, F. (2011). Treatise on the love of God. Paraclete Press.Feldman, 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.Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Merton, T. (1961). New seeds of contemplation. Abbey of Gethsemani, Inc.Merton, T. (1996). Contemplative prayer. Image.Pratscher, S. D., Wood, P. K., King, L. A., & Bettencourt, B. A. (2019). Interpersonal mindfulness: Scale development and initial construct validation. Mindfulness, 10, 1044-1061.

Jun 18, 2023 • 37min
Episode 42: Mindset
ReferencesBurnette, J. L., Knouse, L. E., Vavra, D. T., O'Boyle, E., & Brooks, M. A. (2020). Growth mindsets and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 77, 101816.Burnette, J. L., Billingsley, J., Banks, G. C., Knouse, L. E., Hoyt, C. L., Pollack, J. M., & Simon, S. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of growth mindset interventions: For whom, how, and why might such interventions work? Psychological Bulletin. Online first publication.Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.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.Miu, A. S., & Yeager, D. S. (2015). Preventing symptoms of depression by teaching adolescents that people can change: Effects of a brief incremental theory of personality intervention at 9-month follow-up. Clinical Psychological Science, 3(5), 726-743.Schleider, J., & Weisz, J. (2018). A single‐session growth mindset intervention for adolescent anxiety and depression: 9‐month outcomes of a randomized trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(2), 160-170.Sproul, R. C. (1998). The holiness of God. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Jun 4, 2023 • 32min
Episode 41: Grit
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Grit. https://dictionary.apa.org/gritBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Duckworth, A. L., & Quinn, P. D. (2009). Development and validation of the Short Grit Scale (GRIT–S). Journal of Personality Assessment, 91(2), 166-174.Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.Jin, B., & Kim, J. (2017). Grit, basic needs satisfaction, and subjective well-being. Journal of Individual Differences, 38(1), 29.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. (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.Raphiphatthana, B., Jose, P. E., & Chobthamkit, P. (2019). The association between mindfulness and grit: an east vs. west cross-cultural comparison. Mindfulness, 10, 146-158.Raphiphatthana, B., Jose, P., & Salmon, K. (2018). Does dispositional mindfulness predict the development of grit? Journal of Individual Differences.Rusadi, R. M., Sugara, G. S., & Isti’adah, F. N. (2021). Effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on academic grit among university student. Current Psychology, 1-10.Vainio, M. M., & Daukantaitė, D. (2016). Grit and different aspects of well-being: Direct and indirect relationships via sense of coherence and authenticity. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17, 2119-2147.

May 28, 2023 • 38min
Episode 40: Psychological Flexibility
This discussion highlights the vital role of psychological flexibility in maintaining mental and spiritual health. It addresses the clash between worldly distractions and spiritual growth, urging prioritization of faith. Insights from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are woven in, illustrating how embracing fear and courage can reshape one's faith journey. Personal stories showcase overcoming social anxiety through adaptability. The conversation ultimately advocates for a spiritually-minded approach to mindfulness and compassion.

May 21, 2023 • 37min
Episode 39: Openness to the Future
ReferencesBeeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage Books.Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Faith. https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/pistis.htmlBotella, C., Molinari, G., Fernandez-Alvarez, J., Guillen, V., Garcia-Palacios, A., Banos, R., & Tomas, J. (2018). Development and validation of the openness to the future scale: A prospective protective factor. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 16, 1-16.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Faith. Holman Bible Publishers.Hunsinger, M., Livingston, R., & Isbell, L. (2013). The impact of loving-kindness meditation on affective learning and cognitive control. Mindfulness, 4, 275-280.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Salzberg, S. (2011). Mindfulness and loving-kindness. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 177-182.Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Compare, A., Zangeneh, M., & Griffiths, M. D. (2015). Buddhist-derived loving-kindness and compassion meditation for the treatment of psychopathology: A systematic review. Mindfulness, 6, 1161-1180.

May 14, 2023 • 37min
Episode 38: The Breath
ReferencesCrane, R. (2008). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Routledge.Edwards, S. D. (2008). Breath psychology: Fundamentals and applications. Psychology and Developing Societies, 20(2), 131-164.Knabb, J. (2016). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach. Routledge.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.Laird, M. (2006). Into the silent land: A guide to the Christian practice of contemplation. Oxford University Press.Nikodimos. (n.d.). The philokalia. Kindle Edition.Paintner, C. (2021). Breath prayers: An ancient practice for the everyday sacred. Broadleaf Books.Talbot, J. (2019). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Virtbauer, G. (2016). Presencing process: Embodiment and healing in the Buddhist practice of mindfulness of breathing. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 19(1), 68-81.Ware, K. (2014). The Jesus prayer. Catholic Truth Society.

May 7, 2023 • 43min
Episode 37: Doing Versus Being
ReferencesCarroll, J. (2012). Luke: A commentary. Westminster John Knox Press.Cutler, D. (2003). Western mysticism: Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on contemplation and the contemplative life. Dover Publications, Inc.Ewais, T. (2021). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and depression. In C. Martin (Ed.), The neuroscience of depression (pp. 413-421). Academic Press.Frenette, D. (2012). The path of centering prayer: Deepening your experience of God. Sounds True, Inc.Green, J. (1997). The gospel of Luke. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living. Bantam Dell.Knabb, J. (2016). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach. Routledge.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.Knight, J. (1998). Luke’s gospel. Routledge.Lee, S. H., & Cho, S. J. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depressive disorders. In Y. Kim (Ed.), Major depressive disorder: Rethinking and understanding recent discoveries (pp. 295-310). Springer.Segal, Z., Williams, J., & Teasdale, J. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. The Guilford Press.Williams, J. M. G. (2008). Mindfulness, depression and modes of mind. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 32, 721-733.

Apr 30, 2023 • 35min
Episode 36: Well-Being
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Well-being. https://dictionary.apa.org/well-beingBible Hub. (n.d.). Eirene. https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_1515.htmBormann, J. E., Thorp, S. R., Wetherell, J. L., Golshan, S., & Lang, A. J. (2013). Meditation-based mantram intervention for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized trial. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 5(3), 259.Contemplative Outreach. (n.d.). Centering prayer. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-method/Galante, J., Bekkers, M. J., Mitchell, C., & Gallacher, J. (2016). Loving‐kindness meditation effects on well‐being and altruism: A mixed‐methods online RCT. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 8(3), 322-350.Galante, J., Dufour, G., Vainre, M., Wagner, A. P., Stochl, J., Benton, A., & Jones, P. B. (2018). A mindfulness-based intervention to increase resilience to stress in university students (the Mindful Student Study): A pragmatic randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Public Health, 3(2), e72-e81.Gomez, R., & Fisher, J. W. (2003). Domains of spiritual well-being and development and validation of the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire. Personality and Individual Differences, 35(8), 1975-1991.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Peace. Holman Bible Publishers.Joshanloo, M., Jovanović, V., & Park, J. (2021). Differential relationships of hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being with self‐control and long‐term orientation. Japanese Psychological Research, 63(1), 47-57.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Tennant, R., Hiller, L., Fishwick, R., Platt, S., Joseph, S., Weich, S., & Stewart-Brown, S. (2007). The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale (WEMWBS): Development and UK validation. Health and Quality of life Outcomes, 5(1), 1-13.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Peace. Upper Room Books.

Apr 23, 2023 • 46min
Episode 35: God Representations
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Image. https://dictionary.apa.org/imageBeck, J. (2011). Cognitive therapy for challenging problems: What to do when the basics don’t work. The Guilford Press.Benner, D. (2010). Opening to God: Lectio divina and life as prayer. InterVarsity Press.Davis, E., Moriarty, G., & Mauch, J. (2013). God images and God concepts: Definitions, development, and dynamics. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 5, 51-60.Gorsuch, R. (1968). The conceptualization of God as seen in adjective ratings. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 7, 56-64.Guigo II. (2012). The ladder of monks (P. Nau, Trans.) [Kindle version]. Amazon.com Hoffman, L. (2005). A developmental perspective on the God image. In R. Cox, B. Ervin-Cox, & L. Hoffman (Eds.), Spirituality and psychological health (pp. 129-150). Colorado School of Professional Psychology 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.Knabb, J., Frederick, T., & Cumming, G. (2017). Surrendering to God’s providence: A three-part study on providence-focused therapy for recurrent worry (PFT-RW). Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9, 180-196.Knabb, J. J., Vazquez, V. E., Wang, K. T., & Bates, M. T. (2018). “Unknowing” in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5(3), 170–187.Lawrence, R. T. (1997). Measuring the image of God: The God Image Inventory and the God Image Scales. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 25, 214–226.Moriarty, G. (2012). Pastoral care of depression: Helping clients heal their relationship with God. Routledge.Olson, T., Tisdale, T., Davis, E., Park, E., Nam, J., Moriarty, G., & Davis, D. (2016). God image narrative therapy: A mixed-methods investigation of a controlled group-based spiritual intervention. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 3, 77-91.Rizzuto, A. (1979). The birth of the living God: A psychoanalytic study. The University of Chicago Press.Silton, N. R., Flannelly, K. J., Galek, K., & Ellison, C. G. (2014). Beliefs about God and mental health among American adults. Journal of Religion and Health, 53, 1285-1296.Thomas, M., Moriarty, G., Davis, E., & Anderson, E. (2011). The effects of a manualized group psychotherapy intervention on client God images and attachment to God: A pilot study. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 39, 44-58.Tung, E., Ruffing, E., Paine, D., Jankowski, P., & Sandage, S. (2018). Attachment to God as mediator of the relationship between God representations and mental health. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 20, 95-113.