

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

Sep 3, 2023 • 41min
Episode 46: Compulsivity
ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Compulsion. https://dictionary.apa.org/compulsionBorgogna, N. C., Garos, S., Meyer, C. L., Trussell, M. R., & Kraus, S. W. (2022). A review of behavioral interventions for compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Current Addiction Reports, 9(3), 99-108.Bowen, S., Chawla, N., & Marlatt, G. (2010). Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors: A clinician’s guide. The Guilford Press.Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. (2012). Foundations of addiction counseling (2nd ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.Harmless, W. (2004). Desert Christians: An introduction to the literature of early monasticism. Oxford University Press.Hook, R. W., Grant, J. E., Ioannidis, K., Tiego, J., Yücel, M., Wilkinson, P., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2021). Trans-diagnostic measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity: A review of self-report tools. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 120, 455-469.Kempis, T. (2003). The imitation of Christ. Dover Publications.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Muela, I., Navas, J. F., Ventura-Lucena, J. M., & Perales, J. C. (2022). How to pin a compulsive behavior down: A systematic review and conceptual synthesis of compulsivity-sensitive items in measures of behavioral addiction. Addictive Behaviors, 134, 107410.Pseftogianni, F., Panagioti, M., Birtwell, K., & Angelakis, I. (2023). Mindfulness interventions for obsessive–compulsive and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. Advance online publication.Shonin, E., & Van Gordon, W. (2016). The mechanisms of mindfulness in the treatment of mental illness and addiction. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 14, 844-849.Tiego, J., Trender, W., Hellyer, P. J., Grant, J. E., Hampshire, A., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2023). Measuring compulsivity as a self-reported multidimensional transdiagnostic construct: Large-scale (N = 182,000) validation of the Cambridge–Chicago Compulsivity Trait Scale. Assessment. Advance online publication.Upper Room Dictionary. (2003). Detachment. Upper Room Books.Upper Room Dictionary. (2003). Sin. Upper Room Books.Ware, K. (1974). Power of the name: The Jesus prayer in Orthodox spirituality. SLG Press.

Aug 20, 2023 • 33min
Episode 45: Humility
ReferencesBollinger, R. A., & Hill, P. C. (2012). Humility. In T. G. Plante (Ed.), Religion, spirituality, and positive psychology: Understanding the psychological fruits of faith (pp. 31–47). Praeger.Davis, D. E., Worthington Jr, E. L., & Hook, J. N. (2010). Humility: Review of measurement strategies and conceptualization as personality judgment. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(4), 243-252.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Humility. Holman Bible Publishers.Kempis, T. (2021). Humility: And the elevation of the mind to God. TAN Books.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lavelock, C. R., Worthington Jr, E. L., Davis, D. E., Griffin, B. J., Reid, C. A., Hook, J. N., & Van Tongeren, D. R. (2014). The quiet virtue speaks: An intervention to promote humility. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 42(1), 99-110.McElroy-Heltzel, S. E., Davis, D. E., DeBlaere, C., Worthington Jr, E. L., & Hook, J. N. (2019). Embarrassment of riches in the measurement of humility: A critical review of 22 measures. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 14(3), 393-404.Murray, A. (2012). Humility. Fig Books.Ortlund, G. (2023). Humility: The joy of self-forgetfulness. Crossway.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Humility. Upper Room Books.Van Tongeren, D. (2022). Humble: Free yourself from the traps of a narcissistic world. The Experiment, LLC.Weidman, A. C., Cheng, J. T., & Tracy, J. L. (2018). The psychological structure of humility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 114(1), 153.

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.