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

Joshua Knabb
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Feb 5, 2023 • 43min

Episode 24: Optimism

ReferencesAlarcon, G., Bowling, N., & Khazon, S. (2013). Great expectations: A meta-analytic examination of optimism and hope. Personality and Individual Differences, 54, 821-827.American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Optimism. https://dictionary.apa.org/optimismBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. SCM Press Ltd.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.Byfield, N. (2013). The promises of God. Puritan Publications.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Hope. B & H Publishing Group.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Malouff, J., & Schutte, N. (2016). Can psychological interventions increase optimism? A meta-analysis. Journal of Positive Psychology, 12, 594-604.Seligman, M. (2006). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Doubleday Publishing Group.Spurstowe, W. (2012). The wells of salvation opened. Puritan Publications.
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Jan 29, 2023 • 46min

Episode 23: Internet Addiction

ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.Ball, J. (2016). A treatise of divine meditation. Puritan Publications.Barclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. SCM Press Ltd.Beeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage Books.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. Jenaro, C., Flores, N., Gomez-Vela, A., Gonzalez-Gil, F., & Caballo, C. (2007). Problematic Internet and cell-phone use: Psychological, behavioral, and health correlates. Addiction Research and Theory, 15, 309-320.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2022). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach (2nd ed.). Routledge.Knabb, J., & Pelletier, J. (2014). The relationship between problematic Internet use, psychological functioning, and God attachment among adults at a Christian university. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 17, 239-251.Lam, L., Peng, Z., Mai, J., & Jing, J. (2009). Factors associated with Internet addiction among adolescents. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 12, 551-555.Lan, Y., Ding, J., Li, W., Li, J., Zhang, Y., Liu, M., & Fu, H. (2018). A pilot study of a group mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for smartphone addiction among university students. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 7, 1171-1176.Liu, C., & Kuo, P. (2007). A study of Internet addiction through the lens of the interpersonal theory. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10, 799-804.Ni, X., Yan, H., Chen, S., & Liu, Z. (2009). Factors influencing Internet addiction in a sample of freshman university students in China. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 12, 327-330.Owen, J. (2007). Communion with the Triune God. Crossway Books.Pan, Y., Chiu, Y., & Lin, Y. (2020). Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiology of internet addiction. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 118, 612-622.Weinstein, A., & Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet addiction or excessive Internet use. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36, 277-283.Wormer, K., & Davis, D. (2013). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective. Cengage.Young, K., & Nabuco de Abreu, C. (Eds.). (2010). Internet addiction: A handbook and guide to evaluation and treatment. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Jan 22, 2023 • 49min

Episode 22: Anger

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Anger. https://dictionary.apa.org/angerBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. SCM Press Ltd.Berkowitz, L., & Harmon-Jones, E. (2004). Toward an understanding of the determinants of anger. Emotion, 4, 107-130.Kessler, R., Coccaro, E., Faza, M., Jaeger, S. Jin, R., & Walters, E. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV Intermittent Explosive Disorder in the national comorbidity survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63, 669-678.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., & Frederick, T. (2017). Contemplative prayer for Christians with chronic worry: An eight-week program. Routledge.Knabb, J., & Vazquez, V. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of a two-week Internet-based contemplative prayer program for Christians with daily stress. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 37-53.Novaco, R. (1976). The functions and regulation of the arousal of anger. American Journal of Psychiatry, 133, 1124-1128.Stosny, S. (2003). Manual of the core value workshop. CompassionPower.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Wright, S., Day, A., & Howells, K. (2009). Mindfulness and the treatment of anger problems. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 14, 396-401.
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Jan 15, 2023 • 40min

Episode 21: Emotions

References\APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Emotion. https://dictionary.apa.org/emotionsBorgman, B. (2009). Feelings and faith: Cultivating Godly emotions in the Christian life. Crossway Books.Cosby, B. (2012). Suffering and sovereignty: John Flavel and the Puritans on afflictive providence. Reformation Heritage Books.Elliott, M. (2006). Faithful feelings: Rethinking emotion in the New Testament. Kregel Publications.Gallagher, T. (2006). The examen prayer: Ignatian wisdom for our lives today. The Crossroad Publishing Company.Gohm, C., & Clore, G. (2000). Individual differences in emotional experience: Mapping available scales to processes. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26, 679-697.Gratz, K., & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation: Development, factor structure, and initial validation of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26, 41-54.Greenberg, L. (2006). Emotion-focused therapy: A synopsis. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 36, 87-93.Hareli, S., & Hess, U. (2012). The social signal value of emotions. Cognition and Emotion, 26, 385-389.Ignatian Spirituality. (n.d.). The daily examen. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Krystal, H. (1988). Integration and self-healing: Affect, trauma, alexithymia. Routledge.Linehan, M. (1993). Skills training manual for treating borderline personality disorder. The Guilford Press.Manney, J. (2011). The prayer that changes everything: Discovering the power of St. Loyola’s examen. Loyola Press.Oatley, K., & Johnson-Laird, P. (1996). The communicative theory of emotions: Empirical tests, mental models, and implications for social interaction. In L. Martin & A. Tesser (Eds.), Striving and feeling: Interactions among goals, affect, and self-regulation (pp. 363–393). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Roberts, R. (2007). Spiritual emotions: A psychology of Christian virtues. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.Vine, V., & Aldao, A. (2014). Impaired emotional clarity and psychopathology: A transdiagnostic deficit with symptom-specific pathways through emotion regulation. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 33, 319-342.
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Jan 8, 2023 • 45min

Episode 20: Mentalization

ReferencesAival-Naveh, E., Rothschild-Yakar, L., & Kurman, J. (2019). Keeping culture in mind: A systematic review and initial conceptualization of mentalizing from a cross-cultural perspective. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 26(4), 1-25.Allen, J. (2008). Mentalizing as a conceptual bridge from psychodynamic to cognitive-behavioral therapies. European Psychotherapy, 8, 103-121.Allen, J., & Fonagy, P. (Eds.). (2006). Handbook of mentalisation-based treatment. John Wiley & Sons.Allen, J., Fonagy, P., & Bateman, A. (2008). Mentalizing in clinical practice. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.Bangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.Dimitrijevic, A., Hanak, N., Dimitrijevic, A., & Marjanovic, Z. (2018). The mentalization scale (MentS): A self-report measure for the assessment of mentalizing capacity. Journal of Personality Assessment, 100, 268-280.Fischer-Kern, M., & Tmej, A. (2019). Mentalization and depression: Theoretical concepts, treatment approaches and empirical studies—An overview. Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, 65, 162-177.Fonagy, P., & Luyten, P. (2009). A developmental, mentalization-based approach to the understanding and treatment of borderline personality disorder. Development and Psychopathology, 21, 1355-1381.Frenette, D. (2012). The path of centering prayer: Deepening your experience of God. Sounds True.Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion focused therapy. Routledge.Keating, T. (2006). Open mind, open heart: 20th anniversary edition. Bloomsbury.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Schaap-Jonker, H., & Corveleyn, J. (2014). Mentalizing and religion: A promising combination for psychology of religion, illustrated by the case of prayer. Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 36, 303-322.Taylor, B. (2002). Becoming Christ: Transformation through contemplation. Cowley Publications.Willard, D. (2002). Renovation of the heart: Putting on the character of Christ. NavPress.Wolpert, D. (2003). Creating a life with God: The call of ancient prayer practices. Upper Room Books.
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Jan 1, 2023 • 34min

Episode 19: Endurance

ReferencesBarclay, W. (2000). New testament words. Westminster John Knox Press.Bishop, S., Lau, M., Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Anderson, N., Carmody, J., Segal, Z., Abbey, S., Speca, M., Velting, D., & Devins, G. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 230-241.Chryssavgis, J. (2008). In the heart of the desert: The spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers. World Wisdom, Inc.Feldman, G., Hayes, A., Kumar, S., Greeson, J., & Laurenceau, J. (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.Gamez, W., Chmielewski, M., Kotov, R., Ruggero, C., Suzuki, N., & Watson, D. (2014). The Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire: Development and Initial Validation. Psychological Assessment, 26, 35-45.Harmless, W. (2004). Desert Christians: An introduction to the literature of early monasticism. Oxford University Press.Hayes, S. (2005). Get out of your mind and into your life: The new acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications.Hayes, S. (2019). A liberated mind: How to pivot toward what matters. Avery.Hayes, S., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.Jankowski, T., Bak, W., & Miciuk, L. (2022). Adaptive self-concept as a predictor of dispositional mindfulness. Personality and Individual Differences, 190, 111519.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.Knabb, J. (2022). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach (2nd ed.). Routledge.Knabb, J., & Wang, K. (2021). The Communion with God Scale: Shifting from an etic to emic perspective to assess fellowshipping with the Triune God. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 13, 67-80.Knabb, J., Pelletier, J., & Grigorian-Routon, A. (2014). Towards a psychological understanding of servanthood: An empirical investigation of the relationship between orthodox beliefs, experiential avoidance, and self-sacrificial behaviors among Christians at a religiously-affiliated university. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 42, 269-283.Leyro, T., Zvolensky, M., & Bernstein, A. (2010). Distress tolerance and psychopathological symptoms and disorders: A review of the empirical literature among adults. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 576-600.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.Wortley, J. (2012). The book of elders: Sayings of the desert fathers. Cistercian Publications.
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4 snips
Dec 25, 2022 • 43min

Episode 18: The Present Moment

Discover the importance of living in the present moment and its profound impact on mental wellness. Learn how modern distractions can hinder your relationship with God. Explore Brother Lawrence's teachings on mindfulness and daily conversations with the divine. Uncover the benefits of present moment awareness for reducing anxiety and stress. Plus, find out how walking meditation can deepen your connection with God and help you navigate life's challenges.
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Dec 18, 2022 • 60min

Episode 17: Trauma

ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.Ball, 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.Byfield, N. (2013). The promises of God. Puritan Publications.Ehlers, A., & Clark, D. (2000). A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 319-345.Ehring, T., & Ehlers, A. (2014). Does rumination mediate the relationship between emotion regulation ability and posttraumatic stress disorder? European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5, 1-7.Feldman, G., Hayes, A., Kumar, S., Greeson, J., & Laurenceau, J. (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.Gray, M., Litz, B., Hsu, J., & Lombardo, T. (2004). Psychometric properties of the life events checklist. Assessment, 11, 330-341.Kessler, R., Berglund, P., Delmer, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K., & Walters, E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 593-602.Kessler, R., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N., Zaslavsky, A., & Wittchen, H. (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, 169–184.Kilpatrick, D., Resnick, H., Milanak, M., Miller, M., Keyes, K., & Friedman, M. (2013). National estimates of exposure to traumatic events and PTSD prevalence using DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. Journal of Trauma and Stress, 26, 537-547.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., Vazquez, V., & Pate, R. (2019). ‘Set your minds on things above’: Shifting from trauma-based ruminations to ruminating on God. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 22, 384–399.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., & Garzon, F. (2020). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A four-week program. Unpublished manual.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Garzon, F., Wang, K., Edison-Riley, D., Slick, A., Smith, R., & Weber, S. (2021). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A two-part study examining the effects of an internet-based four-week program. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Wang, K., Lowell, J., De Leeuw, T., Dominguez, A., Duvall, K., Esperante, J., Gonzalez, Y., Nagel, G., Novasel, C., Pelaez, A., Strickland, S., & Park, J. (2022). Lectio divina for trauma symptoms: A two-part study. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication.Michael, T., Halligan, S., Clark, D., & Ehlers, A. (2007). Rumination in posttraumatic stress disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 24, 307-317.Packer, J. (1990). A quest for Godliness: The Puritan vision of the Christian life. Crossway Books.Segal, Z., Williams, M., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.Spurstowe, W. (2012). The wells of salvation opened. Puritan Publications.Steil, R., & Ehlers, A. (2000). Dysfunctional meaning of posttraumatic intrusions in chronic PTSD. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 537-558.Watson, T. (2012). A treatise concerning meditation. Waxkeep Publishing.Wilt, J., Exline, J., Lindberg, M., Park, C., & Pargament, K. (2017). Theological beliefs about suffering and interactions with the divine. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9, 137-147.
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Dec 11, 2022 • 38min

Episode 16: Depression

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Sadness. https://dictionary.apa.org/sadnessAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.Cook, C. (2011). The Philokalia and mental wellbeing. James Clarke and Co.Horwitz, A., & Wakefield, J. (2007). The loss of sadness: How psychiatry transformed normal sorrow into depressive disorder. Oxford University Press.Kessler, R., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N., Zaslavsky, A., & Wittchen, H. (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, 169–184.Kim, Y. (Ed.). (2018). Understanding depression: Clinical manifestations, diagnoses and treatment. Springer.Knabb, J. (2012). Centering prayer as an alternative to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression relapse prevention. Journal of Religion and Health, 51, 908-924.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.Laird, M. (2006). Into the silent land: A guide to the Christian practice of contemplation. Oxford University Press.Leloup, J. (2003). Being still: Reflections on the ancient mystical tradition. Paulist Press.Markowitz, J., & Weissman, M. (2004). Interpersonal psychotherapy: Principles and applications. World Psychiatry, 3, 136-139.Segal, Z., Williams, M., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
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Dec 4, 2022 • 43min

Episode 15: Stress

ReferencesAmerican Psychological Association. (2014). Stress in America: Paying with our health. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2014/stress-report.pdfAno, G., & Vasconcelles, E. (2005). Religious coping and psychological adjustment to stress: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61, 461-480.APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Stress. https://dictionary.apa.org/stressClements, A., & Ermakova, A. (2012). Surrender to God and stress: A possible link between religiosity and health. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 4, 93-107.Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24,386-396.Grossman, P., Niemann, L., Schmidt, S., & Walach, H. (2004). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 57, 35-43.Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Random House, Inc.Knabb, J. (2017). The Jesus prayer for Christians with daily stress: A two-week program. Unpublished manual.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., & Frederick, T. (2017). Contemplative prayer for Christians with chronic worry: An eight-week program. Routledge.Knabb, J., & Vazquez, V. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of a two-week Internet-based contemplative prayer program for Christians with daily stress. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 37-53.Lazarus, R. (1999). Stress and emotion: A new synthesis. Springer Publishing Company, Inc.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Wong-McDonald, A., & Gorsuch, R. (2000). Surrender to God: An additional coping style? Journal of Psychology and Theology, 28, 149-161.

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