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

Joshua Knabb
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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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Nov 27, 2022 • 45min

Episode 14: Compassion

ReferencesGermer, C. (2009). The mindful path to self-compassion: Freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions. The Guilford Press.Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion focused therapy: Distinctive features. Routledge.Kirby, J. (2016). Compassion interventions: The programmes, the evidence, and implications for research and practice. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. Advanced online publication.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. (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.MacBeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012). Exploring compassion: A meta-analysis of the association between self-compassion and psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review, 32, 545-552.Mathewes-Green, F. (2009). The Jesus prayer: The ancient desert prayer that tunes the heart of God. Paraclete Press.Nikodimos. (Ed.). (1782). Philokalia. R.P. Pryne.Stahl, B., & Goldstein, E. (2010). A mindfulness-based stress reduction workbook. New Harbinger Publications, Inc.Stewart, D. (1998). Compassion. In C. Brand, C. Draper, & A. England (Eds.), Holman illustrated Bible dictionary (p. 324). Holman Reference.Strong, J. (2001). The Greek dictionary of the New Testament. Thomas Nelson.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Zeng, X., Chiu, C., Wang, R., Oei, T., & Leung, F. (2015). The effects of loving-kindness meditation on positive emotions: A meta-analytic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 6.
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Nov 20, 2022 • 46min

Episode 13: Attachment

ReferencesBartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 226-244.Beeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage Books.Bretherton, I. (1985). Attachment theory: Retrospect and prospect. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 50, 3-35.Brown, D., & Elliott, D. (2016). Attachment disturbances in adults: Treatment for comprehensive repair. W. W. Norton & Company.Clinton, T., & Sibcy, G. (2002). Attachments: Why you love, feel, and act the way you do. Thomas Nelson Publishers.Clinton, T., & Straub, J. (2010). God attachment: Why you believe, act, and feel the way you do about God. Howard Books.Feeney, B., & Collins, N. (2004). Interpersonal safe haven and secure base caregiving processes in adulthood. In W. Rholes & J. Simpson (Eds.), Adult attachment: Theory, research, and clinical implications (pp. 300-338). The Guilford Press.Hall, T., Fujikawa, A., Halcrow, S., Hill, P., & Delaney, H. (2009). Attachment to God and implicit spirituality: Clarifying correspondence and compensation models. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 37, 227-242.Karen, R. (1994). Becoming attached: First relationships and how they shape our capacity to love. Oxford University PressKnabb, 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., & 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., Johnson, E., Bates, T., & Sisemore, T. (2019). Christian psychotherapy in context: Theoretical and empirical explorations in faith-based mental health. Routledge.Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. The Guilford Press.Owen, J. (2007). Communion with the Triune God.Crossway Books.Willis, W. (2000). Fellowship. In D. Freedman (Ed.), Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible (p. 460). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
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Nov 13, 2022 • 43min

Episode 12: Worldview

ReferencesErickson, M. (2013). Christian theology (3rd ed.). Baker Academic.Gallagher, T. (2008). Meditation and contemplation: An Ignatian guide to praying with Scripture. The Crossroad Publishing Company.Henriques, G. (2019). Toward a metaphysical empirical psychology. In T. Teo (Ed.), Palgrave studies in the theory and history of psychology (pp. 209-238). Switzerland: Springer Nature.Jackson, A., & Meadows, F. (1991). Getting to the bottom to understand the top. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70, 72-76. Johnson, K., Hill, E., & Cohen, A. (2011). Integrating the study of culture and religion: Toward a psychology of worldview. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5, 137-152.Koltko-Rivera, M. (2004). The psychology of worldviews. Review of General Psychology, 8, 3-58.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Wang, K., Lewis Hall, M., & Vazquez, V. (in press). The Christian Worldview Scale: An emic measure for assessing a comprehensive view of life within the Christian tradition. Spirituality in Clinical Practice.Manney, J. (2011). The prayer that changes everything: Discovering the power of St. Loyola’s examen. Loyola Press.Sire, J. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog. IVP Academic.Slife, B., O’Grady, K., & Kosits, R. (Eds.). (2017). The hidden worldviews of psychology’s theory, research, and practice. Routledge.
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Nov 6, 2022 • 34min

Episode 11: Detachment

ReferencesBangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Wang, K., & Bates, T. (2018). ‘Unknowing’ in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 170-187.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Bates, M., Garzon, F., Ford, K., & Wang, K. (2018). Christian meditation for repetitive negative thinking: A four-week preventative program. Unpublished manual.Lonsdale, D. (2005). Detachment. In P. Sheldrake (Ed.), The new Westminster dictionary of Christian spirituality (p. 234). Westminster John Knox Press.Sahdra, B. K., Shaver, P. R., and Brown, K. W. (2010). A scale to measure nonattachment: A Buddhist complement to Western research on attachment and adaptive functioning. Journal of Personality Assessment, 92, 116–127. The Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Detachment. Upper Room Books.

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