1st Edition
Christian Psychotherapy in Context Theoretical and Empirical Explorations in Faith-Based Mental Health
Christian Psychotherapy in Context combines theology with the latest research in clinical psychology to equip mental health practitioners to meet the unique psychological and spiritual needs of Christian clients. Encouraging therapists to operate from within a Christian framework, the authors explore the intersection between a Christian worldview and clients’ emotional struggles, drawing from sources including both foundational theological texts and the “common factors” psychotherapy literature. Written collaboratively by two clinical psychologists, an academic psychologist, and a theologian, this book paves the way for psychotherapeutic practice that builds on Christian principles as the foundation, rather than merely adding them to treatment as an afterthought.
Introduction 1. The Doctrine of God in Christian Theology: God’s Nature Within the Christian Tradition 2. The Doctrine of God and Christian Theology: A Theoretical and Empirical Exploration 3. The Doctrine of God in Christian Psychotherapy 4. Ontology and Epistemology within the Christian Tradition 5. Ontology and Epistemology in Christian Mental Health: A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation 6. Ontology and Epistemology in Christian Psychotherapy 7. Biblical Anthropology and Axiology within the Christian Tradition 8. Biblical Anthropology and Axiology and Christian Mental Health: A Theoretical and Empirical Exploration 9. Biblical Anthropology and Axiology in Christian Psychotherapy 10. Redemption within the Christian Tradition 11. Redemption and Christian Mental Health: A Theoretical and Empirical Exploration 12. Redemption in Christian Psychotherapy
Biography
Joshua J. Knabb, PsyD, ABPP, is the director of the PsyD program in clinical psychology and an associate professor of psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University.
Eric L. Johnson, PhD, is a professor of Christian psychology and counseling at Houston Baptist University and founding director of the Society for Christian Psychology.
M. Todd Bates, PhD, is a professor of theology and dean of the School of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University.
Timothy A. Sisemore, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and president of the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (APA Division 36).
"Christian Psychotherapy in Context equips mental health practitioners to meet the psychological and spiritual needs of Christian clients. This truly collaborative work draws on a theologically conservative Christian worldview to conceptualize how to understand and help Christians who struggle psychologically. Rather than champion one evidence-based practice in psychology, it draws on evidence-based common factors, Scripture, and classic and modern theologies to help struggling Christians. This is a great resource."—Everett L. Worthington, Jr., PhD, Commonwealth Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and co-editor of the Handbook of Humility
"I am grateful for this incredibly insightful scholarly and clinical resource. This book offers an important bridge between theology and clinical best practices while respecting the foundational importance of both. It will help practitioners address the very real, significant spiritual needs their Christian clients are facing with care that is informed by both Scripture and evidence without sacrificing either."—Jamie D. Aten, PhD, founder and executive of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College
