Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice - (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books) by Joshua J Knabb (Paperback)

About the Book

What would it look like to turn to the Christian faith to cultivate meditation practices? Presenting Christian meditation as an alternative to Buddhist-informed mindfulness, this workbook from Dr. Joshua Knabb offers a Christian-sensitive approach to meditation in clinical practice, focusing on both building theory and providing replicable practices for Christian clients and their therapists.

Book Synopsis

Christians are hungry for a return to their own tradition to cultivate meditation practices that are both psychologically and spiritually fruitful. In recent decades, mindfulness meditation, which originates from the Buddhist tradition, has been embraced in many settings as a method for addressing a plethora of symptoms. What would it look like to turn instead to the Christian faith for resources to more effectively identify and respond to psychological suffering?

Over the last decade, Dr. Joshua Knabb has conducted a variety of empirical studies on Christian meditation, focusing on both building theory and testing specific, replicable practices. In this overview and workbook he presents the foundations of a Christian-sensitive approach to meditation in clinical practice. Filled with practical features for immediate use by Christian clients and their therapists, Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice provides

• an introduction to the rich resources on meditation from eight major streams of the Christian tradition
• practices from the early desert Christians, Ignatius of Loyola, Celtic Christians, the Puritans, contemporary writers, and many others
• guidance for targeting transdiagnostic processes--patterns of cognition, affect, behavior, the self, and relationships that may lead to psychological suffering
• research-based evidence for the benefits of Christian meditation
• client-friendly tools for practicing meditation, including step-by-step instructions, worksheets, journaling prompts, and links to tailored audio resources

Using the approach of Christian psychology, Knabb's model dually builds on a biblical worldview and integrates the latest research in clinical psychology. As clients engage the variety of meditative exercises in this book, they will move toward healthier responses to difficult experiences and a deeper awareness of, and contentment in, God.

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

Review Quotes

"Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice is a helpful, practical guide through Christian meditation. Since the subject is often misunderstood by believers, Knabb delves into the history of Christian meditation as well as more secular types of meditation. It's a much-needed resource, because when we are hit by life's disasters, it can be tempting to view our suffering as something to avoid or defeat. Instead, Knabb encourages us to view suffering through the lens of faith and our eternity with God, so that we cannot fall prey to psychological traps that keep us fearful and anxious. By practicing the exercises in the book, readers can integrate meditation into their relationship with God and find better mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I highly recommend it to practicing therapists and their clients."

--Jamie Aten, founder and codirector of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College

"Mindfulness meditation is the current psychological bandwagon. But can it be Christian-compatible? Absolutely, argues Josh Knabb in Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice. It is a transdiagnostic treatment approach for people with one or several overlapping psychological struggles. Thoughtful. Practical. Hop on the bandwagon for an interesting and helpful ride."

--Everett L. Worthington Jr., Commonwealth Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University

"Not only does Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice ground the reader in excellent scriptural and psychological principles, providing well-researched treatment guidelines and practical exercises for mindful practice, but the reader also gains a level of understanding of Christian meditation that can't be found anywhere else. Knabb's book is comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and clearly written as a resource to therapists, spiritual directors, and anyone interested in growing in mindfulness as a Christian."

--Jennifer Ripley, psychology professor and Hughes Chair of Integration at Regent University

About the Author

Joshua J. Knabb (PsyD, Azusa Pacific University; ABPP, Clinical Psychology) is a board-certified clinical psychologist as well as associate professor of psychology and director of the PsyD program at California Baptist University. His publications include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients, Contemplative Prayer for Christians with Chronic Worry, and Christian Psychotherapy in Context, as well as numerous journal articles.