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

In the 70th episode, Dr. Knabb explores assumptions, including the negative "If...then..." thoughts that can lead to psychological struggles. First, he explores a cognitive behavioral understanding of assumptions, including the role they play in mental suffering. Then, Dr. Knabb covers a Christian perspective, discussing the role that God's promises, found in the Bible, can play in responding to negative assumptions. To conclude, Dr. Knabb offers a short meditative practice to shift from unhelpful assumptions that keep us stuck to the promises of God.

In the 68th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the psychology and spirituality of the fruit of the Spirit in Christianity. He begins by discussing the four immeasurables (loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity) in secular clinical psychology, which are attitudes and behaviors that have been theorized about and researched to cultivate mental health. Although these four immeasurables have been packaged and offered as an empirically supported meditative intervention for psychological health, they originate from the Buddhist religious tradition. Therefore, Dr. Knabb explores a Christian alternative for 21st century Christ followers, the nine fruit of the Spirit, and offers a fruit of the Spirit meditative practice to conclude the episode. Ultimately, for Christians, the aim of such a meditative practice is nothing short of Christlikeness, based on the indwelling Holy Spirit, with mental and spiritual health as a possible byproduct.

In the 66th episode, Dr. Knabb covers the salient topic of purpose in life, exploring theory, research, and applications across secular psychology and Christianity in the context of mental and spiritual health. For Christians, purpose in life involves a relationship with God, or communion with God to use theological language, which is discussed in depth. To conclude, a simple practice is offered to help 21st century Christ followers commune with God in daily life for mental and spiritual health.

In this 64th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the topic of empathy, covering both theory and research in secular psychology and a biblical view of the topic. In turn, he offers a short prayer practice, the Jesus Prayer, to help Christians pray for Jesus' mercy, or compassion and empathy, to be directed toward others. Overall, the hope is that 21st century Christ followers can grow in empathy to model Jesus' mercy, directed to those who are suffering.

In this 62nd podcast, Dr. Knabb explores emptiness, including its definition, psychological and spiritual implications, and interventions. He also discusses a Christian understanding of the antidote to the inevitable emptiness we may feel in life in a fallen, broken world, before concluding with a short meditative practice to help Christians acknowledge and practice God's presence within.

In this 60th episode, Dr. Knabb discusses a recent psychology article, which advocates for "everyday life" interventions, given the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders and barriers to professional mental health services. After reviewing the reasons for these interventions and interventions themselves, Dr. Knabb explores a Christian strategy for pairing them with an awareness of God's presence for mental and spiritual health.

In this 58th episode, Dr. Knabb discusses the secular psychological topic of contrast avoidance, which involves the tendency to use worry, rumination, and other types of negative thinking to keep negative emotions like anxiety actively elevated to avoid being surprised by sudden spikes in negative emotions and corresponding negative life events. In addition, secular and Christian exercises to combat contrast avoidance through the use of savoring are offered, which, for Christians, involves savoring God and God's Word, the Bible. Overall, the aim of this episode is to help 21st century Christ followers find more enjoyment in the Trinitarian God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, savoring God as the possible antidote to contrast avoidance.

In this 56th episode, Dr. Knabb explores spiritual struggles, including their definition and implications for mental health. He also discusses similar Christian concepts, like the dark night, wherein God helps Christians to let go of earthly preoccupations in favor of a direct relationship with him. To conclude the episode, Dr. Knabb offers a short contemplative practice to embrace the dark night and move toward a deeper trust in the God of love.