Christian-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Christian
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How it differs from traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and how it can help you.

What is Christian-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) is an integration of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with Christian principles and values. CBT is a widely used psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions, aiming to improve mental health. In Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, this approach is adapted to include elements from the Christian faith, such as scripture, prayer, and biblical teachings.

How does it differ from traditional Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Faith integration: CCBT includes Christian beliefs, practices, and scripture; traditional CBT is secular.
Use of prayer and scripture: CCBT incorporates these as part of the therapeutic process.
Focus on identity in Christ: CCBT emphasizes a client’s identity in Christ and spiritual healing.
Spiritual themes: CCBT may explore themes of forgiveness, grace, and redemption from a Christian perspective.

Are you ready to take the first step?

I work with highly motivated adults who are ready to create change, they just need the tools. My clients are looking for an approach that focuses on aligning their thoughts + behaviors + emotions towards their goals, infused with the Christian faith.

A More Holistic Approach

CCBT: CCBT takes a more holistic approach by addressing the mind, emotions, behaviors, and spirit. It integrates the client’s spiritual life and belief system, seeing mental health challenges not just as psychological issues, but also as potentially involving spiritual aspects (such as a need for spiritual healing or reconciliation).
Traditional CBT: While CBT can be holistic in the sense that it aims to address the whole person (mind and behavior), it does not consider the spiritual or religious aspects of an individual’s life unless the therapist happens to integrate that based on the client’s request.

A Focus on Christian Identity

CCBT: CCBT emphasizes the client’s identity in Christ. The therapy may focus on helping the individual understand their value, purpose, and worth as a child of God. Issues like guilt, shame, and self-esteem are often addressed through a biblical lens, emphasizing that the individual is forgiven and loved by God.
Traditional CBT: While traditional CBT can help with self-esteem and self-worth, it does not address a person’s spiritual identity. Instead, it focuses on cognitive patterns (e.g., perfectionism or catastrophizing) and behaviors that may contribute to mental health challenges.

A Scriptural Basis for Truth

CCBT: Bible verses or Christian teachings are often incorporated into the therapy. For example, when addressing feelings of anxiety or depression, the therapist may offer scripture that speaks to God’s promises, such as verses about peace, strength, or hope (e.g., Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 41:10). This can help clients reframe their negative thoughts within the context of their faith.
Traditional CBT: In traditional CBT, scripture or religious teachings are not part of the therapy. The focus is on identifying cognitive distortions, testing negative thoughts against evidence, and applying behavioral techniques to change those patterns.

A Springboard for a Deeper Relationship with God

CCBT: The therapy is rooted in a Christian worldview. It emphasizes the role of faith, prayer, and biblical teachings as part of the healing process. Christian principles such as grace, forgiveness, love, and God’s sovereignty often guide the therapeutic techniques. Clients may be encouraged to seek comfort and wisdom in scripture or rely on prayer as part of their coping strategies.
Traditional CBT: While traditional CBT focuses on the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, it does not inherently integrate any religious or spiritual components. The therapeutic process is secular, and the emphasis is solely on cognitive restructuring and behavioral change through psychological principles, without reference to any religious beliefs.

How Christian-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help You

Life can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing anxiety, stress, or significant life transitions. As a Christian, I believe that integrating faith with evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can offer powerful support in your healing journey.

1. Replacing Negative Thoughts with Truth

In Christian CBT, we recognize that our thoughts play a significant role in how we experience anxiety and stress. The Bible teaches us to take captive every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) and align it with God’s truth. I will work with you to identify and challenge negative or distorted thoughts that fuel anxiety or stress, replacing them with scriptural truths that provide peace and hope. For example, we might address thoughts like “I’m not enough” with reminders of God’s love and promises (Romans 8:37-39).

2. Practicing Biblical Mindfulness and Prayer

A key part of CBT involves becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions. In Christian CBT, we incorporate prayer, meditation, and Scripture as tools for mindfulness. By centering your thoughts on God’s presence and peace (Philippians 4:6-7), you can create space to calm your mind and manage your anxiety in a healthy way. Regular prayer and reflection on God’s Word can help you reframe stressful situations, enabling you to handle life’s challenges with grace.

3. Identifying and Overcoming Negative Beliefs

Many people struggle with deeply rooted beliefs that drive anxiety, such as fear of the future, worry about failure, or feelings of inadequacy. Christian CBT helps you uncover and address these core beliefs. Through a faith-centered approach, we explore how God’s promises about your worth and purpose can challenge these negative beliefs. You’ll learn to replace lies with truths like “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and “God has plans for my good” (Jeremiah 29:11).

4. Managing Stress and Emotions with God’s Strength

Transitioning through major life changes—whether it’s a new job, moving, or a personal loss—can bring stress and uncertainty. Christian CBT equips you to manage these emotions with practical coping skills grounded in biblical wisdom. We will look at passages like Matthew 6:34 (“Do not worry about tomorrow”) to address the stress of an unknown future, while focusing on God’s strength and provision in the present moment.

5. Building Healthy, Christ-centered Habits

CBT is not just about changing thoughts but also building healthy behaviors. I’ll help you identify patterns that contribute to anxiety or stress (like avoidance or negative self-talk) and work with you to replace them with positive, Christ-centered habits. Whether it’s through practicing gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18), setting realistic goals, or engaging in self-care that honors God, you’ll learn how to create a balanced life that promotes emotional well-being.

6. Finding Peace in God’s Sovereignty

Ultimately, the goal of Christian CBT is to help you experience the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). By integrating your faith with therapeutic tools, you can learn to trust God more deeply, knowing that He is sovereign over all aspects of your life, including your anxiety, stress, and transitions. Together, we will help you navigate life’s challenges with hope, resilience, and confidence in God’s faithfulness.