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Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients balances empirical evidence with theology to give mental health professionals a deep understanding of both the "why" and "how" of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for Christians. The new edition includes updated discussions in each chapter, more than 20 new and updated exercises, and new chapters on couples and trauma.
The book includes a detailed exploration of the overlap between ACT and the Christian faith, case studies, and techniques that are explicitly designed to be accessible to both non-Christian and Christian (including evangelical Christian) counselors and therapists. Chapters also present the established research on Buddhist-influenced mindfulness meditation and newer research on Christian-derived meditative and contemplative practices and lay a firm theological foundation through the use of engaging biblical stories and metaphors.
List of contents
Introduction 1. Psychological Problems in the 21st Century 2. Differentiating Psychological Symptoms from Disorders 3. The Problem of Experiential Avoidance 4. Faith-Based ACT for Christian Suffering 5. Mary, Martha, Contemplation, and Action 6. Watching and Enduring 7. Noticing and Shifting 8. Committing and Following 9. Faith-Based ACT for Depression 10. Faith-Based ACT for Anxiety 11. Faith-Based ACT for Trauma 12. Faith-Based ACT for Relationship Distress
Summary
Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients balances empirical evidence with theology to give mental health professionals a deep understanding of both the "why" and "how" of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for Christians.
Report
"In his second edition of Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients, Joshua Knabb refines what was already the premier book on ACT from a Christian perspective. His 'fork in the road' metaphor grabs me from the first sentence of the introduction and carries me through the rich theoretical, scientific, and therapeutic terrain of this fine book."
Mark R. McMinn, PhD, ABPP, professor emeritus and scholar in residence, George Fox University
"I love acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). As a licensed psychologist, ACT is the theoretical framework I use most often with my clients. And in my personal life, ACT has helped me work through my own struggles and engage my life more fully. In Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients, Joshua Knabb takes a deep dive into the overlap between ACT and the Christian faith. It is a must-read resource for anyone interested in helping clients make space for their experiences and create the life they want."
Joshua N. Hook, PhD, professor of psychology, University of North Texas
"This second edition is even more substantial and better than the first edition, which was already excellent. There are new chapters on trauma and relationship distress, with a stronger emphasis on the primacy of love as central and crucial in faith-based ACT from a Christian perspective. Additional helpful exercises and a modified 'choice point' tool that integrates a more recent ACT approach described by Harris (2019) with the Christian faith are also included. Highly recommended as a must read!"
Siang-Yang Tan, PhD, senior professor of clinical psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, and author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective
"Whether in our healthcare systems, psychological care practices, or religious communities, contemporary cultural influences exert a pull toward quick fixes and a push against acknowledging the inevitability of pain and suffering in our lives. Ironically, yielding to these influences can lead to less fulfilling, joyful, meaningful lives. In this new and updated edition, Knabb takes aim at these 21st century, life-narrowing cultural realities that affect so many. He identifies how ancient Christian practices and understandings of love can be usefully embodied through ACT practices to improve the lives of Christian clients. This is a needed, timely, and practical guide for care providers."
Jason Nieuwsma, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Duke University Medical Center
