Table of Contents

Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Psychological Pain in Contemporary Western Society 2. Avoidance as an Ineffective Coping Strategy 3. Cognitive Defusion and Watchfulness with Thinking 4. Acceptance and Endurance with Emotions 5. Present-Moment Awareness and Stillness and Silence with God 6. The Observing Self and Awareness of the Contemplative Self 7. Values and Christian Virtues 8. Committed Action and Following Jesus Index

About the Author

Joshua J. Knabb, PsyD, ABPP, is chair of the behavioral sciences department, director of the master’s program in counseling psychology, and assistant professor of psychology in the division of online and professional studies at California Baptist University.

Reviews

"Persons of faith need evidence-based mental health care that fits hand in glove with their faith commitments. This book shows exactly how that can be done for Christians through the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Clear, consistent, accessible, and filled with scientific and religious integrity, it will empower and lift up believers who are facing mental health challenges. Highly recommended."Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Nevada Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy"The tide is turning . . . biblically based, theoretically sound interventions for faith-based clients are coming of age. Dr. Knabb has written an excellent work based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that will help lead others to emotional and spiritual health."Tim Clinton, EdD, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors and executive director of the Center for Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University"Joshua Knabb has written an excellent faith-based workbook full of practical exercises focusing on the six core processes of ACT. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients also contains the deep wisdom and contemplative practices of the early desert Christians, biblical perspectives including Mary's contemplation and Martha's action (Luke 10: 38-42), and the consistent use of the Jesus Prayer. It will be of tremendous help to Christian clients and therapists."Siang-Yang Tan, PhD, professor of psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective"In their different ways, both ACT and Christianity frequently seek to illuminate truth through the use of paradox. In this companion workbook, Dr. Joshua Knabb continues in this tradition, presenting highly practical exercises born from uniting scientific psychology with religious orthodoxy, ancient Christian practices with contemporary Evangelical Christianity, and psychological theory with applied clinical exercises. In so doing, he is sure to help many Christian clients discover new, life-enhancing truths for themselves."Jason A. Nieuwsma, PhD, associate professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center"Joshua Knabb has provided an indispensable workbook that ties ACT, a cutting-edge, mindfulness-based approach, with the Christian contemplative tradition. The result is a practical guide for individuals to use in accepting their experiences and deepening their relationships with God. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients is a must for those struggling with their faith and difficult experiences as well as for professionals wanting to incorporate ACT with Christian clients." Thomas V. Frederick, PhD, associate professor of psychology at California Baptist University in the department of online and professional studies