Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients

Joshua J. Knabb, PsyD, ABPP, is the director of the PsyD program in clinical psychology and a professor of psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University. He is also the editor for the Journal of Psychology and Christianity and currently serving a three-year term as member-at-large for the Division 36 (Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality) Executive Committee of the American Psychological Association.

"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. Now in its second edition, this excellent book is filled with new and highly accessible exercises and tools that help people pivot from inner to outer, from self to others, and from fear to love. Clear, consistent, accessible, and filled with scientific and religious integrity, it will empower and lift up those facing mental health challenges who want to live a Christian life. Highly recommended." Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Nevada Foundation Professor of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, originator of acceptance and commitment therapy, and author of A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters"This second edition of Joshua Knabb’s excellent faith-based ACT workbook is even better! It is updated with new exercises for each of the six interventions, a ‘fork in the road’ conceptualization tool based on Russ Harris’s ‘choice point’ approach, and, most notably, a greater emphasis on God’s love. I highly recommend it as a most helpful workbook for both Christian clients and therapists." Siang-Yang Tan, PhD, senior professor of clinical psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective"Joshua Knabb keeps this book in the sweet spot of not being too technical nor too informal, but just right in providing scholarly information in an accessible style. This new edition builds on strengths from the first edition to improve and deepen both the presentation of ACT and its meshing with Christian practice. Marvelously helpful material masterfully presented." Timothy A. Sisemore, PhD, clinical psychologist at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and author of The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality: From the Inside Out"As a psychologist, I love acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). It’s the theoretical framework I use most often with clients, and it has been helpful in my own growth and development. But ACT can be hard to understand, and it’s not always clear how it fits with a Christian worldview. In the workbook companion to Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients, Joshua Knabb provides a practical roadmap (along with lots of exercises) for Christian clients who are using ACT to help them navigate psychological challenges and live a value-based life. I wish I had this book when I was doing my own personal therapy, and I’m glad I have it now." Joshua N. Hook, PhD, professor of psychology, University of North Texas"Joshua Knabb’s second edition of this incredible workbook is a thorough update incorporating the latest breakthroughs in acceptance and commitment therapy. The solid biblical framework fills the pages with rich theological insights and sound strategies grounded in the Christian tradition. Not only a workbook to help with the stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges of life, this workbook will bless you spiritually, too." Fernando L. Garzon, PsyD, associate dean for academics and professor of psychology, Regent University

• Introduction 1. The Problem of Psychological Pain 2. The Problem of Avoidance 3. Defusion and Watchfulness 4. Acceptance and Endurance 5. Present-Moment Awareness and Practicing God’s Presence 6. The Transcendent Self and the Contemplative Self 7. Values and Biblical Virtues 8. Committed Action and Following Jesus