What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Mean in Christian therapy?
Barney Armstrong
We come into the Christian life confessing our need for the renewal of our mind.[1]
Christ begins to transform our mind from the very beginning of our new life and it will be a daily process for us the rest of our lives. We come entrenched in our fears and riddled with a host of supporting thoughts that lead to a pattern of self-destructive mental habits. For years we have heard and endorsed lies about our self, our experiences, and our view of our future. This process of transformation is a grace in our lives!
Normal is the Problem, Not the Goal!
Contrary to a typical Cognitive Behavioral approach to therapy, it is not the goal of the Christian therapist to merely return a client to a “normal” or natural state of thinking about himself, his experiences, and his future. In fact, a Christian therapist recognizes that, far from the end-goal, the natural state of our mind is the problem! Rather, it is the Christian therapist’s goal to partner with the Lord in what is already an ongoing process of that renewal.
Upon becoming a Christian, we gain a new view of self. The Bible has much to say about who we are. In Christ, we learn that God has chosen us[2]; He has given us his own Son[3]; He has given us a permanent place with Him.[4] The lies we have grown accustomed to hearing have no place in our lives!
The First Word in Our Mind Renewal
God’s opinion of us makes all the difference and has the potential to change all of the dynamics that plague our natural mind with insecurities, rejection and fear. Our view of experiences changes from this perspective, and we are continually reminded that God is working everything for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.[5] Our view of the future is built upon both the renewal of our view of self and experiences, coupled with Scripture that reveals the hope of an eternal home with Him and with His people.
The Christian therapists at Bellevue Christian Counseling have the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at his or her disposal to walk with you in the Lord’s process of renewing your mind.
