A Christian Perspective on CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a formal psychological therapeutic approach based on how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and affect our mental health. This counseling technique postulates that we can improve our emotional well-being by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
CBT is a relatively modern therapeutic approach that was developed in the 1960s. Despite the official invention of this particular therapeutic approach, the principles are as old as time. While the Bible doesn’t use the specific terminology of CBT, its principles mimic the instructions God consistently provides us as a way to work through trials and circumstances.
Throughout the teachings found in the Bible, God has encouraged His followers to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. He calls you to renew your mind, not to learn new psychological catchphrases such as “cognitive distortions.” Nonetheless, He gives instructions that align with identifying these unproductive thoughts so that we can change them to ones that are profitable, constructive, and beneficial so that a person may live out their life free of worry. This is the same instruction that a cognitive behavioral therapist would use to assist their client in adjusting unproductive thoughts to make specific behavioral changes to live a happier and gratifying life. Here are some examples of how God has provided these principles in various verses. Here are some examples:
Renewing the Mind:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of renewing the mind and transforming our thinking.
~ Romans 12:2 (NIV) – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of renewing one’s mind, suggesting a change in thinking patterns to align with God’s will. This is similar to the idea in CBT that changing negative thought patterns can lead to positive emotional outcomes.
Every Thought:
The Bible encourages believers to take every thought captive to obey Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
This aligns with the concept of identifying and challenging cognitive distortions in CBT by encouraging believers to examine their thoughts to ensure that they don’t contradict the loving direction of God’s truth and redirecting them to align themselves with Christ’s teachings.
Truth and Reality
The Bible promotes a focus on truth and reality. Similarly, CBT encourages individuals to evaluate the evidence for their beliefs and thoughts to determine their accuracy and validity.
~ Psalm 119:160 (ESV) “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
~ Ephesians 6:14 (ESV) “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Truth is a person, the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, truth is the authentic reality of our lives and the opposite of falsehoods.
Overcoming Fear:
The Bible guides overcoming fear and anxiety, advising believers not to worry but to trust God.
~ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~ Matthew 6:25-34 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. … Look at the birds … And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. … And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you … Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.”
People often ask if CBT can be found in the bible. These verses resemble the CBT principle of challenging and modifying catastrophic and irrational thinking. Here, we see encouragement to believers, inspiring them to combat anxiety by turning to prayer and presenting their worries to God.
Biblical Authority on Mental Health
The bible’s authority will trump all counseling techniques because God is our creator. He created us in his image and knows what we need before we do. Throughout the Bible, God tells us to guard our hearts and minds and renew our minds by focusing on things above, such as God’s goodness. I believe God had our mental health in mind when he provided us with his Word. God instructs counselors who rely on Biblical principles in therapy to encourage those they work with to focus on the present, trusting God’s guidance and seeking peace in His presence.
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If you seek mental health support and want to explore what God has to say about your experiences, contact Jane Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who integrates Biblical Faith and Counseling to address your mental health needs. Are You Ready Counseling, LLC
