Christian-Integrated Psychotherapy

Abstract

This chapter briefly reviews the relationship between Christianity and mental health based on evidence from observational studies, followed by a summary of evidence-based research examining religious/spiritually integrated therapies. Research on the efficacy of Christian religiously-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (CRCBT) is then reviewed, along with a description of ongoing research exploring the effects of spiritually integrated Christian cognitive processing therapy (SICPT-C). Next, an examination of CRCBT (indications, brief description, and summary of the ten treatment sessions) is provided. This is followed by a brief description of SICPT-C (indications, brief description, and summary of the 12 treatment sessions). Treatment recommendations are provided, including how to identify clients for whom Christian-integrated therapies are indicated and how to determine when referral is necessary or consideration of co-therapy. The religious beliefs of Christians often impact their mental health and coping with stress and, in general, should be considered a positive resource that therapists can utilize when treating these patients as they challenge dysfunctional cognitions and behaviors that are causing distress. This chapter will provide readers with a good sense of why Christian psychotherapy might be helpful, the evidence base that supports this practice, and how to apply Christian psychotherapy when treating depression, anxiety, and moral injury in the setting of trauma.