There is some discussion about whether secular counseling modalities can be useful for Christians. Some would argue that they cannot ever help Christians, due to their nonbiblical foundations. Others would argue that like medicine, they can be helpful if founded and grounded in faith. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one such theory of counseling that can be grounded in faith. Many of its tools and techniques align with Scripture.
Cognitive behavioral therapy relies on tools to change thinking and tools to change behavior. In the category of thought change comes tools to change cognitions, or “help improve thinking” (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.). Cognitive restructuring is a tool used to assess a situation, feeling, and thought (American Psychological Association, n.d.). The person can then evaluate the thought to determine if it is true, and choose to act on truth. This process aligns with the commands in scripture to take thoughts captive and be set free by the truth (English Standard Version, 2016, 2 Corinthians 10:5, John 8:32; Ascend Christian Counseling; Got Questions.org; Davis, n.d.). Jesus is the objective truth, and as such, his Holy Spirit can lead people into truth (John 14:6). True change happens when He is at the core of it.
Mindfulness is a CBT tool that can help individuals calm and center themselves. Mindfulness helps move away from negative thinking and focus on the present moment (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.). Christians can use this tool to focus on God and as the psalmist writes, “be still, and know…God” (English Standard Version, 2016, Psalm 46:10). With a focus on God and His perfection, the brain can move towards more positive thinking.
Solving problems is another part of CBT. This can involve many tools (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.), but it aligns with scriptural principles like seeking counsel (English Standard Version, 2016, Proverbs 11:14) and learning how to carry one’s own load (Galatians 6:5). Solving problems can help remove barriers between individuals and God and living a Christlike life.
Thought distancing is another component of CBT. This allows individuals to separate from thoughts and choose whether or not to engage with them (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.). This allows individuals to practice fruit of the spirit such as self control (English Standard Version, 2016, Galatians 5:22-23). It can also move individuals towards not being ruled by their desires, but by God’s Spirit (Romans 8:5-17). In these ways CBT can work hand-in-hand with sanctification.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also focuses on techniques to change behavior. The Bible shows that beliefs impact behavior, so changing thoughts using CBT tools can help with behavior change (GotQuestions.org, n.d.). CBT techniques like activity scheduling (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.; TheraPlatform, n.d.) can help increase preferred behaviors, or even behaviors recommended for discipleship such as church attendance, Bible reading, and prayer (English Standard Version, 2016, Hebrews 10:25; Psalm 119:105; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Holy Spirit must be the ultimate power behind completion of these activities, but activity scheduling might help make more room for the Spirit to do this.
Skills training and stimulus control are other components of cognitive behavioral therapy. These teach individuals skills for managing difficult experiences, and often, avoiding triggers for engaging in negative behaviors, such as going to a bar for someone struggling with alcoholism (Cognitive behavioral therapy Los Angeles, n.d.). Once again, these employ fruit of the Spirit (English Standard Version, 2016, Galatians 5:22-23). This can move a person towards more godly living.
Are the goals of cognitive behavior therapy always the goals of Christlike living? No. Cognitive behavior therapy and its associated techniques and tools can serve the goal of becoming more like Christ, however. There are many, many more tools beyond those listed here, too. A Christian counselor can help introduce a person to more of them, should the person want to pursue counseling to eliminate struggles that get in the way of sanctification.
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