A Counselor's Guide to Christian Mindfulness
Engaging the Mind, Body, and Soul in Biblical Practices and Therapies
- Counseling, Grief & Mental Health
- Publisher: Zondervan Reflective (Zondervan)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
Equips Christian counselors and therapists to confidently use mindfulness techniques with their clients in a way that is both practical and biblical. Accessing mindfulness is a therapeutic touchstone for a range of emotional issues, from mild distress to the treatment of trauma, but the term mindfulness has often left Christians wary. Stripped of Christlike spirituality, it sounds self-focused at best, and at worst like a fusion with modern pop-religions of the day. But the quality of mindfulness—of being fully present, aware of ourselves and our situation so that we can better respond to the chaos around us—is a profoundly biblical concept. And it can be used effectively by Christian counselors and healing practitioners. In A Counselor's Guide to Christian Mindfulness, Regina Chow Trammel (a clinical social worker) and John Trent (a marriage and family therapist) team up to offer training in mindfulness skills used in evidence-based practices, such as dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These therapies have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of many mental health issues, blending elements of neuroscience, social science, and religious training. This book is the ideal resource to equip those in the helping professions to faithfully use mindfulness interventions both professionally and personally and includes: A historical and theoretical overview of Christian mindfulness and how it contrasts with other mindfulness-based practices. A practical guide for how to use mindfulness skills in counseling and therapeutic practice. A section addressing specific challenges or situations that your clients face. Dialogue scripts and contemplation exercises to adapt for your own work. The practice of Christian mindfulness can be effective in helping clients manage their intrusive and stressful thoughts, emotions, relationships, and challenges. This book fills a gap for Christian counselors and therapists who are eager for a resource that teaches mindfulness skills from a Christian and biblical perspective.
Endorsements (9)
“If you are a Christian therapist, psychologist, social worker, pastor, or lay counselor, this is a must-read volume. Both those who serve and those we help need mindfulness now more than ever, and in A Counselor’s Guide to Christian Mindfulness, Regina Chow Trammel and John Trent offer practical exercises, adaptable scripts, and a wealth of research. I highly recommend this resource on the important and biblical topic of mindfulness.”
“and illustrations about when and where and how to apply Christian mindfulness. It is grounded in both the social sciences as well as Scripture, and includes a wealth of biblical references both in the text and for further study. The book focuses on the benefits of mindfulness for one’s clients, but it also reinforces how mindfulness helps counselors connect more effectively with Christ and grow in their faith. I commend Drs. Trammel and Trent for their clear and effective integration of Christian faith and clinical practice in this important new book.”
“Regina Trammel and John Trent apply mindfulness in a distinctively Christian way that avoids the pitfalls of secular mindfulness when working with Christian clients. This book contains many practical strategies that will be very useful to Christian therapists. Highly recommended!”
“The ability to stay present in our everyday lives is quickly becoming a lost discipline. Too often we default to functioning on autopilot, failing to pay attention to, or worse, be intentional about, what influences our daily decisions. Mindfulness practices have traditionally served to draw our attention to the here and now, recognizing how our bodies, emotions, relationships, and environments all play a significant role in how we react to and engage in the world around us. This book incorporates the powerful discipline of mindfulness from the critical and foundational perspective of biblical truth and practice. A must for any counselor who sees the importance of incorporating spiritual disciplines into mental health care, A Counselor’s Guide to Christian Mindfulness provides invaluable tools for promoting wholistic transformation through the therapeutic process.”
“Having experienced my share of anxiety and depression over the decades, I have learned much of considerable help from extrabiblical sources as long as they did not contradict the authoritative inerrant Word of God and seemed wise and sensible. Among the help I received was psychological teaching about mindfulness. While the secular approach was helpful, it was also limited, sometimes misleading, and required care to apply. For years, I have longed for Christian thinkers to write a book on the biblical basis of and distinctively Christian approach to mindfulness. With this book, my prayers have been answered. This is the only book of its kind and should be central reading to all who want to grow spiritually and emotionally in a healthy and Christian way.”
“Drs. Regina Chow Trammel and John Trent have written the definitive book on Christian-based mindfulness. It is a must-read primer for counselors on faith-based mindfulness. Read this book and learn from the best.”
“anchored in the presence of the God who loves us that we cannot help but extend that presence to our clients.”
“A rich and timely contribution to the growing body of Christian literature exploring mindfulness and contemplation. At times, evangelicals can feel alone in the mental health field. From time to time, you discover a wise and mature guide who knows the landscape and can provide helpful insights and instruction. Trammel and Trent are such guides, skilled clinicians with depth in understanding both the contemplative and mindfulness literature. A Counselor’s Guide to Christian Mindfulness is immensely readable with great examples and practical exercises and demonstrations. References are provided to accommodate scholars and students, but it does not read like a technical manual or heady philosophy text. I highly recommend this book for both the classroom and for practicing clinicians.”
“covering a comprehensive list of areas of application. Highly recommended to anyone interested in a Christian approach to mindfulness, including therapists, counselors, pastors, and clients.”
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