Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The course is based on an evidence-based secular therapy model, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Modern day CBT is one of the most practiced and researched therapy models in the mental health field.  It developed from three approaches to CBT, i.e., Aaron Beck’s cognitive therapy, Albert Ellis’ rational emotive -behaviour therapy, and Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive behaviour modification (CBM). Numerous studies have supported the effectiveness of this approach for the treatment of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is a structured and goal-oriented approach. Cognitive theory lends itself to an integration with Christian beliefs, and Christian therapists have developed an integrative approach, called Christian CBT (CCBT). This course will explore the history of traditional CBT, including assumptions, principles and core theoretical concepts. Application to various contexts, including the African context will be discussed, and Christian Cognitive Behavioural therapy will be elucidated.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Explain the origin and development of traditional CBT
• Critique the underlying assumptions and theoretical principles of traditional CBT
• Critique CBT from a biblical perspective
• Examine the intersection between theology and cognitive theory and describe an integrative Christian approach to CBT (CCBT)
• Apply principles and concepts to an African context
• Analyse a case study based on CCBT