Be Ye Transformed:: The use of scripture in religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy

Religiously-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (RCBT) is a variation of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapy that centers on the belief that our thoughts are connected to our emotions and behavior. Logical errors or cognitive distortions are self-defeating cognitions that can lead to emotionally-based mental health ailments such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive distortions are a part of a synergy of negative emotions and unhealthy behaviors. CBT seeks to identify and challenge cognitive distortions. RCBT is built on the same foundation, however, it seeks to employ religious scripture as a means to counter cognitive distortions.

This disquisition seeks to improve the service delivery of RCBT by conducting a textual analysis of the Religiously Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Manual: A New Treatment for Major Depression in Patients with Chronic Medical Illness. Essentially, this research is an exegetical examination of the scripture used in the manual to determine if the use was hermeneutically and theologically congruent with the interpretation of Biblical scholars from a range of cultural and historical backgrounds.

The results and conclusions indicate the need for exegetes when formulating Bible-based mental health therapy to ensure that the Christian client undergoing treatment is receiving a therapy that is both psychologically beneficial and theological congruent with their faith practice. Furthermore, the research outcomes call for a more intense intercultural relationship between exegetes and RCBT therapists to ensure scripture is translated properly when used in the context of therapy.