A Counselor's Guide to Christian Mindfulness: Engaging the Mind, Body, and Soul in Biblical Practices and Therapies

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.

Regina Chow Trammel, PhD, LCSW, is an associate professor of social work at Azusa Pacific University and holds a PhD in social work from Baylor University. She has spent more than a decade as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with expertise on treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is an avid mindfulness practitioner, has academic research publications on Christian mindfulness, and speaks on the topic of mindfulness for burnout preventions. You can follow her on Instagram at regina_chow_trammel.

John Trent, PhD, a noted speaker and author, is president of StrongFamilies.com. He and Gary Smalley have won Gold Medallion writing awards for their books The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love. Dr. Trent has also written several children's books, including I'd Choose You! based on The Blessing, and his Gold Medallion award-winning book on children's personalities, The Treasure Tree. Dr. Trent maintains a private practice, certifies Lifemapping and Strengths coaches through ICCI, and teaches clinical mental health counselors at Phoenix Seminary and DMin students in marriage and family at Dallas Seminary.