Christian Psychology Institute

08/21/2026

In this interview hosted by the Christian Psychology Institute, theologian Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, joins us for a deep conversation on the human condition, creation, sin, and what it means to live fully in Christ.

We explore themes such as:

John Owen’s contributions to theology and psychology
Why finitude is not sin and the goodness of our creaturely limits
How guilt, shame, and unrealistic expectations weigh on Christians today
The role of weakness, dependence, and vulnerability in the Christian life
Practical insights from Kelly’s books You’re Only Human and You’re Never Meant to Do It All
Why sleep, rest, and gratitude are profoundly theological practices
This rich dialogue connects theology and psychology, offering encouragement for counselors, pastors, and everyday believers seeking freedom from perfectionism and deeper communion with God.

With Eric L Johnson n this interview hosted by the Christian Psychology Institute, theologian Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, joins us for a deep conversation on the human condition, creation, sin, and what it means to live fully in Christ.

08/20/2026

The poem is a testament to God’s presence and faithfulness in the midst of Cowper’s own struggle with depression and anxiety. He lost his mother at a very young age, and dealt with periods of profound sadness and fear that lasted well into his adult life.

By Samantha Griffitts William Cowper was an 18th century British poet most commonly known today as the author of “Light Shining Out of Darkness,” the poem that would become the hymn “God Moves In A Mysterious Way.”

08/19/2026

Carl Jung was one of the first therapists of modern psychology to offer a model of what mature human nature is like. He termed the process of becoming the ideal “individuation,” in which a person integrates and harmonizes the disparate aspects of his conscious and unconscious life and becomes whole self. He also called this “coming to selfhood” or “self-realization.” (Jung, 1966, p. 173).

By Eric L Johnson, PhD Carl Jung was one of the first therapists of modern psychology to offer a model of what mature human nature is like. He termed the process of becoming the ideal “individuation,” in which a person integrates and harmonizes the disparate aspects of his conscious and unconsci...

08/18/2026

Most counseling training teaches you methods. This one gives you a foundation. Across six sessions grounded in God and Soul Care (by Dr Eric L Johnson), you'll explore how the Christian story itself, from the glory of the Trinity to the reality of sin and suffering, shapes what healing actually means.

This isn't theology as an add-on to counseling. It's theology as the ground counseling stands on.

In this series, you'll dig into:

How the Trinity reshapes what we mean by wellbeing
Christ and the Holy Spirit as both the goal and the means of healing
The larger healing story Christianity tells, and how your clients' stories fit inside it
What it means that people were created good, and why that matters clinically
A distinctly Christian psychopathology, rooted in sin and suffering rather than symptoms alone
The difference between weakness, fault, and fallenness, and why counselors need to know it

For pastors, counselors, and anyone who cares for souls and wants their practice to be built on something deeper than technique.

Find more information here:

The Christian Psychology Institute (CPI) is a training center and think tank dedicated to a Christ-centered, biblically rooted, evidence-based approach to psychology and therapy. Our goal is to enrich and train people in psychology and therapy centered on Christ.

08/05/2026

Theology is a sticky word. It has a negative connotation for many people, and for good reason. Images arise of combative and hostile debates where people in power argue over who has the right opinion of God or a specific matter of faith. In such contexts, there is often collateral damage to the heart. People can become so obsessed with getting their theology right that they lose track of healthy relationships and forget about the impact that anxious searches for truth can have on vulnerable hearts wanting connection with God for thriving in life.

By Preston Hill, PhD | Theology is a sticky word. It has a negative connotation for many people, and for good reason. Images arise of combative and hostile debates where people in power argue over who has the right opinion of God or a specific matter of faith. In such contexts, there is often collat...

08/04/2026

Every follower of Christ has been brought into a supernatural union with Jesus Christ that brings with it a host of psychological and spiritual benefits that can help in therapy. However, most Christians have little practical understanding of this dimension of their lives. So, they need help from pastors and therapists, and perhaps a knowledgeable friend, to guide them into how to make use of them in a therapeutic way. Our next webinar will discuss these benefits, how to access them experientially, and what to avoid when addressing this topic in a session. We’ll finish up with an experiential exercise focusing on our union with Christ.

By Eric L Johnson, PhD | Every follower of Christ has been brought into a supernatural union with Jesus Christ that brings with it a host of psychological and spiritual benefits that can help in therapy. However, most Christians have little practical understanding of this dimension of their lives.

08/03/2026

Discover how worship and awe can transform mental and spiritual health. Join Dr. Knabb as he unpacks insights from his forthcoming book, Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology (Baker Academic).

Explore the theory, research, and practical applications of worshipful awe and its role in professional care. You’ll gain:

✅ A deeper understanding of worshipful awe and its impact on mental health

✅ Practical strategies for applying these concepts with Christian clients

✅ A fresh perspective on centering God in the healing process

By Joshua Knabb | iscover how worship and awe can transform mental and spiritual health. Join Dr. Knabb as he unpacks insights from his forthcoming book, Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology (Baker Academic).

08/03/2026

Major Contributions
Dr. Garzon’s research and clinical work focus on integrating Christian faith with evidence-based psychological practice. His contributions include influential work on Christian meditation, forgiveness, inner healing prayer, lay counseling, and multicultural considerations in Christian counseling. Key publications include:

Wilder, J., Garzon, F., & Johnson, E. (2020). A Christian multi-modal approach to therapy utilizing inner healing prayer: The Life Model. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 39(1), 49–64.
Foulkes, D., Volk, F., Garzon, F., & Pride, M. (2018). The relationship between transformational leadership behavior, adult attachment, and God attachment. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 47(1), 20–33.
Garzon, F.L. (2013). Christian devotional meditation for anxiety. In J. Aten, E. Johnson, E. Worthington, & J. Hook (Eds.), Evidence-Based Practices for Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy (pp. 59–76). InterVarsity Academic Press.

Affiliations & Accomplishments
Dr. Garzon is an active member of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, APA Division 36 (Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality), the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies. He also serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals, including Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality in Clinical Practice, Christian Psychology: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Journal of Psychology and Theology, and Journal of Psychology and Christianity.

For inquiries or more information, contact Dr. Garzon at [email protected].

07/31/2026

In this talk, we’re reminded that ministry life often leaves us overworked, stressed, and forgetting the care of our own souls. Christian meditation is not an “eastern” idea—it’s a deeply biblical practice rooted in prayer and reflection.

Unlike emptying the mind, Christian meditation is relational: slowing down, focusing on God’s Word, His character, and His presence. Research shows it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while deepening joy and connection with God.

Through practices like Lectio Divina, contemplative prayer, and resting in God’s love, we can experience real healing for our minds and hearts. Over time, meditation becomes a place of refreshment where we meet Jesus in a deeper way.

By Eric L Johnson, PhD | In this talk, we’re reminded that ministry life often leaves us overworked, stressed, and forgetting the care of our own souls. Christian meditation is not an “eastern” idea—it’s a deeply biblical practice rooted in prayer and reflection. Unlike emptying the mind, ...

07/30/2026

In this thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Eric Johnson (Houston Baptist University) explores why psychology has focused so heavily on the mind while largely ignoring the heart as a psychological construct.

Across cultures and languages—English, Chinese, and beyond—the “heart” is used to describe our deepest emotions, moral center, desires, and true self. Idioms like “follow your heart,” “heartbroken,” and “heart-to-heart” reflect a universal human experience rooted in both physiology and meaning.

Dr. Johnson draws on neuroscience, interoception, Polyvagal theory, cognitive linguistics, and philosophy to argue that the heart is not just metaphorical—it is central to how people experience life, purpose, and relationships.

By Eric L Johnson, PhD | In this thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Eric Johnson (Houston Baptist University) explores why psychology has focused so heavily on the mind while largely ignoring the heart as a psychological construct.