Adapting Cognitive Behavior Therapy's Theory of Modes for the Christian: The Beloved Mode View Digital Media

Poster Session
Constance Salhany  

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment with a strong research base. Its theory of modes was first introduced by A.T. Beck in 1967, but it has gained renewed attention due to the ground-breaking work of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy and its expansion to protocol for a wide range of disorders in recent years. The emerging prominence of theory of modes in mainstream CBT suggests a need to tailor for the Christian worldview, as the techniques including the activation of the adaptive mode or the “best self” were designed for use by secular professionals and their clients. The adaptive mode is replaced with the Beloved mode. Instead of the activation of the idealized self, similar to Padesky’ s New System, there are spiritual practices for contemplation, and a descent to the heart where, as Henri Nouwen mentioned, where we come to know our true identity as the Beloved Children of God. Empirical research and the adaptation of theory of modes, aspirations, core beliefs and the cognitive triad, and therapeutic principles, such as recovery map, are described in detail.