Ancient Christian Wisdom and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy: A Meeting of Minds (American University Studies)

Father Alexis Trader is an American-educated Athonite monk, who, in his own life, already bridges two rather different worlds. His book is a lucid reflection on leading themes taken from Aaron Beck's cognitive therapy, on the one hand, and the writings of Greek Christian monastic masters, on the other - masters whose own concerns with the therapy of the person account for the greater part of the monastic counsels that have come down to us. The author writes with rare fluency and insight on issues that have often proved difficult of access for therapists on either side of this particular instance of the east-west divide, when they have consulted each other. What emerges in this study, out of the author's living experience, is an incisive, compelling and at times, surprising account of the connectedness of the therapy of the soul, both modern and ancient, eastern and western - as other reviewers have rightly noted, all very elegantly-written. The result is an important book from a gifted writer who has obviously spent much of his adult life reflecting on two seemingly incompatible world-views. The author demonstrates where synthesis is possible, and demonstrates the importance of that convergence. This is a book that belongs on the desk of Parish Pastors, therapists both clerical and lay who work with non-parochial communities and institutions, as well as on the desk of those responsible for monastic communities, presumably already well-versed in the work of Christian ascetic therapists down the ages. But, just as importantly, laymen concerned for these "ultimate questions" could not be better-served in pursuing their personal goals than by studying this amazing, sophisticated work. This is an important reflection by a master concerning things that are close both to the heart of historic Christianity, as well as to the main themes of contemporary western cognitive psychology. Father Alexis Trader's book is a rare achievement and cannot be too highly-recommended.

I found out about this book during a Benedictine Lenten retreat about inner or the "Jesus" prayer. The author Fr Alexis Trader, an Eastern Orthodox Priest, writes about the history, development, methodology, & pro & cons of unifying & contrasting ancient Christian Patriistic writings about watching inner thoughts compared with Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy. How ancient monastic wisdom through spiritual insight came close to the same conclusions centuries before modern psychological techniques did through scientific methodology. How we as Christians should keep our hearts close to our Spirtual heritage & know how some forms of modern psychology can help us to focus on our interpretation of our thoughts before they turn into wrong action or reaction. The book contains some Orthodox monastic words that might seem puzzling for a general reader, but the Index in the back section of the book will help. What is really needed in this book is a Glossary. Great for almost anyone to discover how to "Watch" over one's thoughts & grow spiritually as well as for pastoral & council work.Another hard to put down book, I read it in a week.In fact I am going to buy a 2nd copy because I gave away my 1st.I bought the 2nd copy in 2020 as a Hard Copy and I got a Paperback.Okay be careful everyone

Up until the present time, the only book on psychology that I have read and believed to capture the human condition, was a book by Victor Frankl. Most books on psychology, including those from a Christian perspective, have left me grossly underwhelmed. Fr. Alexis' book, however, is riviting. It is not always an easy read, but is accessible to a layman such as myself, and well worth the effort. Father examines the benefits of a scientifically based cognitive approach to understanding and healing the human psyche. However, because of his both intellectual and spiritual immersion in the Fathers, he is able to also delineate the limitations of, and dangers of a purely scientific approach. The book should be of benefit to anyone interested in psychology & counseling and spirituality & the teachings of the Church Fathers.It may only be a slight exaggeration to say that Father does for psychology what St. Justin Martyr and St. John Damascene did for philosophy. A must read, especially, I would think, for confessors and Christian counselors.

I found this work to be a beautiful and useful guide for clinicians and pastoral workers alike who wish to help individuals through a combination of psychological and Christian teachings. Pater Alexios outlines cognitive-behavioral psychotherapeutic approaches and compares and contrasts them to Christian writings for the purpose of assisting individuals who may or may not have previously attempted to use these combined principles for healing of the mind and spirit. It is a moving work which is a pleasure to read for many reasons. It provides concrete examples of how to conceptualize and apply combined Christian and psychological solutions for challenges to the mind and spirit. It is also written in a clear and elegant style. As someone who treats people with mental health problems, I believe that this book is a valuable and unique resource in treating and supporting individuals and families who believe in Christian doctrine and who would also benefit from cognitive-behavioral interventions for their difficulties.

As an Orthodox Catholic Christian and a cognitive therapist, I am very pleased with this book. I have not finished it yet, but anticipate the final pages to be as satisfying as the beginning. Fr Trader has put into words the beliefs that guided me during my professional career, while deepening my Orthodox Christian faith and grounding in the Holy Fathers.

This book so far has not disapointed me. The weath of information that is contained can only enhance my clinical skills (CBT) as well as religous knowledge.