Learning Objectives

Explore how Biblical teachings, modern neuroscience, and practical strategies can shape a healthier approach to mental health and prayer.

  • Develop a Biblical perspective on mental health, including the importance of community and prayer

  • Learn how neuroscience supports the practice of prayer, blending scientific insight and spiritual wisdom

  • Learn the 3 A’s approach (Avoid Less, Accept More, Attach Better) to help combat anxiety

  • Learn simple yet powerful prayer practices that can help others on their mental health journey

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~45 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off.

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Mental Health

    • Anxiety Transformed

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .
  • 2

    Chapter 2: Foundations of Mental Health

    • Lesson 1: Understanding Mental Health

    • Lesson 2: Community

    • Lesson 3: Vulnerability

    • Lesson 4: Boundaries

    • Lesson 5: Anxiety
  • 3

    Chapter 3: Avoid Less

    • Lesson 1: Neuroscience

    • Lesson 2: Social Skills

    • Lesson 3: Gradual Exposure
  • 4

    Chapter 4: Accept More

    • Lesson 1: Repeated Reassurance Seeking

    • Lesson 2: Breaking the Cycle with Acceptance

    • Lesson 3: Paul and Jesus Prayer

    • Lesson 4: Trauma
  • 5

    Chapter 5: Attach Better

    • Lesson 1: Attachment Theory

    • Lesson 2: The Power of Attunement

    • Lesson 3: Develop a Secure Base with God
  • 6

    Chapter 6: What to Do Now?

    • Lesson 1: Social Media

    • Lesson 2: Medication and Therapy

    • Lesson 3: Self-Care

    • Lesson 4: Leading Others
  • 7

    Chapter 7: Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Meet Your Instructor

This course is largely based on the materials created by X. Nader Sahyouni.


Nader Sahyouni

Nader is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a spiritual director with a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation. He also regularly speaks at retreats and conferences on the intersection of psychotherapy, spiritual formation, and brain science. He is the author of “Anxiety Transformed: Prayer that Brings Enduring Change.” Nader lectures annually at North Park Theological Seminary’s Center for Spiritual Direction. 

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use/adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.

Worksheets

Quicksheet

Dealing with Anxiety Quicksheet

This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it!

PDF

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