Renewing the Mind
Paul’s directive to “renew the mind” (Romans 12:2) can be understood in NICC as transforming our mental frameworks—our IWMs—from those that foster the Self@Worst to those that support the Self@Best. This involves:
- Cognitive restructuring through the integration of biblical truths and psychological insights that reshape how individuals perceive themselves and their relationships.
- The practice of mindfulness and reflective meditation on Scripture to cultivate a mind attuned to the Spirit’s voice, fostering decision-making and emotional responses that align with the will of God.
Living by the Spirit
In NICC, “living by the Spirit” emphasizes the continuous reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout the therapeutic process. It involves:
- Engaging in prayer and spiritual disciplines that invite the Holy Spirit’s active participation in healing the deeper wounds of the heart.
- Developing a sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings that help guide the transformation process, making it possible to choose actions and reactions that reflect the fruit of the Spirit rather than the works of the flesh.
Putting on the New Self
Ephesians 4:24 talks about “putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” In the context of NICC, this involves:
- Embracing the Core Self, which reflects the image of God imbued in each person, characterized by attributes such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Practicing new ways of being that align with this Core Self, supported by the transformation of IWMs and character structure towards what can be considered the Self@Best.
Neurological Underpinnings
The neurological aspect of this process is grounded in the understanding that our brain’s neuroplasticity allows for the transformation of our neural pathways as we engage in new experiences and thoughts. The Holy Spirit works through these natural mechanisms, guiding the restructuring of our neural networks towards patterns that reflect health, wholeness, and holiness. This divine interaction with our neurobiology not only underscores the integration of faith and science but also highlights how deeply and intricately God is involved in our transformation and sanctification.
This holistic approach in NICC, which combines deep spiritual engagement with sophisticated psychological methods, offers a profound path to healing that truly embodies the transformative power of the gospel in personal and relational contexts.
Keep Learning!
Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) and Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship (NIRD) offer compelling frameworks for merging the rich traditions of Christian faith with the insights of modern neuroscience and psychology.
By exploring the integration of the Core Self and Constructed Self, and paralleling these concepts with biblical teachings on spiritual growth and transformation, NICC provides a powerful tool for healing and personal development.
For those intrigued by the prospect of deepening their understanding of how spirituality and brain science converge to foster holistic wellness, further exploration into NICC and NIRD could prove profoundly enriching. I encourage you to delve deeper into these innovative approaches to discover how they might enrich your own journey toward healing and thriving in both personal and communal contexts.
This article originally appeared here.
