Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has long been regarded as the “gold standard” of psychotherapy due to its empirical support and interdisciplinary application. As a research-driven therapeutic model, CBT dominates psychological interventions for mental health and relational issues. However, the question remains: Is CBT sufficient in addressing cases of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), particularly within a church context?
This paper critically examines the philosophical and methodological framework of CBT, assessing its effectiveness in treating adult women suffering from domestic violence. While CBT provides valuable cognitive and behavioral strategies for symptom management, it often lacks the depth needed to address the complex emotional, spiritual, and relational trauma inherent in IPV cases. This analysis will compare CBT-based IPV interventions with biblical counseling approaches, evaluating the theological and pastoral implications of both methods.
By exploring the intervention strategies employed in CBT and contrasting them with biblically informed responses to IPV, this paper argues that CBT, while beneficial in some respects, is insufficient as a standalone solution for churches ministering to victims of domestic violence. Instead, a holistic, Christ-centered model of care is necessary—one that integrates scriptural wisdom with a trauma-informed understanding of abuse dynamics.
This study contributes to theological and pastoral discussions on how churches can effectively respond to IPV beyond conventional psychological frameworks. It also calls for a more nuanced approach that aligns with biblical teachings while addressing the real and complex needs of survivors.