Reframing

Reframing is a technique in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps clients identify thoughts that may be counterproductive, and replace them with balanced or productive thoughts. The basis of CBT theory is that bad thoughts produce bad actions. Since I’m a Biblical CBT therapist the only good thoughts are those that align with God and his word.

Perhaps one of the best examples of reframing in scripture is found in Genesis 50:20, when Joseph is standing before his brothers who previously sold him into slavery. This could have been the moment when he focused upon the trials he faced at the hand of their cruelty. But instead he chose to reframe the event, by realizing there was something going on here that is bigger than himself. Joseph told them, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.”

By reframing Joseph was able to grasp God’s plans, and forgive his brothers’ sins. He knew the events that unfolded allowed him to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, and save many nations from starvation. Joseph chose to replace bitter and vengeful thoughts with righteous and forgiving ones.

LT/PT