The Immanuel Approach

The Immanuel Approach emphasizes relational connection with God as the foundation of healing. By bringing Jesus into painful memories and inviting Him to lead the process, individuals find comfort and perspective that enables them to work through defenses and unresolved emotions. The Immanuel Approach was developed by Dr. Karl Lehman, a Christian psychiatrist and longtime psychotherapist.

The goal is not simply relief of emotional pain, but the removal of obstacles (psychological) that keep us from a deeper relationship with Our Lord.

The Immanuel Approach begins by establishing an interactive connection with Jesus, who is "God with us." This is done by recalling a positive memory, stirring up appreciation, letting that appreciation turn into gratitude, then stirring up faith and asking Our Lord to show us how He was/is present in that memory. Once we have a sense of His presence in that memory, we ask for help transferring that awareness to the present moment.

Once a tangible, interactive connection with Jesus is established, the person is directed to bring up a mindset, feeling, relationship pattern, behavior issue to Our Lord, asking Him for guidance and direction for emotional healing.

A triggering object in the Immanuel Approach could be anything that triggers an unwanted behavior, emotion, urge, habit, mindset. One could even get help from Jesus in identifying the triggers if they are currently unknown.

Guardian lies or blocking beliefs are deep-seated false beliefs or lies that cloud one's perception and create obstacles to receiving grace or deeper healing. Examples:

• "I'm not worthy of healing or love."
• "If I face this, it will destroy me."
• "My feelings don't matter, or they're too much for others."
• "I have to handle everything on my own."
• "If I forgive, I'll get hurt again."
• "If I'm vulnerable, others will think I'm weak."
• "I'm defined by my mistakes or wounds."

These beliefs can protect you from processing pain but keep you in avoidance and rigidity.

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The Immanuel Approach acknowledges that there are various reasons why the will has difficulty letting in the divine love and support from Our Lord.

• Psychological defenses associated with our emotional wounds including denial, repression, and dissociation (a tendency to disconnect or separate from consciousness) may affect our will and our ability to stay connected to our emotional part and relational center.
• Unconfessed sin misaligns the will away from good, clouds the intellect with guilt/shame, and separates our center from God
• Blocking fears connected with emotional wounds can weaken the will and influence our decision on whether to process the pain.

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The Immanuel Approach acknowledges that unresolved pain can exist in our subconscious as an emotional wound. These wounds arise whenever we face pain that is greater than our capacity to handle/process.

The Immanuel Approach identifies other hindrances to healing:

• Judgment/bitterness related to unforgiveness, which keep the intellect and will from seeking grace/healing
• Demonic or other spiritual interference
• The therapist/minister's wounds and lies that affect his/her ability to provide appropriate guidance

The Immanuel Approach begins by fostering gratitude and awareness of God’s presence, creating a foundation of safety and trust. From this place, the individual is guided to invite Jesus into painful memories or triggers.

Whenever difficulties come up, the person is directed to bring those difficulties to Our Lord.

By experiencing His love and comfort in the related past memories, the wounded self begins to release feelings of hurt, and distrust. As Jesus engages with each part, avoidant and distrustful defenses soften, and the person develops a deeper sense of security and openness. The healing process transforms painful experiences allowing them to be integrated into a narrative of growth and faith.

The Immanuel Approach leads to a profound sense of connection with God, where wounds no longer define the self but become testimonies of His transformative love. This renewed relationship with God equips individuals to approach life with greater peace, trust in God's providence, and relational depth.