PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP PLAN
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Psychoeducational Group Plan
Neuroplasticity and Prayer
How God changes the brain through prayer
Submitted to
Ratha Zeidan-Lukacs
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
EDCO 711-D01
By
Rhonda Lee Wright
June 29, 2025
Psychological Educational Group Plan
Neuroplasticity and Prayer
Topic Overview:
This psychological educational group plan has addressed an area that is not widely
discussed. The group discussion will provide insight into how prayer and meditation alter the
structure of the brain's neurological areas. The Book of Romans 12:2 speaks: “ do not conform
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to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will
be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing will” (NIV). In today’s
contemporary World, there are so many devices being used for therapy to help those with
mental health issues.
Some of these therapies are: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Emotional
Transformation Therapy ( ETT), Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Virtual Reality (VR), and
Robotic Assisted Therapy (RAT). According to (Bingaman, 2011a), The promise of neuroplasticity
for pastoral care and counseling., “ The influence of the study of neuroscience has begun to
influence the area of religion, theology, and spirituality. The promise of neuroplasticity has been
articulated by notable neuroscientists such as Andrew Newberg and Daniel Siegel (p. 550).
Siegel and Newberg have conducted evidence-based research on individuals who are known for
engaging in prayer and meditation. According to Bingaman
(2013a), in a second article written by this author, “ The Art of Contemplative and Mindfulness
Practice: Incorporating the Findings of Neuroscience into Pastoral Care and Counseling”
(Bingaman, 2011b, 477). He addresses not only those who are in the Christian community but
also those within the Buddhist community, the Muslim community, and other religious
communities where prayer and meditation are practiced regularly. He mentions the structure of
the “amygdala, or the stress center, which is the limbic system” (Bingaman, 2011a, p. 550). This
group plan will help attendees understand how the brain can restructure itself and reorganize
its neurological pathways by supporting and producing calmness, as stated in scripture.
Philippians 4:6-8 “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
According to Brown (1998), The advantages and disadvantages of a psychoeducational group
client’ or attendees are given a safe place to avoid any stigma, dissemination of information, a
promotion of connectedness, alleviation of blame and correcting any misinformation gained
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from previous sources or self-preceptions may on behalf of the individual” (p. 4). “A
disadvantage an attendee may encounter would be connected to the time constraints, which do
not permit for exploration of any relevant and important topics” (p. 6). For this group
discussion, there will be an allotted time given for the attendees to ask any questions and share
any concerns.
Group Purpose
The group's purpose is to educate group members on the importance of prayer and
meditation. The effects that prayer and meditation have on the neurological brain structure.
The group will discuss how depression, anxiety, anger, joy, and self-talk (internal
communication) shape the neuro pathways of the biological brain, and the effects that the
thoughts have on the emotions and the entire body.
Target Audience o Counselors o Marriage and Family Therapist o Psychologist
o Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Group Goals 2xs
1. To gain an understanding of how prayer and meditation can help with an
individual's overall mental and physical health.
2. Group members will accomplish a personal relationship with God through the
practice of prayer and meditation.
Smart objectives (2 per goal)
1. Group members will practice praying at specific times every day over the next
seven days.
2. Group members will schedule a physical before starting prayer and medication
within two weeks to gain information about their overall physical and mental
health.
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3. Group members will journal at the beginning and at the end of each day as a way
of self-evaluation of their mood, emotional balance, and identify how the Lord's
presence was evident in their daily lives.
4. Group members will create a gratitude list and practice giving thanks for all the
Lord has done and is doing.
Group Rules (Ethical and therapeutic)
Group member will incorporate their own group rules in addition to showing up on time,
no cross-talk, and no eating during the group ( as it is a distraction). Group members will be
given a 15-minute break. Group members will return from the break promptly so the session
can resume without going past the allotted time. Group members will turn off or silence their
phones, and if they need to take a call, they will leave the group quietly to respond to the
phone call.
Biblical integration ( with scripture and Christian scholarship)
John 4:23 “ Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the
Father in the Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is a
spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and truth.” (NIV)
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References
Bingaman, K. A. (2011b). The Art of Contemplative and Mindfulness Practice:
Incorporating the Findings of Neuroscience into Pastoral Care and Counseling. Pastoral
Psychology, 60(3), 477–489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-011-0328-9
Bingaman, K. A. (2012). Beyond Original Sin: A paradigm shift for the age of
Neuroscience. Pastoral Psychology, 61(4), 411–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-012-0432-
5
Bingaman, K. A. (2013a). The promise of neuroplasticity for pastoral care and counseling.
Pastoral Psychology, 62(5), 549–560. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-013-0513-0
Brown, N. W. (1998). Psychoeducational Groups: process and practice.
http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB05985487
Larrivee, D., & Echarte, L. (2017). Contemplative Meditation and Neuroscience:
Prospects for Mental Health. Journal of Religion and Health, 57(3), 960–978.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0475-0
