720 | Beautifully Known: How the Grand Story of the Bible Integrates with Attachment Theory and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy to Deepen Emotional Intimacy

According to a Judeo-Christian worldview, the first three chapters of Genesis presents human beings as divine image bearers designed for intimate connection with God, illustrating a cyclical pattern of creation, fall, and redemption (ESV, 2001). This biblical narrative of connection, rupture, and repair parallels key principles in attachment theory, which identifies these cycles as essential for secure attachment and relational development (Shaver & Mikulincer, 2002). Susan Johnson applied attachment theory to adult romantic relationships, leading to the development of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), a highly researched approach to marriage counseling (Johnson et al., 1999). This workshop, designed for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders, will compare the biblical narrative with expressive individualism to distinguish faith-based and secular approaches to marriage counseling. Participants will analyze attachment theory and EFT through a biblical lens to develop faith-integrated interventions for willing Christian couples. The program will conclude with a case study where participants will assess relational cycles and formulate strategies that foster deeper connections between willing Christian couples, God, self, and others.