Description
*IMPORTANT**
We are pleased to announce a new policy regarding NBCC credit for non-live CounselTalk webinars. Effective immediately, participants can now earn “On-Demand” NBCC credit for CounselTalk webinars that are not attended live. To receive this credit, participants must complete a 10-question quiz and an evaluation following the On-demand CounselTalk webinar.
Please note the following details:
- The CounselTalk webinar will switch to “On-Demand” credit after 11:59 pm on the day of the webinar.
- Participants must sign up for the CounselTalk webinar prior to its start time to be eligible for this type of credit.
- We believe this change will provide greater flexibility and convenience for our participants.
Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to professional development.
Beautifully Known: How the Grand Story of the Bible Integrates with Attachment Theory and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy to Deepen Emotional Intimacy
Tuesday, June 23rd
6:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Level: Beginner
Presenter: Dr. Caitlin Overfelt is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri, a certified clinical trauma professional, and an approved supervisor. She serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University and maintains a private practice working primarily with individuals and couples who have experienced reproductive trauma and perinatal challenges. Her clinical approach is attachment-based, incorporating Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma. Dr. Overfelt also serves as the Division Lead for the Perinatal Mental Health and Wellness division of the American Association of Christian Counselors, fostering collaboration and expanding resources for providers. Her research aligns with her clinical focus on reproductive trauma and emphasizes interprofessional collaboration between medical and mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care; she has also published research and textbook chapters on reproductive trauma–related topics.
Summary: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.
Learning Objectives:
- Contrast the grand story of the Bible with expressive individualism to conceptualize the foundational difference between a faith-based and secular approach to marriage counseling.
- Analyze Attachment theory and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy to develop a faith-base framework for working with willing Christian couples seeking deeper emotional intimacy.
- Assess the relational cycle of a case example to deepen the couple’s relationship with God, self, and others.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop
Live: Approved for APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
On Demand: Approved for 2 NBCC and IBCC Credits: A
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.
Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. For more information on Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit https://www.lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statement/.
*Webinars MUST be watched LIVE to receive CE Credit.
