Incorporating Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Resources in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy

Incorporation of important biopsychosocial-spiritual (BPS-S) resources in therapy is rarely outlined within the major systemic therapy models used by couple, marriage, and family therapists. A growing body of empirical literature indicates that incorporating BPS-S resources in therapy could help to accelerate and improve client outcomes. Incorporating BPS-S resources in emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) is particularly challenging because of the primary emphasis of EFT on couple attachment. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with practical guidance regarding how to incorporate BPS-S resources into EFT. We broadly consider valuable resources within each domain of the BPS-S model which, when incorporated into EFT, could help enhance treatment effectiveness. Specific clinical guidance regarding how to incorporate one resource from each domain of the BPS-S (exercise, mindfulness, volunteerism, and petitionary prayer) into EFT is also provided.