The Role of Prayer in Healing: A Marriage and Family Therapist’s Perspective

As a marriage and family therapist specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I often witness the power of vulnerability and connection in healing emotional wounds. EFT, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, emphasizes the importance of creating secure emotional bonds between partners. While the therapeutic process itself is deeply impactful, therapists have also seen how integrating prayer alongside therapy can serve as an additional tool for healing, particularly for couples and individuals who draw strength from their faith.

Healing Effects of Prayer

Prayer is a deeply personal and spiritual practice, yet it holds universal potential as a healing mechanism. Research supports the idea that prayer can positively influence emotional well-being and relationship dynamics.

Prayer is Intimate

For couples, it can serve as a way to foster intimacy, enhance emotional connection, and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. In EFT, one of the goals is to help couples identify and express their attachment needs in a safe and in-tuned manner. Prayer can complement this process by creating a shared spiritual experience. When couples pray together, they often express vulnerabilities and desires in a way that mirrors the core of EFT—fostering a safe space for emotional connection. Prayer can enhance emotional healing by providing individuals with a sense of comfort, hope, and purpose.

Prayer is Unifying

One of the foundational principles of EFT is the creation of secure attachment bonds. Prayer can serve as a transformative tool in this process by helping individuals and couples connect on a deeper emotional and spiritual level. When couples pray, they engage in a shared act of vulnerability both individually and spiritually. This shared spiritual practice can foster an environment of trust, openness, and emotional safety, making it a valuable tool in the therapeutic journey.

Prayer is Grounding

At times the therapeutic process can feel overwhelming and difficult. Couples and individuals at times may feel that their emotions are heightened, which may cause conflict/discord with their loved ones. Throughout the therapeutic process, prayer can serve as a grounding practice, offering stability during moments of emotional turbulence. For couples, integrating prayer into their daily lives can create rituals of connection that reinforce their bond. These moments of spiritual alignment allow partners to navigate conflicts with greater compassion and offer the strength needed to support each other through challenges. By combining both prayer and therapy, clients can access a powerful tool to promote healing and strengthen their attachment by helping them move toward greater relational security and resilience.

Applying Prayer Beyond Therapy

As therapists, it is important to honor each client’s unique values and beliefs. For clients who identify as spiritual or religious, integrating prayer into therapy can be a powerful tool. However, prayer can also be an ongoing practice outside the therapeutic setting to promote personal and relational growth.

Daily Individual Prayer

Encourage clients to incorporate daily prayer as part of their routine to reflect on their emotions, express gratitude, and seek guidance. This consistent practice can help them gain clarity about their inner experiences and strengthen their emotional resilience.

Couples’ Prayer Rituals

Suggest that couples dedicate time each day or week to pray together. This shared activity can deepen their emotional connection and provide a platform to discuss hopes, fears, and goals. For example, couples can use this time to pray for strength during conflicts or to celebrate milestones.

Prayer Walks or Activities

Clients can pair prayer with physical activities, such as walking or journaling, to make the practice more engaging. This can be a meditative exercise that encourages mindfulness and introspection while connecting to their faith.

Family Prayer Time

Families can come together for collective prayer to strengthen bonds and model spiritual practices for children. This can foster a culture of support and shared values within the household.

A Pathway to Connection

The role of prayer in healing is both profound and deeply personal. As a marriage and family therapist, I view prayer not as a replacement for therapy, but as a complementary tool that can enhance the healing process. Whether used individually or as a shared practice between partners, prayer can provide a pathway to emotional connection, resilience, and spiritual growth. 

If you are interested in learning more about our Christian counseling, we would be happy to connect with you and accompany you on your journey.