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Bonding with God Attachment Theory and the Psychology of Faith Victor Counted In Bonding with God, Victor Counted uses the attachment frame- work to explore how we develop psychological bonds with God, what sustains those bonds, and what can erode them, leading to a crisis of faith. As we navigate questions of identity, meaning, and purpose, the role of faith in offering support and guidance becomes crucial. Yet the emotional and psychological aspects of religious experi- ence are often overlooked. Counted fills this gap by showing how a caregiving faith can foster resilience and spiritual transformation. He challenges traditional notions of religion and spirituality and invites us to examine our own connections with God. This book is a valuable resource for mental health professionals and students training for ministry or caring professions who seek to understand how individuals form, maintain, and navigate emotional bonds with God. Counted’s interdisciplinary approach, combining psychology and theology, makes this book an essential resource for anyone interested in the intricacies of human attachment and the power of faith to shape our lives. The Search: Developing the God Bond 2. The Connection: God as a Target of Proximity Seeking 3. The Refuge: God as a Safe Haven 4. The Anchor: God as a Secure Base 5. The Disruption: Separation Anxiety with God 6. The Transformation: Spiritual Attachment Disruption 7. The Formation: Detachment, Identity, and Character Formation 8. The Renewal: Rediscovering a Caregiving God Conclusion Index CONTENTS Introduction 1.
APRIL 2026 • 208 pages • $24.99 • paper • 9781540968418
Victor Counted (PhD, Western Sydney University; PhD, University of Groningen) is associate professor of psychology and director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Regent University, where he also directs the Abundant Life Flourishing Program. He is a faculty affiliate of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion, and associate editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology . His books include Place, Spirituality, and Well-Being; The Roots of Radicalization ; and The Psychology of Religion and Place.
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