Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) is an evidence-based, short-term relationship therapy model largely derived from attachment theory. The goal of this brief process is to strengthen the emotional security in a romantic relationship. Partners learn how to express their emotions and to actively listen to those of the significant other.
EFT is primarily based on attachment theory, which contends that “seeking and maintaining close attachment bonds is a universal human need maintained throughout the lifespan” (Wiebe, S., Johnson, S., Moser, M., Dalgleish, T., Tasca, G., 2016). When these attachments are stable, they are “a safe haven in times of stress and a secure base” (Wiebe, S. & Johnson, S., 2017). Insecurity in these attachments are what cause marital distress, and is often the catalyst for disconnection.
According to Johnson (2012) there are three primary goals of EFT. The first is to foster “a safe therapeutic alliance to enhance engagement in the change process”(Johnson, 2012), the second is “accessing, unfolding, and expanding emotional responses in an attachment context” (Johnson, 2012), the third “choreographing response sequences to restructure key interactions” (Johnson, 2012). …show more content…
The first is known as cycle de-escalation. In this phase, couples work to recognize negative relationship cycles and interactions. The second stage, restructuring interactions, involves partners becoming more emotionally open and vulnerable to one another. A key component in the second stage, withdrawer re-engagement, engages a partner that may have previously withdrawn from the relationship. Blamer-softening is another component of this phase, in which the partner who is usually on the attack begins to express his/her feelings to their partner instead of attacking. In the final stage, consolidation, the couple begins to incorporate what they have learned in therapy in their daily
EFT is primarily based on attachment theory, which contends that “seeking and maintaining close attachment bonds is a universal human need maintained throughout the lifespan” (Wiebe, S., Johnson, S., Moser, M., Dalgleish, T., Tasca, G., 2016). When these attachments are stable, they are “a safe haven in times of stress and a secure base” (Wiebe, S. & Johnson, S., 2017). Insecurity in these attachments are what cause marital distress, and is often the catalyst for disconnection.
According to Johnson (2012) there are three primary goals of EFT. The first is to foster “a safe therapeutic alliance to enhance engagement in the change process”(Johnson, 2012), the second is “accessing, unfolding, and expanding emotional responses in an attachment context” (Johnson, 2012), the third “choreographing response sequences to restructure key interactions” (Johnson, 2012). …show more content…
The first is known as cycle de-escalation. In this phase, couples work to recognize negative relationship cycles and interactions. The second stage, restructuring interactions, involves partners becoming more emotionally open and vulnerable to one another. A key component in the second stage, withdrawer re-engagement, engages a partner that may have previously withdrawn from the relationship. Blamer-softening is another component of this phase, in which the partner who is usually on the attack begins to express his/her feelings to their partner instead of attacking. In the final stage, consolidation, the couple begins to incorporate what they have learned in therapy in their daily