Breaking Down Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
When a client considers going to therapy, they might feel overwhelmed by the different options and "modalities" that therapists use today. We want to focus on and break down one modality, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Our hope is to help answer some questions about who Emotionally Focused Therapy might be good for. Keep reading if you are asking, "Would EFT be good for me?"
Based in Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory suggests that having a secure attachment to a primary caregiver early in life has significant impact on our development. When there is a secure attachment, it is said that we can have a greater trust and connection to others. And thus, be more successful in life. Our attachment is formed in the very first years of our life but can play out in significant ways as we age and form other relationships. The bonds established in all relationships are based on the ability to trust and feel secure. In EFT we explore where the attachment to that significant other may have been injured, identify the emotions that “rise up” when we get reminded of that injury, and then learn how to react differently to ourselves and others when we recognize those emotions.
The Gold Standard in Couple’s Therapy
The development of EFT began in the early 1980’s by Sue Johnson. Over the years EFT has been extensively researched and found to be an effective treatment for a wide range of relationship issues; including couples therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy. Additionally, EFT has been researched in working with various mental health diagnoses and trauma.
Relationships are Like a Dance
Consider yourself trying to dance the Tango with someone you are in relationship with but each of you are trying to dance to your own beat or dance moves. In this process you feel frustrated, sometimes, so frustrated that you or your partner are ready to give up.
In Emotionally Focused Therapy, your therapist helps you to learn more about your own way of dancing, learning to understand the dance moves of your partner, AND learn to incorporate those two things together to create smoother movement and coordination.
Your Therapist is a Process Facilitator
Do you feel lost when attempts at connection or engagement falls flat, or worse, leads to more conflict? The EFT therapist has a road map to walk clients through a process to find a way out of negative and stuck patterns. During EFT, the therapist works with the individual, couple, or family to identify and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist also helps the client to understand how their emotions impact their behavior and how they can more effectively communicate their needs and feelings to those they are in relationship with.
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a highly effective treatment for improving the quality of relationships and increasing emotional connection. If you are struggling in your relationships or feeling disconnected from your loved ones, consider scheduling an appointment.
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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