Are there obstacles in your relationship right now? Do you find that you and your partner have trouble understanding one another's sentiments and that every talk ends in a fight? You are not alone. Relationships may be complex, and there may seem to be no way to resolve your partner's and your own problems at times. For couples in distress, there is a method that has been demonstrated to work. This therapy is referred to as emotionally focused therapy (EFT). We'll go through what EFT is in this post and how it might benefit troubled marriages while examining the background of EFT, its guiding principles, and what to expect during EFT sessions. So, let's dive into the world of EFT and see how it can help you and your partner.
Understanding Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a type of couples therapy that helps partners understand and express their feelings in a healthy way. Dr. Sue Johnson created it in the 1980s after seeing that couples in distress typically had a pattern of unpleasant interactions that led to emotional isolation. Dr. Johnson thought that by assisting couples in identifying and expressing their feelings, they would be able to break the cycle and develop a deeper emotional link.
The Principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy
The principles of EFT are based on attachment theory, which suggests that humans have an innate need for emotional connection with others. The theory proposes that we are hard-wired to seek out secure attachment figures, such as our romantic partners, and that emotional disconnection can lead to distress. EFT aims to help couples create a secure emotional bond by identifying and expressing their emotions. The therapy focuses on three stages:
Stage One: De-escalation
De-escalation is the first stage of EFT. The therapist assists the couple in identifying unfavourable patterns in their interactions and in de-escalating their emotional reactions throughout this period. This stage entails assisting the couple in creating a secure and supportive atmosphere in which they may speak without fear of being judged or rejected.
Stage Two: Restructuring
EFT second stage is a reorganization. The therapist assists the couple in reshaping their interactions throughout this stage by discovering and expressing their underlying feelings. This stage entails assisting the couple in developing a new emotional connection based on understanding and empathy.
Stage Three: Consolidation
Consolidation is the third step of EFT. The therapist assists the couple in consolidating their new emotional connection by assisting them in integrating their new patterns of contact into their daily life.
This stage entails assisting the couple in the development of new skills and methods for preserving their emotional link.
The Benefits of Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy has been demonstrated to help assist distressed couples. According to research, couples that use EFT experience the following advantages:
Increased emotional closeness and intimacy
Improved communication skills
Reduced conflict and hostility
Increased relationship satisfaction
Improved mental health outcomes
These benefits can significantly impact a couple's overall well-being and quality of life.
What to Expect During an Emotionally Focused Therapy Session
The therapist will work with the couple during an EFT session to uncover negative patterns in their interactions and assist them in developing new patterns based on emotional connection and understanding. In addition, the therapist will provide a secure and supportive atmosphere where the couple can talk openly and honestly without fear of rejection or judgment. EFT sessions are usually 60-90 minutes long and can be done in person or online. The number of sessions necessary might vary depending on the couple's needs.
Conclusion
Emotionally Focused Therapy is an effective type of couples therapy that assists couples with difficulty in identifying and expressing their feelings in a healthy manner. EFT can help couples break negative interaction patterns and develop a deeper emotional relationship by concentrating on emotional connection and understanding. If you and your spouse are having problems in your relationship, EFT may be the solution to develop a happier, healthier, and more satisfying relationship.
FAQs
1- Is EFT only for distressed couples? No, EFT may be used by any couple that wants to strengthen their relationship and increase their emotional connection.
2- Can EFT be performed online? Absolutely, EFT may be performed online using video conferencing services.
Contact Anchored Therapy Centre Today for couple therapy in Milton.
Comments