Treatments We Offer: Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally focused therapy is a type of counseling that deals with emotions. It helps people identify and work through their feelings, which can be beneficial for those in relationships. When two people can communicate better about their emotions, it often strengthens the bond between them. This article will explore EFT in more detail, including its goals and how it works. We'll also discuss who might benefit from this type of therapy.
What are the key features of emotionally focused therapy?
EFT is a type of therapy that helps people understand and resolve emotional problems that are impacting their relationships. It was developed in the 1980s by Sue Johnson, and it is based on the theory that humans’ most important need is for connection with others.
An EFT therapist helps their clients translate their behaviors in the therapy setting to events that occur outside of the session. This allows for more transparency and honest conversations about feelings and emotions. To do this, the client(s) and therapist will work together to explore current emotional issues. Through this process, any hidden feelings or emotions will be uncovered.
This will allow them to discuss any deeper feelings or emotions that may be causing difficulty in their relationship. The client will learn how to express themselves in a way that allows for open communication and connection with their partner or family member. They will also discover new strategies for listening, remaining attuned to another's feelings, and reacting appropriately to emotional circumstances.
Emotionally focused therapy objectives
The primary objectives of emotionally focused therapy are to assist the couple in resolving their relationship issues. To do this, we focus on the emotions that both partners feel and how those feelings buttonhole the relationship itself. We help couples comprehend their emotions and see how they interconnect with the negative interactions between them. By using emotional exploration as a foundation, most couples can work through these issues so they're able to have healthier relationships going forward.
Other objectives for this form of therapy include helping the clients form a stronger attachment bond, aiding communication, and learning how to resolve conflict. These goals are important because they create an emotionally safe environment in which feelings may be expressed without fear of judgment or rejection. Furthermore, this type of understanding and respect for one another can cultivate a healthier relationship dynamic.
What is involved in emotionally focused therapy
EFT is a type of therapy that is effective because it utilizes the present moment in order to produce changes. EFT has three steps or phases.
Step 1- The cycle of negative interactions can only be broken by both parties, and it is important for each person to see what role they play in the relationship. Oftentimes, issues such as fear or distance are at the root of these problems.
Step 2- This step involves helping clients to restructure their interactions so that they can discuss their fears openly without pushing the other away. Clients learn how turning toward each other and discussing their needs makes them more open and responsive in the process.
Step 3- EFT's consolidation stage allows the therapist and client to explore how negative behavioral patterns developed, discover how those patterns have changed, and plan for future conversations to gain more clarity.
Advantages of emotionally focused therapy
Emotionally focused therapy has many advantages, but one of the most notable is its ability to improve relationships. The therapist will aim to identify any negative emotions that are impacting the relationship and work on addressing them. This type of therapy can also help partners feel closer to each other and strengthen their bond.
If you and your partner are having difficulty with negative emotions such as anger, resentment, or communication breakdowns, emotionally focused therapy may be able to help. This form of therapy can assist in detecting harmful relationship patterns and works towards changing them.
In addition to its other advantages, this form of therapy can help bring partners closer together by fostering a more secure emotional attachment between them. This usually leads to an improved relationship overall through increased intimacy and openness in discussions.
Is emotionally focused therapy right for you?
There is no easy answer to this question since many things can affect whether or not emotionally focused therapy works for someone. In general, though, people who want help with their relationships might benefit from this type of therapy.
Emotionally focused therapy has proven effective in helping many individuals and couples resolve relationship conflicts. If you are considering emotionally focused therapy, the first step is to talk with your therapist about your specific situation in order to establish if this type of therapy could be beneficial for you.
If you're having difficulty in your relationships, emotionally focused therapy could be a helpful way to build a foundation for a healthier future. Our therapists at Roubicek and Thacker Counseling have received specific training in couples counseling and we are proud to provide this service. Contact us to get started and see which therapist is the best fit for your specific needs.
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.