Therapy Emotionally-Focused (EFT) is a short-term (8-20 sessions) and structured approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg in the 1980s and is based on Attachment theory while focusing on love as a link attachment
" attachment "between people generally provides shelter :. A retreat from the world and a way to get comfort, security and a buffer against stress. Attachment also offers a secure base, allowing you to feel safe while you explore the world and learn new information. Its formation begins in childhood with primary caretaker, as a parent. These first established models carry into adulthood. A "guardian unavailable" creates distress in a similar baby to a "not available partner" creating distress to an adult. Attachment theory provides the emotionally focused therapist on a "roadmap" for the drama of distress, emotions and needs between partners.
According to the website dedicated to EFT, www.ICEEFT.com, a large body of research describing the effectiveness of this treatment exists.
It is now considered one of the most (if not most) empirically validated forms of couples therapy. Studies have shown that 70-75% of couples EFT successfully pass distress to recovery, and about 0% show significant improvements. This recovery is also quite stable and durable, with little return of signs of relapse in distress.
EFT is used with many types of couples in private practice, academic training centers and clinics of the hospital. It is also very helpful with various cultural groups worldwide. Couples in distress that can benefit from EFT include those in which one or both partners suffer from depression, addiction, post traumatic stress disorders and chronic disease, among other disorders. EFT has proven to be a powerful approach to treating couples with infidelity or other more traumatic incidents, both current and past.
EFT provides a language for healthy dependency between partners and look at key movements and moments that define an adult relationship. The main objective of the LFS is to expand and reorganize the emotional responses of the couple. New sequences of binding interactions occur and replace old, negative patterns such as "continue-withdrawal" or "criticize-defense." These new positive cycles then become self-reinforcing and creating a permanent change. The relationship becomes a haven and a healing environment for both partners.
the process reduces the torque conflict while creating an emotional connection more secure. Couples learn to express deep, underlying emotions from ' a place of vulnerability and ask for their needs to be met. the partners are beginning to undesirable behavior (eg, stopping or climbing angry) as "disconnection protests." Couples learn to be emotionally available, empathetic and involved with each other, strengthening the bond of attachment and shelter them.
Neuroscience also crosses the attachment theory and EFT. Most recently produced MRI studies demonstrate the importance of secure attachment. Attachments are powerful, and our brains encode as "security." According to an article on EFT in Social Work Today any distance or separation seen in our close relationship is interpreted as threatening. Lose connection to a loved one threatens our sense of security. "Primal fear" arises, and triggers an alarm in one part of our brain called amygdala , also known as the fear center. Once the amygdala is activated, it triggers our response fight or flight . When incoming information is familiar, the amygdala is quiet. However, once the amygdala meeting information or unknown threats, it increases the level of brain anxiety and focuses the attention of the mind on the immediate situation. People go to a self-preservation mode, often doing what they did to "survive" or face in childhood. This is why we are triggered as adults in our relationships, in the same repetitive patterns (and unhealthy) of our formative years. EFT can help relax these automatic reactions against-productive.
EFT has many advantages as a therapeutic model. First, it is supported by extensive research. Second, it is collaborative and respectful of customers. It shifts the blame for the problems of couples in the negative patterns between them, instead of the couples themselves (or partners). Finally, the change process has been mapped in a clearly defined process consists of nine steps and change three events that help guide the therapist and monitoring progress. If you are looking for help from a relationship in distress, an EFT therapist would be a wise choice.
To find an EFT therapist, go to www.ICEEFT.com and click on "find a therapist" tab. For EFT curricula based for couples, click the "Hold Me Tight" tab.