Emotions are a key part of any relationship, but they’re also pretty tricky to manage. Emotions can give us a springboard to a long, happy, and healthy relationship while simultaneously causing difficulty in those very same relationships. Sometimes our logic just flies out of the window when our emotions are triggered, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. That’s why I like talking about EFT.
I’ve talked a bit about emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and how helpful it can be for couples, individuals, and families as a whole. If you want to read more of my introduction to EFT, check out this article. EFT isn’t a cut-and-dry subject though, and oftentimes we want to know more about something before going out and deciding to try it out. That’s why today I wanted to dive a bit deeper into EFT and answer some questions you might have, specifically focusing on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT).
Benefits
EFT has many benefits for individuals, couples, and families. One of these benefits is a better understanding of other people and their needs. With this added level of consideration and understanding, EFT helps people to be able to listen, understand, and discuss problems empathetically instead of defensively.
EFT can also help people to have better emotional awareness. It gives people the language to have healthy relationships. EFCT also looks at key moments that can define an adult relationship. The primary goal of emotionally focused therapy is actually to expand and organize (or reorganize) emotional responses, effectively unwinding automatic and counterproductive reactions that could threaten the relationship. This restructuring of interaction can help stunted couples flourish into stronger relationships.
And the cherry on top? EFT works to form stronger bonds. Emotionally focused therapy, especially for couples and families, is based on attachment theory which suggests that attachments to others can make people feel safe.
Effectiveness
Deciding on a method of therapy can be a high-stakes situation for some people. That’s why it’s important to talk about how effective the methods are. EFT is considered highly effective. It’s supported by a lot of research and is a respectful, collaborative mode of therapy. EFCT specifically helps shift the blame onto negative patterns, rather than the individuals within the relationship.
Emotionally focused therapy can help couples form (or rebuild) stronger connections, bonds, and relationships. It can also help improve communication within couples and reduce stress in the relationship.
How to Find a Provider
If you feel like EFCT is a good fit for you I encourage you to give it a try. If you’re interested in any variation of EFT, you can ask a medical provider if they have any recommendations. You can also take a look at therapist directories and see who provides EFT. Here at That Therapy Space, we have various therapists with various qualifications, so there’s sure to be an option that works for you. You can find us on our website at https://thattherapyspace.com/, by phone at (509) 800-7129, or by email at [email protected]. We are located in Liberty Lake, Washington, just minutes from Spokane, WA, and Coeur D’ Alene, ID.