Emotion Focused Therapy

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Emotions play an integral role in human experience, as they are both an indicator of our internal state and a driving force for our behavior. Emotions provide information about the self, helping us identify our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. In addition, emotions can also provide social cues that enable us to interact more effectively with others.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that emphasizes the central role of emotions in human experience. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT is grounded in Attachment Theory and Emotion Regulation Theory. EFT is designed to help individuals, families, and couples identify, express, and regulate their emotions to promote emotional and relational well-being.

According to Johnson's (2019) perspective, the quality of the therapist-client relationship plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of EFT. Creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and work towards developing secure attachment bonds is emphasized as a critical element in this therapeutic approach.

For example, in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, the therapist acts as a secure base, offering acceptance and guidance to the client. This allows the client to build trust and explore their emotions without fear of judgment.

Johnson believes the process is collaborative, with the therapist and client identifying and addressing the underlying emotions and relational patterns causing distress.

The Underpinnings of EFT

Emotionally Focused Therapy is grounded in two psychological theories:

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory suggests humans have an innate need for emotional connection with others. It affirms that disruptions in attachment relationships can lead to emotional and behavioral problems (Bowlby, 1969).

EFT draws on Attachment Theory to help clients identify patterns of attachment-related behavior that may be causing distress in their relationships. EFT therapists work to help clients create more secure attachment bonds with their partners by focusing on emotional regulation, empathic communication, and understanding each other's emotional experiences (Johnson, 1996).

Developing a more secure attachment bond can lead to various positive outcomes for clients, such as enhanced emotional security, better communication, and a more profound sense of intimacy.

Emotion Regulation Theory

James Gross' Emotion Regulation Theory emphasizes the importance of regulating emotions in mental health and well-being. The theory proposes that emotion regulation involves a combination of cognitive and behavioral processes that can be conscious or unconscious (Gross, 1998). The regulation of emotions can be influenced by the individual's environment, situation, and temperament.

One key element of the theory integrated into EFT is that emotions serve an adaptive purpose and can provide important information about an individual's needs and goals. In EFT, therapists work with clients to identify and understand the underlying emotions contributing to relationship distress.

Gaining this understanding can assist clients in managing their emotions more efficiently, thereby enhancing their emotional well-being and capacity to establish secure attachments.

The Three Stages of Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy has three stages (Johnson, 1996), each designed to help clients build stronger, more positive relationships. These stages are:

Assessment and De-escalation

During this stage, the therapist helps clients identify the negative patterns of communication and behavior that are causing distress. The therapist works with the client to identify the underlying emotions driving the negative patterns and helps them to de-escalate conflicts by slowing down their interactions. This stage is crucial in helping clients gain insight into their relationship patterns and identify what needs to change.

Re-structuring Interactions

At this stage, the therapist helps clients to develop new patterns of interaction that are more positive and fulfilling. The therapist guides clients to identify their unmet attachment needs and teaches them how to communicate them.

In addition, clients acquire skills in expressing their emotions in a non-judgmental manner. At the same time, the therapist facilitates the development of new ways of interacting characterized by tremendous respect and support.

Consolidation and Integration

During this stage, the therapist helps clients consolidate their progress in therapy and integrate it into their daily lives. Clients learn to maintain their new communication and behavior patterns and build stronger emotional bonds with their partners or family members.

This stage is essential in helping clients solidify their gains in therapy and continue improving their relationships.