Then, they will more effectively communicate their emotions with each other. Through the following nine steps (which separate into three stages), couples can work together with their therapists. Stages and Steps in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy It can further influence relationship issues from the past that created or contributed to the deep fear of abandonment. Negative patterns arise in relationships as the result of one or both partners whit needs that don’t meet. The most common one is the fear of abandonment. This one focuses more on the individual participating in one-on-one therapy sessions.ĮFCT goes by the idea that our relationships are often hostages of our attachment-based fears. The latter was developed by Robert Elliot and Leslie Greenberg. She considered emotions as being a fundamental flaw since emotional responses can sometimes tear apart relationships.Įmotionally Focused Couples Therapy should not be confused with Emotion-Focused Therapy. She was a Canadian psychologist who saw that traditional therapeutic intervention methods often left out emotions. They did this in order to broaden their emotional responses to one another and to the events they encounter as couples.ĮFT developed in the 1980s by Sue Johnson.

What Is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy?Ĭouples dealing with issues ranging from chronic illnesses to depression have utilized Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT).

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is a subform of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).ĮFCT allows couples to build more positive relationships through the development of the attachment bond. Various forms of couples therapy have been practiced over the decades, often focusing on specific relationship problems and trying to find the best resolutions for them.

Emotionally focused therapy for couples