Emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) is based on attachment science and focuses on the emotional connection of couples. Interventions in EFCT aim at giving partners space to express themselves emotionally, reflect and understand them deeply, and re-choreograph the emotional interaction between partners in a safe, connected, and deeper way. If emotional healing is important than this will be done as soon as the couple has achieved emotional safety with one another. A substantial body of research now exists on the effectiveness of EFCT. This research shows large treatment effect sizes and stable results over time. EFCT is used to help couples going through a hard time or couples who simply want to maintain or deepen their emotional connection. EFCT is used with many different kinds of couples in private practice, university training centers and hospital clinics. Preliminary research exists for couples dealing with depression, with anxiety resulting from trauma, with medical illness and with forgiveness dilemmas. EFCT is used with varied cultural groups, traditional and non-traditional couples.
Goals:
To expand and re-organize key emotional responses and, in the process, the organization of self.
To create a positive shift in partners interactional positions and patterns.
To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.