Search

In this meta-analysis, the authors tested the overall effect of Hold Me Tight (HMT), a relationship education program for couples based in emotionally focused therapy, on couples' relationship adjustment. Using a detailed search process, we identified and analyzed eight quantitative, single-group comparison studies. Studies included predominantly cisgender, straight couples (N = 310) in dyadic, monogamous relationships from the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. The eight studies also included evaluations of online and in-person delivery methods, as well as eight-week groups and one- and two-day workshops. Across the studies, we found that participation in HMT was associated with a small, statistically significant effect (d = 0.377) on couples' self-reported relationship adjustment, lending support that HMT may be an effective program for couples. Few available studies limited our ability to test additional outcomes or explore moderators of the effect, which are key areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores Self of the Therapist (SOT) implementation in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by therapists aged 28-50. Involving 15 certified EFT therapists with a minimum of one year's experience, the research utilized semi-structured interviews and grounded theory for data analysis. The findings revealed 21 subcategories and 9 main categories, emphasizing the recognition of SOT. The study offers an intermediate theory on SOT's application in EFT, providing insights that highlight the critical role of therapist self-awareness in effective therapeutic outcomes. These insights are invaluable for therapists and researchers aiming to enhance EFT practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is one of few empirically supported treatments for relationship distress. While evidence‐based approaches are critical for ensuring safe and effective treatment, EFT has not been adapted for use with same‐sex/same‐gender (SS/SG) relationships. This study used the Delphi method to generate consensus on treatment guidelines for using EFT with SS/SG relationships. Forty therapists with clinical expertise in EFT for SS/SG relationships were recruited. Data were collected in three phases. In phase one, participants responded to open‐ended questions regarding how EFT should be adapted for SS/SG relationships. Phases two and three involved participants rating the importance of the recommended guidelines. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The final recommendations included 49 guidelines on EFT for SS/SG relationships. The data reflected modifications to therapists' foundational knowledge and development, practice set up and orientation, and the three stages and nine steps of EFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an evidence‐based treatment for relational distress based on experiential, humanistic, and attachment theories. Despite the empirical support for EFT, there are no studies on EFT delivered via teletherapy. In this study, we aimed to understand therapists' experiences delivering EFT through teletherapy using open‐ended questions on a web‐based survey of certified EFT therapists (n = 69). Reflexive thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is similar to in‐person therapy, (2) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging than in‐person therapy, (3) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging with certain clients, (4) therapists adapted EFT for teletherapy, and (5) teletherapy and the COVID‐19 pandemic changed therapy practice. The themes illustrated the mixed experiences of EFT therapists using teletherapy. Whereas some found it straightforward to use EFT via teletherapy with couples, others experienced exhaustion and barriers. Practice recommendations for delivering EFT via teletherapy are outlined, including modifying assessment strategies, implementing new safety protocols, and providing additional psychoeducation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the Person‐of‐the Therapist Training (POTT) Model, the current qualitative study explores emotional experiences and emotion regulation strategies of emotionally focused trained therapists who work with high‐conflict couples in Turkey. Twenty‐one therapists who completed at least the externship in emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) and had prior or current clinical experience working with high‐conflict couple(s) were recruited through various social media platforms and professional organizations' listservs. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed five main themes: (1) Different Compelling Emotional Experiences of the Therapists, (2) Sun After Storm, (3) Triggers of Therapists' Emotions, (4) Perceived Adaptive Emotion Regulation Strategies, and (5) Positive Impact of the Therapist's Regulation Strategies on the Therapy Process. Overall, the findings supported the three phases of the POTT model: namely, knowledge of self, access to self, and use of self. Our study demonstrates the need for integrating self‐of‐the‐therapist work into the clinical practice, training, and supervision of therapists working with distressed couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines the initial psychometric evidence for the emotionally focused therapy skills rubric (EFTSR). The EFTSR is designed to assess clinician's emotionally focused therapy (EFT) skill proficiency, identify how EFT skills are used within the basic movements of EFT, and evaluate a clinician's ability to use the EFT attachment injury resolution model. The EFTSR content validity was confirmed with two overall content validity indexes of.86 and.87. There was substantial item-level internal consistency reliability, with α scores ranging from.70 to.99 for both videos. Item-total correlations were higher than.20 for most items demonstrating substantial interrater reliability. Thus, results indicate initial support for using the EFTSR as theoretically based instrument designed to assess counselors' ability to execute the skills of the EFT model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about the need for greater integration between the fields of sex therapy and couples therapy, as sex is an integral part of many intimate relationships. Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) is a common relationship issue that couples therapists are likely to encounter; however, they receive limited and varying degrees of training on how to approach and treat sexual issues like SDD. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported approach to couples therapy that offers a structure for strengthening relational bonds. The current literature on using EFT for sexual issues in general, and desire discrepancy specifically, focuses on adapting EFT to treat sexual issues by mapping out the sexual cycle and using an attachment lens to increase emotional safety. The PLISSIT model and its extension the Ex-PLISSIT model are multi-pronged approaches commonly used in sex therapy that provide a guide for how to initiate and progress therapeutic treatment of sexual issues. This article explores how incorporating the PLISSIT and Ex-PLISSIT models into EFT can offer additional benefits to clients and practitioners alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical case study delves into the therapeutic process of a cross-cultural couple, facing the intersection of disability and infidelity concerns. This intersection illuminates the intricate dynamics that arise when couples navigate both the complexities of disability and the emotional turmoil associated with infidelity. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), case intervention unfolded through three distinct stages, revealing intricate emotional dynamics, attachment styles, and communication patterns. The study explores the couples’ narrative, negative interaction cycles, and distinct emotional processing styles, considering complicating factors such as immigration challenges, cultural norms, and online infidelity. To strengthen bonds, the therapeutic approach promotes cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and emotional connection. Despite time constraints and visa issues, the study highlights the efficacy of EFT in navigating the complexities of this cross-cultural couple. This case study contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay of disability, infidelity, and cultural diversity within the framework of couples’ therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data from a two‐arm randomized controlled trial of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) compared to usual care were used to examine whether baseline emotion regulation influences relationship satisfaction for female and male partners. This is clinically relevant as clinicians have debated whether clients' initial emotion regulation skills predict positive outcomes in EFT. Methods: Dyadic multilevel modeling was used to determine whether baseline emotion regulation predicted both initial levels and change in relationship satisfaction and whether that relationship differed by treatment group (i.e., EFT or usual care). Results: Baseline emotion regulation difficulties were associated with lower initial relationship satisfaction. However, baseline emotion regulation difficulties were not associated with change in relationship satisfaction over the course of treatment and this relationship did not differ by treatment group. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that partners with diverse presentations of emotion regulation at baseline may benefit from couple therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an adaptation of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples to serve nonmonogamous clients. This article also discusses the risks of failing to adapt therapeutic models to consider individuals who practice polyamory and research to date on attachment styles and polyamory. The authors suggest EFT as an efficacious approach to working with polyamorous individuals seeking therapy and provide a case illustration of a three-person polyamorous group, or triad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the most important problems in the life of couples is marital boredom. It has been proposed to use several educational and therapeutic interventions to improve marital life, among which emotion-oriented therapy and schema therapy can be mentioned. Aim: The aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of schema therapy and emotionally focused therapy on marital disaffection. Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all the couples who referred to counseling and psychotherapy centers in Tehran city with complaints of marital conflicts in the summer and fall of 2023, and among them 16 couples (32 people) were selected by available sampling method and randomly and by homogenizing were assigned to experimental and control groups. For the pre-test, post-test - follow-up the participants answered to Marital Disaffection Scale by Kayser (1996). After 12 sessions of schema therapy and 12 sessions of emotionally focused therapy, in the present study, in order to data analysis "variance analysis with repeated measure" statistical method and SPSS-22 software was used. Results: The results indicate the effectiveness of schema therapy and emotionally focused therapy on the marital disaffection in the intervention groups and the continuation of these effects in the follow-up phase (P<.05). Conclusion: The results showed that emotionally focused therapy and schema therapy were both equally effective on marital burnout in couples. It is suggested to include schema therapy and emotionally focused therapy in couples and family therapy training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: It was argued that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown could affect eating disorders (EDs) by triggering EDs behaviors and exacerbating existing symptoms. This study was carried out to examine the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) on body image of women with EDs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and a control group. The statistical population included all people with physical image disorder from September to October 2021. Thirty-four were selected using a purposeful sampling method. They were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. The experimental group underwent eight sessions of 120-minute online treatment, one session per week. The control group did not receive any intervention until the end of the experimental group. Measurement tool was Cash Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). The experimental group received eight sessions of EFT; however, the control group did not receive such training. The research data were examined through multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS software. RESULTS: The intervention yielded more substantial outcomes concerning the variables mentioned in the experimental group, surpassing the impact observed in the control group. Based on the scores from the appearance assessment scales (F = 0.39, P < 0.001), appearance orientation (F = 196.71, P < 0.001), and satisfaction with body area (F = 0.25, P = 0.61), there was a significant difference between the two groups. According to the eta-squared (η2), the appearance orientation scale had the most significant impact on the effectiveness of EFT. This means that only 0.87% of the difference in appearance orientation scores after the test could be attributed to the therapy's effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Given the results of the current study and the research background, EFT can be recommended as an efficient interventional method to improve women’s body image.

Background: Couples therapy has become a top priority due to the increasing prevalence of divorce cases in Iran, particularly among young couples, and the escalating family conflicts. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) on couples’ emotion regulation and relationship distress in cases of emotional divorce. Methods: This experimental research utilized a pretest-posttest follow-up design. The study population included all couples with emotional divorce seeking counseling at the counseling centers in Ramshir County, Khuzestan Province (Iran) in 2022. Purposive sampling was employed to select 12 couples (24 individuals). The experimental group participated in EFT for couples, consisting of 9 sessions lasting 90 minutes each. Data were collected using the Gottman Emotional Divorce Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Marital Disturbance Questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. Results: The mean ± SD scores for emotion regulation in couples who underwent EFT in the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages were 77.25 ± 10.17, 115.50 ± 12.40, and 125.00 ± 7.71, respectively. Additionally, the mean ± SD scores for relationship distress in couples during the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages were 40.33 ± 1.88, 21.04 ± 3.04, and 19.79 ± 2.06, respectively. The findings indicated that EFT for couples significantly improved emotion regulation and relationship distress in couples experiencing emotional divorce (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Emotionally focused therapy for couples can enhance emotion regulation and alleviate relationship distress in couples dealing with marital conflicts and emotional divorce. It is recommended for psychotherapists and family counselors as an effective intervention to address marital conflicts in couples experiencing emotional divorce. Furthermore, it can be incorporated into premarital counseling sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Social Intervention: Theory & Practice is the property of Universiteit Utrecht and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome causes a decrease in sexual function and health-promoting behaviors. The present study compared the effectiveness of emotionally focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on sexual function and health-promoting behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Method: This semi-experimental study was carried out on women with polycystic ovary syndrome referred to the infertility clinic of Afzalipur Hospital in Kerman, in 2022. For this purpose, 45 patients were selected using convenience sampling and were then randomly placed into two experimental groups and one control group (15 people in each group). The experimental groups were subjected to the interventions of emotionally focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The questionnaires on sexual function and promoting lifestyle were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software and variance analysis. Results: Findings revealed that the cognitive-behavioral therapy of emotionally focused therapy had significant effects on sexual function and health-promoting behaviors (P<0.05). The comparison of two therapies revealed that the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on sexual function and health promoting behaviors is more than emotionally focused therapy. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between post-test and follow-up scores (P>0.05), which shows the lasting effect of the interventions on sexual function and health promoting behaviors in mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusion: According to the results, the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy can be more effective on sexual function and health-promoting behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romantic relationships are more satisfying and fulfilling when power is balanced relatively equally between partners (Leonhardt et al., Journal of Family Psychology, 34, 2020, and 1). Yet, few couples therapy models explicitly outline how to confront relational power issues (Knudson‐Martin & Huenergardt, 2015, Socio‐emotional relationship therapy: Bridging emotion, societal context, and couple interaction, Springer). Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT; Johnson, 2020, The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy, Routledge) is a well‐established, evidence‐based therapy modality that many therapists use with couple clients, yet despite its effectiveness, it does not provide direction for explicitly addressing and treating power differentials in couple relationships. In this paper, we explore the integration of EFT with Socio‐emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT), a model overlay that acknowledges the impact of social discourse on enactments of power in intimate couple relationships. We first address the importance of understanding power in couple relationships, addressing power in couples therapy, and provide a brief overview of SERT and EFT. We then introduce an integration of the models intended to help therapists balance power, increase connection, and secure attachment bonds between romantic partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that shame can have a severe negative impact on intimate relationships, leading to negative shame loops between partners. In this article, we aim to provide a theoretical analysis of how attachment theory can help us understand that shame loops within couple relationships may not only be triggered by negative cues, such as criticism from a partner but can also innocently be triggered by a partner seeking connection or even offering comfort. We also elaborate on how therapists may unexpectedly trigger and intensify a client's shame. We conclude by providing a case description and discussing the therapeutic implications that can be helpful when working with the paradoxes of shame in couple therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) for depressive symptoms and relationship distress among couples in Taiwan. This one‐arm pragmatic trial assessed the clinical outcomes of 17 couples using multilevel modeling to investigate changes in depressive symptoms and relationship distress throughout treatment. Over half of the participants were moderately depressed and moderately distressed at baseline. Multilevel models revealed decreased depressive symptoms over time, with a small increase toward the end of treatment. However, no significant changes were observed in relationship distress over time. The study was limited by the low "dose" of EFT (M = 7 sessions) received by participants and the small sample size (n = 17). A comprehensive discussion of the findings from a cultural perspective was provided. Future research is needed to further examine the effectiveness of EFT for couples in Taiwan and Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 5% of people in the United States engage in some form of consensual non‐monogamy (CNM; Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2018, 47, 1439). Therapists are becoming increasingly aware of the need to treat members of CNM relationships, including polyamorous relationships. To date, no research has been conducted and little has been written about applying existing couple therapy models normed on heterosexual, cisgender, monogamous relationships to CNM or polyamorous relationships. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment for relationship distress that offers promise for working with polyamorous relationships due to the model's systemic and attachment theoretical foundations. We propose EFT is an ideal model for working with polyamorous relationships because of the focus on externalizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal emotional and experiential coherence, and the attachment bond. Building and sustaining multiple attachment relationships allows for the fulfilment of a diverse range of relational needs and wants as well as provides a secure base for individual and relational exploration. In this article, we first provide general information about polyamory and discuss the research on attachment theory and polyamory. We then provide a step‐by‐step conceptualization of how EFT therapists can expand the model to include extra‐dyadic attachment relationships. In addition, we include specific ways in which the model would need to be adapted when working with polyamorous clients. We conclude with recommendations for EFT therapists working with polyamorous relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the application of a discovery‐oriented task analysis, this research delineated specific therapist behaviors that resulted in a successful caregiver openness event in emotionally focused family therapy (EFFT). EFFT experts were recruited via email and asked to submit family therapy recordings where they believed a caregiver openness event occurred. Ten family therapy recordings were submitted by three experts. Within these recordings, 12 caregiver openness events were discovered and critically analyzed. Nine themes were identified and interventions therapists applied to accomplish these themes were delineated using the emotionally focused therapy‐coding scheme (EFT‐CS). These themes included: (1) validating and reframing the child's protected stance, (2) processing the impact of the child's unmet attachment longings, (3) validating the caregiver's blocked relational stance, (4) expanding caregiving intentions, (5) enacting the caregiver's intentions to meet the child's attachment longings, (6) processing the enactment, (7) processing and promoting caregiver accessibility to the child's response, (8) heightening the caregiver's accessible stance, and (9) enhancing shifting family dynamics. Additional findings, implications for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attachment insecurity is a transdiagnostic marker of risk associated with interpersonal emotion dysregulation and adverse psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Few interventions target the enhancement of attachment security in late adolescence. Most programs focus on strengthening the adolescent-caregiver relationship; meanwhile, youth increasingly spend less time with their families and look to peer relationships as a source of connection, particularly as they transition to college. Drawing from the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy, we developed a psychotherapeutic peer mentorship program to enhance attachment security for insecurely attached youth during the transition to college. We tested the preliminary efficacy of Emotionally Focused Mentorship (EFM) in an open pilot trial by pairing (N = 82) insecurely attached first-year college students (i.e., "mentees") with securely attached mentors. Across five weekly sessions, mentors helped mentees identify and express their emotions in close relationships by working through different relational scenarios. Attachment and mental health trajectories were self-reported three times over five weeks and analyzed using Bayesian growth curve models. Across five weeks, participants reported improvements in attachment anxiety and avoidance, emotion regulation difficulties, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and self-esteem. Participants who completed the intervention (n = 55) noted improvements in their psychological wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. Results are promising and highlight the need to conduct a randomized clinical trial to test if these effects are causal. Given rising mental health demands, trained peer mentors may be a cost-effective way to improve attachment and psychological outcomes for insecurely attached participants during the transition to college. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couple and family therapists (CFTs) routinely encounter couples with differing levels of commitment, otherwise known as mixed agenda couples, in their practice. CFTs using a traditional model of couple therapy may miss opportunities to help these types of couples make a coherent and deliberate decision for the future of their relationship. In response to the large number of mixed agenda couples coming to therapy, this article outlines a way to integrate Discernment Counseling (Doherty & Harris in Helping couples on the brink of divorce: Discernment counseling for troubled relationships. American Psychological Association, 2017) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Greenberg & Johnson in Emotionally focused therapy for couples. Guilford Press, 1988). EFT and Discernment Counseling view couple relationships as attachment relationships, thus providing common ground for integration. However, the primary goal of EFT of creating a securely attached couple relationship does not account for mixed agenda couples, thus necessitating this integration to provide a method for EFT practitioners to address this common dilemma. In this manuscript, the author creates a roadmap for EFT therapists to use Discernment Counseling to enhance assessment, treatment planning, and initial sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Couple relationship distress is common and associated with poor physical, psychological, and relational outcomes for both partners. Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) is a short-term structured approach based on attachment theory that integrates a humanistic, experiential approach to restructuring emotional experience and a systemic structural approach to restructuring interactions. This model has been shown to be an effective treatment for couple distress. The supporting research, however, has only been conducted with English-speaking couples. Despite Spanish being the second-most spoken language and meaningful cultural differences between English- and Spanish-speaking countries, the efficacy of EFT has not been examined in this cultural context. This study will examine the efficacy of EFT in this particular context and advance the understanding of potential mechanisms of change. Methods We will use a multicenter randomized wait-list controlled design to examine the efficacy of EFT in a Spanish-speaking sample of moderately distressed couples. One hundred forty individuals in 70 couples in Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain will be randomly assigned to receive 19–21 sessions of EFT or be placed on a waitlist. Outcomes on a range of relational and individual mental health variables will be assessed prior to random assignment, throughout treatment, and at the conclusion of treatment. Primary outcomes will include dyadic adjustment, couple satisfaction, and attachment. Secondary variables, such as loneliness, parenting, affective communication, and sexual satisfaction, will be included as potential mediators of the treatment effect. Couples in the treatment group will also be assessed at 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups. Process variables such as the therapeutic alliance will also be assessed routinely in couples assigned to the treatment group. Couples in the waitlist will receive a psycho-educational program based on EFT after completing the study. Discussion This study will be the first RCT of Emotionally Focused Therapy in a Spanish-speaking context. The results of the study will inform researchers interested in whether treatments developed and tested in the USA and Canada can be effective in differing cultural contexts. It may also point researchers and clinicians to areas where cultural adaptation is needed to improve efficacy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04277325. Registered on February 20, 2020

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a theoretical approach that is considered widely effective in decreasing relationship distress among couples. Emotionally Focused Therapy uses deepening of the clients' emotions to facilitate change to break negative interactional patterns within couple relationships. However, African American men have developed some behaviors and attitudes about emotions that may present challenges to them receiving Emotionally Focused Therapy. Some of those behaviors and beliefs include alexithymia and emotion ideologies which include restricting emotion based on their experience with societal stressors (e.g., race-based trauma, system racism). Given this emotional discrepancy, there are social and cultural considerations that need to be addressed between African American individuals in order to conduct effective couple work. This paper discusses emotional expressiveness and culturally sensitive approaches that EFT therapists will need to consider when counseling African American men in couples therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go' relationship education and enhancement programme for families with teens was indigenised to help parents with preteens to lower their parenting pressure and to enhance parent–child communication. The evaluation of the intervention adopted a mixed method approach. 45 parents and 64 children were invited to fill out pre-test (T0), post-test (T1), and 2-month follow-up (T2) questionnaire. A total of 16 parent participants were involved in two focus groups. The findings indicated that participants' parenting stress was lowered after the group intervention, and improvement in family relationships was observed in the aspects of communication, mutuality, and parental control. Children respondents were aware of the positive change in parents in terms of communication and statistically significant differences were found in the pre-test and 2-month follow-up. Parent participants highlighted that the prerequisites to become an accessible, responsive, and emotionally engaging parent was self-care and self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spousal breach of promise is a factor that undermines the hope and mental health of many women. Aim: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury and spirituality-based schema therapy on hopelessness and mental health of women affected by the spousal breach of promise. Method: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included women affected by the spousal breach of promise in the city of Bandar Abbas in the spring of 2021, and the sample group consisted of 48 people of these women who were purposefully selected and then randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group (16 people in each group). The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were used to collect data. The emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury and the spirituality-based schema therapy was performed in 10 sessions of 90 minutes each. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS-26. Results: The results showed that after controlling the pretest, the effectiveness of treatment in reducing hopelessness (F=4.49, P=0.017) and increasing mental health (F=5.94, P=0.005) was significant. The comparison of groups showed that emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury effectively reduced hopelessness (P=0.014) and spirituality-based schema therapy effectively increased mental health (P=0.004). Conclusion: The effectiveness of emotion-based therapy based on therapeutic attachment injury in reducing hopelessness and the effectiveness of spirituality-based schema therapy on mental health was confirmed in the present study. It is suggested that these two therapies be used to help women affected by the spousal breach of promise.

Background: Employment of couples have a considerable effect on their marital life and may cause the couple not to respond to each other's needs in a timely manner. In these circumstances, depression and marital conflict is very likely. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) on reducing depression and marital conflicts in employed couples in Ramhormoz-Iran. Methods: A randomized clinical trial study based on a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted. The study population consisted of all couples employed in government organizations of Ramhormoz-Iran. Based on the inclusion criteria, 50 couples (100 people) were selected as the sample and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent ten 90-minute sessions per week of emotionally focused couple therapy. The research instruments included the Beck’s Depression Inventory and Marital Conflict Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the score of depression and marital conflicts. The mean (SD) of the post- intervention scores for depression and marital conflicts in the experimental group were 27.32 (4.17) and 116.72 (9.34) respectively. EFCT significantly reduced the mean score of depression and marital conflicts in the experimental group compared with the control group (p

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based approach to working with couple distress. Similar to much of the research about the efficacy and effectiveness of couple therapy approaches, EFT research samples consist of white, heterosexual couples or research studies do not report further identifying information. In this paper, we report on 23 interviews of minimally trained EFT therapists to explore more in-depth experiences with cultural adaptations. Following a thematic analysis of the interviews, we identified five themes that include: therapist factors that contribute to work with diverse populations; model factors that provide a mechanism to engage across cultures; specific strategies therapists have used; training experiences; and challenges that research participants reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the heart rate synchrony between a single couple in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) as a method of measuring coregulatory effects over the course of treatment. A clinician who is an EFT certified therapist, supervisor, and trainer administered all eight sessions in a private practice setting. Surrogate synchrony analysis assessed heart rate synchrony between partners, indicating that significant heart rate synchrony was more likely over time. Significant heart rate synchrony was more likely during sessions that focused on clients' sharing attachment injuries, bonds, and longings with their partner compared to sessions more focused on cognitive processing of the relationship. Additionally, there were delays in heart rate synchrony that occurred between the couple, which may be indicative of the emotional processing speed of the empathic response of each partner. Understanding the physiological synchrony patterns between dyads in treatment could clarify the potential of coregulation in the therapeutic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study examined predictors of change in relationship distress and depressive symptoms over the course of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in a one-arm, pragmatic clinical trial of 17 couples in Taiwan. Results revealed that masculine ideology, feminine ideology, traditionalism, and emotional expressivity at intake predicted change in relationship distress. Specifically, women's high traditional gender roles and traditionalism and both partners' high emotional expressivity at intake were associated with decreases in relationship distress over time. In addition, attachment and emotional expressivity predicted change in depressive symptoms. Specifically, high attachment avoidance, high attachment anxiety, and high emotional expressivity at intake were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms over time. While more research is needed, these findings offer preliminary support for the types of partners who may experience more improvement after receiving EFT in Taiwan., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Marital and Family Therapy published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.)

Background: Couple relationship distress is common and associated with poor physical, psychological, and relational outcomes for both partners. Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) is a short-term structured approach based on attachment theory that integrates a humanistic, experiential approach to restructuring emotional experience and a systemic structural approach to restructuring interactions. This model has been shown to be an effective treatment for couple distress. The supporting research, however, has only been conducted with English-speaking couples. Despite Spanish being the second-most spoken language and meaningful cultural differences between English- and Spanish-speaking countries, the efficacy of EFT has not been examined in this cultural context. This study will examine the efficacy of EFT in this particular context and advance the understanding of potential mechanisms of change.Methods: We will use a multicenter randomized wait-list controlled design to examine the efficacy of EFT in a Spanish-speaking sample of moderately distressed couples. One hundred forty individuals in 70 couples in Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain will be randomly assigned to receive 19-21 sessions of EFT or be placed on a waitlist. Outcomes on a range of relational and individual mental health variables will be assessed prior to random assignment, throughout treatment, and at the conclusion of treatment. Primary outcomes will include dyadic adjustment, couple satisfaction, and attachment. Secondary variables, such as loneliness, parenting, affective communication, and sexual satisfaction, will be included as potential mediators of the treatment effect. Couples in the treatment group will also be assessed at 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups. Process variables such as the therapeutic alliance will also be assessed routinely in couples assigned to the treatment group. Couples in the waitlist will receive a psycho-educational program based on EFT after completing the study.Discussion: This study will be the first RCT of Emotionally Focused Therapy in a Spanish-speaking context. The results of the study will inform researchers interested in whether treatments developed and tested in the USA and Canada can be effective in differing cultural contexts. It may also point researchers and clinicians to areas where cultural adaptation is needed to improve efficacy.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04277325. Registered on February 20, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interabled couples navigate various systems of care as they respond to the needs of the disabled partner. Interabled couples are defined as one disabled partner and one nondisabled partner. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has shown benefits in reducing relationship distress and increasing the experience of security within couples. The study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to address how EFT therapists make sense of their lived experience working with interabled couples in couple therapy. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of therapists' serving interabled couples. The study explored the experiences of 10 EFT therapists who served at least one interabled couple in couple therapy. Findings resulted in four superordinate themes, (a) ableism; (b) self‐of‐the‐therapist; (c) reported relationship dynamics of interabled couples; and (d) the "fit" of EFT approach with interabled couples. The themes demonstrate a need to further identify disability‐responsive practices within EFT in serving interabled couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported intervention for relationship distress with an established model of supervision. This study examined whether incorporating video feedback (VF) software into EFT supervision would improve therapists' level of development compared to traditional EFT supervision in a university training clinic. A concurrent multiple‐baseline across subjects design, along with a thematic analysis of qualitative data, were used in this proof‐of‐concept study of the new supervision component. Overall, quantitative findings suggested that using VF in EFT supervision resulted in some improvement to therapists' development, while qualitative findings showed that all participants supported the incorporation of VF into EFT supervision. Future research on VF is needed to provide additional insight into the use of video review supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globalization has resulted in the increase of interracial and interracial-international couple relationships around the world, some of whom also live with chronic illness. Despite growing positive attitudes toward interracial relationships, these couples experience multiple health disparities and disparate treatments compared to same-race couples. Aims: In this paper, we illuminate the general experience of interracial couples around the world to: (1) draw special attention to how sociocultural discourses influence them individually and as a couple; (2) highlight the disparities in equitable health care received by interracial couples; and (3) discuss how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a useful framework for working with interracial couples with chronic illness and how it can be a larger training area in medical family therapy (MedFT) and its application to chronic health issues faced by couples. Method: We include a case example integrating EFT and the BPSS model to address the cross-cultural experiences and treatment needs of interracial couples struggling with a chronic illness experience. Discussion: Clinical recommendations include the necessity of multipartiality and self-of-the-therapist examinations alongside sociocultural assessment and culturally atuned treatment of interracial couples with chronic illness. Future directions include advocating for the expansion of EFT training in MedFT and chronic illness treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to compare the effectiveness of emotionally focused and schema therapies in reducing externalizing problems of children (students) in female-headed households. This quasi-experimental research had a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population of the study consisted of single mothers who predominantly head one-parent families and have at least one schoolchild. After screening, 45 women were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to three groups: 15 subjects in experimental group 1, 15 subjects in experimental group 2, and 15 subjects in control group. The data were collected by using Achenbach Child behavior checklist in three stages of pre-test, posttest and follow-up and were analyzed via SPSS software and repeated measures tests. The results revealed that the mean score of the emotionally focused therapy group decreased from 46.13 to 35.15 and the mean score of schema therapy group reduced from 46.00 to 35.26. Moreover, the results of repeated measurements showed that both emotionally focused and schema therapies were effective in reducing externalizing problems of adolescents (p

In general, arousal of emotions is often felt and expressed as a somatic experience in the body. In Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), the deepening of emotional experiencing enables therapeutic change. This research explores the experiences of eight experienced EFT trainer therapists regarding their somatic experiences in their work with couples. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis of transcribed in‐depth interviews, this research data yielded three core themes that captured therapists' experiences of using their own and couples' somatic experiences in therapy: (1) the importance and relevance of somatic experiences, (2) therapists' use of their own somatic experiences, and (3) working with clients' somatic experiences. The findings suggest that therapists do focus on their own and couples' somatic experiences in their work with couples, and that EFT therapists could benefit from a map to guide therapists how to focus on felt, somatic experiences as a way of maintaining an emphasis on emotional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spousal breach of promise is a factor that undermines the hope and mental health of many women. Aim: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury and spirituality-based schema therapy on hopelessness and mental health of women affected by the spousal breach of promise. Method: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included women affected by the spousal breach of promise in the city of Bandar Abbas in the spring of 2021, and the sample group consisted of 48 people of these women who were purposefully selected and then randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group (16 people in each group). The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were used to collect data. The emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury and the spirituality-based schema therapy was performed in 10 sessions of 90 minutes each. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS-26. Results: The results showed that after controlling the pretest, the effectiveness of treatment in reducing hopelessness (F=4.49, P=0.017) and increasing mental health (F=5.94, P=0.005) was significant. The comparison of groups showed that emotion-based therapy based on attachment injury effectively reduced hopelessness (P=0.014) and spirituality-based schema therapy effectively increased mental health (P=0.004). Conclusion: The effectiveness of emotion-based therapy based on therapeutic attachment injury in reducing hopelessness and the effectiveness of spirituality-based schema therapy on mental health was confirmed in the present study. It is suggested that these two therapies be used to help women affected by the spousal breach of promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety provides the grounds for coronary heart disease (CHD) or aggravates the symptoms of the disease. The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) on anxiety in individuals with CHD. Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design, control group, and follow-up stages. The statistical population of the study consisted of all heart patients in Tehran, Iran, from among whom 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling method. The study sample was randomly divided into experimental and control groups (15 individuals in each group). The experimental group received EFT training in nine 60-minute sessions, and the control group remained on the waiting list. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), developed by Beck, Epstein, Brown, and Steer (1988), was utilized to collect data in the pretest and posttest stages. Data analysis was conducted via descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. Results: According to the obtained results, heart patients in the experimental group showed lower anxiety levels after receiving EFT (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, EFT can be an effective intervention in reducing anxiety in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Catherine Fitzmaurice describes it, "The 'focus line' (as a mental image only) [...] extends from the dynamic action at the abdomen down and around the pelvis and up the spine into the head and out of the 'third eye,' so the attention is not on oneself, nor on the vocal tract, but on the point(s) of communication." This article expands upon Fitzmaurice's definition by providing practical approaches to the focus line in a creative context using three approaches: intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. The authors aim to demonstrate how the use of the focus line allows for truthful communication, compassionate connection, and cultural understanding in dynamic performance. In the intellectual approach, participants integrated well-established communication theory into an embodied experience that mirrored key aspects of the focus line. In the emotional approach, participants explored how text is affected by the flow of someone else's focus line. In the spiritual approach, workshop participants explored—through storytelling and devising techniques—how the focus line gets us in touch with our ancestral and cultural roots and histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving marital satisfaction and family cohesion of the veterans' family is important because of eight years of war and their physical and psychological problems. The research has proven the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on improving family functioning in different statistical societies. Aims: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to the comparison of the effectiveness of emotionally focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on family cohesion and marital satisfaction of veteran' wives in Khoramabad city. Method: The method of present study was quasi-experimental with post-test and follow-up. The sample, including 60 veteran' wives in were selected in available manner and were assigned randomly into two experiment and one control groups (each group 20 persons). The first experiment group received 10 emotionally focused therapy sessions and the second the same numbers for cognitive behavioral ones and control group were placed in waiting list. Tool used in this study was included family cohesion (Samani,1381) and marital satisfaction (Enrich, 1989) questionnaires. Data were analyzed using analysis of used repeated masseur variance. Results: In posttest phase, Interventions increased the family cohesion and marital satisfaction significantly (p>0.05). Also, the emotional therapy group has sustainability effect in the follow-up stage, but it isn’t significant compared to post-test (p

Aims: Despite passing of years since the end of the war, veterans are still experiencing a lot of physical and psychological problems, which can seriously affect well-being of their wives and, consequently, family function. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of narrative therapy and emotionally focused therapy on family cohesion of veteranschr('39') wives in Khorramabad. Materials and Methods: The present semi-experimental research was carried out in 2017 with two experimental and one control groups and a three-month follow-up in the community of veteranschr('39') wives in Khorramabad, in which 60 subjects were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental and one control groups (each group included 20 subjects). The first experimental group received 10 narrative therapy sessions (120 minutes for each session) and the second group received 10 emotionally focused therapy (120 minutes for each session) and the control group was placed in waiting list. The Samani family cohesion questionnaire was used as a research tool. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software, using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Findings: In the post-test and follow-up phase, there was a significant difference in family cohesion scores between narrative therapy and emotionally focused therapy groups in comparison with the control group (p0.05). Conclusion: Narrative therapy and emotionally focused therapy are effective in improving family cohesion in veterans’ wives. Keywords [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68062525]; [Not in MeSH]; [Not in MeSH]; [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014728]

The psychological and societal intersectionalities of infertility may give way to a complicated pattern of grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma for couples. Current literature on specific interventions for mixed gender couples undergoing infertility treatments notes significant improvements for couples who enact meaning-based coping mechanisms and who have more effective dyadic communication. Emotionally focused couples therapy provides an avenue to engage meaning-based coping strategies proposed by current research while also expressing the partners' unique emotional experiences through their own stories. This article presents a specific, emotionally focused counseling approach for couples experiencing infertility; it also lists general implications for practice and makes recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a collaborative, structured and usually short-term approach to psychotherapy which integrates humanistic and systemic views on human functioning and is based on attachment theory. EFT is known worldwide and is considered a cutting-edge model of change for relationship distress treatment. The excellent and profoundly empirically supported approach is used for couples, also when a partner is diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronical illness or when the couple has a chronically ill child. The approach is also used for families and individuals. EFT therapist is doing his or her best to be a safe attachment figure for their clients and to build the relationship based on equality and collaboration. The therapeutic work focuses on here and now. In the approach, emotion regulation are at the forefront as the key part of individual's experience and interactions within a relationship. At the end of the article the author, herself an EFT therapist, confirms excellent EFT results in her clinical praxis. The purpose of this article is to share the knowledge about EFT and promote its use in Slovenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples facing physical disabilities, specifically, a spinal cord injury, face significant marital stressors. Results of recent studies show patterns in the adjustment processes in couples who face this challenge. This grounded theory analysis of both couple and individual interviews with 22 participants identified four specific areas experienced by these couples: challenges in intimacy, negotiating care needs, redefining masculinity, and social disconnection. Findings support and refine current literature on physical disabilities and add to the gap in literature specifically related to spinal cord injuries, shame, and the impact on the marital relationship. Implications highlight a need to address the themes in post-rehabilitation and a particular case is made for the utility of Emotionally Focused Therapy in working through the themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aimed to extend and refine the existing roadmap of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) in cases of situational couple violence (SCV). SCV is a common problem with couples who seek out couple therapy. Based on attachment theory, academic research, EFT, and our clinical experience, we argue that SCV can be safely treated using EFT. Through a detailed case description of stage 1 of EFT with a violent couple, we demonstrate how EFT can help to reduce violence. We also discuss safety‐related matters, specific therapeutic interventions, and potential limitations of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples face significant concerns while undergoing fertility treatment as they cope with complex decision-making, rigid medication schedules, side effects, and the ongoing process of dealing with the diagnosis of infertility. This highlights the increasing need for counselors to become educated and specialized in the unique support fertility patients require. Attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy can help counselors understand how to work with couples experiencing infertility, providing opportunities for new bonding, connection through grief and loss, and potentially a more smooth transition into parenthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study illustrates how religious conflict can define a couple's therapy. The couple therapist's understanding of religious background can enable deeper discussion. For example, the therapist's knowledge of observance creates a therapeutic space to explore broader themes of grief, longing, anger, religious commitment, God, and ultimately, commitment to marriage. Religious themes emblematic in Orthodox Judaism are highlighted in this case study. Changes in one's religious practice can generate a shift in the marital relationship; how to address religious changes and conflicts in therapy is explored using a framework of emotionally focused therapy. Practice implications are offered, which focus on confronting religious conflict when working with similar couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictors of success and process of change research studies on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) have identified three active ingredients that are central to the success of EFT: Task alliance, experiential depth, and affiliative interactions. The goal of this paper is to provide concrete meaning to what the subtle details of the EFT process research findings look like in practice, in order to provide a process roadmap for implementing these key ingredients of change. Typically, process research describes processes that are important for the successful implementation of a therapeutic approach without delineating the specific meaning of these processes in concrete clinical terms. We elaborate on how the ingredients of change are defined and measured in process research studies. Exploring the specific elements of these active ingredients further illuminates their concrete meaning in everyday practice through specific interventions. We conclude with a clinical case example to illustrate following the process roadmap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the temporal relationships between Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) therapist interventions and mentalizing responses in couples where one or both partners are survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) by using a novel form of qualitative coding for mentalizing in EFT with CSA couples. Mentalizing can be defined as thinking about thinking. It is a developmental self-capacity that includes being able to flexibly and reflectively make sense of our internal and interpersonal mental worlds and is essential in the development and maintenance of strong interpersonal relationships. Findings of this study indicated that levels of negative mentalizing responses decreased while positive mentalizing responses increased over the course of therapy. Observed temporal relationships between therapist interventions and patient mentalizing were discussed in relation to outcomes in couple satisfaction and posttraumatic symptomatology. This novel form of coding mentalizing, while in depth, proved to be labour intensive and lacking in long-term feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]