Emotionally Focused Therapy Essay

To adore and be loved in re reverse is essential for an individuals happiness. In accordance with many other aspects of life, marital status as been colligate to influencing ones life in a positive way reservation it happier (Stack, Eshleman, 527). The puzzle with this is that non all marriages stick healthy and good. With disunite pass judgment raging from 40%-50% in the United States, there ends up world a gap in the happiness of many (Marriage and Divorce, 1). One driveway that some pairs choose is matchs therapy. Unfortunately, generalized couples therapy bear be tricky in the way that there is non enough empirical data and it proves effortful for a therapist to know what to do, when to do it, or how to do it properly.As Greenman and derriereson point out, Research done in the past 30 age would suggest that between 25%-30% of couples who deliver therapy do not display significant improvement and that there argon substantial rates of retroversion (close to 40%) among those who do (Greenman, Johnson, 46). This being said, they continue on to talk somewhat an exception to this rule. It is an experiential-humanistic, systemic intervention that has plenty of empirical support and linked evidence between client outcome and the therapy process. This intervention is called Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).To introduce this character of therapy is it important to know about accessory Theory. This theory was developed in great part by a British psychiatrist named John Bowlby in the 1950s (Peterson, 258). This theory has since been studied vigorously using the exotic Situation technique, which measures infant-parent attachment. It testament observe infants reactions to their mothers leaving, and also to their return. What has been found is that children at a very young age develop one of three feasible attachment styles. The first of the possibilities is to become securely attached. This is the strip for around 70% of children (Peterson, 258 ). When the mother leaves the room, the infants ordain become upset, but upon her return the infant will reach out insome positive way including smiling, touching, or speech to the mother.The second outcome is known as Avoidant (about 20%) (Peterson, 258). In this case, the child will not become upset when the mother leaves, or will the child show enthusiasm when the mother returns. The third casualty is called Ambivalent (about 20%) (Peterson, 258). These children will cry when their mother leaves, and will not be comforted when she returns. In some cases, the child will truly punish the mother for leaving in the first place. These diverse outcomes apply been linked directly to how a mother interacts with her infant. If the mother is affectionate and caring, the children will frequently develop secure attachments. On the other hand, if the mother is rejecting and judgmental, this could solving in the child being ambivalent or avoidant (Peterson, 258).The importance of Attac hment Theory is the fact that data shows these attachments, developed in infancy, can stay with an individual throughout the rest of their lives. Avoidant and ambivalent children often win up to be less sociable than securely attached children. at once these children grow into adulthood, their attachment stops being to their parents or caregivers and are replaced by wild-eyed partners (Peterson, 50). It is common that someone who grew up being avoidant or ambivalent whitethorn find it hard to transport their basic mad needs to some other individual.It is also common that marital problems can come down to a lack of positive communication. Being critical, defensive or stonewalling, which is often the case with people unable to express themselves, can absolutely effect a marriage negatively (Stack, Eshleman, 528). If a married couple find they are struggling through their marriage, it could be possible that one or twain of them were not securely attached in infancy. This is wher e Emotionally-Focused Therapy can aid significantly to a couple.With around 40% of children growing up either avoidant or ambivalently attached, it is not surprising that divorce rates are as high school as they are (Peterson, 260). In addition, with standard couples therapy not being as successful as one would hope, Emotionally-Focused Therapy is a refreshing, and supported way to desexualise the do many couples may need. Peterson defines EFT as, An approach for troubled couples based on attachment theory thatdirectly teaches a more-flexible approach to the expression and merriment of needs (Peterson, 272). The goal of this technique is to be able to send and receive accurate affective messages with their partner which helps each of them achieve the comfort and partnership they desire. This therapy is separated into 3 stages, with different sets of therapeutic goals for each.The first stage of EFT is called round of drinks De-Escalation (Greenman, Johnson, 47) . This is wher e the couple can identify the master(prenominal) difficulties in their marriage and depress to understand their problem-cycle. This can often include loneliness, dejection or the worship that that can be associated with not being close and connected to their spouse. This is often when attachment styles are most notable. The second stage involves two main ideas being, Withdrawer Re-engagement and Blamer Softening (Greenman, Johnson, 47). This is a very important stage because it involves restructuring the way the couple interact with each other.The therapist will use many different methods including reflections, enactments, and empathetic restatements to guide the conversation. It is also important in this stage that the individuals turn to one another and portray their true affect. The therapist will help to teach them to control their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice when speaking to each other. After stage two, the couple should be able to erect and ask for comfort from their partner, coming from a place of vulnerability (Greenman, Johnson, 47). In the third stage the therapist will act as a facilitator. The couple will be redirected and asked about major longstanding conflicts they had. They can then incorporate their new way of interacting with each other into their problem cycle, successfully minimizing it (Greenman, Johnson, 48).This form of therapy is important in showing individuals, who may not have ever expressed themselves thoroughly, that it is okay to recognize their need for emotional closeness. It is also important that they are aware of their avoidance toward speaking vulnerably. Once individuals can obtain a safe haven in their descent and participate in problem solving effectively, most couples have account a significantly higher satisfaction with themselves and in their marriage (Greenman, Johnson, 50).When discipline about Attachment Theory, some may find themselves in the avoidant or ambivalent categories. This c an be daunting, due to the fact that these attachments stay with us throughout our lives. It is discouraging to look into the future and assume you will heretofore not be able to express yourself to your loved ones, and all of this because we did not become securely attached in infancy? This hardly seems fair. Emotionally-Focused Therapy gives an chance to those, who perhaps have never been in a secure relationship, to express themselves securely. It allows them the opportunity to build on their relationships in a healthy, productive way. alike allowing them the weight lifting feeling of being vulnerable, heard, and responded to with positivity.Work CitedGreenman, P., & Johnson, S. (2013). Process Research on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples Linking Theory to Practice. Family Process, 52, 46-61. Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http//web.b.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=552d7eaa-fd7a-47e1-85e2-1e0eeb60ec88sessionmgr115&vid=3&hid=110Marriag e and Divorce. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http//www.apa.org/topics/divorce/Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford Oxford University Press.Stack, S., & Eshleman, R. (1998). Marital Status and pleasure A 17-Nation Study. Journal of Marriage and Family, 60(2), 527-538. (Stack, Eshleman, 527)