Why I Follow Sue Johnson's Method

As an Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT), I am drawn to the approach's emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the power of emotions to create meaningful change in people's lives. I have seen firsthand how individuals and couples can struggle to connect with their emotions and how this disconnection can lead to feelings of disconnection and distress in their relationships. Through my training in EFT, I have developed a deeper understanding of how to help individuals and couples access and regulate their emotions, allowing them to connect more deeply with themselves and each other. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as an EFT therapist so that I can best support my clients in their journey toward greater emotional connection and fulfillment in their relationships

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the emotional experiences of individuals within relationships. This approach aims to address emotional disturbances that contribute to relationship difficulties and create a secure emotional bond between partners (Johnson, 2019). EFT was developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and has been used to treat various relationship issues, including infidelity, communication problems, and attachment disorders. This article will provide an overview of EFT and its core principles, as well as the research supporting its effectiveness in treating couples.

The goal of EFT is to help individuals and couples develop secure attachment bonds by exploring and validating their emotions. EFT therapists aim to create a safe and empathic environment in which clients can express their deepest feelings and fears without fear of judgment or rejection. According to Johnson, "EFT views emotions as an adaptive, built-in system that helps us survive and thrive in relationships" (Johnson, 2008, p. 3). By helping clients identify and express their emotions, EFT therapists aim to help them develop more secure attachment bonds and improve their overall mental health and well-being.

EFT is grounded in four key stages of therapy, which include:

1. De-escalation: The first stage of EFT involves helping clients identify and de-escalate negative patterns of interaction that are causing distress in their relationships. This may involve helping them recognize their negative emotional reactions and behaviors, as well as identifying triggers that lead to these reactions.

2. Restructuring: In the second stage, EFT therapists help clients restructure their interactions in a more positive and constructive manner. This may involve helping them identify and express their underlying emotions, as well as learning new communication skills and strategies.

3. Consolidation: The third stage of EFT involves consolidating the gains made in therapy and helping clients apply their newfound skills and insights to real-life situations.

4. Integration: The final stage of EFT involves integrating the gains made in therapy into the client's overall sense of self and relationships with others.

EFT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health concerns. For example, a study conducted by Johnson et al. (1999) found that EFT was effective in treating couples with relationship distress. Another study conducted by Furrow et al. (2005) found that EFT was effective in treating depression in couples. Additionally, a study conducted by Wiebe and Johnson (2016) found that EFT was effective in treating trauma-related symptoms in couples.

Overall, EFT is a powerful and evidence-based framework that can help individuals, couples, and families develop secure attachment bonds and improve their overall mental health and well-being. By focusing on emotions and attachment, EFT therapists aim to create a safe and empathic environment in which clients can explore and validate their deepest feelings and fears. As a result, EFT can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

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References:

Furrow, J. L., Johnson, S. M., Bradley, B. A., Dalgleish, T. L., Foshee, V. A., Harrington, K. L., ... & Denton, W. H. (2005). The EFT treatment of depression in couples: An integrative approach. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 31(1), 67-77.

Johnson, S. M. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Little, Brown.

Johnson, S. M., Hunsley, J., Greenberg, L., & Schindler, D. (1999). Emotionally focused couples therapy: Status and challenges. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6(1), 67–79.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.

Cristea, I. A., Gentili, C., Cotet, C. D., Palomba, D., Barbui, C., & Cuijpers, P. (2017). Efficacy of psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 319-328.

Dahl, C. J., Lutz, J., Davidson, R. J., & Sahdra, B. K. (2019). Understanding emotion regulation through the lens of experiential and contemplative approaches. Emotion Review, 11(1), 74-78.

Greenberg, L. S., & Johnson, S. M. (1988). Emotionally focused couples therapy. In J. W. Jacobson & A. S. Gurman (Eds.), Clinical handbook of couple therapy (pp. 259-287). Guilford Press.

Johnson, S. M. (2004). The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy: Creating connection (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.

Johnson, S. M., Makinen, J. A., & Millikin, J. W. (2016). Attachment injuries in couple relationships: A new perspective on impasses in couples therapy. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 15(1), 1-17.

Lebow, J. L., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145-168.