Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that views emotions as intrinsic and adaptive, essential for survival and thriving. It emphasise that emotional awareness and management are crucial for healthy behaviour and relationships, linking emotions closely to self and identity.
Techniques:
EFT helps clients understand and manage their emotions through greater emotional awareness, regulation, and transformation. The therapy is collaborative, with the therapist acting as a compassionate, reflective, and non-judgemental guide. Clients move at their own pace, exploring and interpreting their emotional experiences.
EFT address mood disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety), eating disorders, personality disorders, childhood abuse or neglect, and interpersonal issues. It focuses on improving emotional responses to achieve better outcomes in various situations.
EFT empowers individuals by promoting self-discovery and emotional regulation by helping you:
- Identify and Enhance Awareness of Emotions: Recognize and become more attuned to your emotional experiences.
- Freely Accept and Regulate Emotions: Embrace your emotions without judgment and manage them so they don’t become overwhelming.
- Understand Emotional Responses: Gain insight into why you feel or respond a certain way in different situations.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Build effective ways to handle situations that elicit maladaptive emotions.
To achieve the most optimal results from EFT, the therapist and client work collaboratively, with the therapist supporting the client in exploring and understanding their emotional experiences at their own pace. The therapist takes on a compassionate, reflective, and non-judgmental approach, ensuring the client feels safe and supported.
Strengths:
EFT address mood disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety), eating disorders, personality disorders, childhood abuse or neglect, and interpersonal issues. It focuses on improving emotional responses to achieve better outcomes in various situations.
EFT promotes personal and interpersonal change, improving overall emotional health and well-being. By focusing on emotional awareness and regulation, EFT helps clients achieve better outcomes in various aspects of their lives, fostering healthier behaviour and relationships.
