Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals and Couples in Dublin
Cultivating Inner and Couple Bonds
Introduction to Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT): Unlocking the Dance of Emotions
What is emotionally focused therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a transformative approach to individual and couples therapy founded by Dr. Sue Johnson. At its core, EFT recognizes that emotions are the language of connection, and by understanding and navigating them, individuals and couples can foster deep, meaningful bonds.
What is Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples?
Dr. Sue Johnson developed Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a systematic approach to couples therapy, in the 1980s. It is based on the science of adult attachment and concentrates on forging and preserving strong, stable relationships between spouses. The foundation of EFT is the idea that our emotional experiences shape relationships and interactions and that emotions are the key to identity.
How EFT works
The Tango of Therapy: Dancing with Emotions
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) operates through a structured, three-stage process designed to create and strengthen secure emotional bonds between partners:
- De-escalation and Assessment: In the initial phase, the therapist helps the couple identify and de-escalate negative interaction patterns that contribute to relationship distress. This involves exploring the underlying emotions driving these patterns and assessing the attachment needs of each partner. Through guided conversations and interventions, the therapist creates a safe space for partners to express their emotions and vulnerabilities.
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- Restructuring Interactions: In this phase, couples learn to reframe their interactions and express underlying emotions more openly and empathically. The therapist helps partners identify and communicate their deeper feelings and attachment needs, fostering empathy and understanding between them. Through experiential exercises and role-playing, couples practice new ways of engaging with each other that promote emotional responsiveness and connection.
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- Consolidation: The final stage focuses on consolidating the progress made and exploring strategies for maintaining positive changes independently. Couples learn to identify potential triggers for old patterns and develop coping strategies to navigate future challenges. The therapist supports the couple in solidifying their new patterns of interaction and reinforces the importance of ongoing emotional connection and communication.
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Throughout the therapy process, the therapist serves as a compassionate guide, facilitating emotional exploration and providing support and validation to each partner. Emotionally Focused Therapy helps couples create a more secure and resilient bond by addressing the underlying emotions and attachment needs driving their relationship dynamics. EFT empowers couples to build healthier, more satisfying relationships by fostering greater emotional openness and responsiveness.
What are the benefits of EFT?
The Power of Inner and Couple Bonds
EFT is about fostering the relationships that sustain us, not only about resolving conflict. People can approach relationships from a position of strength and authenticity by cultivating a strong inner bond. In the same way, partners can establish a secure and nurturing feeling in which they can develop and flourish together by fortifying their couple bond. EFT acknowledges the tight connection between the quality of our relationships and our personal well-being. Studies have indicated that EFT works just as well for individuals seeking therapy as it does for couples. According to research, for instance, people who receive EFT report improvements in their general psychological functioning, which includes a decrease in their feelings of anxiety and depression.
Emotionally Focused Therapy offers a transformative journey of self-discovery and relational healing. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your connection with yourself or your partner, EFT provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of emotions and relationships with compassion and courage. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life and relationship the dance of emotions with EFT.
What can the client(s) expect from an EFT session?
The session will take place in person unless it is outside of Dublin or overseas. It will be an online session. Generally, the session is 50 minutes for couples. Also, I will invite each partner to attend his/her individual sessions to explore his/her family history and his/her own experiences in life. Couples therapy requires weekly sessions for a minimum of 12 sessions. Then, we reassess the progress for both partners, but we might need to extend more sessions. However, it depends on how the couples experience therapy and how much they have improved.
How can you schedule an appointment?
At the end of each session, we agree on when the following week’s appointment will take place. During the first session, both partners agree to confidentiality, timekeeping, 48-hour cancellation notice, cancellation fee payment, and safety.
About the therapist
Malou Wang believes that negative emotions shouldn’t be ignored; instead, they should be explored to understand why they arise. She thinks of them as signals pointing to areas in our lives that need attention and healing.
She emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals and couples to confront their emotions without judgment. By acknowledging and validating these feelings, they can begin to process and integrate them effectively.
Malou sees the transformation of negative emotions into positive ones as a journey of growth and healing. Through techniques like mindfulness and reframing, emotional-focused therapy; and attachment theory, individuals and couples can change their perspectives and responses, leading to greater peace and happiness in their lives and relationships.
Also, Malou believes that by understanding and nurturing negative emotions, individuals and couples can transform them into opportunities for growth and deepen their connection to themselves and each other.
To discuss your needs, call me on 0879565865, schedule a 10-minute free phone consultation, or book an appointment from the site.Â
