As leaders, it is important to act on reason. By doing so, it enables objective judgments on issues and problems. However, as leaders, it is equally important to pay attention to emotions as well. People get more inspired when they know, and they feel that their leaders can empathize with what they are going through.
In general, emotions often make us impulsive, but they also tell us what is deeply important. Our feelings help us understand what we need and want. It helps us discern which actions are appropriate and which are not. In this understanding, emotions serve as guidance and a way to develop oneself. This is what Emotion-Focused Therapy aims to do.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an approach that focuses on learning and understanding our emotions. Additionally, it teaches us how to tolerate and regulate them. However, the therapy does not stop there. It includes experiencing the emotions themselves.
Going through the emotions in a therapy session ensures safety not only for us but also for others. Furthermore, EFT will help you better understand yourself through the guidance of a professional.
Following the therapy is the process of reflection. After identifying how you react to things, you can now begin to change the parts that need improvement. Making internal changes can be difficult initially. But with the right guidance and personal determination, it is possible.
Once you get through the difficult parts, it can take that weight off your shoulder. Eventually, you will see things clearer with no clouded judgment. Moreover, you will be able to communicate and live better.
In the end, Emotion Focused Therapy will help you identify what emotions you can trust and rely on and what feelings that may be painful and harmful to you and others. With that knowledge, it guides you on how to be better with yourself and your relationships.
If you want to know more about Emotion Focused Therapy, read the frequently asked questions below.
What is emotion-focused therapy used for?
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is an approach relying on emotions, which is the key to identity. In this therapeutic approach, emotions serve as a guide for decision-making. According to EFT, a lack of emotional awareness or abstaining from unpleasant feelings can be detrimental. EFT encourages people towards an understanding of their emotions, enabling them to use this as information.
How effective is emotionally focused therapy?
Emotionally-focused therapy is an intervention derived from a scientific study. It is primarily designed to address distress in the relationships of adults. This type of treatment helped people understand their emotional responses and those of other people, which improves relationships. Moreover, this approach was found useful for family therapy.
How long does emotionally focused therapy take?
Emotionally focused therapy commonly takes between 8 to 20 sessions to bring a relationship through the stages of this therapy. In this therapy, the therapist and clients will find patterns within the relationship and take the necessary steps to build a stronger relationship.
What type of therapy is EFT?
EFT is a humanistic approach to psychodynamics designed in the 1980s and constructed with adult attachment science. This science has broadened our comprehension of individual dysfunction and intimate relationships. The EFT model focuses on emotion and emotional regulation as the critical agent in personal experience and relationship interactions.
Does EFT actually work?
Recent studies have found EFT to be an evidence-based approach for depression, anxiety, and phobias. Moreover, 70 to 75% of couples going through EFT takes away distress, and 90% have shown significant improvements.
What are the stages of EFT?
EFT has three stages, which in total has nine steps. In this approach, therapists are building first an alliance before they proceed to the three phases. It includes Assess and De-escalates, Change Events, and Consolidation and Change phase.
In the first stage, the therapists strive to uncover the underlying emotion inside the relationship. While the Change Events phase involves developing corrective emotional experience. For the final stage, the clients will resolve the old problems.
What does psychodynamic therapy focus on?
Psychodynamic therapy prioritizes unconscious processes, which are manifested in the client’s behavior. Through this therapy, they strive to create self-awareness and know the past’s influence on present behavior. The psychodynamic approach allows the client to inspect unresolved conflicts and symptoms.
What are the 3 types of therapy?
The theory of psychotherapy serves as the guide for psychologists to understand the clients and their problems. The three types of therapy include Psychodynamic, Behavioral, and Humanistic therapy.
What can EFT help with?
Emotionally-focused therapy may help various issues, such as addiction, anger management, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain management, stress, and trauma. As with different forms of holistic therapy, EFT should be used with traditional medical advice and support.
How does EFT affect the brain?
According to the recent studies results, EFT can help alter the brain’s representation of threat cues found in the client. EFT’s effectiveness for mitigating the social regulation of neural threat responds to utilizing an fMRI-based process.
Is EFT scientifically proven?
Recent studies have found EFT to be an evidence-based approach for depression, anxiety, and phobias. Moreover, 70 to 75% of couples going through EFT takes away distress, and 90% have shown significant improvements.
Can EFT cure anxiety?
EFT was built as a treatment to various client presentations through universal applications. Additionally, it was explicitly utilized for depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Does EFT work for couples?
EFT is utilized with different kinds of couples in private practice, university training centers, and hospital clinics. Research studies have discovered that 70 to 75% of couples undertaking this therapy move distressed to recovery. Moreover, approximately 90% have shown significant improvements.
What is an example of psychodynamic therapy?
One example of psychodynamic therapy is art or music therapy. This therapy is a non-traditional form of psychodynamic therapy that revolves around expressing feelings through art or music. This therapy is non-directive and non-structured, which enables the client to lead the session.
What can I expect from psychodynamic therapy?
Instead of focusing on behavior, Psychodynamic therapy entails the interpretation of mental and emotional processes. Psychodynamic therapists attempt to help clients figure out patterns in their emotions, thoughts, and beliefs to learn their present self.
Between reason and emotions, there is no better than the other. If you follow your logic too much, you deprive yourself of feeling anything. It can even lead you to lose your knowledge of your needs and wants. Meanwhile, if you are deep amidst your emotions, then impulsion guides you. It cannot truly lead you to the right path. Instead, it might drive you astray.
Emotion-Focused Therapy helps you find the balance in both. By letting the emotions run through, it allows a better understanding of oneself. EFT can also help develop a more solid judgment on what is appropriate and what is not. As a humanistic approach, EFT aims to help a person become better than before by reflecting within.
As human beings, change is the only thing that remains constant. It continuously happens, and no one can stop it. Through time, you can either become a better or worse version of yourself. The role of Emotion-Focused Therapy is to help you to be the best that you can be. Although it is tough to look into yourself, it is a necessary thing to do. It is only by facing the music that you can figure out how to solve it.
Once you go through EFT, you will feel an indescribable lightness within. It will bring you the confidence to do the things that you have always been wanting to explore. Moreover, it will allow you to feel better, more hopeful, and happier. In time, you will notice significant improvements in the overall quality of your life. Just trust the process and believe that you can do it.