![]() Virginia Satir is a pioneer in the field of family therapy, recognized in 2007 by the Psychotherapy Networker as the fifth most influential therapist of the past quarter-century. This creates a secure base from which to confidently move out into the world.Īs an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I help you and your partner identify the strategies and positions you have developed as you have sought answers to the basic questions, “Will you be there for me when I need you?” and “Can I depend on you when I need you? Based on this view of adult love, the key goal of Emotion Focused Therapy is to help you develop a more secure and loving bond. This “attachment force” seeks to create a safe haven for comfort and security, where both people are available and responsive to one another. The influence of attachment theory on my therapeutic work means that I work with the positive growth force in each individual as well as the force that drives us towards attachment to others. ![]() The more we can depend on others, the more secure we feel and therefore, the more independent we can be. While society often denigrates and negates our needs for other people, belittling “dependency” needs, attachment is actually a sign of health that fosters autonomy and self-confidence. “Oh nothing”, said Piglet, ” I just wanted to be sure of you.”Īttachment theory suggests we all have this innate and motivating force, to be securely connected to significant others. “Yes”, answered Pooh, taking Piglet’s hand. Piglet sidled up to Pooh, “Pooh?” asked Piglet. The classic Winnie the Pooh story conveys this need to feel sure a significant other is there for us: This means that adults, like children have a basic need for a secure connection to a significant other. Emotionally Focused Therapy is built on an attachment view of adult love. The first publication of attachment in adult love came in the late eighties. Attachment Theory as a Theory of Adult Romantic LoveĪttachment strategies were first identified in studies of separations between mothers and infants done in the 1950’s. EFT is being used successfully with couples of different cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations. Emotionally Focused TherapyĮmotionally Focused Therapy or Emotion Focused Therapy is a short-term structured approach to couple therapy that typically takes 8-20 sessions.ĮFT is based on a clear understanding of the causes of marital distress (what makes relationships go wrong) and a clearly delineated map of adult love and adult needs for attachment security (what adults really need to be able to love and find satisfying long-term happiness). This integrates Attachment Theory as well as the teachings and values of Virginia Satir and Carl Rogers. As a couple and family therapist, I work from a model primarily informed by Emotion Focused Therapy.
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