Couples therapy has gotten a negative association over the years. This is mostly due to media, television shows, or movies showcasing couples therapy as a last-ditch effort to save a relationship.
In reality, therapy can be utilized for both people who are struggling and those who want to continue to take steps to better their relationship. The best part about therapy is that because each person and relationship are unique, there are different approaches.
Emotionally Focused Therapy or EFT is one of the many forms of therapy geared toward relationships. Let's learn more about EFT and its effect on relationships.
What Is EFT?
Emotionally Focused Therapy or EFT is a type of therapy that was created to enhance the sense of security and emotional connection between partners within a relationship. The type of therapy focuses on identifying any negative patterns of communication or interactions within the relationship and reshaping them. The overall goal of EFT is to create a more secure and fulfilling relationship dynamic between the partners involved.
The Effect of EFT On Relationships
EFT is one of the most effective therapy approaches for partners. It's so effective because it's able to create long-lasting change by focusing on the key emotions that drive someone's actions and behaviors instead of just focusing on conflict that may be taking place within a relationship.
Emotional Awareness
Experiencing different emotions is common, but not everyone actually allows themself to feel or acknowledges their various thoughts and feelings. EFT helps to provide a safe and secure space for individuals to dive deeper and explore their own emotions.
This can help individuals gain a clearer understanding of their own emotions, which can help them better understand how to identify and express their feelings regarding different situations and scenarios. A greater emotional awareness also means a great self-expression.
Strengthen Your Relationships
One of the main areas that EFT is shown to help is within the interpersonal relationships of someone's life. EFT not only helps people develop and grow as individuals, it is also extremely beneficial for their relationships with others.
This therapy technique allows one to create deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Once someone is able to fully express themself in an authentic and empathetic way, they're able to build stronger and deeper bonds with others. Relationships will be built on the key pillars of things such as connection, trust, and understanding.
Managing Emotions
EFT drives success by giving the tools, techniques, and strategies to better manage emotions. These coping mechanisms that are learned during sessions can help one regulate emotions. Being equipped to better manage emotions can create a greater sense of control and empowerment in one's own life.
Personal Growth
While EFT is focused on relationships between partners, EFT can help promote one's personal growth. EFT makes individuals dig deeper. This allows people going though EFT to better understand, acknowledge, and even embrace the different emotions that they're feeling. By doing so, they're able to gain a better understanding of their own values, beliefs, goals, wants, and needs.
This improved sense of self-awareness can help act as a guide to make positive choices and changes within one's life. Having a stronger self-awareness can help align actions and behaviors with set goals.
Next Steps
No one should have to deal with the feeling that their own emotions are holding them back. Many individuals struggle with expressing themselves.
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a great option if you need a little extra support in expressing your emotions. There's nothing wrong with feeling different emotions. You're only human. It's helpful to learn the techniques to express them in ways that are manageable. Reach out today to learn more about EFT and how it can benefit you and your relationship.