Tracking the Cycle: A Glimpse into EFFT

• Main Author: Conroy, Julia
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2019
• Subjects: Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT); attachment theory; externalization; interactional cycles; Counselor Education
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/secfr-conf/2019/schedule/12

Emotionally Focused Therapy has been shown to produce statistically significant and sustainable change in couples (Wiebe, Johnson, Lafontaine, Burgess Moser, Dalgleish, & Tasca, 2017). This change has also been shown to extend to the family system through the use of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Stavrianopoulos, Faller, & Furrow, 2014). The methodology focuses on developing resilience through the co-regulation of the family system by developing secure attachment bonds (Wiebe & Johnson, 2017). EFFT strives to develop a high level of security within families that promotes more fluid communication patterns and more flexible problem solving strategies (Johnson & Lee, 2005). One of the most important steps in developing this security is by clarifying the current interactional cycles taking place, which typically leave the attachment needs of the family unmet (Johnson & Brubacher, 2016). Clinicians who help clients track their interactional cycles lay the foundation for effective change.