Emotionally focused therapy: what does it consist of?

How is our way of processing information related to our feelings? How can we change schemes? Each perception is a world. Emotionally focused therapy studies all of this.

We react to situations differently, But we all, to one extent or another, make use of our emotions. Therefore, this therapy takes them into account, associating them with our adaptive process.

So, emphasizes our emotional world, for our well-being. To do this, it deals with how we feel and how we respond to the events that come our way. Let’s explore this therapy together! Also, let’s see how it differs from those that also take emotion into account.

What is emotion-focused therapy?

It consists of a psychological therapy whose focus is emotional processing. Look at emotion from an adaptive point of view, that is, it allows us to survive depending on how we react to the environment. Furthermore, without leaving aside the connection of emotions with our needs.

Also This type of therapy is known as processual experiential therapy. It integrates important principles of humanistic therapies, such as gestalt and person-based, as well as existential therapy. Unlike other therapies, this one is based exclusively on emotion.

According to Leslie Greenberg and Robert Elliott, in the book Person-centered and experiential consulting and psychotherapies. Fundamentals, perspectives and applications published in 2014, It is about seeing that emotions are adaptive and guide the tendency to growth. However, they can become problematic due to past traumatic experiences; also by teachings that may be cultural or family, such as reinforcement for ignoring an emotion.

Elements of emotionally focused therapy

In the process, the psychotherapist integrates both being and doing with the client. To do this, it follows the internal experience of the consultant during their evolution, recognizing it as an authentic source.

In addition, he acts as a leader of the process, a matter that goes beyond lecturing, then leads to offering opportunities to work on the experience. Thus, carry out an empathic exploration. Now, what other elements stand out in emotion therapy? Let’s see.

Consciousness. In order to introduce a change in the schemas, self- and co-exploration must be encouraged that favors the identification, distinction, and perception of emotions. Furthermore, the development of consciousness will favor the exploration of emotion on a cognitive level, in tune with giving meaning to the experience.Expression. Of emotions, not only so that they have a space, but also to move towards more assertive management according to the context. To do this, emphasis is also placed on the avoidance with which we usually face them.Regulation. Emphasizing the behavioral part of emotions. It will not be possible to stop feeling, but yes, we can choose and act, therefore intervene. To do this, we can put a stop to them and express them by being assertive.

Transformation is also an element. This is the process that allows the initial emotional experience to be modified so that it is more adaptive.

The psychotherapist in the process would act as a facilitator, rather than as a directive person. Furthermore, he rescues his individuality, as an authentic being capable of focusing on the relationship without ceasing to be himself.

What is it for?

Emotionally focused therapy can be seen as a technique or style of intervention to use during psychotherapy. It is usually used in situations that have to do with the relational field.

Therefore, it is widely used in couples therapy, family therapy, problems related to communication, socialization, and empathy. Also, in interventions related to eating disorders, mood and stress.

It serves to guide the person in realizing how they interact with others, with nature and with themselves. This realization will help you recognize yourself, explore your authenticity, and see what resources you have and what your opportunities for improvement are.

In addition to helping the person recognize themselves, a path towards emotional management is undertaken effectively consolidating skills and achieving transformation of the experiences that were distressing.

Then, emotional conflicts are taken into account, emphasizing the relationship, the principles of attachment theory, emotional expression and identification, and improving communication to strengthen the person’s bond with others.

Besides, As for the relationship, that of the person with themselves is also explored. For this reason, it is so effective for working on disorders such as depression and anxiety in which the person must work on their emotions from the cognitive, emotional and social perspectives, as the protagonist of their life. In fact, this therapy has great empirical support.

In sum, Emotionally focused therapy is of the experiential order in which the relationship is essential for the transformation process. It facilitates the reappropriation of the experience to create new, healthier meanings, and take action in a more adaptive way according to the person’s context.

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