Susan Johnson Quotes - Answers *We know how to bring about specific, highly emotional interactions
between partners that predictably result in moments of deep bonding between them - bonding that
lasts. This means we can not only heal relationships: we can create relationships that heal.
*EFT is based upon the assumption that a focus on emotional experience & interpersonal interactions,
and how they evoke each other, is necessary for second-order change in couples therapy.
-Emotions and Interactions impact each other, and vice versa
Theoretical Basis for EFT - Answers *Systems meets Humanism meets Attachment
Salvador Minuchin
Carl Rogers
John Bowlby
*Humanism Principles- (being warm, inviting, safe)
*Process versus Content !! (the CYCLE)
*Re-introduction of emotion into therapy (-the therapist
Focus on emotional bond and love
Previously emotion had been excluded: remember from your marital therapy class?
Theoretical Basis: Emotion - Answers -Emotions color your perception (rather than your interpretation)
*Emotion is part of the couple system - it organizes the interactions within
Emotional tone creates the context for, and gives the color to, verbal content.
Example: tension, anger, disgust, apathy (no connection)
*Self & system continually interact & define each other
,Intra-psychic (heart) and inter-personal (heart that must interact with reality) processes
If emotions are intense, they override other cues
Theoretical Basis: Systems - Answers *Rigid interaction cycles are formed
*Emotional responses create & reflect interaction patterns, and interaction patterns create & reflect
emotional responses.
*Emotions are the context for - and give meaning to - interactions, and interactions are context for
emotional responses.
*The reprocessing, regulation, or modification of affect may then be the most powerful & efficient way
to change the organization of a system.
As to change a dance by changing music
(important)-->New emotions & responses create a new systemic interaction, or pattern
How is EFT different? - Answers note: We're not teaching people how to communicate, we're teaching
people how to feel safe. Then going from there.
*Focus on intra-psychic and interpersonal processes
*Not communication based
*Systems & emotions - creating new experiences
*Journey from isolation to connectedness
*When EFT is successfully implemented, each partner becomes a source of security, protection, and
contact comfort for the other. Each partner can then assist the other in regulating negative affect &
constructing a positive & potent sense of self.
How is EFT different (2)? - Answers *Therapist is process consultant & choreographer
*Here & now focus (not as much FOO/Bowen)
*Focus on attachment and emotional bond
*Emotional focus
*Acceptance of people for who they are, right now (any behavior is a sign of distress!!!!)
View of behaviors as cues of distress
Overview of Therapy - Answers Stage 1: Steps 1-4
, Stage 2: Steps 5-7
Stage 3: Steps 8-9
Realistically probably 8-12 sessions
Stage 1 - Answers *The de-escalation of negative cycles of interaction
Step 1: create an alliance, decrease conflict issues in the core attachment struggle (trying to figure out
what the issue is)
Step 2: identify negative interaction cycle where attachment issues are expressed (
Step 3: access/identify unacknowledged emotions underlying interactions
Step 4: reframe problem as negative cycle + emotions + attachment needs. Cycle viewed as common
enemy (be mad at the cycle, not the spouse that acts like &$*$)
Stage 2 - Answers *Changing interactional positions
Step 5: promote identification with disowned attachment emotions, needs, & aspects of self ... and
integrating into these into relationship interactions.
Step 6: promote acceptance of the partner's experience & new interactional responses
Step 7: facilitate expression of needs & wants - and creating emotional engagement & bonding events
that can redefine attachment
Stage 3 - Answers *Consolidation & Integration
Step 8: facilitate new solutions to old relationship problems
Step 9: consolidate new positions & new cycles of attachment behaviors
Process of Change - Answers *Three major shifts:
-Negative cycle de-escalation
--End of stage 1
--1st order change - yet hope instilled
-Withdrawer engagement
--Stage 2; 2nd order change; interwoven with blamer softening
-Blamer softening