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In-session change in emotionally focused therapy
L S Greenberg1, C L Ford, L S Alden
1Department of Psychology, York University, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps couples interact more positively during conflict. Couples show increased affiliation and deeper emotional expression by the end of treatment, especially after intimate self-disclosure.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a prominent approach for couples.
- Understanding in-session processes is crucial for treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine in-session changes in couples undergoing EFT.
- To identify specific interaction patterns associated with therapeutic change.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 3 studies focusing on in-session conflict events.
- Comparison of interactional patterns at the beginning and end of treatment.
- Examination of responses to intimate, affective self-disclosure.
Main Results:
- Couples' conflict interactions became more affiliative and interdependent over treatment.
- Peak session conflict involved deeper emotional experience and greater affiliation.
- Responses to self-disclosure were more affiliative than in control conditions.
Conclusions:
- EFT facilitates positive shifts in couples' interactional patterns.
- Intimate self-disclosure appears to be a key catalyst for increased affiliation.
- These findings illuminate potential change mechanisms within EFT.