Application of Emotion-Focused Therapy in Couple Relationship Treatment

Application of Emotion-Focused Therapy in Couple Relationship Treatment

**Research Overview** Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an effective couple relationship treatment method that can simultaneously improve relationship quality and individual mental health. Research found that relationship dissatisfaction and emotional issues like depression and anxiety have a two-way influence relationship.

**Theoretical Basis** **Two-way Influence Mechanism**: - Partner depression reduces relationship satisfaction - Relationship conflicts worsen anxiety symptoms - Forms a vicious cycle interaction pattern

**EFT Core Principles** EFT focuses on emotional patterns in partner interactions, breaking the attack/withdrawal vicious cycle through exposing vulnerable emotions and partner responses. The core is transforming emotional vulnerabilities into relationship bonding agents.

**Treatment Process** **Three-Step Solution Method**: 1. **Emotional archaeology**: Identify emotional sensitive points from childhood or relationship history 2. **On-site defusing**: Safely express deep emotional needs during therapy 3. **Explosion prevention training**: Learn emotion regulation and relationship maintenance skills

**Practical Intervention Techniques** 1. **Emotional thermometer**: Daily 2-minute emotional state assessment, partners just listen without judgment 2. **Third-person expression**: Describe emotions using metaphors to reduce aggression 3. **Comfort action list**: Create personalized emotional support plans

**Case Study** Using Sonia (anxiety type) and Mark (depression type) as examples: - Sonia's anxiety originated from being forced to take adult responsibilities in childhood - Mark's depression came from parental high-pressure denial - Through EFT treatment, both learned to express deep emotional needs - After three months, anxiety and depression symptoms significantly improved, conflict frequency greatly reduced

**Treatment Effects** Research shows EFT can: - Reduce anxiety attack probability by 60% - Significantly improve depression symptoms - Enhance relationship satisfaction - Reduce daily conflict frequency

**Treatment Significance** EFT emphasizes that exposing vulnerability is not admitting defeat, but an opportunity to build emotional connections. Through safe emotional expression and response, partners can jointly build emotional support systems, transforming relationships from conflict battlefields to emotional havens.

**Application Prospects** Emotion-Focused Therapy provides effective theoretical frameworks and practical tools for couple relationship treatment, especially suitable for partner groups with both relationship problems and emotional disorders.