Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy in Marietta GA
As humans, we are wired for connection. The closeness we feel with our partner can be the antidote to our stress and anxiety, as well as the secure base from which we experience the journey of life. When our connection with our partner is disrupted and the closeness we once felt is replaced with distance and conflict, we experience real distress.
Couples in distress no longer feel like a team or “on the same page.” Arguments become cyclical and predictable. Couples often say “I know what will happen” or “I know what my partner will say or do.” The repetitiveness of this interaction reinforces negative and reactive stances to one another, and it activates old, survival skills (fight, flight, or freeze). A negative interaction cycle takes over in the relationship, and the couple feels stuck and desperate for change.
What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy- EFCT?
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, stands as a tried-and-tested method for helping couples navigate conflict and reestablish connection. Rooted in humanistic and experiential psychotherapy, EFCT integrates the science of attachment into the treatment of relationship issues.
​
Attachment science recognizes human beings as inherently relational, wired for intimate bonding with others. The EFCT model zeroes in on pivotal emotions that shape intimate bonds and foster secure connections. It places a strong emphasis on understanding the emotions of both partners, acknowledging their deep-seated desires for love, connection, and security.
​
EFCT values each individual's experience within the relationship, seeking to uncover and address negative cyclical interactions that hinder meaningful conversations and connection. By identifying and altering these detrimental patterns of interaction, EFCT helps couples cultivate more positive methods of communication and relating to each other.
At The Relationship House, we believe in the transformative power of EFCT to nurture healthy, fulfilling relationships. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to guiding couples through the EFCT process, fostering deeper understanding, empathy, and connection.
Who Can Best Benefit From EFCT?
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) holds the potential to benefit any couple navigating relationship distress or seeking to enhance their emotional connection. Moreover, EFCT is helpful for couples who are experiencing life transitions such as the birth of a child, a move, or a change in career.
This therapeutic approach is versatile and applicable to couples at every stage of their relationship journey. Whether you're in the early stages of dating, engaged, married, or committed to a long-term partnership, EFCT offers valuable insights and tools to foster a deeper, more fulfilling connection with your partner.
​
At The Relationship House, we understand the universal challenges and joys that come with intimate relationships. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to guiding couples through the EFCT process, empowering them to navigate challenges, strengthen their bond, and build a resilient foundation for the future.
Benefits of EFCT For Your Relationship
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) stands as a highly effective approach to couples therapy, placing a strong emphasis on the emotional bond between partners. This therapeutic method is designed to help couples identify and transform negative patterns of interaction, fostering more secure and loving relationships.
​
Research has consistently demonstrated the efficacy of EFCT in improving communication, increasing emotional intimacy, and reducing conflict among couples. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) has recognized EFCT as meeting the gold standard for the most effective evidence-based therapy approach for couples.
​
Throughout the EFCT process, couples embark on a journey of growth and transformation. Here's what you can expect to learn:
-
De-escalating fighting and conflict: EFCT equips couples with tools to navigate conflicts more constructively, de-escalating tension and fostering understanding.
-
Stepping out of defensive and reactive stances: Couples learn to recognize and step out of defensive behaviors, creating space for deeper connection and vulnerability.
-
Identifying core relationship issues and attachment injuries: EFCT helps couples identify underlying issues and wounds that may be impacting their relationship, fostering healing and growth.
-
Practicing active and empathic listening: Couples learn to actively listen to each other's needs and emotions with empathy and understanding, fostering deeper connection and mutual support.
-
Improving communication of needs and primary emotions: EFCT teaches couples how to effectively communicate their needs and emotions, fostering greater understanding and connection.
-
Engaging in emotional repair and forgiveness: Couples learn strategies for repairing emotional ruptures and fostering forgiveness, strengthening their bond and resilience.
​
Through EFCT, couples can cultivate more secure and fulfilling relationships, characterized by deeper emotional connection and mutual support.
Getting Started with EFCT
In the initial session of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), our skilled therapists prioritize establishing a safe and supportive environment for couples to openly discuss their relationship dynamics. During this session, the therapist will gather essential information about the couple's relationship history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Additionally, the therapist may begin exploring the emotional patterns and attachment styles of each partner to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of the relationship.
​
Following the initial session, individual sessions will be scheduled with each partner to further explore their personal backgrounds, family histories, and emotional experiences. These individual sessions provide an opportunity for each partner to express their perspectives, feelings, and concerns in a confidential setting. By understanding each partner's unique relationship with emotions and their patterns of relating and resolving conflict, our therapists can tailor the therapy process to meet the specific needs of the couple.
​
At The Relationship House, we recognize the importance of establishing trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship. Meeting with the couple and each partner individually helps lay the foundation for a collaborative and effective therapeutic journey.
Take the first step towards building a more connected and secure relationship today. Schedule an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) session with our experienced therapists at The Relationship House. Discover the transformative power of cultivating a relationship that can grow, heal, and thrive.