Transforming emotion schemes in emotion focused therapy: a case study investigation

Abstract

This research involved a qualitative single-case study, observational design aimed at examining and potentially refining the State-transitional model of emotional processing of distress model, of emotion transformation in psychotherapy in delineating the stages of emotion transformation within and across Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) sessions for depression that produced effective outcomes. The model assumes that the client initially presents with undifferentiated emotions, but gradually becomes increasingly able to differentiate the underlying painful emotions of shame, fear, and associated unmet needs. Eventually through therapy, the client becomes capable of accessing more adaptive states such as self-soothing and protective anger. The study examined video recordings of sixteen sessions of EFT, conducted with a female Caucasian participant that met criteria for major depressive disorder. Using the State-transitional model of emotional processing of distress model as the base for qualitative analysis, moment-to-moment shifts in client affective-meaning states, emotional arousal and emotional productivity were examined. Overall the model of emotional processing was found to be compatible with the sequence of emotions and the process of change, with some suggested refinements to the model, relating to this case. These refinements involve the highlighting of behavioral and emotional avoidance that contributed to the lack of emotional processing. They further highlight loneliness as 25 a distinct feature of the core pain.