Using Micro-analyzing Tools to Investigate Therapist Skills in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy With Couples in a High-Conflict Relationship

Abstract

The study focuses on the initial phase of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and explores techniques and skills therapists employ to break and de-escalate conflictual cycles in relationships. Using micro-analysis, the researchers examined a 50-minute therapy session with a couple in a high-conflict relationship that was conducted by Dr. Susan Johnson. The research team identified and classified the therapist's skills with moment-by-moment interactional processes. A tiering system was developed to examine skills. A total of 404 therapist skills were analyzed. We observed reflecting 90 times, reframing 84 times, cycle work 56 times, validating 50 times, asking evocative questions 48 times, accessing underlying emotions 32 times, heightening emotions 28 times, and enactmentlike skills 16 times. Results showed that the therapist combined active listening methods with EFT-specific strategies such as accessing underlying emotions, highlighting emotions, tracking interactional cycles, and facilitating communication via enactments. Findings are discussed along with implications for clinical training.