Emotive Therapy Research Articles

Developing guidelines on EFT for same-sex/gender relationships: Recommendations from a Delphi study.

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is one of few empirically supported treatments for relationship distress. While evidence-based approaches are critical for ensuring safe and effective treatment, EFT has not been adapted for use with same-sex/same-gender (SS/SG) relationships. This study used the Delphi method to generate consensus on treatment guidelines for using EFT with SS/SG relationships. Forty therapists with clinical expertise in EFT for SS/SG relationships were recruited. Data were collected in three phases. In phase one, participants responded to open-ended questions regarding how EFT should be adapted for SS/SG relationships. Phases two and three involved participants rating the importance of the recommended guidelines. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The final recommendations included 49 guidelines on EFT for SS/SG relationships. The data reflected modifications to therapists' foundational knowledge and development, practice set up and orientation, and the three stages and nine steps of EFT.

The Application of TCM Sentiment Treatment and Narrative Medicine in Infertility

Abstract: This study delves into the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emotional therapy with modern medical interventions in treating infertility, aiming to enhance the therapeutic outcomes for patients. It posits that infertility encompasses not only physical factors but also significant psychological and emotional dimensions. The synthesis of TCM emotional therapy and contemporary reproductive medicine signifies a paradigm shift in comprehending the interactions among health, emotions, psychology, and physiology. By analyzing the diagnostic and treatment methods of TCM, this study elucidates how emotional therapy can enhance modern treatments, thereby promoting a more holistic, patient-centered approach to infertility care. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of fostering a comprehensive understanding of health and disease within medical education.

Happiness Therapy and Emotion Regulation for Early Married Couples Facing Emotional Abuse in the Marelan Area

ABSTRACT Conflicts were Indonesia's most common causes of divorce in 2023, accounting for 251,828 instances, or 61.67% of total divorce cases. Emotional abuse is a significant problem that can affect any relationship, even young married. A research analysis discovered that counseling and therapies were beneficial in mitigating the detrimental impacts of emotional abuse. The aim of the study is happiness therapy and emotion regulation for early marriage couples. This study was a pre-experimental approach. The study's statistical population consisted of 8 couples selected as a sample by purposive and voluntary sampling. Then, the happiness therapy and emotional regulation therapy protocol by Seligman. The researcher implemented the therapy in three sessions of 60-90 minutes, Then, the approaches were performed in pairs for happiness therapy and emotional regulation therapy for each couple with a month follow-up. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. The study's findings suggest that, on a qualitative level, the informants' pre-therapy emotions were melancholy because of the emotionally abusive home environments they frequently experienced. Several informants felt disheartened and helpless to change their circumstances. Behavioral improvements were noted concerning happiness and emotional regulation. These included modifications to behaviors related to relying on calmness, communicating happiness without expressing emotion, and viewing happiness as a marriage obligation. This study can conclude that as couples learn to navigate their relationship dynamics with empathy and understanding, create a resilient partnership capable of weathering challenges without resorting to harmful behaviors. By prioritizing happiness therapy principles, couples can cultivate a harmonious union characterized by mutual respect and love.

The transition to Teletherapy: Experiences of emotionally focused therapists.

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based treatment for relational distress based on experiential, humanistic, and attachment theories. Despite the empirical support for EFT, there are no studies on EFT delivered via teletherapy. In this study, we aimed to understand therapists' experiences delivering EFT through teletherapy using open-ended questions on a web-based survey of certified EFT therapists (n = 69). Reflexive thematic analysis identified five themes: (1) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is similar to in-person therapy, (2) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging than in-person therapy, (3) Delivering EFT via teletherapy is more challenging with certain clients, (4) therapists adapted EFT for teletherapy, and (5) teletherapy and the COVID-19 pandemic changed therapy practice. The themes illustrated the mixed experiences of EFT therapists using teletherapy. Whereas some found it straightforward to use EFT via teletherapy with couples, others experienced exhaustion and barriers. Practice recommendations for delivering EFT via teletherapy are outlined, including modifying assessment strategies, implementing new safety protocols, and providing additional psychoeducation.

Predicting change in relationship distress and depressive symptoms among couples in Taiwan: The role of attachment, emotional expressivity, and gender roles in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

This pilot study examined predictors of change in relationship distress and depressive symptoms over the course of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in a one-arm, pragmatic clinical trial of 17 couples in Taiwan. Results revealed that masculine ideology, feminine ideology, traditionalism, and emotional expressivity at intake predicted change in relationship distress. Specifically, women's high traditional gender roles and traditionalism and both partners' high emotional expressivity at intake were associated with decreases in relationship distress over time. In addition, attachment and emotional expressivity predicted change in depressive symptoms. Specifically, high attachment avoidance, high attachment anxiety, and high emotional expressivity at intake were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms over time. While more research is needed, these findings offer preliminary support for the types of partners who may experience more improvement after receiving EFT in Taiwan.

Quelle réponse au trouble somatique fonctionnel : la filière ACSEPT

BackgroundFunctional somatic disorder (FSD) is a prevalent disorder that can be severely disabling for the patient and is associated with major health costs. There are few formalized care programs for these disorders in the country, and their management encounters various difficulties, both in the diagnosis and its announcement and the treatment. Cognitive-behavioural and emotional therapy (CBT) is the standard on psychiatry care, and its efficacy has been demonstrated through several randomised controlled studies on the intensity of physical and psychological symptoms. InterventionAt Lille's University Hospital Center, we have established the “ACSEPT” care pathway for TSF management which consists of a psychiatric consultation followed by an individual referral, including a treatment using repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or the integration of a CBT-based psychoeducation group. This group had the particularity of caring for all patients presenting FSD regardless of the associated physical symptoms. Educating medical professionals and conducting FSD research were other goals of ACSEPT. Discussion/conclusionACSEPT allows an improvement in the care offered to these patients with a defined orientation and interdisciplinary, early, organized cares that are repeatable. Our goal is to study the effectiveness of these different interventions in subsequent studies, to continue the development of ACSEPT and to be able to distribute this intervention at the regional level to establish a clear care program allowing early management of these patients.

A brief package of tele-sexual counseling based on Islamic emotion-focused therapy versus tele-sexual health education on sexual intimacy in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Physical and emotional changes in pregnancy may reduce sexual intimacy. Pregnant women need empowerment through short-term cultural-based interventions regarding sexual intimacy for better expression of sexual beliefs and expectations. Since studies are limited regarding Islamic emotion-focused therapy (IEFT), this study was conducted to compare the effect of tele-sexual counseling (IEFT) versus tele-sexual health education on sexual intimacy in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted among 52 pregnant women with gestational age at least 20–24 weeks through convince sampling referred to Amir Social Welfare Clinic, who were randomly assigned into two groups (each group = 26 women). The intervention group received online six weekly IEFT, and the control group participated in online sexual health education. Primary outcome sexual intimacy was measured via Botlani’s sexual intimacy questionnaire at baseline, end of intervention at week 6, and follow-up at week 10. Secondary outcome satisfaction was assessed via a satisfaction scale at weeks 6 and 10 of the intervention. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney, the T-test, the analysis of variance, and repeated measures in SPSS. RESULTS: Sexual intimacy was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline. Sexual intimacy was significantly high in the intervention group in weeks 6 (intervention group: 83.12 ± 5.22 versus control group: 70.62 ± 4.42) (P < 0.001) and 10 (intervention group: 84.08 ± 5.03 versus control group: 70.54 ± 4.37) (P < 0.001). Satisfaction in week 6 was 52.38 ± 10.48 in the intervention group versus 42.69 ± 10.98 in the control group (P = 0.001), and at week 10, it was 55.58 ± 10.71 in the intervention group versus 45.12 ± 11.56 in the control group (P = 0.001), with more satisfaction in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Both short-term tele-interventions, IEFT or sexual health, improved sexual intimacy and satisfaction, but Islamic EFT was significantly superior. It seems women need cultural-religious-based interventions such as IEFT to facilitate positive sexual relationship changes, assertiveness in sexual emotion expression, and compassion through the sharing of skills with the husband that can continue individually even after intervention. The study findings can be applied to midwifery education, prenatal care booklets, couple and sex counselors and therapists, and other health care providers.

Disability and infidelity with a cross-cultural couple: an emotionally focused therapy case study

ABSTRACT This clinical case study delves into the therapeutic process of a cross-cultural couple, facing the intersection of disability and infidelity concerns. This intersection illuminates the intricate dynamics that arise when couples navigate both the complexities of disability and the emotional turmoil associated with infidelity. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), case intervention unfolded through three distinct stages, revealing intricate emotional dynamics, attachment styles, and communication patterns. The study explores the couples’ narrative, negative interaction cycles, and distinct emotional processing styles, considering complicating factors such as immigration challenges, cultural norms, and online infidelity. To strengthen bonds, the therapeutic approach promotes cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and emotional connection. Despite time constraints and visa issues, the study highlights the efficacy of EFT in navigating the complexities of this cross-cultural couple. This case study contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay of disability, infidelity, and cultural diversity within the framework of couples’ therapy.

Emotional Schema Therapy for Adults Diagnosed with Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review

Emotional Schema Therapy for Adults Diagnosed with Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review

Transdiagnostic Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples with Co-Morbid Relational and Mood, Anxiety and Related Difficulties

AbstractThere is a clear association between relational dissatisfaction in romantic relationships and elevated mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The association can run in both directions and adds complexity to both relationship and individual difficulties. One of the most studied relationship therapy approaches, emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for couples, focuses on the interactional cycle between partners and also stresses the importance of soothing individual vulnerabilities in order to transform troublesome relational interactions. Thus far, there has not been an attempt to describe a systematic framework for using EFT to work with couples with co-morbid mental health issues. This paper aims to address this gap. It builds upon both recent work in transdiagnostic EFT for individuals, and the EFT for couples framework as optimal scaffolding for a transdiagnostic EFT approach that targets relational issues as well as depression- and anxiety-related presentations in couples. The paper outlines several ways how individual’s chronic emotional vulnerability has the potential to rise to clinical levels of distress and complicate a romantic relationship. The paper then outlines specific therapeutic strategies how to work with individual’s emotional vulnerability and symptom distress it may bring, in the context of the couple relationship. The individual’s emotional vulnerability work is tracked along with relational interactions, in an effort to provide healing and transformational interactions and emotional experiences. A case example from a current research project is outlined to illustrate the use of specific therapeutic strategies and the clinical application of the transdiagnostic EFT approach to couple therapy.

Prise en charge non médicamenteuse du TDAH

Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD) is characterized by difficulties in regulating the attention, emotions, behavior and motivation of affected children and adults.Before considering prescribing methylphenidate, expert recommendations insist on the use of non-pharmacological treatment to improve the quality of life of sufferers and their families.This article provides an overview of the therapeutic strategies available for children and adults, which may be offered following an assessment of specific needs: psychoeducation, parenting skills training programs, behavioral, cognitive and emotional therapy (CBT) programs and cognitive remediation programs.

Theory of a Well Mind.

Description In psychiatry residency, we have a didactic within our curriculum that focuses on psychotherapy. This subject culminates in our third year when our program's psychotherapy supervisor asks each of us to create our own personal theory. It allowed us to explore and apply what we had learned up until this point and formulate our own understanding of why people are the way that they are, how people change, and how to facilitate that growth through our theory. Each of us chose to represent our theory in unique ways, reflective of our personalities. One tech-savvy resident used AI and images. Another used a relevant case involving themes of feminism and cultural competency. I represented my theory through poetry. This theory has elements of emotion-focused therapy, attachment theory, and cognitive behavior therapy. Engaging in this style of learning left me with fulfillment and a newfound satisfaction for what I had learned.

To Explore the Relationship Between “Thinking” and Social Phobia Based on Emotional Inter-resistance Therapy

To Explore the Relationship Between “Thinking” and Social Phobia Based on Emotional Inter-resistance Therapy

Training to Reconnect With Emotional Awareness Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Participants With Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of an intervention, Training to Reconnect with Emotional Awareness Therapy (TREAT) at improving alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, anger, and global positive and negative affect in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DesignRandomized, waitlist control (WLC) trial with 3-month follow-up. SettingOutpatient brain injury rehabilitation center. ParticipantsAdult participants, who were on average 11.37 years postcomplicated mild-to-severe TBI and also had elevated alexithymia (n=44), who were randomized to immediate treatment (TREAT; n=20) or WLC (WLC=24). InterventionsEight sessions, structured training program that teaches emotional awareness and discrete labeling of emotions. Main Outcome MeasuresToronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale, Difficulty with Emotion Regulation Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9; State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS); and Patient Global Impression of Change. ResultsThirty-four participants completed the study per protocol. Compared with WLC participants (n=16) who had not yet received the intervention, TREAT participants (n=18) had significantly less alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, anxiety, and depression (all P’s<.05) within approximately 1 week of completing the intervention. Before/after results from the pooled sample (n=34) showed significant improvements, immediately and 3 months after the intervention, on all outcomes except the STAXI and the Positive Affect subscale of the PANAS. On the Patient Global Impression of Change, a noticeable change in global emotional function and quality of life was reported by 80%. Intent-to-treat analyses (n=38) revealed similar results to the per protocol sample. ConclusionsFindings support the efficacy of TREAT for reducing alexithymia and emotion dysregulation in individuals with chronic TBI. Although outcomes were also promising for anxiety and depression, more research using attention-control designs are warranted to control for the attention received during treatment.

Effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mindfulness and Affective Capital in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mindfulness and Affective Capital in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Integrating Sex Therapy with Emotionally Focused Therapy to Treat Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Much has been written about the need for greater integration between the fields of sex therapy and couples therapy, as sex is an integral part of many intimate relationships. Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) is a common relationship issue that couples therapists are likely to encounter; however, they receive limited and varying degrees of training on how to approach and treat sexual issues like SDD. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported approach to couples therapy that offers a structure for strengthening relational bonds. The current literature on using EFT for sexual issues in general, and desire discrepancy specifically, focuses on adapting EFT to treat sexual issues by mapping out the sexual cycle and using an attachment lens to increase emotional safety. The PLISSIT model and its extension the Ex-PLISSIT model are multi-pronged approaches commonly used in sex therapy that provide a guide for how to initiate and progress therapeutic treatment of sexual issues. This article explores how incorporating the PLISSIT and Ex-PLISSIT models into EFT can offer additional benefits to clients and practitioners alike.

Changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factors in schizophrenic patients with spiritual psychoreligious therapy.

To examine the effect of Spiritual Quranic Emotional Freedom Technique therapy on the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in schizophrenic patients. The quasi-experimental study was conducted from August to December 2021 at the Polytechnic of Health, Kendari, Indonesia, and comprised patients of either gender aged >20 years who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia by psychiatrists using the text-revised version of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, had Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score 50-60, and were part of the treatment programme at the polyclinic. They were divided into experimental group A and control group B. Patients in group A were given 30 days of Spiritual Quranic Emotional Freedom Technique therapy, while those in group B received only education about the spiritual therapy with the recommendation to listen to the Quran verses. A set of healthy controls memorizing the Quran was enrolled from the Islamic Boarding School, Kendari, and placed in group C. They were given education about the need to keep reading and learning the Quran. The intervention was done 2 times per week for 4 weeks. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level for all groups and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score for groups A and B were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 30 subjects, 16(53.3%) were females and 14(46.7%) were males. There were 11(36.7%) subjects aged 31-40 years. Each of the 3 groups had 10(33.3%) subjects. There was a significant decrease in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores in groups A and B post-intervention (p<0.000). There was a significant increase in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels post-therapy in groups A and C (p<0.001), while in group B it was not significant (p=0.500). Spiritual Quranic Emotional Freedom Technique therapy could enhance clinical improvement and brain function in schizophrenic patients.

Emotion-focused therapy for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized clinical controlled trial

BackgroundPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating condition, affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by severe periodic physical and psychological symptoms, which end after the onset of menstruation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for PMDD patients.MethodsA total of 48 PMDD women, in the age range of 18–44 years, were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 16 weeks of EFT treatment, while the control group was selected based on the waiting list (waitlist control group) and followed-up after three months. Forty-four patients finally completed this study. The participants completed the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) in the first premenstrual period before treatment, the first premenstrual period after treatment, and the premenstrual period three months after treatment.ResultsBased on the repeated measure analysis of variances, the total score of DERS and the total score of PSST decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Also, in DASS-21, the scores of depression and stress subscales reduced significantly (P < 0.05), while there was no significant decrease in the score of anxiety subscale (P > 0.05).ConclusionBased on the present results, EFT can be an effective treatment for alleviating the symptoms of PMDD. This treatment can reduce the emotion regulation difficulties of women with PMDD and alleviate the symptoms of depression and stress.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT ID: IRCT20220920055998N1, Registered on: 12/2/2023.

ENHANCING EMOTIONAL VOCABULARY FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERACY

Various aspects of language development, comprehension and neurological functioning contribute to reflective psychological attitudes and indicate the importance of language in understanding human behaviour. In this perspective we focus our attention on the role of emotional language in shaping psychological literacy. Our research mostly relies on the findings of the Theory of Constructed Emotion (TCE) and EmotionFocused Therapy (EFT) that confirmed the importance of emotional vocabulary in the process of forming the effective understanding of the emotions and creating new conscious experiences. Due to the development of affective neuroscience, emotional vocabulary is presented as a necessary tool for psychological studies of personality, emotions and mood that aim to increase empirical evidence on the ways how emotions are organised in the mind. Special attention is given to the phenomenon of blended emotions that refer to the simultaneous experience of two or more emotions. We show that the awareness of the complexity of emotional experience is directly related to finding words that capture combinations of a variety of emotions. Keywords: emotional vocabulary; psychological literacy; emotion awareness; emotional psychology

Sexual Assault Survivors’ Individual and Group Therapy Experiences at Rape Crisis Center

Survivors of sexual violence often experience short-and long-term mental and physical health conditions due to the victimization. Rape Crisis Centers are community-based advocacy organizations that provide free supportive services to survivors of sexual assault, such as 24-hour crisis hotlines, medical advocacy, individual and group therapeutic services, and victim advocacy services for those with cases within the criminal justice system. However, the efficacy of these services in assisting survivors is not well known, often due to researchers’ lack of access to clients. In this paper, we investigate the experiences of survivors directly from the survivors receiving psychotherapy services from a Rape Crisis Center in an urban jurisdiction in the Midwestern United States. We qualitatively interviewed nine survivors who attended individual and/or group therapy. In-depth analysis showed that four themes emerged regarding their experiences. Two themes pertain to positive outcomes—emotional processing and group therapy dynamics. One theme concerns obstacles. The final theme relates to suggestions for service improvement. The discussion includes summaries of the reflective findings and recommendations for future practice. This research contributes to informing and improving practices and policies to better serve survivors of sexual assault.