Emotive Therapy Research Articles

The effect of childhood interpersonal trauma on social anxiety: Implications for using emotion-focused therapy with young adults

Abstract According to emotion-focused therapy (EFT), childhood interpersonal trauma predicts social anxiety in adulthood through internalized shame. While internalized shame is characterized by the negative self-evaluation of the self, the mechanism linking childhood trauma and internalized shame remains unclear. This study examined whether emotional clarity, as posited by EFT, serves as a mediating factor between childhood interpersonal trauma and subsequent internalized shame. Specifically, it investigated the sequential mediating effect of emotional clarity and internalized shame on the relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and social anxiety among Korean college students. A group of 202 undergraduate students in South Korea participated in the study by completing self-report questionnaires on key variables. The research model was evaluated using structural equation modeling. The results showed that the model fit was acceptable, explaining 46% of the variance for social anxiety. The indirect effect of childhood interpersonal trauma on social anxiety via internalized shame was significant at the p < .05 level. The indirect effect of childhood interpersonal trauma on social anxiety through emotional clarity and internalized shame was also significant at the p < .05 level. The findings support the applicability of an EFT model for working with young adults with social anxiety. Childhood interpersonal trauma can foster a shame-ridden/defective-self scheme, leading to anxiety in social situations where perceived flaws might be ridiculed. Improving one’s emotional clarity is likely to alleviate internalized shame, consequentially reducing social anxiety.

Characteristics of vocal cues, facial action units, and emotions that distinguish high from low self-protection participants engaged in self-protective response to self-criticizing

IntroductionSelf-protection, also called protective anger or assertive anger, is a key factor in mental health. Thus, far, researchers have focused mainly on the qualitative analysis of self-protection.MethodsTherefore, we investigated facial action units, emotions, and vocal cues in low and high self-protective groups of participants in order to detect any differences. The total sample consisted of 239 participants. Using the Performance factor in the Short version of the Scale for Interpersonal Behavior (lower 15th percentile and upper 15th percentile) we selected 33 high self-protective participants (11 men, 22 women) and 25 low self-protective participants (eight men, 17 women). The self-protective dialogue was recorded using the two-chair technique script from Emotion Focused Therapy. The subsequent analysis was performed using iMotions software (for action units and emotions) and Praat software (for vocal cues of pitch and intensity). We used multilevel models in program R for the statistical analysis.ResultsCompared to low self-protective participants, high self-protective participants exhibited more contempt and fear and less surprise and joy. Compared to low self-protective participants, high self-protective participants expressed the action units the following action units less often: Mouth Open (AU25), Smile (AU12), Brow Raise (AU2), Cheek Raise (AU6), Inner Brow Raise (AU1), and more often Brow Furrow (AU4), Chin Raise (AU17), Smirk (AU12), Upper Lip Raise (AU10), and Nose Wrinkle (AU9). We found no differences between the two groups in the use of vocal cues.DiscussionThese findings bring us closer to understanding and diagnosing self-protection.

Affect Bridge: A Therapeutic Technique for Trauma Processing

The Affect Bridge technique borrowed from ego state therapy is related to techniques in contemporary models such as emotion-focused therapy, internal family systems therapy, and Schema therapy. Affect Bridge uses vivid imagery and somatic cues to access emotions that cannot be recalled or expressed. The technique facilitates exposure to avoided experiences and transformation of perceptions, feelings, cognitions, and behaviors associated with adverse or traumatic events. The intervention is not a stand-alone treatment. Instead, Affect Bridge fits a transtheoretical approach to trauma access, processing, and resolution. Functions of the technique and instructions for implementation are described. A clinical case study illustrates the application of Affect Bridge. The technique is described in the contexts of treatment planning and the therapeutic relationship.

키워드 네트워크 분석을 활용한 유아 놀이치료 관련 연구동향 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine research trends related to infant play therapy using keyword network analysis. Methods For this purpose, a total of 486 academic theses related to the keywords of ‘young child’ and ‘play therapy’ were collected from RISS. The collected keywords were refined through excel, and the refined keywords were analyzed using the Netminer 4.0 program to analyze the keyword frequency, co-occurrence frequency, network attributes and centrality (connection, proximity, and mediation) of the top 30 keywords among all keywords, and visualized the analysis results. Results First, as for the frequency of keywords appearing in the research related to children's play therapy, ‘Art Therapy’ was the highest frequency, followed by ‘Group Art Therapy’ and ‘Emotional Intelligence’. As for the frequency of co-occurrence, ‘emotional intelligence-group art therapy’ showed the highest frequency, followed by ‘sociality-problem behavior’, ‘sociality-group art therapy’, and ‘emotional intelligence-art therapy’. Second, the analysis of the centrality of the research related to children's play therapy showed that ‘Art Therapy’, ‘Group Art Therapy’, and ‘Problem Behavior’ were equally high in connection centrality, proximity centrality, and mediation centrality.Next, the connection centrality was shown in the order of ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘self-esteem’, the proximity centrality was shown in the order of ‘self-esteem’ and ‘emotional intelligence’, and the mediating centrality was shown in the order of ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘music therapy’. Conclusions The results of this study are meaningful in providing implications for the theme and direction of infant play therapy research by grasping the trends of play therapy research for infants, and it is expected that the research on infant play therapy will become a guide for future research and revitalize related research.

Comparison of the Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mental Vitality in Caregivers of Elderly Parents

Introduction: Caregiving burden for older adults can impose significant physical and emotional demands, leading to a reduction in mental vitality among caregiver children. Effective psychological interventions are crucial to enhance their well-being. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included two psychological interventions: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), with baseline, post-test, and follow-up phases, along with a control group for comparison. The research population comprised female caregivers who accompanied their older adults to health centers in Tehran. From a total of 169 individuals, 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each, forming two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected using the Ryan and Frederick Mental Vitality Questionnaire, and multivariate covariance analysis was applied for data analysis to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Results: The analysis showed that both ACT and EFT interventions significantly improved the mental vitality of caregiver children in the post-test and follow-up stages compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Additionally, EFT demonstrated a greater impact on enhancing mental vitality compared to ACT. Conclusion: Emotion-focused interventions, such as EFT, can be considered a more effective approach for improving the mental vitality of caregiver children of older adults. This highlights the importance of incorporating tailored emotional support strategies in caregiver assistance programs.

Susan M. Johnson (1947-2024).

Memorializes Susan M. Johnson (1947-2024). Johnson was a world-leading researcher, therapist, and the primary developer of emotionally focused therapy (EFT), the leading form of couple therapy. Her innovative approach to therapy, which is also used with individuals and families, focuses on the power of emotion to create change and is based in attachment science. Johnson actively used research to develop, refine, and advance EFT. She was a distinguished research professor at Alliant International University, a professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and a professor emeritus of clinical psychology at the University of Ottawa. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effectiveness of written emotional disclosure interventions for eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEating disorders are illnesses that can seriously impair the health and wellbeing of patients. Written emotional disclosure has been recognized as a therapeutic technique that may be helpful in aiding patients’ emotional and psychological adjustment. However, it is unclear what favorable effects eating disorder patients can derive from written emotional disclosure therapy. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of written emotional disclosure in treating eating disorders using a systematic review and meta-analysis.ObjectiveThis study was to examine the validity of written emotional disclosure intervention for eating disorders as well as to provide guidelines for the management of eating disorders in patients.MethodsResearchers independently developed inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS principle and systematically searched English literature databases such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EBSCO, Embase, and so on, from the time of library construction to December 2023. Cochrane Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB 2) was used to evaluate studies included in this review. All the studies included in this study were randomized controlled trials. Accurate information was extracted and then subjected to meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.4 software. The credibility of the evidence of the studies was assessed using GRADEprofiler 3.6 software.ResultsThe final analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1,444 participants. The written emotional disclosure intervention can decrease eating disorder symptoms scores (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.34, −0.05], Z = 2.59, p = 0.01), body dissatisfaction scores (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.21, 0.52], Z = 4.59, p < 0.001), and thin ideal internalization score (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI [0.22, 0.62], Z = 4.12, p < 0.001). Anxiety scores (MD = 0.43, 95% CI [−0.77, 1.63], Z = 0.70, p = 0.48), depression scores (MD = −0.66, 95% CI [−1.78, 0.47], Z = 1.14, p = 0.25) and negative affect scores (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI [−0.24, 1.27], Z = 1.33, p = 0.18), with no statistically significant differences.ConclusionIn conclusion, this systematic review analyzed the existing literature and showed that written emotional disclosure intervention is effective in alleviating eating disorder symptoms and patients’ body image problems, but there is insufficient evidence in alleviating depression, anxiety, and negative affect. However, the evidence is limited. Therefore, more research is needed in the future to further enrich the evidence for written emotional disclosure intervention in the field of eating disorders.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/,CRD42023445577.

Brain-Computer Interface Application in Recognition and Regulation of Emotion

This paper investigates the application of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology in the realms of emotion recognition and regulation. BCI technology facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices, offering significant promise for improving human-environment interactions, particularly with regard to the identification and modulation of emotional states. By analyzing brain signals, such as electroencephalography, this study classifies emotions based on widely recognized models, including Ekmans model and the Russell circumplex model. To enhance the precision of emotion classification, machine learning algorithms, such as support vector machines and neural networks, are utilized. Moreover, this study explores BCIs potential in emotion regulation, focusing on neurofeedback and brain stimulation methods like transcranial direct current stimulation, which have shown therapeutic potential, particularly for disorders related to emotional dysregulation. Additionally, the paper delves into the integration of BCI with virtual reality to create immersive environments conducive to emotional therapy. Despite its considerable potential, BCI technology faces obstacles such as low data transmission rates and the complexities associated with user training. Nonetheless, the integration of BCI technology within Industry 4.0 frameworks holds promising opportunities for optimizing human-machine interactions and improving workplace safety.

Longitudinal pathways from emotional abuse to problematic gaming in adolescents: The role of psychoticism.

Problematic gaming (PG) has emerged as a major concern due to its potential impact on adolescents' everyday lives. Emotional abuse (EA) and psychoticism are considered factors influencing PG, but their long-term interactions have not been extensively studied. This research investigates these relationships over time using the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model. The study involved 1902 Italian adolescents (mean age=15.45, SD=1.10) in a three-wave longitudinal study. Surveys were conducted at the beginning (T1), after six months (T2), and after twelve months (T3). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate bidirectional relationships and mediation effects among the variables. The findings indicated that EA consistently predicted both psychoticism and PG, while psychoticism consistently predicted PG. However, psychoticism did not predict EA, and PG did not predict either EA or psychoticism. Significant mediation effects were found from EA at T1 to PG at T3 through EA at T2, psychoticism at T2, and PG at T2, as well as from psychoticism at T1 to PG at T3 through psychoticism at T2 and PG at T2. No significant indirect effect was observed from psychoticism at T2 to PG at T3 through EA at T2. The results suggest that adolescents experiencing EA are more prone to PG, with psychoticism worsening this effect. Effective interventions might include emotional support programs and therapies targeting psychoticism traits. Combining these approaches could improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with PG.

Growth in challenging situations: A qualitative investigation of therapists’ experience of delivering emotion-focused therapy

Objective: Psychotherapy does not work equally well for all clients. For research to support clinicians in helping more clients, we need to better understand the process of when therapy become particularly challenging. In this study, we investigated challenging change processes from the therapists’ perspective when applying Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Method: We interviewed 14 therapists trained in EFT about their experiences of difficulties with applying EFT to clients with varying severity of mental health difficulties. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were constructed. Three describing what EFT therapist find challenging; (1) Challenges in the therapeutic relationship, (2) When feelings are too big, too small or difficult to experience, (3) Matching EFT with the client’s challenges, and two describing therapist responses to the challenges: (4) Do I know EFT, and what would I have needed to know more? (5) What do I do when it becomes difficult? A total of 20 subthemes were identified. Conclusion: Reported experiences of applying EFT to a diverse population suggests a need for either model refinement or strengthening of the dissemination process to better enable EFT-therapists to help clients with more severe mental health difficulties.

Emotion-focused treatment for self-criticism in a nonclinical population: A randomized controlled trial.

Self-criticism is a transdiagnostic phenomenon associated with different psychopathological manifestations in clinical and nonclinical samples. This fact has led to an increase in research on its measurement and treatment. This study seeks to examine the effects of emotion-focused therapy on self-criticism in a nonclinical population through pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up questionnaires. The study was designed as a randomized control trial comparing emotion-focused therapy for self-criticism (n = 24) versus a wait-list control group (n = 28). The efficacy was evaluated using Inadequate Self and Hated Self scales of Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring scale, as well as measures of depression, general distress, and interpersonal problems. The results showed significant improvements on the inadequate self, depression, general distress, self-compassion, and self-reassuring measures at the end of the treatment for emotion-focused therapy condition in comparison with the control, with most of the changes also being maintained in the follow-up. The results show the promise of emotion-focused therapy as a way of treating self-criticism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Progress of systematic psychological interventions in elderly patients with femoral fractures: A comprehensive review

This review aims to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological state of elderly patients with femoral fractures and provide more theoretical and practical support for clinical treatment and care. Through a literature analysis, we found that elderly patients with femoral fractures face various psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and social isolation. The application of systematic nursing interventions in clinical practice, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, family therapy, art therapy, interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and relaxation training, has yielded significant results. Systematic psychological interventions can improve the psychological state and quality of life of elderly patients with femoral fractures. Therefore, promoting the application and practice of systematic psychological interventions in the clinical care of elderly patients with fractures will provide more effective psychological services to a wider group of patients with fractures in the future.

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 effects of continuous care utilizing rational emotive therapy on prostate cancer patients

AbstractThis study is to investigate the impact of rational emotive behaviour therapy in conjunction with continuity nursing on the negative emotions and quality of life of patients with radical prostatectomy (RPT). A total of 82 patients who underwent RPT for prostate cancer and were admitted to our department between November 2020 and October 2021 were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received conventional nursing interventions, while the observation group received rational emotion therapy combined with continuity of care interventions. The patients' negative emotions and quality of life in the two groups were compared. The Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self‐assessment Scale of Depression (SDS) scores of the observation group after nursing care were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the scores of the observation group in the dimensions of vitality (VT), physiological functioning (PF), general health (GH), affective functioning (RE), mental health (MH), and social functioning (SF) were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the differences in both scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The combination of rational emotion therapy and continuity nursing has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on prostate cancer patients. It has been shown to effectively relieve patients' negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety, and to improve the quality of survival. This approach is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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.