The Integration of Systems and Humanistic Approaches in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples / Die Integration von systemtheoretischen und humanistischen Ansätzen in die emotionsfokussierte Paartherapie / La integración de enfoques sistémicos y humanistas en la terapia de parejas enfocada a la emoción / L'Intégration d'Approches Systémiques et Humanistes dans la Thérapie Centrée-sur-l'Emotion pour des Couples / A integração de sistemas e abordagens humanistas na terapia de casais focada na emoção /

Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy: A Review of Theory and Practice

Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy is a relatively short-term and effective couples therapy developed to change the negative interaction cycles and emotional reactions of couples experiencing difficulties in their relationships. While laying the foundations of this approach, which focuses on emotions, humanist and systemic principles were used. In this article, it is aimed to present a compilation study that includes the theoretical and practical processes of emotion-focused couple therapy for mental health professionals. The basic assumptions of emotion-focused therapy and how these affect couple therapy practice are examined. Various themes are outlined, including working with emotion types, the role of the therapist, therapy phases, and case formulation. Types of emotion-focused couples therapy developed for specific groups of couples with a particular background have also been discussed. Finally, the strengths and limitations of the approach, its place in couples therapy, and suggestions for future research are presented.

Cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused couple therapy: Similarities and differences

Background

Couples and families often seek therapy to deal with relational distress, which is a result of external or internal factors of the relationship. Two approaches are acknowledged to be most effective in dealing with relationship distress or psychological disorders in couples: (a) cognitive behavioral couple therapy with new directions (CBCT) and (b) emotion-focused couple therapy (EFCT). In this article we investigate how much CBCT and EFCT really differ with regard to working with emotions, which is claimed to be a major focus of EFCT, and whether there exist significant differences in efficacy between these two approaches.

Method

This article critically reviews the theoretical background, process, techniques and outcomes associated with CBCT and EFCT in an effort to challenge the assumptions noted above.

Results

There is no evidence that EFCT is more emotion-focused than CBCT. Both approaches were repeatedly examined with RCT studies with follow-ups. In sum, no significant differences in effect size were found between CBCT and EFCT.

Conclusion

CBCT and EFCT are both effective in reducing couples’ distress.

CBCT and EFCT are both effective in helping couples deal with relationship distress.

Both are similarly effective in helping couples to better understand and cope with their presenting concerns.

Both approaches address the importance of personal schema, triggering relevant cognitions and emotions.

Both approaches help couples wherein one partner has been diagnosed with a clinical disorder.