Cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused couple therapy: Similarities and differences.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2020;
2:e2741. [PMID:
36398146 PMCID:
PMC9645475 DOI:
10.32872/cpe.v2i3.2741]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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