HEALING TOXIC INJURIES IN LOVE RELATIONSHIPS: EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY (EFT) WITH DR. SUE JOHNSON – SUSAN JOHNSON
Attachment theory and science offers couple therapist a map to key moments of injury and betrayal that undermine the safety of the bond between partners, destroy trust and block the creation of positive interactions. Attachment injuries occur when our expectations of secure bonding are violated in traumatic events such as affairs and abandonments at crucial moments of need such as medical diagnosis, job loss, miscarriage or loss of a parent. The therapist has to know how to systematically shape the forgiveness of such injuries and use this process in the service of helping the couple create a more secure bond. The EFT forgiveness model has 8 steps and constitutes a corrective emotional experience that restores trust and changes the impact of the injury on the relationship. Research has found this to be effective.
- The identification and understanding of attachment injuries and their impact
- The manner in which the EFT forgiveness model fits into the overall structure of therapy
- The specific steps in this model and the interventions used by the therapist.
The successful structuring of forgiveness interactions can be a bonding experience that redefines the relationship in itself or can remove the blocks of fear and resentment that prevent the creation of such experiences. Case examples are used throughout.
- Describe and define attachment injuries and their impact
- Outline the 8 steps in the forgiveness process and the key features of an effective apology
- Describe the interventions used by the therapist
- EFT forgiveness model
- Identification of attachment injuries
- Restoring trust
- Case examples of specific EFT interventions
