| This assignment will be submitted to Turnitin™. | |
| Instructions | |
| For this assignment, you will apply an EFT lens to examine a case scenario where the rules have changed in a relationship. You will consider how EFT could be integrated into a case to best approach a presenting problem (rule or role change). This paper includes three parts. Part 1 – The Relationship You will create a scenario of clients that are coming in for relationship counseling because of a major shift in role or rule changes. Pick one of the following scenarios to create a case for your paper:
The first part of your paper will be a case conceptualization of your fictional case. You will expand on the chosen scenario that you picked, be creative. Your case conceptualization (1-2 pages) should include: 1. A clear description of the presenting problem. 2. Background of the clients (e.g., important or notable aspects of what they bring with them, could include age, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, culture, mental health background, physical health background, etc.). 3. A discussion of the systemic elements you see within the relationship (e.g., what are their patterns of interaction). 4. The strengths that you see in the couple and the individual. 5. An EFT therapeutic goal for the partners. Part 2 – Model Description and Application Write a 1 to 2-page description of the EFT model and how it can be applied to relationship work. Part 3 – Interventions Write a 1 to 2-page summary of the major EFT interventions that you might apply to working with your fictional case and your reflections on applying the model to this case. Length: 4-6 pages References: Include a minimum of 4 scholarly resources. The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA standards, and adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Cardona, B., Bedi, R. P., & Crookston, B.J. (2019). Choosing love over tradition: Lived experiences of Asian Indian marriages. The Family Journal, 27(3), 278-286. Couples boundaries: Rigid, permeable and transparent. Motter, B. L., & Softas-Nall, L. (2021). Experiences of transgender couples navigating one partner’s transition: Love is gender blind. The Family Journal, 29(1), 60-71. Brigance, C. A., Brown, E. C., & Cottone, R. R. (2021). Therapeutic intervention for couples experiencing infertility: An emotionally focused couples therapy approach. The Family Journal, 29(1),72-79. Allan, R. (2016). The use of Emotionally Focused Therapy with separated or divorced couples. Canadian Journal of Counselling & Psychotherapy, 50, S62–S79.
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Part 1 – The Relationship
Scenario: A couple that has been together for several years and had specific gender roles that were agreed upon; however, one partner feels a need to shift these.
Case Conceptualization:
- Presenting Problem: Sarah and Alex have been married for ten years. Throughout their relationship, they adhered to traditional gender roles where Alex, as the husband, was the primary breadwinner, and Sarah, as the wife, took care of the household and children. Recently, Sarah has expressed her desire to pursue a career outside the home, which has created tension and conflict in their relationship.
- Background of the Clients: Sarah is 35 years old, a stay-at-home mom, and identifies as heterosexual. Alex is 38 years old, works as an accountant, and identifies as heterosexual. They have two children, ages 7 and 5. Both Sarah and Alex come from conservative backgrounds where traditional gender roles are strongly emphasized.
- Systemic Elements: The couple’s interactions reflect a pattern where Sarah feels unfulfilled and restricted by her role as a homemaker, while Alex struggles with adjusting to the idea of Sarah pursuing a career. Communication breakdowns have become frequent as they navigate this significant shift in their relationship dynamics.
- Strengths: Despite their current challenges, Sarah and Alex share a deep emotional bond and a commitment to their family. They both possess strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to seek help to improve their relationship.
- EFT Therapeutic Goal: The therapeutic goal for Sarah and Alex is to rebuild trust, enhance communication, and foster mutual understanding and support as they navigate this transition in their relationship. Ultimately, the aim is to create a new dynamic where both partners feel empowered and valued.
Now, let’s move on to Part 2 and describe the EFT model and its application to relationship work.
Part 2 – Model Description and Application
Description of the EFT Model:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective approach to couples therapy that focuses on the emotional bonds between partners. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is based on attachment theory, which posits that humans have an innate need to seek and maintain emotional connections with others. EFT aims to help couples identify and restructure the negative patterns of interaction that contribute to relationship distress, leading to greater emotional intimacy and security.
In EFT, therapists work with couples to explore underlying emotions and attachment needs, helping them express vulnerable feelings and communicate effectively. The therapy process typically involves three stages:
- Assessment and De-escalation: The therapist helps the couple identify their negative interaction patterns and underlying emotions, creating a safe space for each partner to express their feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. Through validation and empathy, the therapist helps de-escalate conflict and promote understanding.
- Restructuring the Attachment Bond: Once negative patterns are identified, the therapist guides the couple in reshaping their attachment bond by promoting emotional accessibility and responsiveness. Couples learn to express their needs and fears openly, fostering greater intimacy and trust in the relationship.
- Consolidation and Integration: In the final stage, couples consolidate their new patterns of interaction and integrate them into their daily lives. They develop skills for maintaining emotional connection and navigating future challenges, ensuring long-term relationship success.
Application to Relationship Work:
In the case of Sarah and Alex, EFT can be applied to address their conflict surrounding shifting gender roles. By using EFT techniques, the therapist can help Sarah and Alex explore their underlying emotions and attachment needs related to this issue. Sarah may uncover feelings of inadequacy and a desire for autonomy, while Alex may express fears of losing control and identity.
The therapist can guide the couple in reframing their negative interaction patterns, such as criticism and defensiveness, into more constructive communication styles characterized by empathy and validation. Through experiential interventions, such as enactments and shaping new interactions, Sarah and Alex can learn to express their needs and fears openly, leading to greater emotional connection and understanding.
Overall, EFT provides a framework for Sarah and Alex to navigate their relationship transition with compassion and support, ultimately strengthening their emotional bond and creating a more fulfilling partnership.
Next, let’s move on to Part 3 and discuss major EFT interventions for working with this fictional case.
Part 3 – Interventions
In working with Sarah and Alex, several key interventions from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can be employed to address their relational challenges:
- Identifying Negative Interaction Patterns: The therapist helps Sarah and Alex identify their negative cycles of interaction, such as Alex’s tendency to withdraw when Sarah expresses her desire for a career outside the home, or Sarah’s criticism of Alex’s traditional views. By recognizing these patterns, the couple gains insight into their dynamic and can work towards interrupting them.
- Promoting Emotional Expression: Through empathic listening and validation, the therapist encourages Sarah and Alex to express their underlying emotions and attachment needs related to the issue of shifting gender roles. Sarah may express feelings of frustration and longing for fulfillment, while Alex may reveal fears of inadequacy or loss of control. Validating these emotions creates a sense of safety and connection within the therapeutic space.
- Reframing Perspectives: The therapist helps Sarah and Alex reframe their perspectives on the issue of gender roles. Rather than viewing each other as adversaries, they are encouraged to see themselves as allies working towards mutual understanding and support. By shifting their focus from blame to collaboration, the couple can approach the problem with greater empathy and openness.
- Enactments and Role-Plays: Through enactments, Sarah and Alex can practice new ways of communicating and interacting around the issue of shifting gender roles. Role-plays allow them to experiment with different responses and perspectives, fostering flexibility and adaptability in their relationship dynamics.
- Creating Shared Meaning: The therapist guides Sarah and Alex in co-creating a shared vision for their relationship that incorporates their individual goals and values. By exploring their hopes and dreams for the future together, the couple strengthens their emotional bond and renews their commitment to each other.
- Homework Assignments: Between sessions, Sarah and Alex may be given homework assignments designed to reinforce the skills and insights gained in therapy. For example, they may be asked to engage in regular check-ins to discuss their feelings and needs regarding the issue of gender roles, or to practice active listening techniques during everyday conversations.
Reflecting on the application of EFT to this case, it is evident that the model offers a comprehensive framework for addressing relational challenges with compassion and understanding. By focusing on the underlying emotions and attachment needs driving negative interaction patterns, EFT helps couples like Sarah and Alex cultivate greater emotional intimacy and resilience in their relationship.
In conclusion, through the integration of EFT interventions, Sarah and Alex can navigate the process of renegotiating their gender roles with empathy and mutual respect, ultimately strengthening their bond and fostering a more fulfilling partnership.
With the completion of Part 3, your assignment provides a thorough examination of applying an EFT lens to a case scenario of relationship change.