Emotion Focused Therapy Emotionally Focused Therapy EmotionFocused Therapy

Emotion Focused Therapy Emotionally Focused Therapy Emotion-Focused Therapy Emotion Focused Family Therapy Emotion Focused Couple Therapy Process-Experiential Therapy With Attachment Theory 1

Attachment Theory Developed since the 1950's by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth Secure Attachment provides … A Safe Haven - to come home to A Secure Base – to go out from Attachment Behaviour … Attachment behaviour includes proximity seeking Separation distress when absent From the Cradle to the Grave (p 69) 2

Attachment Theory 3

Attachment Theory Previous Modern concept of maturity has been the ability to differentiate from others. Sue's concept of maturity is being able to connect to others. Story of Sue's son and babysitter 4

Attachment Theory John Bowlby said. . (p 140) Secure Anxious resistant Anxious avoidant Disoriented disorganised Confident that parent available responsive & helpful Uncertain that parent will be available, responsive. inconsistent No confidence – parent will be there. May be rebuffed by parent Dazed, freeze, immobile, start-stop behaviour. History of abuse or neglect, or treated in an erratic or unpredictable way. Confident to explore the world Clinging, anxious, needy Attempts emotional selfsufficiency. Maybe later be called Narcissistic May be diagnosed with a personality disorder 5

Attachment Theory Secure Anxious Ambivalent (BB) Avoidant Fearful Avoidant Disorganized (BB) Supportive empathetic soothing open to ** collaborative communicative Vigilant, easily disappointed ambiguous messages Frightened Insecure No confidence – parent will be there. May be rebuffed by parent Dazed, freezes immobile, start-stop behaviour. History of abuse or neglect, or treated in an erratic or unpredictable way. Free autonomous Integrated Tolerant Supportive soothing Past & present confused. Patchy integration of right limbic system to prefrontal region Possible breaks in vertical & horizontal integration to suppress the innate need for attachment Internalised terror – victim or perpetrator Internal structures of rigidity and/or chaos 6

Secure Attachment is … An innate primary motiving principle in humans across the lifespan. An innate survival mechanism A natural antidote to anxiety and vulnerability A buffer against stress and uncertainty An optimal context for mature, flexible, & resourceful personality development Promotes the confidence to risk, learn, & update models of self & others. Provides the strength to reflect on one's behaviour, emotional responses & mental states Complements self-confidence & autonomy Better able to support others, & cope with conflict & stress Better relationships – happier, more stable, more satisfying (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007) 7

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