Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Attachment theory provides a map for understanding relationships.
- Challenges in making therapy skills stick are addressed through EFT.
- Vulnerability plays a crucial role in creating authentic and fulfilling relationships.
Deep dives
Shift in Couples Therapy Approach
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) involves shifting the focus in couples therapy from skills development and negotiation to understanding the emotional dynamics within the partnership. Dr. Sue Johnson's work has brought attention to the significance of emotions and attachment theory in shaping the quality of relationships.
Foundation in Attachment Theory
Attachment theory serves as a guiding map in EFT, providing insights on how emotional connections influence relationship quality. By viewing relationship patterns through the lens of attachment theory, therapists and individuals can gain a better understanding of their interactions and address underlying emotional desires.
Identifying Problematic Patterns
EFT identifies patterns of interactions as the key focus, rather than attributing problems solely to the individuals involved. By recognizing and addressing recurring patterns that contribute to relationship distress, individuals can work towards fostering a more secure emotional connection.
Transition to Emotion-Focused Interactions
Through repeated cycles of interactions, EFT encourages a shift towards emotionally focused and relational interactions. This gradual process helps individuals delve into their deep emotional needs and desires, promoting vulnerability and authentic communication within the relationship.
Inherent Relational Nature
Sue Johnson emphasizes the intrinsic relationality of individuals, highlighting the fundamental need for emotional connection and support in human relationships. Reconnecting with the significance of relational bonds is central to therapeutic growth and restoring emotional well-being.
Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), joins Dr. Rick and Forrest to explore how insights from attachment theory can transform our relationships. They discuss how attachment theory provides a map for understanding relationships, the challenges of making skills learned in therapy stick, and the role of vulnerability in creating authentic and fulfilling relationships. In this episode you'll learn how to use insights from attachment theory and EFT to create secure and emotionally healthy relationships.
About our Guest: Dr. Sue Johnson is a clinical psychologist, researcher, professor, and the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a widely used and respected approach to couples therapy. She is considered one of the foremost experts in the field of attachment, and hKey Topics:
Key Topics:
0:00: Introduction
2:00: Why Sue created Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
8:55: Relationships as bonds, not bargains
12:20: Attachment theory as a “map,” and getting skills to stick
16:50: What it feels like to be in a bonding conversation
26:15: Validating vulnerabilities and “finding the raw spot”
31:35: Changing the way you relate to yourself
36:20: EFT vs. Internal Family Systems
38:40: “The Amygdala Whisperer,” and creating a new experience
40:35: Inherent goodness, and naming helplessness
45:40: Communicating how much you value others
51:50: Individualism, and getting comfortable with vulnerability
59:05: Recap
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