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The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy in Couples Therapy a Review

Summary/Abstract: Romantic relationships have significant effects on individuals’ psychological health, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. Conflicts, emotional distancing, communication problems, and attachment difficulties experienced within couple relationships may negatively affect both individual and relational functioning. Therefore, couple therapies constitute an important intervention method in addressing relationship problems. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), which is based on attachment theory and places emotional experiences at the center of therapeutic change, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This approach aims to restructure negative interaction patterns between partners and enhance their responsiveness to each other’s emotional needs. The purpose of this review study is to examine the theoretical foundations, therapeutic process, and effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy in couple relationships. Within the scope of the study, the relevant literature was reviewed, and its effects on relationship satisfaction, secure attachment, emotional intimacy, and couple adjustment were evaluated. Findings from the literature indicate that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy increases relationship satisfaction, strengthens the emotional bond between partners, and improves relationship functioning. Furthermore, various meta-analyses and experimental studies have demonstrated that EFCT is one of the most empirically supported approaches among couple therapy interventions. Nevertheless, certain limitations exist, including cultural differences, sample diversity, and the limited number of long-term follow-up studies. In conclusion, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is considered an effective therapeutic approach that promotes secure attachment, enhances emotional intimacy, and improves relationship satisfaction within couple relationships. Furthermore, increasing the number of studies investigating the applicability of this approach in diverse cultural contexts and evaluating its long-term effectiveness may provide important contributions to the existing literature.

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