It’s not uncommon for families to assume that “everyone has issues.” Perhaps you argue with your family members differently than you do with others. Or, you might think that your issues are the same as in any other family.
One or more people within your family unit might be struggling severely. It also might feel as though none of you are communicating effectively. In many situations, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) might be the best solution.
EFFT allows each member of the family to feel safe and secure when it comes to opening up about specific issues. When people feel more confident in a neutral environment, they’re more likely to open up so things can finally get resolved.
Is EFFT right for you? How can it improve your everyday family life?
1. It Creates a Positive Environment
EFFT can help to create an environment of safety, security, and respect between family members. That’s something that isn’t always possible when you’re home or trying to have a conversation together on your own.
Family members within the sessions learn how to form that environment, making it easier for parents to communicate with children and vice versa.
When the environment itself feels secure, people are more likely to talk openly and honestly, welcoming vulnerability. This approach can be constructive when it comes to children who might not be able to be as vulnerable at home.
Thankfully, with the skills learned in EFFT, you can start to create the same secure environment with your family no matter where you are. Therefore, you can work out issues together at any time.
2. It Addresses Individual Concerns
Families can struggle for plenty of reasons. Sometimes, there’s a breakdown between siblings or between parents and children. Though, it doesn’t always directly involve every member of the family. There may be two people who can’t seem to communicate effectively or who are always arguing. As a result, the rest of the family is in discord.
EFFT can not only help families work on “group” issues, but it can also help to address individual concerns from each person. When that happens, everyone is allowed to speak about any issues they feel are a problem. It will enable every family member to be fully heard so that they can feel understood and validated.
3. It Creates a Stronger Bond
As each concern — big or small — of family members is brought up, a therapist will use different methods that will help each person to understand each other better. From there, family members can learn to deal with underlying emotions. Even negative patterns that may have been going on for years can surface.
When you truly understand how someone in your family is feeling, you’re able to communicate with them from a healthier standpoint. That can create less conflict, more reasoning, and a familial environment where everyone feels more comfortable.
Over time, families who have gone through EFFT will learn to use those skills in their everyday lives. So, they can communicate more openly, allow themselves to be vulnerable, and express their needs healthily.
Should You Consider EFFT?
If you’re wondering whether EFFT is right for your family, take a look at how you interact with each other daily. Are there issues that no one can seem to resolve? Do you struggle to communicate with specific members of your family? Are your communication issues creating problems for others?
If so, your family could benefit from EFFT and learn how to communicate more effectively. If you would like information about EFFT or if you have any questions about how to start the process, contact me to learn more. I offer family therapy in Colorado.