Often when we see a woman for treatment at the Center, we find that part of what she may be struggling with is her relationship. When that is a part of what is going on we may refer the patient for couples therapy. This is partly why our treatment is so effective. We can increase your desire but then we may need to make sure you have the tools for reconnecting with your partner after we do.
After studying many different treatment modalities for working with couples, I have found Emotionally Focused Therapy created by Sue Johnson to be the most effective. Many other treatment models focus on ideas of compromise, looking at past patterns or possibly family history. The beauty of EFT is that it focuses on people’s emotions. It hones in on one’s emotional experience so that individual begins to understand what they are feeling and so that their partner can also begin to understand them. It creates empathy, understanding and connection. Through that process of exploration, new experiences are created and hopefully deeper connections between the partners are created.
“Rigorous studies during the past fifteen years have shown that 70 to 75 percent of couples who go through EFT recover from distress and are happy in their relationships. The results appear lasting, even with couples that are high risk for divorce. EFT focuses on creating and strengthening this emotional bond between partners by identifying and transforming the key moments that foster an adult loving relationship: being open, attuned and responsive to each other.” ( Hold Me Tight, by Sue Johnson) A responsive and attentive partner, much like good parenting, creates an individual that can thrive.
EFT therapists now exist on every continent and more are being trained all the time. I personally see individuals and couples in New York City, Westchester and we just opened a satellite office in Brooklyn.