EFT Cycle Worksheet

What is emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, offers a fresh perspective on adult romantic relationships rooted in attachment theory. This innovative approach has demonstrated remarkable success in assisting troubled couples in enhancing their connection and strengthening their relationship. Recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), EFT is supported by robust research validating its effectiveness.

EFT operates on the premise that the body's energy system disruptions cause emotional issues. Individuals can effectively clear energy blockages and restore balance by tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on the problem. This technique is often referred to as "tapping."

What is the EFT cycle?

The EFT cycle is a model that explains how emotions, thoughts, and actions interact within relationships. It's based on attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of secure emotional connections. This theory suggests that people tend to fall into repetitive patterns of interaction, often negative ones.

The EFT cycle typically comprises three stages. Each stage builds upon the previous one, moving from reducing conflict to enhancing connection and ensuring these improvements are lasting.

1. De-escalation: Focuses on reducing negative interactions to create a safer emotional environment.
2. Restructuring interactions: Aims to improve emotional responsiveness and foster positive cycles of interaction.
3. Consolidation: Solidifies the changes, integrating new interaction patterns into the relationship's fabric for long-term stability.

What is an EFT Cycle Worksheet?

An EFT Cycle Worksheet can help individuals or couples identify and understand the patterns of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that characterize their relationship dynamics. This worksheet typically consists of sections where clients can outline triggers, emotional responses, and negative interactional patterns within their relationship.

By completing the worksheet, clients and therapists can gain insight into the underlying dynamics of the relationship, identify areas for growth and change, and develop targeted interventions to improve relational functioning.

How does our EFT Cycle Worksheet template work?

Here's a guide on how you can help your clients navigate the complexities of their emotional connections with our EFT Cycle Worksheet:

Introduction

Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the EFT Cycle Worksheet Template, designed to aid practitioners in guiding individuals and couples through Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This tool assists in exploring and addressing relationship dynamics within the context of EFT principles.

Complete questions for EFT cycle stages

Guide clients through completing the EFT Cycle Worksheet by facilitating their exploration of each stage. Assist them in identifying negative interaction cycles causing distress, creating new positive patterns of interaction, and consolidating progress for future relationship growth and resilience.

Reflect on what you have learned

Encourage clients to review their responses and reflect on the insights gained from completing the worksheet. As a practitioner, facilitate discussions based on the worksheet's findings and help clients integrate these insights into ongoing relationship dynamics. Help them consider additional actions or discussions that may benefit their growth.

Track the growth of the relationship

Schedule follow-up sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and adjust action plans as needed. Utilize the completed EFT Cycle Worksheet as a reference during therapy sessions to track the relationship's growth and development over time. This step fosters accountability and continuity in the therapeutic process, allowing for effective tracking of progress and adjustments to treatment plans.

What are the benefits of using this worksheet?

The EFT Cycle Worksheet can help clients and therapists explore and address relational dynamics. Here are some key benefits of using this worksheet:

Facilitates communication

Completing the EFT Cycle Worksheet encourages open and honest communication between partners. The worksheet fosters constructive dialogue and promotes greater understanding and empathy within the relationship by guiding clients to articulate their emotions, feelings, and attachment needs.

Empowers clients

The worksheet empowers clients to take an active role in their therapeutic journey. By self-reflection and identifying actionable steps for change, clients gain a sense of agency and ownership over improving their relationships.

Resource for psychotherapy

The EFT Cycle Worksheet serves as a valuable resource within psychotherapy. Mental health professionals can integrate the worksheet into their therapeutic approach, using it to facilitate meaningful discussions, track progress, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions over time.

Promotes emotional awareness

Through the structured format of the worksheet, clients are encouraged to explore and articulate their emotions meaningfully. This process of emotional exploration fosters greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, empowering clients to navigate their relationships with greater clarity and insight.

Strengthens relationships

The EFT Cycle Worksheet helps clients cultivate healthier and more fulfilling relationships by addressing underlying attachment needs and negative interactional patterns. By implementing strategies identified in the worksheet, clients can work towards building stronger emotional connections and fostering greater intimacy with their partners.