Attachment Theory in Practice
Susan M. Johnson (2019) Guilford
Drawing on cutting-edge research on adult attachment–and providing an innovative roadmap for clinical practice–Susan M. Johnson argues that psychotherapy is most effective when it focuses on the healing power of emotional connection. The primary developer of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples, Johnson now extends her attachment-based approach to individuals and families. The volume shows how EFT aligns perfectly with attachment theory as it provides proven techniques for treating anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Each modality (individual, couple, and family therapy) is covered in paired chapters that respectively introduce key concepts and present an in-depth case example. Special features include instructive end-of-chapter exercises and reflection questions.
Foundations for Couples’ Therapy: Research for the Real World
Edited by Jennifer Fitzgerald (2017): Routledge
As a quality resource that examines the psychological, neurobiological, cultural, and spiritual considerations that undergird optimal couple care, Foundations for Couples’ Therapy teaches readers to conduct sensitive and comprehensive therapy with a diverse range of couples. Experts from social work, clinical psychotherapy, neuroscience, social psychology and health respond to one of seven central case examples to help readers understand the dynamics within each partner, as well as within the couple as a system and within a broader cultural context.
An Emotionally-Focused Workbook for Couples: The Two of Us
Veronica Kallos-Lilly and Jennifer Fitzgerald (2014): Routledge
This workbook is intended for use with couples who want to enhance their emotional connection or overcome their relationship distress. It is suggested for use with couples pursuing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). It closely follows the course of treatment and is designed so that clinicians can easily integrate guided reading and reflections into the therapeutic process. The material is presented in a recurring format: Read, Reflect, and Discuss. Readings help couples look at their relationship through an attachment lens, walking them through the step-by-step process of creating a secure relationship bond. Thirty-three reflections invite readers to engage with the material personally, expanding their own awareness and ability to tune into their partner. Discussion sections suggest relationship-building exercises and a framework for conversations that promote safety, disclosure, and engagement. Case examples, along with informative illustrations, are scattered throughout the book to validate, illustrate, and inspire couples along their journey. Clinicians conversant with EFT can use this workbook to extend the effectiveness of their work with couples by giving them structured tasks to work on between sessions. For clinicians training in EFT, the book can guide them in staying focused on the EFT roadmap and illuminate how important change events unfold.
About the Authors: Veronica Kallos-Lilly, PhD, is a registered psychologist and the Co-Founder and Director of the Vancouver Couples & Family Institute and the Centre for EFT Training in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr Kallos-Lilly is also a certified EFT supervisor and trainer. Jennifer Fitzgerald, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Queensland in Australia and Co-Founder of the Australian Centre for EFT. Dr Fitzgerald is also a certified EFT supervisor and trainer.
At last a workbook for couples that faithfully mirrors the process of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). It’s like having two master EFT therapists come home with you during the week to support and guide you to maintain the progress you make in therapy sessions and improve your relationship more quickly. In-depth explanations and reflective exercises will help you to explore your emotions, articulate them better for yourself, and express them to your partner. I will recommend this workbook to every one of the couples in my practice!
The perspectives and exercises offered here are right on target; they arise from a clear understanding of the bonds of love and how these bonds work in adult relationships… We hope that this book will help you do just that – shape your precious relationship into a more satisfying and lasting bond.
Veronica and Jenny, what a brilliant job you two did in translating EFT into a readable and doable tool for the “average” couple. It also gave me another way to look at EFT as a therapist. A great contribution to the professional as well as a lay person. I haven’t given it to any of my couples yet but am looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on them.
The Practice of Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection (3rd Edition)
Susan M. Johnson (2020) NY: Routledge
Since its original publication in 1996, The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy has been the definitive guide for couple therapists, supervisors, and students wishing to practice emotionally focused therapy.
This cutting-edge third edition addresses recent changes in the field of couple therapy, including updated research results relating to clinical interventions, expanded understandings of emotion regulation, adult attachment and neuroscience, and dynamic EFT applications for a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, sexual disorders, and PTSD. Chapters introduce micro-interventions for use in EFT couple sessions, as well as a systematic presentation of a macro set of interventions called the EFT Tango. Clinical examples are included throughout, bringing the in-session process of change alive, and two case chapters offer in-depth commentaries of Stage 1 and Stage 2 EFT sessions.
Written by the leading authority on emotionally focused therapy, this third edition is an essential reference on all aspects of EFT and its uses for mental health professionals in the field of couple and marital therapy.
Becoming an Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapist: The Workbook
Susan M. Johnson (2005) NY: Routledge
An invaluable tool for clinicians and students, Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook takes the reader on an adventure – the quest to become a competent, confident, and passionate couple and family therapist. In an accessible resource for training and supervision, seven expert therapists lead the reader through the nine essential steps of EFT with explicit intervention strategies. Suitable as a companion volume to The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, 2nd Ed. or as a stand-alone learning tool, the workbook provides an easy road-map to mastering the art of EFT with exercises, review sheets and practice models. Unprecedented in its novel and interactive approach, this is a must-have for all therapists searching for lasting and efficient results in couple therapy.
The Emotionally-Focused Casebook: New Directions in Treating Couples
James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson & Brent A. Bradley (2011) NY: Routledge
There is currently no single resource that compiles the various applications to the many clinical populations being served by Emotionally Focused Therapy today. The Emotionally Focused Casebook fills that void as a substantive reference for clinicians, students, professors, and supervisors using and teaching EFT. Each chapter utilizes a hands-on case study approach with concrete guidelines and illustrations for the adaptation and application of EFT with specific treatment populations. This Casebook is the perfect practical resource for professionals and students looking for examples of specific theoretical, conceptual, and treatment applications of EFT.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy with Trauma Survivors: Strengthening Attachment Bonds
Susan M. Johnson (2002) NY: Guilford
This book provides a theoretical framework and an innovative model of intervention for distressed couples whose relationships are affected by the echoes of trauma. Combining attachment theory, trauma research, and emotionally focused therapeutic techniques, Susan M. Johnson guides the clinician in modifying the interactional patterns that maintain traumatic stress and fostering positive, healing relationships among survivors and their partners. In-depth case material brings to life the process of assessment and treatment with couples coping with the impact of different kinds of trauma, including childhood abuse, serious illness, and combat experiences. The concluding chapter features valuable advice on therapist self-care.
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy
Jessica Fern (2020) Portland: Thorntree
Attachment theory has entered the mainstream, but most discussions focus on how we can cultivate secure monogamous relationships. What if, like many people, you’re striving for secure, happy attachments with more than one partner? Polyamorous psychotherapist Jessica Fern breaks new ground by extending attachment theory into the realm of consensual nonmonogamy. Using her nested model of attachment and trauma, she expands our understanding of how emotional experiences can influence our relationships. Then, she sets out six specific strategies to help you move toward secure attachments in your multiple relationships. Polysecure is both a trailblazing theoretical treatise and a practical guide.
A Secure Base
John Bowlby (1988) NY: Basic Books
As Bowlby himself points out in his introduction to this seminal childcare book, to be a successful parent means a lot of very hard work. Giving time and attention to children means sacrificing other interests and activities, but for many people today these are unwelcome truths. Bowlby’s work showed that the early interactions between infant and caregiver have a profound impact on an infant’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Controversial yet powerfully influential to this day, this classic collection of Bowlby’s lectures offers important guidelines for child rearing based on the crucial role of early relationships.
Articles, PDFs and Forms
PDF Workbook for Health Professionals impacted by the COVID-19 situation
Dr Melanie Joanisee, C.Psych Clinical and Health Psychologist
This workbook has been prepared by a clinical and health psychologist, Dr Melanie Joanisse, at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute in Canada. It is rich in EFT and other evidence-based ideas for helping health workers to navigate the current COVID-19 crisis. We hope you find it helpful if you are supporting health workers in your practice. Melanie has generously given permission for this beautiful workbook to be shared and printed. We are so grateful to her for this wonderful resource.
