The Systemic Nature Of EFT - EFT Couple Therapy Switzerland

EFT adds to/departs from the usual structural systemic approaches in that it: (more than one correct answer)

Focuses on emotion, not just behavior and cognition, as a key organizing factor in relational systems.

Focuses on nurturance and vulnerability, not only on power, hierarchy, and boundary issues.

Focuses on change in a particular direction, toward a secure bond, not just change in itself.

Focuses on patterns of interaction and the self-reinforcing circular nature of these patterns.

EFT is systemic (fits with the original formulation of systems theory) in the following ways: (more than one correct answer)

Reality is seen as a circular feedback loop, rather than in terms of linear cause and effect.

It is the organization of the interpersonal system (patterns of interaction) that are the focus of therapy rather than simply intrapsychic change.

Each partner’s behavior is continually seen in the context of the other’s responses.

Emotions are seen as being what Bertalanffy (the father of systems theory) called “leading” or organizing elements in a relationship.

Dysfunction is seen in systemic terms as narrow, stuck patterns that cannot be revised and updated.

Identify the following interventions as systemic or as not fitting with a systemic orientation. See if you can say why each one is systemic or not systemic.

The therapist says, “So I can really see here how the more distant you see your
partner as being, the more you naturally begin to push to get his attention. And then
he begins to see you as pressuring him and tends to move away. Is that it?”
Is this systemic? (Yes/No) _____ How is it systemic?.
The therapist says, “So you are both caught in this cycle of demand and defend.
It has taken over your relationship.”
Is this systemic? (Yes/No) _____ How is it systemic?
The therapist says, “Can we just hold off on the details of this issue for a moment?
Rather than focusing on all the content issues, I was noticing how, once again,
you, Mary, were taking your ‘I will make you listen to me’ stance, and Will, you
were getting into what you call your ‘Can’t get me, I’ll put up a wall’ stance. Is
that right?”Is this systemic? (Yes/No) _____ How is it systemic?
The therapist says, “Can you put down your wall for a moment, Will? Can you do
what you just spoke about, and come out and meet your wife? Can you tell her
‘I want to let you in’?”
Is this systemic? (Yes/No) _____ How is it systemic?
The therapist says, “So, you see yourself as quite retiring and naturally withdrawn,
Will, but when your wife becomes soft and shows you her softness and how she
needs you, as she did just now, you really come out of your shell and take her hand
and show yourself. You are right out there.”
Is this systemic? (Yes/No) _____ How is it systemic?