Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) has seen a rise in popularity for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common benefits of this type of therapy include greater emotional awareness, better impulse control, and a greater ability to deal with unhelpful emotions.
With so many benefits, it should come as no surprise that EFT is being used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
But, if you’re already involved in EFT and you’re wondering when those benefits are supposed to “kick in,” you might not be getting the experience you deserve.
Sound familiar? EFT isn’t for everyone, and if you feel like you haven’t gained as much from it as you want, there could be something holding you back. Let’s take a closer look at some possibilities, so you can start to experience the full benefits of EFT, or choose something else that might be a better fit for your needs.
You Have to Be Open to Change
Emotionally-focused therapy can’t work if you aren’t committed to the process. If you’re attending EFT because your family or partner has asked you to, that’s great. But, if you’re not fully on board, you’re not going to benefit from it.
It’s not easy to be open, honest, and vulnerable, especially in front of a therapist you don’t have a strong relationship with. But, in each session, you have to be willing to open up and communicate. If you’ve been struggling to be honest with yourself and your therapist, it could be holding you back from a breakthrough.
You’re Carrying the Blame
In addition to being open about the process, you also have to be willing to let go of any guilt or shame you might be carrying. Show yourself some compassion as you work through your EFT sessions. Holding a grudge against yourself (or a family member or partner) will serve as a “block” and you won’t get the most out of the process.
Your Symptoms Aren’t Going Away
Your Symptoms Aren’t Going AwayEFT is a process. Some people get frustrated because it isn’t working as quickly as they want it to. Unfortunately, that mindset can hold you back even more and make things take even longer.
Keep in mind that EFT is designed to improve your overall emotional well-being. If you’re still struggling with things like anxiety or depression, even after several sessions, talk to your therapist about it. You both might need to take a different approach or adjust your strategy to make the process work for you.
But, throughout it all, don’t lose patience! Don’t let your frustrations get in the way of your healing journey. It’s important to trust your therapist and not give yourself a strict timeline.
You Have Issues Outside the Scope of EFT
Emotionally-focused therapy helps with several conditions. But, that doesn’t mean it’s a cure-all. Experiences that go beyond emotions can be difficult for EFT to treat. That includes things like impulse control issues and panic. While EFT might be able to help, it can only go so far and doesn’t necessarily dive into your thoughts or sensations.
It’s a good rule of thumb to talk to your EFT therapist before starting the process. You can share your struggles and expectations, and your therapist can inform you what to expect from the process.
Additionally, you shouldn’t be afraid to “check in” throughout your EFT journey. If you feel like things aren’t working for you, your therapist might want to change direction, or you might determine that a different type of therapy would better fit your needs.
If you’ve tried EFT before or you’re currently going through it, don’t give up right away. Feel free to contact me for more information or with any questions you might have about the process.