An integrated EFT‐contextual approach for couples therapy: suggested model and ideas for practice

Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988) and contextual therapy (Boszormenyi‐Nagy and Krasner, 1986) have conceptual commonalities relative to dialogue, trust, and creating new relational realities (Diamond, Siqueland and Diamond, 2003; Greenberg and Johnson, 2010; Hughes, 2007). Linking Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) (Greenberg and Johnson, 2010) and contextual therapy has also been conceptually proposed for couples therapy (Lyness, 2003). Both EFT and contextual therapy centre trust and dialogue as primary relational resources for change (Boszormenyi‐Nagy and Krasner, 1986; Greenberg and Johnson, 2010). This article suggests integrating EFT and contextual therapy within couples therapy. A proposed integrated couples therapy model outlines EFT process steps and contextual therapy principles. Rationale for integration and suggested interventions are discussed. Case studies of two examples of this integrated couples therapy are included for illustration. Practitioner points EFT and contextual therapy are distinct and yet converge on the constructs of trust, dialogue, reciprocal care and risk taking An integration of EFT and contextual therapy begins with EFT enactments, then infuses the intervention of multidirected partiality Family of origin work on entitlements may enhance attachment‐based enactments in an integrated EFT and contextual therapy approach