Person-of-the-Therapist-Training (POTT): A resource for Emotionally Focused Therapists - 2023 Conference

Session Description

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is a therapy model developed based on the premise that couples get stuck in vicious cycles fueled by their underlying primary emotions and unmet attachment needs (Johnson, 2004). As the negative cycle progresses, it becomes more difficult for the partners’ to show their vulnerability; they resort to criticism, contempt and stonewalling. Therapists utilize EFT interventions for naming, validating, reflecting and heightening the emotions and unmet attachment needs underneath the couples’ negative cycle. These interventions are used to cultivate the partners’ vulnerability and capacity to become a secure base for each other. Application of these interventions requires the EFT therapists to stay in touch with and regulate their own emotions, especially when the tension increases in the sessions. Thus, therapists need to have access to tools helping them to regulate their own emotions in sessions while still staying open and vulnerable to their clients. Person-of-the-Therapist Training model (POTT; Aponte and Kissil, 2016) is a guide to effectively use the self in therapy. POTT model emphasizes the importance of increasing the therapists’ understanding, awareness and acceptance of their own personal issues in order to create a more empathic connection with their clients. Since all human beings regardless of their background have their own struggles, hang-ups and insecurities, POTT model highlights how these factors can be used as tools by the therapists in the therapeutic relationship to understand their clients’ experiences and be present with them during the therapeutic journey.

Learning Objectives: 

The attendee will learn:

• Identify and apply key principles of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) in working with couples, including recognizing negative cycles, validating emotions, and fostering vulnerability.
• Utilize the Person-of-the-Therapist Training (POTT) model to enhance self-awareness and regulation during therapy sessions, thereby improving empathic attunement to clients' emotions and attachment needs.
• Develop strategies to navigate empathic distress and maintain a balanced therapeutic stance while implementing EFT interventions, ensuring effectiveness and client engagement throughout the therapeutic process.