Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: A Full-Treatment Model Well-Suited to the Specific Needs of Lesbian Couples

Abstract

During the past decade, the psychology literature on lesbian couples and families has mushroomed. Despite this growth, the translation of lesbian couple research to therapy practice has been a slow process. No empirical studies of a full-treatment model have been conducted to determine the most effective interventions with lesbian couples seeking treatment for relationship distress. In this article, we begin to address the paucity of literature in this area and we argue that the theoretical underpinnings of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) is particularly well-suited to the unique needs of lesbian couples. In doing so, we also hope that this theoretical discussion will serve to stimulate empirical investigation, ultimately leading to the identification of best practices with this population.

KEYWORDS:

• lesbian couples
• emotionally focused therapy
• couple therapy
• fusion
• attachment
• relationships