The special issue is devoted to developments in emotion-focused therapy (EFT). The papers presented here demonstrate the growth and development of EFT, showing theoretical and research developments, as well as applications with different client groups. Though EFT is firmly located within the family of person-centered and experiential therapies, this is the first time that the journal has devoted a special issue to the therapeutic approach.
Emotion-focused therapists have found it useful and important to articulate an approach to case formulation (Goldman & Greenberg, Citation2015). Emotion-focused case formulation is distinguishable from other therapeutic modalities in that it is process oriented and emotion focused. Case formulation does not occur a priori, based on assessment and treatment planning but rather throughout the process. Case formulation is described in 3 stages and 14 steps. The theory is outlined and described along with a case illustration, in the paper by Rhonda Goldman.
EFT has been developed through application to a variety of different client groups as demonstrated through a number of the papers in the special issue. EFT had been used and tested most widely with depression, and the approach is explained and illustrated in the paper by Leslie Greenberg. More recently, EFT theory has been developed for generalized anxiety. The theory is outlined and described through application to a case in the paper by Jeanne Watson. EFT has also now been applied with clients with social anxiety. The paper by Robert Elliott details theoretical developments as well as research findings.
References
- Goldman, R. N., & Greenberg, L. S. (2015). Case formulation in emotion-focused therapy: Co-creating clinical maps for change. Washington, DC: APA Books.