ABSTRACT
Advances in social neuroscience in some years have provided important insights into the neurophysiological substrates of emotional experience, pair bonding, and relationship distress that largely support these assertions. This chapter outlines the primary postulates of Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples as they relate to social neuroscience. It illustrates how EFT might actually alter neural functioning in ways commensurate with its underlying theory of relational functioning and change. The chapter discusses the practical implications of these findings in clinical work with couples through case examples and concludes with suggestions for research. It provides an overview of the scientific evidence in support of the fundamental principles of EFT and to link them to psychotherapeutic practice. The case of Carl and Sylvia demonstrates how couples can learn through EFT to turn to one another with their attachment emotions, thereby creating a more secure attachment bond that allows them to coregulate distress and help one another live more adaptive healthy lives together.
