ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the nature of specific key change events that consistently predict success in outcome studies of the general emotionally focused model of therapy. Whether it appears in tiny steps in a session or as a key Stage 2 identifiable change event, significant change involves transforming frightening, alien, and unacceptable emotion into new, manageable, normalized, and owned experience that prime specific new responses and offer a compass in life. As emotion changes, associated cognitive frames that define a sense of self and other also shift. The self becomes defined as more competent, worthy and whole and so moves from helpless to agency.
The therapist is not simply concerned with lessening symptoms of distress but eliciting new, more functional responses that shape resilience and strength, rendering the client more alive and fit for the choices and challenges of life. A change event in EFIT is about going to the leading edge of known experience and then taking a vault into growth. The destination, a secure flexible coherent sense of self, and the ability to connect with others is clear. Once therapists have a clear direction – a clear sense of home, it is easier to lead their clients there.
