How Does the EFIT Therapist Tune In and Find Focus – Assess the Client?

In this chapter the reader is introduced to the “experiential assessment” in EFIT. The image of health and distress offered by attachment science is provided, along with a framework for helping therapists tune into the struggle that brings a particular client to therapy, the client’s goals, and the strengths and resilience the client exhibits. The CARE acronym reminds therapists of the importance of tuning into and staying attuned to four main channels – Context, Attachment, Relationship/therapeutic alliance and Emotion – in the initial assessment phase of treatment and throughout therapy. In EFIT, assessment and treatment merge. Sample assessment interview questions are provided, and an illustrative clinical example and exercises help readers become familiar with assessment, case formulation and treatment planning.