ABSTRACT
In the collaborative partnership of the alliance, if information arises that is likely to undermine therapeutic attempts to improve the relationship, such as an ongoing emotional involvement with another person, this is explored in terms of the client’s goals for the therapy sessions and effects on the marital relationship. This chapter describes the first two steps in Stage 1 of the emotionally focused therapy (EFT) treatment process, de-escalation or stabilization: The assessment and delineation of conflict issues and the identification of the negative interaction cycle that maintains the couple’s distress and precludes secure bonding. The overall process of the de-escalation stage of therapy is captured in the first four steps of EFT: Assessment and alliance building; outlining interactional patterns; shifting emotion into deeper channels to change the music of a couples dance; and then integrating new choreographed interactions.
