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Creative Experiential Interventions to Heighten Emotion and Process in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

“…When adding creativity to EFT, being aware of comfort and security in using creativity is also useful. Comfort in using creativity leads to more openness for counselors to be innovative when working with vast client concerns (Carson et al, 2003). As such, counselors should also be aware of the creative approaches that are more appealing to them and use mediums they find more preferable.…”

“…The authors went on to state that creativity in counseling strengthens connections with self and others and increases authenticity, empathy, expression, and growth. Family counselors have defined creativity as a method to practice traditional theories and interventions in new and innovative ways (Carson, Becker, Vance, & Forth, 2003). Carson and colleagues (2003) continued by describing creativity as an openness to being present and intuitive in session.…”

“…Family counselors have defined creativity as a method to practice traditional theories and interventions in new and innovative ways (Carson, Becker, Vance, & Forth, 2003). Carson and colleagues (2003) continued by describing creativity as an openness to being present and intuitive in session. Creative methods such as art, music, drama, writing, literature, movement, and play can be applied to counseling to enhance therapeutic modalities (Gladding, 2011; Malchiodi, 2005; Rosen & Atkins, 2014).…”

“…Securely attached counselors are able to more effectively reach the experiential components of EFT by being present, calm, and empathic (Wittenborn, 2012). Creativity is also related to this necessity of being in the present, as it requires counselors to spontaneously use intuition to act in the moment (Duffey, Haberstroh et al, 2009; Carson et al, 2003). When counselors are attuned to couples’ experiences, they can use innovative methods to bring life to clients’ challenges and processes (e.g., transforming a book case into a wall of defense).…”