Expanding the Lens: How SERT Therapists Develop Interventions that Address the Larger Context

Estrella, Julie; Kuhn, Veronica P.; Freitas, Cassidy J.; Wells, Melissa A.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-13398-0_5

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…When power is severely out of balance, it can initiate, fuel, and even mask conflict as well as other disruptive systemic dynamics (Gottman & Silver, 2015; Steil, 1997). In contrast, when power is relatively equal, couples can tolerate stress and conflict better, adapt to change, and work to enhance each other's well‐being (Estrella et al., 2015). Ideally, romantic partnerships should experience balanced power and mutually support both individuals; a concept referred to as mutuality (Knudson‐Martin et al., 2015).…”

Section: Understanding Power In Couple Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Knowing how to address power is vital to therapeutic success. Yet, treating power imbalances can be a daunting task for couples therapists, and many do not know how to do so effectively (Estrella et al., 2015). We suggest that overlaying SERT with EFT provides therapists with tangible tools for intervening in relational power processes.…”

Section: Understanding Power In Couple Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Addressing power in couples therapy: Integrating socio‐emotional relationship therapy and emotionally focused therapy

Jenks,

Adams,

Young

et al. 2023

Family Process

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Romantic relationships are more satisfying and fulfilling when power is balanced relatively equally between partners (Leonhardt et al., Journal of Family Psychology, 34, 2020, and 1). Yet, few couples therapy models explicitly outline how to confront relational power issues (Knudson‐Martin & Huenergardt, 2015, Socio‐emotional relationship therapy: Bridging emotion, societal context, and couple interaction, Springer). Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT; Johnson, 2020, The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy, Routledge) is a well‐established, evidence‐based therapy modality that many therapists use with couple clients, yet despite its effectiveness, it does not provide direction for explicitly addressing and treating power differentials in couple relationships. In this paper, we explore the integration of EFT with Socio‐emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT), a model overlay that acknowledges the impact of social discourse on enactments of power in intimate couple relationships. We first address the importance of understanding power in couple relationships, addressing power in couples therapy, and provide a brief overview of SERT and EFT. We then introduce an integration of the models intended to help therapists balance power, increase connection, and secure attachment bonds between romantic partners.

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