What is Family Therapy?

Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a systemic intervention for family dynamics based on the notion that the building blocks of a family are emotional bonds and that the confidence one has in the security of these bonds is a resource of resilience for an individual and the family as a whole. At the core of EFFT is the understanding that family behaviours, even those perceived as problematic, originate from a fundamental longing for connection or an attempt to change another family member's behaviour.

Guided by the principles of attachment theory, EFFT recognises that distress in parent-child relationships arises when children question parental caregiving availability. Based on this understanding, the therapy understands rigid interaction patterns between family members as manifestations of separation distress. EFFT practitioners embark on a journey to stabilise these negative patterns, unravelling reactive responses by delving into the profound emotions underlying caregiving and attachment ruptures. The essential goal is an increased sense of felt security within the family such that children gain more safety and trust that giving voice to their attachment needs, clarifying their relationship expectations, and finding new ways to express a more positive view of self with family members is possible.

Goals of EFFT:

– Accessing and expanding awareness of unacknowledged feelings associated with the family’s negative pattern.

– Reframing family distress and child problems within relation blocks reinforcing this distress.

– Promoting awareness and access to underlying caregiving intentions and disowned attachment related needs.

– Facilitating the sharing of unmet attachment needs and effective caregiving responses.

Following principles of attachment science, the EFFT therapist guides the family to new patterns of parental availability, responsiveness and coherent attachment communications as they face developmental change and life challenges. Intergenerational influences are also considered, as EFFT recognises that how parents received caregiving when they were young inevitably shapes the present parenting of their own children. The EFFT therapist also adjusts their methods based on each child's abilities and the needs of the family. Understanding a child's development helps guide the therapist in working with families where these differences are important. This flexibility enhances safety and builds a strong connection between the therapist, the child, and the whole family.

Mirroring EFFT, the Circle of Security (COS) parenting program is firmly rooted in the central understanding of attachments as pivotal to our well-being. It honours every child's innate wisdom and natural desire for secure relationships. In this spirit, COS stands as a relationship-based intervention developed to strengthen the parent-child attachment bond, suitable for children up to around 12 years of age. Developed by Glen Cooper, Kent Hoffman, and Bert Powell, this program focuses on helping parents comprehend and adeptly respond to their child's emotional needs, fostering a foundation of security and support in their relationship.

Represented by a circle with four quadrants, symbolising key attachment aspects of parent-child interaction, COS assists parents in deciphering their child's emotional and behavioural cues, especially those that may seem counterintuitive (e.g., acting out when seeking reassurance). This guidance transforms parents into secure bases for exploration and safe havens for comfort. Through engaging sessions, video analyses, and reflective discussions, parents gain insights into their child's emotional world and cultivate a more attuned and responsive caregiving approach.

Additionally, the Circle of Security program prioritises supporting children in effectively managing their emotions, contributing to the cultivation of robust self-esteem. In essence, the Circle of Security Parenting program aspires to empower caregivers in creating a nurturing environment that not only recognises but actively nurtures the emotional growth and security of their children.

Triple P, the Positive Parenting Program, is an evidence-based approach seeking to elevate parents' skills and cultivate positive child behaviour. Developed by Dr Matthew Sanders at the University of Queensland, this program introduces a tiered system of intervention, ranging from universal strategies applicable to all parents to targeted interventions addressing specific behavioural challenges.

Triple P offers a versatile framework, encompassing a diverse range of parenting topics—from setting realistic expectations to employing effective discipline techniques and nurturing children's social and emotional development. Its mission is to empower parents with practical tools, fostering a positive and nurturing environment that facilitates children's growth and well-being.

In contrast to the preceding approaches' focus on attachment, Triple P emphasises behaviour, advocating for a balanced approach that harmonises nurturing with setting appropriate limits. The program provides guidance on fostering children's development, resolving behavioural issues, and adeptly addressing concerns as they arise for children up to 16 years of age. Through a blend of workshops, self-help resources, and personalised support, Triple P equips parents with knowledge and skills to navigate the multifaceted challenges of parenthood. In essence, Triple P aspires to create a family environment characterised by positivity and support, ultimately nurturing the well-being and development of children.