EFT and Mindfulness Practice

Earlier this afternoon, I completed the second of six classes devoted to the study of Emotion Focused Family Therapy as part of the Summer II session. Although much of the class (today) was oriented toward a discussion on the presence of emotions and feelings in the context of neurobiology, there were at length verbal citations regarding the benefit of mindfulness practices related to the recognition and regulation of emotion for individuals. Upon the mention of this, I became even more attuned to the course of the class discussion, and was even asked to expound upon my previous and current experiences with mindfulness practice. After a few minutes of sharing, I began to think heavily upon the full connection between the two.

Doesn't mindfulness have more to do with thoughts than it does emotions/feelings?

Are there more connection points to the integration of these two models aside from a focus on "presence?"

These questions continued to linger with me for my entire drive home, and continued to follow me as I took care of the necessary tasks of welcoming my parents for the weekend. A quick Google search was all I needed to begin receiving some answers.

Beckerman, N.L, & Sarracco, M. (2011). Enhancing emotionally focused couple therapy through the practice of mindfulness: A case analysis. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 22(1), pp. 1-15. DOI: 10.1080/08975353.2011.551082

*Currently able to be viewed for free online here until 12/31/11.

I found this article to be a great example of the attempt at fleshing EFT and Mindfulness practices together to show the benefit of their co-existence. Some of the benefits of the two practices together include:

- Increased openness and acceptance of relationship satisfaction, autonomy, closeness, etc.
- Increased awareness of internal processes to accept other individual's responses
- Incorporation of a non-judgmental stance to experience and note feelings and thoughts of the present moment
- Increased regulation of affective responses
- Ability to maintain increased presence and coping with immediate emotional responses
- Assistance with restoration of attachment relationships
- Increased awareness of physical reactions and emotional distress

The article continued on the provide a case study of a couple who incorporated mindfulness practice together throughout the course of receiving EFCT. The resulting outcome was positive following a 6-month follow-up with a decrease in marital strife and the wife's depressive state.

If there was a specific characteristic that I would cite as the most identifiable connection between the two practices, I would have to say that the ability to maintain increased presence to cope with immediate emotional responses would be the one. Reason? Individually, both mindfulness and EFT utilize great emphasis on presence: that which is occurring within the individual at the moment. Together, their combined emphasis serves a great asset in the course of therapy.

This initial article serves as a good initial exposure to the this concept of integration.

I'll have to read its corresponding reflection sometime soon.

That is, if it's recommended. :)