Capturing the change: a case study investigation of emotional and interactional transformation in emotion-focused therapy for couples
Open accessAbstract
Emotion-focused therapy for couples (EFT-C) is therapy which has a substantial evidence base both for process and outcome studies. However, to date there have been no in-depth empirical case studies that track interactional and emotional transformation in the couple, minute-to-minute, across the entire course of therapy. This case study aimed to observe the interactional transformation and emotional transformation in a couple over 11 sessions of EFT-C therapy. Videos of each session were analyzed using theoretically informed qualitative psychotherapy research. Results showed clients presenting with a negative interactional pattern, which appeared to be composed of two separate but linked cycles. Over the course of treatment, the clients presented with secondary emotions and behaviors including criticism and withdrawal. The individuals within the couple progressed at different rates through the expression of core pain and unmet needs, and after several sessions they were able to give and receive compassion to each other. They also showed signs of beginning to self-soothe more effectively and let go of some pain. The expression of assertive or healthy anger was found to be particularly important for the change in their interaction. Strengths, limitations and ideas for future research are discussed.
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Emotional processing enables clients to identify, express, and understand emotions, promoting healing.
“Emotional processing further plays a crucial role, enabling clients to identify, express, and understand their emotions, ultimately promoting healing [52].”
From Psychosocial interventions for improving marital intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life of women and couples with infertility problems in low and middle-income countries: Systematic review protocol (2025) · cites this paper as [52]
The Discussion reports that, as the couple disclosed underlying emotions and needs, they developed a more compassionate interaction and partially let go of the past. The section ‘The expression of core pain and unmet needs’ also links expressed shame to forgiveness and resolution. These passages support the role of emotional expression, but this single case study does not establish the broader claim that emotional processing promotes healing in clients generally. (LLM, conf=0.82)
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Oppong, S. S., Naab, F., Duah, I. O., Ankamah, S., Owiredu, D., Ametor, F. H., Imakando, M. M., Kyei, J. M., & Danso-Appiah, A. (2025) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0335068
- Authors
- Dailey, J., Timulak, L., Goldman, R. S., & Greenberg, L. S.
- Affiliations
- Trinity College Dublin (IE)
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, The Chicago School, Chicago, IL, USA
- York University (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Dailey, Jessica
- Venue
- Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2023-04-24
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1-19
- ISSN
- 1477-9757 (ISSN-L)
- 1752-9182
- OpenAlex
- W4366829336
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 0.88
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
- Keywords
- couple therapy, emotional transformation, secondary emotions, criticism, withdrawal, compassion, self-soothing, anger expression, unmet needs, interaction patterns
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