October marks LGBT history month. Unlike Pride month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, LGBT history month is a celebration that honors the contributions made by LGBT in the in the civil rights movement and to recognize contributions made by the LGBT community, industry, politics, the arts, and more. As we celebrate contributions made by these individuals, we also recognize landmark decisions that paved the way to equality, most recently the federal legalization of same-sex marriage. June 26th, 2015 marks the day in which the supreme court struck down state bans on same-sex marriage. This was a turning point for the LGBT community, their relationships and marriage were finally recognized in a court of law, providing partners with many of the same rights afforded to their heterosexual counterparts. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I celebrate this as well.
In the behavioral health field, and in my role as a Marriage and Family Therapist, we are aware of the challenges and stigmas that members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced or continue to face every day. As LGBTQ+ affirming therapists we hold space for the unique challenges that these couples might face, to include issues as it relates to rejection from family of origin, the impact of HIV/AIDS in their lives and in their communities, issues surrounding acceptance within the church, and starting families (adoption). However, more importantly, we also recognize that challenges that are simply part of being in a loving, committed relationship. Emotion Focused Therapy looks beyond of who makes the couple, but rather focuses on the emotional connectedness.
Emotion Focused Therapy is a humanistic approach to help couples rebuild their bonds and heal attachment injuries. As an EFT therapist, I use the exact same approach and tools that I would for any other couple. I look at each couple as two individuals wanting to rebuild the emotional bond and attachment. Couples often times come to therapy seeking resolution to what we call an attachment wound or trauma within the relationship, or to better manage conflict and distress. Often times couples might simply want new skills. What makes EFT effective is that it’s not always about the skills, they are important, but rather the reconnecting the couple in a deeper more meaningful way.
If you are considering couples therapy or want to learn more about Emotion Focused Therapy, I recommend reading Sue Johnsons book Hold me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.
This Post Written By:
Sage Jaurequi, LAMFT – Therapy With Heart
8737 E. Via De Commercio, Suite 200
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Phone: (480) 888-5380
Fax: (480) 203-2881
Email: therapywithheart@gmail.com
