Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Center for Relationships?
The Center for Relationships is a therapy practice for couples in distressed intimate relationships. We use a successful therapy approach, called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), to help couples grasp what the underlying issues that fuel what we refer to as a “negative cycle”. At the end of the counseling sessions, most couples will feel closer, revived, and out of the destructive pattern they were experiencing.

What is EFT?
Sue Johnson, Ed.D developed the model for therapy and she explains it like this, “The message of EFT is simple: Forget about learning how to argue better, analyzing your early childhood, making grand romantic gestures, or experimenting with new sexual positions. Instead, recognize and admit that you are emotionally attached to and dependent on your partner in much the same way that a child is on a parent for nurturing, soothing, and protection. EFT focuses on creating and strengthening this emotional bond by identifying and transforming the key moments that foster an adult loving relationship.”

She continues, “We adhere to the philosophy that relationships are at the core of human experience. Research indicates that emotionally fulfilling relationships are integral components of mental and physical health, and that emotionally focused interventions have the power to establish and recreate supportive bonds among individuals. We are therefore dedicated to the understanding and enhancement of couple and family relationships through an emphasis on emotions and their interpersonal impact. We believe that all people can maximize their potential given a nurturing social environment, which we endeavour to foster in our work with clients. “
For more information about EFT and Sue Johnson, contact the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. (www.iceeft.com)

Can we come to “marriage therapy” if we aren’t married?
Yes! The process of therapy with couples who are involved in intimate relationships can be referred to as marriage counseling or couples counseling. A couple is defined as any two people in a romantic or committed relationship.

When will we see changes?
EFT is a relatively short term process – most couples notice changes within the first ten sessions. We find weekly sessions build momentum and leads to more effective results. Within six months, couples can expect many positive changes.

How long are the sessions?
Sessions are usually 90 minutes. The process begins with one session with the couple followed by an individual session with each person. During those sessions the therapist will begin working to determine if couples therapy is appropriate as well as working toward your goals. There are some situations that occur that make couples therapy, specifically EFT is not indicated.

After the initial assessment period the therapist and the couple work as a team to revive and strengthen your relationship. Longer sessions can be arranged as needed.

What kind of questions do you ask?
In the beginning of therapy you will be asked about your relationship, it’s history and the nature of the challenges. It is important for the therapist to understand each person’s perception of the situation. The therapist will focus on the feelings that surround the problem to help identify the negative cycle that couples often feel trapped in. In EFT we are less concerned about a detailed childhood history and more concerned about the process of how you engage with each other.

We’ve been to other therapists before and it hasn’t worked. How is EFT different?
Many therapies focus on the content of each issue and attempt to change behavior by telling them to do things differently. The focus of EFT is on the process of interaction of each member of the couple, and the underlying feelings that drives that interaction. We believe as you learn to identify and feel more able to talk about what it’s like for you, the more likely you will be to slow down the process so that the negative cycle can be averted.

What kind of results do you typically see from the sessions?
As with all therapy, the results are determined by your motivation. We have the map, you decide how fast we go. Some of the results we see from our therapy are:

• Couples are better able to address conflict.
• Couples are rediscovering the connection in their relationship.
• Couples feel their relationships growing stronger. This results in feeling re-energized, re-engaged and reconnected to each other.
• There is a new focus on the “bond” of the relationship.
• Couples are reshaping the old “negative pattern” that is not working for them, while discovering the root of the issues.

Does my insurance cover my visit to the Center for Relationships?
Although we do not accept insurance, we will give you a copy of your receipt to submit to your insurance company.

How do I get started?
Call 941.720.2623 or email info@thecenterforrelationships.com for more information or to set up an appointment.