Encounter-Centered Couples Therapy (EcCT)

October 16 2023 TalktoAngel 0 comments 1222 Views

What is Encounter-Centered Couples Therapy (EcCT)?

Encounter-centered couples Therapy (EcCT) is a type of couple therapy that aims to support people in fully connecting with their partners in order to help in their development as a more mature and expressive couple.

EcCT, or encounter-centered couple therapy, is a relational model that combines relational neurobiology, organizational theory, philosophy, and clinical practice. In order to help couples progress toward relational maturity, it aims to support them in having the most vibrant and joyful connection possible with one another. Couples are motivated to develop into creative couples rather than just good or reliable ones.

Through encounter-centered couple’s therapy, partners are committed to being courageous, open to showing new sides of themselves, and vulnerable. With new eyes, compassion, and curiosity, partners learn to listen with openness and empathy. Along the way, they might delve into each other's histories and unearth wounds that require healing. The objective is for the partners to develop a strong bond and a deeper understanding of one another's experiences throughout their shared journey. Through EcCT, a couple builds new "muscles" for relating and deeply connecting in a way that disrupts the automatic survival cycle and replaces it with security and comfort, love, and intimacy.

ECCT: How it can help?

Encounter-centered couple therapy (EcCT) is a method aimed at helping partners develop a more developed and intimate relationship. It was created specifically for couples. Instead of continuing weekly therapy, it is implemented as a two-day intensive session. While EcCT may benefit any couple dealing with a variety of issues that have an impact on their union, the methodology is particularly concerned with assisting partners in developing deeper and more genuine connections. The couples they work with are mentored and guided by the therapists who use EcCT.

The goal of encounter-centered couple therapy is to help couples actively participate in being together and enjoy each other's company. The space, bridge, and encounter are the "three invisible connectors" that EcCT focuses on. These concepts serve as metaphors to promote deeper and more genuine connections between partners. Couples are encouraged to close the gap between them, cross the barrier holding them apart, and actually come into contact by using the three invisible connectors.

Training for Encounter-Centered Couple Therapy (EcCT)

In addition to video training, live seminars are also available for the EcCT training protocol, which was created by HedySchleifer. She initially received training in Imago Relationship Therapy and uses that method while working with couples. Later, motivated by that method and the writings of scholar Martin Buber, she started to concentrate on assisting teams to achieve what she called a condition of "communion." The formation of new neuro-pathways in the brain, which promotes stronger emotional connection, occurs when two partners are in communion, in Schleifer's words, “where they are able to feel every emotion in connection with one another”.Open to counselors, couples counsellors, relationship coaches, and pastoral counselors, the training includes group discussions in addition to lectures and demonstrations with couples. Participants in the training may also bring their spouses or partners.

When a therapist completes EcCT training, they gain the knowledge necessary to assist the couple as a guide, mentor, and witness while also imparting some fundamental distinctions:

The difference between "surviving" on one's own and "living" with others.

The difference between the "Survival Dance," which is a subconscious, automatic response, and the "Encounter," which is an intentional embrace.

I am distinguishing between conflict as a barrier and conflict as a springboard for development.

The difference between being an invited, welcomed "guest" in your partner's world as opposed to an "accidental tourist"

Romantic connections from "in and out of" connections.

The difference between a relationship as a problem to be fixed or as an adventure to be "lived."

Who can benefit from counseling?

Any person showing signs of serious trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, shame, sadness, guilt, or obsessive-compulsive behavior. Those who believe their marriage is in trouble, failing, or needing to mend after an affair. Couples who are constantly at odds with one another or who have become speechless after many years of marriage. Couples who desire to elevate their union for their own inspiration and pleasure.

TalktoAngel provides online counselling, making couples therapy techniques adaptable and available. Take advantage of the couple's or individual therapy your relationship requires when you need it and in the way you need it. Traditional therapy can lessen some of the inconveniences associated with scheduling appointments and the additional travel time needed to reach therapists' clinics. Using TalktoAngel to create an effortless experience will allow you to focus on a healthy relationship and lay a solid foundation for it to grow and flourish. Flexible plans are developed to fit the needs and lifestyle of any couple so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of the couple's therapy. Whether you want to improve your relationship satisfaction or address your relationship issues, couples therapy can be a worthwhile investment.

TalktoAngel uses an effective new approach to marital and relationship psychotherapy encounter-centered couples therapy (ECCT). At TalktoAngel, you can help find the top psychologist or therapist in India who practices ECCT.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr Sakshi Kochhar Psychologist

References:

1. EcCT training content. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.EcCTtraining.com/EcCT-training-content

2. FAQs: From therapists, and about training for therapists. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.hedyyumi.com/therapists/faqs

3. Schleifer, H. (2013). Encounter-centered couples therapy: A path to relational maturity. Retrieved from http://www.hedyyumi.com/2013/09/encounter-centered-couples-therapy-path-relational-maturity