Abstract
Developed in the 1980s, emotionally focused couples therapy has been a well-documented model for treating couples from different cultural backgrounds where one or both partners may be experiencing mental health problems. The method is based on attachment theory and aims to strengthen the attachment bond between partners through a set of different interventions. The article presents the theoretical framework of the method, an understanding of what triggers and maintains difficulties between couples and mental health issues, as well as key goals and processes for changing couples' interaction patterns that have proven effective in addressing various mental disorders. The article also presents a clinical case that demonstrates how emotionally focused couples therapy utilises the attachment bond between partners as a resource in treating old attachment wounds.
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