Open with a Mission

Sue Johnson did an incredible thing when she joined together Rogerian client centered approach with Gestalt therapy (in the present moment/experiential) and attachment theory. If it was only client centered, we wouldn't have a map of where to go (other than just following the client). If it was experiential but not necessarily client centered - then it would be more about being cathartic than focused.  And so attachment theory gives us the map/focus in which the experience of the client is unfolded.

To be open with a mission is an art form that EFT therapists all over the world are trying to master. 

I imagine it to be like going through a dark cave. EFT therapists generally know the way around the cave. They have the map that fits caves in general. But every cave has to be explored because each cave is unique. Clients come into therapy lost inside the cave. Even worse, they have a sense that their partner is somewhere out there, in the cave too - but everything's scary, they can't see each other and the harder they try - the more dark it seems. Therapists come into the cave, right down into the darkest and loneliest part of it all and they have a map that actually helps clients see their own feet. 

The illumination of attachment, met with the gentleness of staying right in the dark (experiential), help clients see their own feet. Once they feel and see their pain for what it is, the start moving toward each other.

Clients are given the space to explore and their guide holds a map and is one step ahead, eyes adjusting to the light that is starting to come. 

As I've tried to master this thing that is EFT, I've come to realize I have to be open with genuine curiosity and  focused all at the same time. Admittedly, there are times that I don't feel like the guide in the scenario - but rather another lost person in the cave. But, that's ok. We all need a map to take us back home.