SFTC24: Person-of-the-Therapist-Training (POTT): A Resource for Emotionally Focused Couple Therapists

SFTC24: Person-of-the-Therapist-Training (POTT): A Resource for Emotionally Focused Couple Therapists
CE: 1.00

Speaker: Senem Zeytinoglu Saydam PhD, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, EFT Trainer

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is a therapy model developed based on the premise that couples get stuck in vicious cycles fueled by their underlying primary emotions and unmet attachment needs (Johnson, 2004). As the negative cycle progresses, it becomes more difficult for the partners’ to show their vulnerability; they resort to criticism, contempt and stonewalling. Therapists utilize EFT interventions for naming, validating, reflecting and heightening the emotions and unmet attachment needs underneath the couples’ negative cycle. These interventions are used to cultivate the partners’ vulnerability and capacity to become a secure base for each other. Application of these interventions requires the EFT therapists to stay in touch with and regulate their own emotions, especially when the tension increases in the sessions. Thus, therapists need to have access to tools helping them to regulate their own emotions in sessions while still staying open and vulnerable to their clients. Person-of-the Therapist Training model (POTT; Aponte and Kissil, 2016) is a guide to effectively use the self in therapy. POTT model emphasizes the importance of increasing the therapists’ understanding, awareness and acceptance of their own personal issues in order to create a more empathic connection with their clients. Since all human beings regardless of their background have their own struggles, hang-ups and insecurities, POTT model highlights how these factors can be used as tools by the therapists in the therapeutic relationship to understand their clients’ experiences and be present with them during the therapeutic journey. In this workshop, the presenter aims to create a roadmap for the therapists interested in working from an EFT perspective for using the POTT model as a tool to enhance their connection to their clients and effectiveness of their interventions.

**Disclaimer: Please note that this recording is from an in-person conference session, and there may be moments where the speaker is momentarily out of view or not fully visible on screen. Due to technical limitations or the nature of live events, there may be inconsistencies in the camera framing or transitions. Please also note that some of the audience questions may be difficult to hear due to the nature of the live event set up. We appreciate your understanding and patience as you watch this session.
Discounted member price: 20.00
30.00
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