Problematic Emotional Processing States and Interventions
EFT research has identified specific problematic emotional processing states that indicate underlying emotional problems. These states are identifiable by in-session client statements and behaviors referred to as client markers . These markers offer opportunities for specific types of effective in-session therapist interventions to resolve different emotional problem states (Elliott et al., 2004; Greenberg et al., 1993; Rice & Greenberg, 1984). The main EFT interventions and their corresponding client states include: two-chair dialogue for resolving shame characterized by self-criticism, two-chair enactment for self-interruption and blocks to experiencing and expressing emotions; empty chair work to resolve lingering hurt and resentment with a significant other; empathic affirmation during vulnerability; self-soothing intervention to resolve pain or anguish; systematic evocative unfolding to identify problematic feelings; and experiential focusing for an unclear or absent felt sense, and/or to deepen emotional experience. The components of a path to resolution as well as the specific type of resolution that take place for each intervention have been described and serve as maps to guide effective therapist interventions (Elliott et al., 2004; Greenberg et. al., 1993).