From the perspective of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the “wounded child” approach is a significant therapeutic strategy that focuses on understanding and healing the emotional traumas and wounds that individuals carry from their childhood. EFT, developed by Dr. Susan Johnson and Leslie Greenberg in the 1980s, is rooted in attachment theory and emphasizes the importance of secure emotional connections (Johnson, 2004). The approach recognizes that childhood wounds, often stemming from unmet emotional needs or traumatic experiences, can profoundly affect adult relationships and emotional health. Adults carrying wounded child aspects may exhibit increased emotional reactivity, misinterpretations of partners’ actions as indicative of abandonment or rejection, and employ maladaptive coping mechanisms such as withdrawal or aggression. EFT aims to identify and transform these negative interaction cycles, recognizing them as manifestations of deeper vulnerabilities and fears stemming from past wounds (Johnson, 2004).
Utilizing the wounded child approach in therapy with clients is essential for several deeply interwoven reasons, all of which contribute to the overarching goal of fostering emotional healing and healthier relationships. This therapeutic technique, grounded in the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment theory, addresses the core emotional traumas and wounds from childhood that significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being and relational dynamics in adulthood.
I have found this approach to be very healing and deeply transformative. This deep emotional processing can lead to significant breakthroughs in healing.
Reach out to me if you would like to know more about The Wounded Child therapy approach.
Kindly
Mego Nerses