| Summary: | <p> This phenomenological research explored how the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model is used with Department and Children Family Services (DCFS-LA) referred couples. The interviews of two participants, who practiced EFT with DCFS-LA referred couples, were analyzed with a transcendental phenomenological approach. Seven themes emerged from the data: (1) joining by acknowledging DCFS-LA in the room, (2) creating safety for guardedness and stressors, (3) a slower EFT process, (4) culture & socio-economic status, (5) treating domestic violence and substance abuse histories, (6) EFT meets DCFS-LA goals, and (7) adapting EFT for family reunification. The exploration of how EFT therapists used this model with DCFS-LA referred couples provided opportunities to look at how having an open case with DCFS-LA, practicing in a community-based service agency, being a racial minority, having socio-economic status, domestic violence histories, and substance abuse histories impacted the overall EFT process. The results have implications that EFT could be useful for the presenting issues of DCFS-LA referred couples and for family reunification possibilities. A literature review is incorporated with the themes and clinical implications for practicing EFT with DCFS-LA referred couples are provided.</p><p>
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