Emotion-focused therapy for complex trauma

ABSTRACT This article describes emotion-focused therapy for complex trauma (EFTT). EFTT is an evidence-based, short-term treatment for childhood abuse and neglect that posits the therapeutic relationship and emotional processing of trauma material as key mechanisms of change. This paper outlines sources of disturbance and long-term effects of complex trauma. It reviews the theoretical framework on which EFTT is based, mechanisms of change and phases of treatment, as well as supporting research. Primary interventions are demonstrated using a case example from a published video of a single session.