Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)
and Polyvagal Theory.

EFCT is the work of psychologist Sue Johnson. This is useful for couples therapy, as Sue Johnson describes the relationship as a tango with the emotion being the music.

Polyvagal Theory is the work of Dr. Stephen Porges, Professor of Psychiatry.

Both models addressed raised Affect. In other words emotional dysregulation.

Having studied both models, Polyvagal Theory is the most coherent as this alone explains the underlying biochemistry, whether working with an individual or a couple.

With individual counselling for trauma and anxiety, Polyvagal Theory is the most effective in bringing understanding and healing somatically as well as psychologically.

Polyvagal Theory enable healing whereby the issues can be addressed without undermining the client's defences.

(For a more in depth understanding of Polyvagal Theory please see my blogs from earlier this year).

This of course makes sense from a Christian perspective as we are called to love one another.
 

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another".  John 13: 34-35.

Bible Quotations from the NIV.
Copyright Susie Scott Kydd 2025