Wants and Needs: Long-distance Relationships (LDRs) Through the Lens of Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)
Date of Award
4-2019
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Laura Meyer
Second Advisor
Michael Karson
Third Advisor
Neal Brugman
Keywords
Long-distance relationship (LDR), Geographically-close relationship (GCR), Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
Abstract
A long-distance relationship (LDR) is an intimate partnership where the people involved live at such a geographical distance from each other that they are unable to see one another on a consistent basis. Whether the relationship began geographically close or was established from the beginning as an LDR, these choices are undertaken for a variety of reasons. There is an abundance of research on LDRs, but no research has been done through the lens of emotion-focused therapy (EFT). EFT, a therapeutic approach focused on addressing emotional desires in relationships, classifies emotions as extensions of human needs, rather than something that would be simply an expression. This paper outlines some common sources of difficulties and benefits associated with LDRs and how EFT can assist mental health professionals in the conceptualization of clients engaged in LDRs to maximize their therapeutic understanding.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
25 pgs
Recommended Citation
Saenz, Shane Mitchell, "Wants and Needs: Long-distance Relationships (LDRs) Through the Lens of Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)" (2019). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 334.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/334