Unlocking Relationship Dynamics: Melissa Parks on Emotionally Focused Therapy
Episode Overview
Melissa differentiates between coercive control and situational abuse, shedding light on what is counter indicated for couples therapy The episode provides a trigger warning to create a safe space for all listeners Insight into the stages of emotionally focused therapy and specific interventions used to access and reprocess attachment-related emotional experiences is shared The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion of emotionally focused family therapy Melissa's compassionate view of couples and their cycles of disconnection offers a deep understanding of the challenges they face
We don't say take your wall down. We say, yes, it makes so much sense that your wall is there and that it's, you use that and you peek around it when you look at your partner. Because that really contributes to some of their safety, their sense of safety and that they make sense.
Ever felt like you're stuck in a cycle of disconnection with your partner? In this episode of 'Healing from the Inside', host Kina Penelope sits down with Melissa Parks, a seasoned therapist with nearly two decades of experience. Melissa specializes in couples therapy and complex trauma, and she’s here to break down emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and its role in healing relationships.
From understanding different attachment styles to navigating the tricky waters of withdrawing and pursuing, Melissa's insights are both practical and compassionate. She also sheds light on what’s counterproductive in couples therapy, distinguishing between coercive control and situational abuse. This episode doesn't just stop at couples; it extends into individual and family therapy, offering a comprehensive look at how EFT can be applied across different relationship dynamics.
With a focus on creating a safe space for all listeners, Melissa and Kina discuss specific interventions and stages of therapy that can help reprocess attachment-related emotional experiences. Whether you're looking to mend a strained relationship or simply understand the complexities of emotional connections, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom.