Emotionally focused therapy / EFT-A02-2
Signals under the Reaction — Practice worksheet
Separate an outward response from possible softer feelings and mark all guesses for the other person as unconfirmed.
15 minutes · Worksheet · Adults; supported use as appropriate
Fictional example: Alex sounds irritated but identifies uncertainty about being included.
Use an ordinary or fictional example, with a clinician when appropriate. Visible reactions may cover more vulnerable experiences.
1. Choose a workable example
Use the fictional example below or an ordinary situation of your choosing. Keep identifying details out of shared copies.
2. Try the practice
Separate an outward response from possible softer feelings and mark all guesses for the other person as unconfirmed.
3. Compare possibilities
Generate at least two interpretations or options. Mark what you know, what you are guessing, and what remains outside your control.
4. Decide together
What feeling can you name for yourself without assigning one to your partner? Choose one small action, a support request, or no action. Review the fit with your clinician when relevant.
Prompts for this resource
- My chosen or fictional situation, and what I know about it:
- My response to the practice task above:
- What feeling can you name for yourself without assigning one to your partner?
- An optional next step, support, adaptation, or reason to stop:
Conceptual background
What is EFT? — International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Background on the approach only. Original exercises and wording are by More Than Therapy with AI assistance; the source does not validate or endorse these materials.