Culturally Informed Adaptation of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Training for a Ugandan Population

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) practitioner training is ongoing in diverse cultures around the world. Uganda is one of the latest additions to the list of growing countries with its first ever EFCT externship and core skills training held in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Yet, applicability of EFCT to non- Western cultures is still in question. Establishing cultural and contextual fit is a necessary first step to evaluating the efficacy of the model in this setting. In this clinical/conceptual paper we propose a systematic cultural adaptation for EFCT using the eight dimensions of Bernal’s (1995) Ecological Validity Model: Language, Persons, Metaphors, Content, Concepts, Goals, Methods, and Context. We highlight some of the challenges an EFCT trainer or practitioner may have to consider when implementing EFCT in the Ugandan context. These include gendered rules on emotional expression, power imbalances between men and women, low uptake of couple therapy in the population, and greater interest in solving problems rather than processing emotions. To address these challenges, we propose modification of expectations for emotional expression, exploration of power dynamics, and practical framing of therapeutic goals. EFCT researchers and practitioners may seek to adopt recommendations outlined in this paper. Furthermore, the strategy for adaption and the identified challenges may be instructive to anyone adapting EFCT to different cultures.