In the context of Gottman’s therapy, what does "emotional attunement" refer to?

Emotional attunement in the context of Gottman’s therapy is primarily about being aware of and responsive to one’s partner's emotional needs. It involves recognizing and understanding your partner's feelings, thoughts, and emotional expressions, which fosters a deeper emotional connection and enhances intimacy within the relationship. This awareness allows partners to support each other effectively, validating emotions and creating a safe environment for open communication.

While acknowledging one's own feelings does play a role in emotional intelligence, it is less about the attunement process and more about self-awareness. Managing conflicts effectively is important in relationships as well, but it pertains to how couples handle disagreements rather than the attunement aspect focused on emotional needs. Similarly, focusing on daily tasks may be necessary for practical functioning in a relationship, but it does not directly relate to the emotional connection and understanding that attunement emphasizes.