What is EFT?

Emotionally focused therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based and structured approach to couples therapy based on the science of adult attachment and bonding. Since establishing this groundbreaking approach in the 1980’s, Dr. Johnson and her colleagues have further developed and refined the model through a substantial growing body of evidence-based research.

There is a substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Therapy, and it is considered one of the most empirically validated forms of couples therapy. Studies have found that approximately 90% of couples undergoing EFT show significant improvement, and approximately 75% of couples undergoing EFT successfully move “from distress to recovery.” This recovery is proven to be stable and lasting, with little evidence of relapse back into distress.

With Emotionally Focused Therapy, clients come to understand how buried emotions drive negative patterns and cause disconnection. They begin to tune in to the relational needs their emotions are signaling, and learn to express and respond to needs in a healthy way. Guided by an EFT therapist, clients learn to communicate effectively around difficult topics, breaking old patterns to restore connection and understanding. Clients emerge from therapy with valuable tools they can use to address any future relationship issues.

In addition to those longing to return to a deeper intimacy, couples who may benefit from EFT include those who are struggling with ongoing relational issues or couples where one or both partners suffer from depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorders, and chronic illness. EFT has proven to be a powerful approach for couples dealing with infidelity or other more traumatic incidents, both current and past. Emotionally Focused Therapy is also used successfully to help families navigate adolescence, divorce, newly blended families, eating disorders, and behavior problems.