Emotionally Focused Therapy: EFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) created by Dr. Sue Johnson is an empirically validated, experiential form of couple, family and individual therapy based on the science of adult attachment and human emotion.
Attachment theory shows us that experiencing connection and responsiveness in our primary relationships helps us to grow, self-regulate, connect with others and feel secure in ourselves. It illuminates the profound need we all have for connection and the significance of important relationships in our lives.
Learning EFT felt like discovering a language I already knew and has been a guiding light in my work as a therapist.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) guides my work with couples and families and now much of my work with individuals.
“Secure connection fosters the ability to confidently encounter the unknown.” Sue Johnson
In EFT with couples and families, we focus on improving the emotional bond in the relationship.
We identify the negative pattern in which they are stuck and discover new ways to reach and respond. We explore the connection needs that cause the negative pattern and facilitate a deeper emotional connection.
In EFT with individuals, we focus on improving emotional balance and connection within.
We facilitate healing from old patterns and wounds and move toward openness, flexibility, and connection.
As an EFT certified therapist and supervisor, I have spent hours upon hours studying, learning, experiencing and using this model. It is the only therapy model I use with couples and families and I find is the most effective model in guiding relationships from a place of distress to connection again.
EFT works for those who identify as emotional and for those who describe themselves as problem solvers and not particularly emotional.
Using emotion in sessions does not mean partners or family members will show and express emotions in the same way or become ‘emotional’.
It simply means we will learn to notice and understand the internal cues of each person in the relationship and learn to share them in clearer ways to create a positive, connected bond.
EFT can be a short-term model of therapy. It provides us with a map and guide for transforming disconnection and distress into connection and security.
