Emotionally Focused Therapy: Transform Your Relationships
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful approach designed to help individuals and couples build stronger, more secure emotional connections. Developed by renowned therapists Les Greenberg and Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT focuses on understanding the role of emotions in shaping relationships. It recognizes that our feelings drive how we connect with others, and by improving our emotional awareness and expression, we can enhance the quality of our interactions.
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy is grounded in the belief that emotions are fundamental to our ability to relate to others. The therapy helps individuals and couples better understand how their emotional experiences influence their behavior and interactions. Through EFT, you learn to express emotions in healthier ways, regulate intense feelings, and develop greater emotional intelligence—leading to more fulfilling and secure relationships.
The foundation of EFT is the understanding that humans have a deep-seated need to form emotional bonds. This therapy emphasizes the power of emotional connection in fostering healing, resilience, and growth. By exploring and reshaping the emotional patterns that shape our behavior, EFT helps you develop stronger, more compassionate relationships with others.
How Does Emotionally Focused Therapy Work?
At its core, EFT helps you identify, understand, and regulate your emotions in ways that can positively transform your relationships. The therapy provides tools for navigating difficult emotions, learning to express them constructively, and understanding the emotional cues of others. Through these methods, you can move away from patterns of fear and conflict, replacing them with healthy emotional interactions that promote closeness and connection.
One of the primary goals of EFT is to support clients in making deep emotional shifts—moving from conflict and emotional disconnection to corrective emotional experiences. This process involves challenging old beliefs, based on past experiences, and embracing new, healthier ways of responding to emotions in the present. EFT encourages you to honor your feelings, express them in ways that foster understanding, and build deeper emotional bonds with others.
Therapists who specialize in EFT are trained to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. They guide clients through the process of self-reflection, helping you explore how your emotions are serving you and, if needed, helping you break free from negative emotional cycles. EFT therapists support clients as they work through difficult emotional terrain, empowering them to create meaningful change in their relationships.
When is Emotionally Focused Therapy Used?
EFT was initially developed to treat couples, but it has proven to be effective for individuals, families, and various other contexts. It is particularly helpful for people dealing with relationship challenges, trauma, emotional regulation, and mental health issues. Common issues that EFT can address include:
- Eating Disorders
- Anxiety and Stress
- Bipolar Disorder
- Children’s Mental Health Issues
- Developmental Disorders
- Challenges with Physical Health
- Marriage and Relationship Concerns
- Trauma and PTSD
- Family Issues
- Sexuality and Intimacy Issues
- Caregiver Stress
- Trauma in First Responders
EFT can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, depending on your individual needs and goals. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach for your circumstances and will tailor your treatment to ensure it meets your unique needs.
What to Expect from Emotionally Focused Therapy
Entering therapy with the right mindset is key to making progress. EFT requires active participation, openness, and a willingness to explore deep emotional processes. While therapy is not a quick fix, the work you do with your therapist can lead to profound personal and relational growth. Facing emotional truths can be uncomfortable at times, but it is through this process of vulnerability and self-discovery that healing and change occur.
As part of the healing journey, EFT helps clients build trust, improve communication, and create healthier patterns of interaction. Whether you’re working through individual challenges or seeking to strengthen a relationship, EFT provides tools and insights that can help you move toward a more balanced and emotionally fulfilling life.
If you’re ready to begin your emotional healing journey, our certified therapists are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer both in-person and remote therapy options, making it easier than ever to access the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how Emotionally Focused Therapy can support you and your loved ones.