EFT Couples Therapy

The primary goal of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is to promote secure attachment and emotional connection between committed partners, young and old. EFT therapists work in session to validate each partners’ emotions and attachment needs. The therapist is careful to respond genuinely to the partners individually, and ultimately awaken their ability to heal themselves and their relationship. Using this model, the therapist recognizes that strong emotional bonds are essential for personal and couple well-being. EFT operates on the important premise that distress and conflict within the relationship often stem from unmet emotional needs and ineffective communication patterns.

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

EFT is an approach to couples therapy that draws upon the principles and techniques of developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. EFT focuses on creating secure emotional bonds within the couple system and helping each partner understand and express their emotions effectively.

The model of EFT follows a path of safe exploration and discovery. The therapist will explore the attachment history of the couple, individually and in the first stages of their relationship. They will identify negative patterns, learn about their raw spots, and access unacknowledged emotions underlying the interactional pattern.

The skilled EFT therapist will assist the couple in creating safety in their relationship so they can reach for each other when in crisis rather than withdraw or avoid. Also unique to this process is helping the couple identify the positive aspects of their present relationship so they can build on a foundation of the present and the future. As treatment progresses, the therapist will encourage the couple to increase time spent in enjoyable contact with each other and discuss the level of closeness/distance desired in their relationship and how this may relate to fears of intimacy.

The EFT therapist will facilitate the expression of needs and wants to promote emotional engagement and facilitate the emergence of new solutions to old relationship patterns. Couples begin to intentionally build time within the relationship for companionship and intimacy.  With increased awareness of their own role in the relationship conflicts, each partner begins to step outside of their own experience to convey compassion and empathy toward their partner.  As the couple moves toward healthier interactional patterns and confidence in the relationship, they develop the necessary skills for effective, open communication, mutually satisfying sexual intimacy, and enjoyable time for companionship within the relationship.

Evidence-Based Treatment

EFT has a substantial body of research supporting its efficacy in improving relationship satisfaction and promoting lasting change. It is essential to consider the evidence base and effectiveness of EFT when choosing it as a therapeutic approach. Studies focused on EFT have revealed remarkable results for couples completing a course of treatment. Many couples achieve the ability to re-establish trust and safety in their relationship. The process promotes identification with disowned needs and aspects of self and can improve self-confidence and feelings of worth. During treatment, the therapist assists in each partner finding acceptance of their partner's experience and they begin structuring and formulating new interaction patterns.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Impact on Each Partner

Dysfunctional couple systems refer to dynamics that are characterized by unhealthy patterns of interaction, communication, and behavior. These patterns often hinder the couple’s ability to function effectively and can have a negative impact on each partner’s well-being. Some common characteristics of dysfunctional couple systems include lack of communication, poor boundaries, role confusion, enmeshment or disengagement, substance abuse or addiction, emotional and/or physical abuse, and lack of support and nurturing. 

Sensitive Treatment

Addressing couple distress through interventions such as therapy, education, and support services can help mitigate the negative impact on individuals and society as a whole. Providing accurate information, education, and counseling about healthy couple dynamics can be beneficial for not only the couple, but all individuals within the family system. 

Specific Training

Our highly qualified clinical team are trained in systemic or relational treatment, and our therapists are specifically trained in working with couples caught in negative patterns.

EFT requires rigorous training and supervision with Certified EFT Therapists which preserves the integrity and application of the model. Our therapists not only have specialized EFT training, but they are also equipped with the knowledge, skills, and expertise for effective intervention when working with couples seeking to repair their relationship. The therapist assists the couple to develop greater strength and collaboration Your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation which may include interviews focused on attachment history, questionnaires, and other research-based instruments to assist in creating the best treatment plan to guide you toward greater stability and marital satisfaction. 

Getting Started

As with any therapy, treatment approaches can vary depending on the couple’s history, the nature of the symptoms, and the underlying causes. It is important not to delay consulting with one of our therapists specializing in couples therapy who will tailor your treatment plan to assist you in restructuring your couple relationship leading to stability, well-being, and healthier living.