Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Healing Relationship Patterns & Building Lasting Connection
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is an evidence-based couples therapy rooted in adult attachment theory.
Under stress, couples often get caught in negative cycles—like one person pursuing while the other withdraws. EFT views these patterns as signals of felt disconnection. By accessing underlying attachment needs and expressing vulnerable feelings, EFT transforms conflicts into a secure, lasting emotional bond.
Who Is EFT Helpful For?
EFT is ideal if you love each other, but feel stuck in patterns logic cannot resolve:
Repetitive Conflicts
Feeling trapped in the same recurring, unresolved arguments.
Distance & Disconnection
Feeling like roommates or drifting apart emotionally.
Communication Impasses
One person feeling unheard while the other shuts down.
Rebuilding Trust
Healing from relational betrayals, injuries, or major transitions.
What to Expect in a Session
The process guides you back to each other in three clear stages:
De-escalation
We identify your negative cycle and see the cycle—not each other—as the problem.
Restructuring
You learn to share deeper attachment needs, creating new moments of connection.
Consolidation
We anchor new habits to solve everyday issues from a place of secure connection.
Key Benefits
Attachment-Based
Addresses the core human need for emotional safety and responsiveness.
Breaks Cycles
Shifts communication from blame and defense to mutual empathy.
Deep Shifts
Transforms underlying emotional drivers rather than superficial communication tricks.
Balanced Support
Creates a non-judgmental space where both partners feel understood.
Research & Neuroscience
Grounded in adult attachment theory and affective neuroscience, EFT is one of the most rigorously researched couples modalities.
High Efficacy
Studies show 70–75% of couples recover from distress, with ~90% showing significant improvements.
Lasting & Measurable
Gains remain stable over time (low relapse rate). fMRI studies show EFT physically calms the brain’s stress response during uncertainty.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy · EFT
Taking the Next Step
If you and your partner would like to explore whether Emotionally Focused Therapy is right for your relationship, I welcome you to get in touch.
Make an Appointment