What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at a person’s relationships and how they change the way we view the world. EFT looks at couples or individual patterns or cycles in how they react to situations. We have created each cycle for a purpose, and it may or may not be serving you today. For example, a young child may run and hide when she notices her parents fighting. This coping mechanism made her feel safe. Today it manifests in relationships. When she fights with her husband she shuts down, she stops speaking. Internally she is hiding, hoping to stay safe. EFT looks at these patterns and brings them to light. Then, through great care from a therapist, the cycle is explored and repaired. EFT believes that attachment wounds happen between two people and can be repaired between two people.

Who does EFT Treat?

EFT is found to be effective in treating individuals and couples. It is said to be a short-term therapy, but that is dependent on the problems presented and the willingness to work on the relationship. Research has found that the majority of couples who undergo EFT see significant differences in their relationship that are sustainable. Many couples do not relapse back into old patterns.

What does EFT look like in treatment?

In EFT we will explore your attachment history. Things such as your childhood, your relationship with important people in your life, and significant events are all taken into consideration. Then we look a how each partner interacts with the other and we uncover your cycle. Next, as a couple, you will discuss each other’s fears and needs and move towards accepting each other. By doing this a healthier cycle will form and you will begin to feel more secure in your relationship.