Introduction

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most effective approaches for helping couples develop a secure and loving bond. Drawing upon recent research about relationship distress and relational satisfaction, EFT reveals the nature of love and the power of emotion.

EFT couple therapy was developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s. This approach integrates the science of love with attachment theory. Based upon a substantial body of research, studies show that more than 7 out of 10 couples treated with EFT move from distress to recovery and 9 out of 10 show improvement.

EFT offers clinicians a way of working that helps couples create a safe emotional connection.

Strengths of EFT

  • EFT provides clear concepts about relationship distress and adult love. These concepts are supported by empirical research on the nature of adult love and marital distress.
  • EFT provides a clear map for therapists to follow in route to helping couples become emotionally connected and responsive to one another.
  • EFT is collaborative and respectful of clients. It focuses not only on the individual but on interactions between the two partners. While emphasizing the present moment, it pays attention to each individual’s personal history. It is attentive to each person’s feelings, thoughts, behavior, and body sensations.
  • EFT has specific strategies and interventions for working with couples.
  • EFT maps out nine steps and three stages in the change process.
  • EFT is an empirically validated model for couple therapy
  • EFT has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.

Goals of EFT

  • To expand and re-organize key emotional responses.
  • To create a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiate new cycles of interaction, through corrective emotional experience.
  • To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.

EFT is not recommended for couples where there is:

  • Ongoing and untreated substance abuse/dependency.
  • Untreated severe and persistent mental illness (schizophrenia, recurrent psychotic depression, bipolar disorder).
  • Ongoing, undisclosed affairs.
  • Ongoing violence or threats of violence.

Becoming an EFT Certified Therapist

  • Requires rigorous training in EFT.
  • Requires intensive supervision by EFT approved supervisors.
  • Requires the ability to demonstrate competence and mastery of EFT with couples.
  • Requires membership in ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in EFT).