Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a short-term form of therapy that focuses on adult relationships and attachment/bonding. The therapist and clients look at patterns in the relationship and take steps to create a more secure bond and develop more trust to move the relationship in a healthier, more positive direction.

when it is used

Couples and families in distress can benefit from EFT and learn to improve their relationships. Often, clients are dealing with anger, fear, loss of trust, or sense of betrayal in their relationship.

EFT has also been proven effective for couples who are having trouble coping with their own illness or that of a child.

goals of treatment

De-escalate negative cycle of interactions, and help them see and understand what is happening in their relationship.

Restructure interactions, wherein the therapist helps clients discuss their fears in the relationship, using language that doesn’t push the other away.

Consolidation: see how they got into negative patterns and points out how they were able to change those patterns and can continue these types of conversations in the future.

what to expect

An EFT therapist observes the dynamics between clients in the therapy setting, ties this behavior to the dynamics in their home lives, and helps direct new conversations and interactions based on more honest feelings.

To accomplish this, your therapist will encourage you to look at your current emotional issues and then help you discover feelings and emotions that you may not realize you have.

benefits

• Discover deeper past feelings and vulnerabilities that are blocked by the more immediate emotions you display in your current relationship.

• Learn to express these emotions in a way that will help you connect, rather than disconnect with your partner or family member.

• Learn new ways to listen and stay attuned to another’s emotions and discover more productive ways to respond to emotional situations.