What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

“EFT is a well-known humanistic approach to psychotherapy formulated in the 1980s and developed in tandem with the science of adult attachment, a profound developmental theory of personality and intimate relationships. This science has expanded our understanding of individual dysfunction and health as well as the nature of love relationships and family bonds.

Attachment views human beings as innately relational, social and wired for intimate bonding with others. The EFT model prioritizes emotion and emotional regulation as the key organizing agents in individual experience and key relationship interactions.

EFT is best known as a cutting edge, tested and proven couple intervention, but it is also used to address individual depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress (EFIT – Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) and to repair family bonds (EFFT – Emotionally Focused Family Therapy).”

Why should I choose a therapist who uses EFT as their treatment modality?

EFT has been validated by over 30 years of empirical research.

EFT is based on clear, explicit research-based conceptualizations of individual growth, health and dysfunction, and relationship distress and adult love.

EFT is collaborative and respectful of clients, combining experiential Rogerian techniques with structural systemic interventions.

Change strategies and interventions are specified.

EFT has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.