Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Long Beach

What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of emotions and attachment in shaping human relationships. Developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg, EFT is rooted in the science of adult attachment—a developmental theory that helps us understand how people form bonds and navigate love, connection, and relationships.

EFT recognizes that human beings are inherently social and thrive on meaningful, secure relationships. The therapy process helps individuals and couples better understand their emotions, improve emotional regulation, and deepen connection with loved ones.

EFT is widely regarded as one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for couples, but it is also successfully applied to individual therapy (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy – EFIT) and family therapy (Emotionally Focused Family Therapy – EFFT). This flexibility makes EFT an invaluable tool for addressing a range of emotional and relational challenges.

The Science Behind EFT

EFT is grounded in decades of research into adult attachment and the role emotions play in shaping our sense of security and connection. Some of the key principles include:

• Attachment Theory: Humans are biologically wired for emotional connection. Secure attachment fosters trust, emotional regulation, and resilience.

• Emotion as the Core: Emotions are the driving force behind our behaviors, thoughts, and relational patterns. EFT helps individuals and couples identify, process, and share their emotions in ways that strengthen connection.

• Interactive Patterns: EFT identifies negative cycles or interaction patterns in relationships, helping couples or family members disrupt unhealthy dynamics and create new, supportive ones.

How Does EFT Work?

EFT focuses on building secure and loving relationships by addressing emotional and interactional challenges. The therapy process typically involves three main stages:

• De-escalation

Identifying negative patterns of interaction (e.g., blame, withdrawal) that create disconnection.

Recognizing unmet emotional needs driving these patterns.

Reducing conflict and creating space for understanding.

• Restructuring Bonds

Exploring underlying emotions and fears.

Helping partners or family members express vulnerabilities in a safe and supportive environment.

Fostering emotional connection and empathy.

• Consolidation

Reinforcing new patterns of interaction.

Strengthening the emotional bond and deepening trust.

Equipping clients with tools to maintain connection and navigate future challenges.

Why Choose a Therapist Who Uses EFT?

EFT offers a uniquely effective approach to therapy because it is:

• Evidence-Based and Proven
  Backed by over 30 years of empirical research, EFT is one of the most effective therapeutic models for addressing relationship distress. Studies show that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and 90% report significant improvement.

• Attachment-Focused
  EFT helps clients tap into the deep emotional needs that drive their behaviors and interactions. By addressing attachment fears and insecurities, it helps build stronger, healthier bonds.

• Collaborative and Respectful
  EFT therapists prioritize working alongside clients, creating a safe and nonjudgmental space. The process is client-centered, empowering individuals and couples to explore and resolve issues at their own pace.

• Applicable Across Contexts
  EFT has been successfully applied to various relational and emotional challenges, including:

  • Couples experiencing conflict, infidelity, or disconnection.

  • Families seeking to repair broken bonds or navigate transitions.

  • Individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma.

• What Can EFT Help With?

  EFT is a versatile approach that addresses a range of challenges, including:

  • Couples Therapy:

    • Emotional disconnection

    • Trust and betrayal

    • Communication challenges

    • Physical intimacy and sexual difficulties

  • Individual Therapy (EFIT):

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Post-traumatic stress

    • Emotional regulation difficulties

  • Family Therapy (EFFT):

    • Parent-child conflicts

    • Family transitions

    • Healing after estrangement or loss

  What Makes EFT Unique?

  1. Focus on the Root Cause:
     While other therapies may focus on surface-level symptoms, EFT goes deeper to address the emotional and relational patterns at the core of distress.

  2. Emphasis on Emotion:
     EFT teaches clients how to identify, process, and share their emotions in ways that strengthen connection.

  3. Systemic and Individual:
     EFT is grounded in the understanding that relationships are systems. Change in one part of the system influences and strengthens the whole, whether in a couple, family, or individual setting.

  Your Journey with EFT

  Embarking on an EFT journey means investing in your emotional well-being and relationships. Whether you're:

  • Seeking to heal from past wounds,

  • Rebuilding trust after betrayal, or

  • Simply looking to deepen your connection with a partner or family member,

  EFT provides a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap to transformation.

  Let’s work together to foster stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships.

  Contact us today to learn more or schedule a session.