It is based on the psychology of attachment bonds.
Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg developed EFT in the 1980s.
The couples therapy approach is based on research about love as an attachment bond.
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EFT has also been adapted for families.
This treatment can help people form more secureemotional bonds, which can promote stronger relationships and improved communication.
Emotionally Focused Therapy Techniques
The change process through EFT has nine steps across three stages.
The map guides the therapist and helps them track progress when working with a couple.
This process helps couples better see how their insecurities and fears affect their relationship.
Partners view undesirable behaviors (i.e., shutting down or angry escalations) as “protests of disconnection.”
The process attempts to reduce conflict and create a moresecure emotional bond.
This step also helps partners become more responsive to each others needs.
“These new, positive cycles then become self-reinforcing and create permanent change.
The relationship becomes a haven and a healing environment for both partners.”
Who Is Emotionally Focused Therapy For?
EFT can benefit couples who are struggling with conflict, distress, and poor communication.
Neuroscience is at the center of bothattachment theoryand EFT.
Our attachments to others are strong, and our brains code them as “safety.”
MRI studies of the brain have shown the significance of secure attachment.
Our brains code strong attachments to others as “safety.”
While often used in couples therapy, EFT can also be helpful in individual therapy and family therapy.
For a single person, EFT can be used to address and work through emotion-related challenges.
It can also help family members form more secure bonds.
EFT is being used in couples therapy in private practice, university training centers, and hospital clinics.
EFT has also been adapted for different cultures around the world.
EFT can be an effective way for couples to form stronger bonds and build better relationships.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Things to Consider
There are some important things to consider before you get going EFT.
The therapy process itself may lead to difficult or intense emotions.
For EFT to be effective, everyone needs to take part.
Losing the connection to a loved one threatens our sense of security.
They coach and direct the partners as they try new ways of interacting.
Therapists are empathetic and help couples recognize their emotions as valid.
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