Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective approach to couples therapy that focuses on improving emotional bonds and attachment between partners. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT is rooted in attachment theory, which suggests that humans have an innate need for emotional connection and security in their relationships. EFT aims to help couples identify and understand the negative patterns of interaction that cause emotional distance and conflict. Therapists using EFT work with couples to foster secure emotional bonds by helping partners express their underlying emotions and attachment needs. Through a structured process, couples learn to communicate more openly, empathically, and responsively, leading to greater intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
In EFT, therapy typically progresses through three stages: de-escalation of negative cycles, restructuring of emotional interactions, and consolidation of new, more secure attachment patterns. Through these stages, couples can heal past wounds, strengthen their emotional connection, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another. EFT has been widely researched and shown to be effective in improving relationship satisfaction, reducing conflicts, and enhancing emotional intimacy, making it a valuable approach for couples seeking to rebuild and strengthen their relationships.
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From the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) Website