Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Behind every conflict in a relationship lies an attachment need. EFT helps partners see the vulnerability behind their reactions.
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
EFT is one of the most researched forms of couples therapy, developed by Dr Sue Johnson. It is based on attachment theory: humans have an innate need for secure emotional connection with their partner.
In EFT, couples learn to recognise the negative cycles that have developed between them, the 'dance' of attack and withdrawal, and to step out of it by expressing the deeper emotions and needs underneath.
How does it work?
Understanding the cycle
You identify the repeated patterns in your arguments, who attacks, who withdraws, and understand how both partners' attachment fears drive these reactions.
New emotional contact
You learn to express the deeper vulnerability behind anger or distance, creating space for your partner to respond in a new, caring way.
What can you expect?
The therapist maps out the negative cycles and underlying emotions and needs.
Partners learn to identify and express the vulnerable feelings beneath their reactive behaviour.
You practise different ways of reaching out to each other and responding supportively.
You consolidate new interaction patterns and resolve specific attachment wounds.
You develop a plan for maintaining the secure bond you've rebuilt.
Suitable for
Find a provider
Ready to get started?
Book an intake session with a provider who specialises in this approach. Together you'll look at what fits best for your situation.
Source: Johnson et al. (1999), Journal of Marital and Family Therapy · Wiebe & Johnson (2016)