What is EFT? |
“In EFT we don't heal relationships. We create relationships that heal.”
— Dr. Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured, research-based approach to therapy developed by Drs. Susan Johnson and Les Greenberg. It is based on John Bowlby's attachment research, which found that people have an innate need to feel connected to, comforted by, and safe with the people who matter most to them. These attachment needs continue throughout the lifespan.
When that sense of connection feels threatened, we may become anxious or fearful, angry, numb, or distant. Over time these reactions can become rigid patterns that cause pain in our relationships and in how we feel about ourselves. In EFT, the therapist helps people recognize these patterns, understand the emotions and needs underneath them, and build more secure connection in a safe environment.
EFT is used with couples, individuals, and families.
Couples
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Arguments about issues such as jealousy, sex, or money are often a protest about not feeling connected or secure with a partner. In EFT, partners learn to recognize their negative cycle and to “listen with the heart” for the feelings beneath each other's words. As the relationship becomes a safe haven, partners are better able to manage conflict, hear each other's perspective, and work as a team.
Individuals
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
EFIT applies the same attachment-based model to work with one person. It is used with concerns such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. The therapist helps the client access and make sense of difficult emotions, change long-standing patterns in how they relate to themselves and others, and build a more confident and secure sense of self.
Families
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
EFFT works with parents and children to repair connection when family relationships are strained, such as ongoing conflict or distance with a child or teen. The focus is on helping parents be a reliable source of safety and support, and helping children express what they need. As connection improves, families are better able to handle stress and conflict together.
Research on the success of EFT
Couples therapy outcomes
In couples therapy, EFT appears to move couples from distress to recovery in 70-75% of cases, and created improvements in 90% of couples coming in for therapy. It has been used in private practice, university training centers, and hospital clinics, including with partners dealing with depression, post-traumatic stress, and chronic illness. EFT is also used with individuals and families, and research on these applications continues to grow.
For more references, recent articles describing EFT therapy and books on EFT, please refer to the EFT website: www.iceeft.com.