Emotionally Focused Therapy
Heart-level change that lasts.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a rigorously studied and validated approach to individual, couples and family therapy backed by decades of research.
Attachment science
It is based on the bonding science of attachment theory which emphasizes our emotional attachment and dependence on one another. With an understanding that we need healthy attachments to not only survive but thrive, EFT is non-pathologizing in its view of the subconscious/automatic emotional reactions we have in response to desperate longings for and threats to emotional connection.
Roadmap to healing and connection
EFT offers a roadmap that gets to the heart of the matter through accessing, honoring and regulating emotions; understanding interpersonal patterns, vulnerabilities and needs; and transforming how you view yourself, others and the world.
True intimacy with another allows us to be our truest selves.
EFT FOR COUPLES
EFT was initially researched and designed as an intervention for distressed, disconnected couples. It is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an empirically-proven form of couples therapy.
As a couples therapy intervention, EFT sees emotional disconnection as the primary problem and adult attachment bonding as the agent for change.
EFT holds the most rigorous outcome studies over any other couples therapy modality. Studies show 70-75 percent of couples who go through EFT recover from relationship distress and are happy in their relationships, and 90 percent see significant improvement in their relationship satisfaction. Further, outcome studies show reductions in traumatic stress symptoms and depression when present with marital distress.
EFT offers a restructured relationship rooted in emotional safety and a secure bond.
GOALS FOR EFT FOR COUPLES
The power of EFT is in its ability to change the culture of your relationship. It leans heavily on in-session enactments that will have you experiencing yourself and your partner differently through increased affection, emotional responsiveness and repair.
(Think: we won’t just talk about riding a bike, we’ll get on it. Again and again and again.)
By working with me, I help create the conditions to move from a stuck cycle of self-protection and defensiveness to the emotional safety and openness required to begin taking the necessary risks towards connection.
You’ll move from:
Alienation to accessibility
Blaming to compassion and openness
Rigidity to responsiveness and repair
Passivity to emotional engagement