What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is proving to be one of the most effective approaches to couples counseling. The following information was retrieved from the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy:

EFT is a short term (8-20 sessions), structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the early 80’s by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. EFT is also used with families. A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists. Research studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements. The major contraindication for EFT is on-going violence in the relationship. EFT is being used with many different kinds of couples in private practice, university training centres and hospital clinics and many different cultural groups. These distressed couples include partners suffering from disorders such as depression, post traumatic stress disorders and chronic illness. Please click to view recent articles and books on EFT.

Strengths of Emotionally Focused Therapy

• EFT is based on clear, explicit conceptualizations of marital distress and adult love. These conceptualizations are supported by empirical research on the nature of marital distress and adult attachment.
• EFT is collaborative and respectful of clients combining experimental Rogerian techniques with structural systemic interventions.
• Change strategies and interventions are specified.
• Key moves and moments in the change process have been mapped into nine steps and three change events.
• EFT has been validated by 20 years of empirical research. There is also research on the change processes and predictors of success.
• EFT has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.

Goals of Emotionally Focused Therapy

• To expand and re-organize key emotional responses–the music of the attachment dance.
• To create a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiate new cycles of interaction.
• To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.

For more information about EFT, please visit the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.